How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Mortgage rates change daily and vary by credit score, loan type, down payment, and location, so no list can give you a single best rate for every borrower.
- Better and other online lenders often compete on low or no lender fees, while banks such as Chase and Wells Fargo compete on relationship discounts and branch service.
- Credit unions such as Navy Federal and PenFed can offer competitive rates, but membership rules apply, especially for Navy Federal.
- Compare APR, not just the note rate, because APR includes many lender fees and gives a fairer comparison.
- This is general information only. This is not financial advice. Get personalised quotes from several lenders on the same day for a fair comparison.
Quick comparison
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The best mortgage rate companies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Better, also known as Better Mortgage, is an online lender that competes mainly on fees and speed. Public comparisons frequently cite no lender fees and no commission-based loan officers, which can lower the APR compared with a lender that charges origination fees. The process is fully online, from rate check to document upload, which suits borrowers who are comfortable managing a mortgage on a phone or computer.
The trade-off is human help and loan breadth. Borrowers with complex income, a jumbo loan, or a government loan that needs manual review may find a bank or a broker more flexible. Better is a strong quote to include in any comparison, especially for a straightforward conventional purchase or refinance, but it should not be the only quote you get.
What we like- No lender fees on many loans, according to public comparisons
- Fully online process
- Fast closing claims for straightforward files
Watch out for- Online-only service suits some borrowers less than a branch
- Jumbo and government loan options are more limited than large banks
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Rocket Mortgage is the largest online mortgage lender in the US by volume, and its strength is the digital experience. Upload documents by phone, track the loan in an app, and talk to a loan officer when a question needs a human answer. That combination suits first-time buyers and refinancers who want guidance without visiting a branch.
Rate surveys sometimes place Rocket outside the top ten for the lowest APR on a given week, which shows why a single lender quote is not enough. Fees also matter: a low note rate with higher lender fees can cost more over time than a slightly higher rate with lower fees. Include Rocket for service and speed, and compare its APR and closing costs with at least two other lenders.
What we like- Polished app and online process
- Fast underwriting for many files
- Strong customer service reputation in public reviews
Watch out for- Lender fees can push APR above the note rate
- Rates are not always the lowest in weekly rate surveys
#3
Chase Home Lending
Best for: Relationship banking discounts
Visit chase.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Chase Home Lending suits borrowers who already bank with Chase, especially those with significant deposits or investments. Relationship clients can receive rate discounts and closing cost credits that change the comparison, and Chase lends across conventional, government, and jumbo programs with large capacity. Branch access also helps borrowers who prefer face-to-face help for a large purchase.
Without a relationship discount, Chase rates are often mid-pack in surveys, so the value depends on your existing accounts. Ask what discount, if any, applies to your deposit and investment balances, and get that discount in writing with the rate quote. For a jumbo loan or a borrower who values a bank relationship, Chase is a strong, stable choice.
What we like- Relationship pricing for existing Chase customers
- Large loan capacity including jumbo
- Branch and online service
Watch out for- Best discounts often need large deposit or investment relationships
- Digital workflow can feel slower than online-only lenders
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a large bank lender with a broad loan menu and a branch network across the US. It is often cited for FHA lending, including borrowers with credit scores in the high 500s when other factors support the file, though approval always depends on the full application. Borrowers who want to sit down with a loan officer, or who have a complex file that needs discussion, may prefer that branch option.
The process can feel slower and more document-heavy than an online-only lender, and rates in weekly surveys vary by loan type. Wells Fargo is best included as a bank quote alongside an online lender and a credit union, so you can compare APR, fees, and service on the same loan scenario. Ask about FHA, conventional, and any down payment assistance options that apply in your state.
What we like- Wide branch network
- Broad FHA appetite, including lower credit scores with strong compensating factors
- Large servicing operation
Watch out for- Documentation can feel heavier than online lenders
- Rates vary by week and loan type
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Navy Federal Credit Union is frequently at or near the top of weekly mortgage rate surveys for 30-year fixed loans, with public surveys in late September 2026 placing it first on APR among surveyed lenders. That rate strength, plus VA loan expertise and military-focused service, makes it a first call for eligible borrowers, including active duty, veterans, and eligible family members.
Eligibility is the limit: you need a military connection to join, so most civilian borrowers cannot use Navy Federal. If you are eligible, compare Navy Federal's APR, fees, and VA or conventional options with at least one online lender and one other bank. If you are not eligible, PenFed and other credit unions offer a similar credit union model with broader membership.
What we like- Often among the lowest APRs in weekly rate surveys for eligible members
- Military-focused service
- VA loan expertise
Watch out for- Membership requires a military connection
- Not available to the general public
#6
PenFