10 Best Nonbank Mortgage Lenders of June 2026
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10 Best Nonbank Mortgage Lenders of June 2026

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
Georgia Rose
+1
Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
+2
Written by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

Co-Written by 

Georgia Rose

Edited by 

Johanna Arnone

Written by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

 and 
Last updated 06/01/2026
Nonbank lenders can offer faster application processes and more flexible loan options as they typically operate entirely online; our experts picked the best nonbank mortgage lenders across key categories to help you find the right fit.
 

This service is free and will not affect your credit score.

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What makes nonbank mortgage lenders different

Here are some of the key features of nonbank mortgage lenders:
  • Online only: Nonbanks don’t have traditional bank branches operate mostly online, which can mean:
    • Faster applications and approvals
    • A more streamlined, online experience
    • Flexible options for borrowers with credit challenges
    • Rates, fees and services can vary, so it's smart to shop a few nonbank lenders before choosing one
  • Minimal traditional banking products: Nonbank mortgage lenders don’t typically offer traditional banking services, such as checking or savings accounts. Instead, they focus on lending and servicing home loans. 
  • Different operating requirements: Nonbanks are not federally licensed in the same way as traditional banks. In general, they are licensed and regulated at the state level.
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Best for cashout refinances

Rate

NMLS#2611

NerdWallet rating

4.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Rate

The Nerdy headline

Rate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day — though for all its online conveniences, you'll still work with a human.

What we like
  • Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
  • Generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, jumbo and renovation.
  • Advertises a fixed-rate HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
What we don't like
  • Some affordable loan options have income limits or other restrictions.
  • HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds, though there is an option to make additional draws.
Read our full review of Rate

Best for home equity borrowing

Better

NMLS#330511

NerdWallet rating

4.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

5%

Our take on Better

The Nerdy headline

Better stands out for its wide range of mortgage types, including vacation and manufactured home loans. It also provides connections to insurance providers and real estate attorneys. However, the lender does not have a mobile app, and reports higher than average rates and fees than competitors, according to the latest federal data.

What we like
  • Has a wide variety of mortgage types, including home equity products.
  • Faster-than-average time to close.
  • Sample online rates are customizable by location.
What we don't like
  • No mobile app.
  • Customer service contact methods are limited.
  • Higher rates and fees, compared to competitors.
Read our full review of Better

Best for financial assistance

New American Funding

NMLS#6606

NerdWallet rating

4.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

N/A

Our take on New American Funding

The Nerdy headline

New American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance, but personalized mortgage rates aren't available on its website.

What we like
  • Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs.
  • Its home equity line of credit can be used for a primary residence or second home.
What we don't like
  • Average rates and fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
Read our full review of New American Funding

Best for VA loans

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Veterans United

The Nerdy headline

Veterans United originates more VA mortgages than any other lender. With average fees and rates being lower than competitors, it’s a solid pick for veterans and military borrowers.

What we like
  • Offers a range of VA mortgages, including refinance, energy-efficient and jumbo.
  • 24/7 customer service line.
  • Average time to close is 35 days, faster than the national average.
What we don't like
  • Website doesn’t have online chat.
  • No renovation loans.
Read our full review of Veterans United

Best for first-time home buyers

Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Rocket Mortgage, LLC

The Nerdy headline

Rocket Mortgage is the Goliath of home loans in the U.S. It's the largest mortgage lender by volume, and keeps expanding its reach. Fortunately for borrowers, Rocket is a gentle giant, offering affordable borrowing options including a 1% down payment loan.

What we like
  • Offers down payment and closing cost assistance.
  • Largest lender, by volume, of FHA loans in 2025.
  • Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fees are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • No HELOCs.
  • No physical branches.
Read our full review of Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Best for rate transparency

Tomo

NMLS#2059741

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

600

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Tomo

The Nerdy headline

Tomo, established in 2020, is an online-only lender with a focus on digital efficiency and purchase loans. We’re impressed with its customizable mortgage rate tool. However, you won’t find home equity products. Mortgages are available in 41 states and counting.

What we like
  • Online rate tool is user-friendly and customizable.
  • Accepts borrowers with credit scores below 600.
What we don't like
  • Mortgages not available in all states.
  • No renovation or home equity loans.
  • No mobile app.
Read our full review of Tomo

Best for financial assistance and first-time homebuyers

Guild Mortgage

NMLS#3274

NerdWallet rating

4.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

600

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Guild Mortgage

The Nerdy headline

Guild Mortgage offers a wide range of products that may attract nontraditional borrowers, including loans with 0% or 1% down. However, interest rates aren’t published online, making it harder to shop around.

What we like
  • Offers a wide range of loans, including harder-to-find products that appeal to nontraditional borrowers.
  • Borrowers can get a mortgage with 0% or 1% down.
  • Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Mortgage rates aren’t posted online.
  • Customer service options are limited.
Read our full review of Guild Mortgage

Best for low credit borrowers

Carrington

NMLS#2600

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Carrington

The Nerdy headline

Carrington Mortgage offers specialty loans for people who might have trouble getting a mortgage elsewhere, like self-employed borrowers or those with heavy debt. However, average rates and fees are higher than competitors.

What we like
  • Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
  • Options for self-employed borrowers and alternative income documentation.
What we don't like
  • Average APR, which measures a combination of rates and fees, is higher than competitors, according to the latest federal data.
  • Rates are posted online, but website navigation is clunky.
  • Offers home equity loans, but no HELOCs.
Read our full review of Carrington

Best for FHA loans

SoFi

NMLS#696891

NerdWallet rating

4.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on SoFi

The Nerdy headline

SoFi offers online conveniences and a range of customer service options, though combined rates and fees are higher than many other options.

What we like
  • Sample rates and terms are comparable online.
  • Offers a variety of customer service options.
  • Customers can complete an application online or via mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Combined rates and fees are high, making SoFi a more expensive choice than many competitors.
  • Closing times may be slow.
Read our full review of SoFi

Best for HELOCs

Lower

NMLS#1124061

NerdWallet rating

4.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Lower

The Nerdy headline

Lower offers an impressive variety of loan products, including options for self-employed borrowers and those with non-traditional credit. Time to close is quicker than average and sample rates for many products are visible online, though you'll need to submit an application to get a custom quote.

What we like
  • Sample rates for several products are easily visible online.
  • Offers a wide variety of loan types, including fixed- and adjustable-rate loans, government-backed products, and home equity options.
  • Faster-than-average time to close.
What we don't like
  • Average APRs are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Online sample rates require contact information to customize.
  • No mobile app.
Read our full review of Lower

How we chose the best nonbank mortgage lenders

Our team of mortgage experts follows an objective, consumer-first methodology to assess nonbank mortgage lenders and pick the best.

40+

Lenders reviewed

We review more than 40 lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and online lenders operating across multiple states.

100+

Categories assessed

Each lender is evaluated across more than 100 weighted categories covering rates and fees, types of home loans offered, rate transparency and customer experience.

11,000+

Data points analyzed

Our team tracks and reassesses thousands of data points annually for reviewed lenders, ensuring up-to-date, accurate comparisons.

Star rating categories

We evaluate the following categories and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience. Read more about how we determine those ratings.
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's rating for home loans overall. NerdWallet rates mortgage lenders based on what matters most to borrowers: rates and fees, product accessibility, customer experience, rate transparency and the range of loan options.
We review more than 40 lenders and score them using a weighted system that prioritizes affordability and a smooth borrowing experience. Lenders earn higher scores for offering lower borrowing costs, making loans widely available, clearly displaying rate information and supporting borrowers from application through closing.
We use a mix of lender-provided information, publicly available data and our own research and analysis to evaluate each lender. Recent regulatory actions may affect a lender’s score.
For inclusion in this roundup, lenders must be a nonbank and achieve a high NerdWallet rating for home loans overall.

Compare nonbank lenders with other lender types

Looking at different types of lenders can help you find a mix of rates, services and features for the best overall deal.
  • If a fully digital experience appeals to you, you may also want to explore the Best Online Mortgage Lenders. You’ll find both traditional banks and nonbank lenders in the line up.
  • If you’re looking for a more member-focused experience with competitive rates and fees, check out the Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders. Credit unions are banks, but they are owned by their members. 
  • If you’re curious about what traditional banks offer, check out the Best Mortgage Lenders for our top picks across all lender types. 

Review multiple loan offers

After narrowing your choices, ask for quotes from a few lenders and review them side by side. Don't just focus on the interest rate; look at the full picture, including:
  • Interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR)
  • Fees and closing costs
  • Loan terms and monthly payments
Comparing several offers can help you feel confident you're choosing the right mortgage for your goals.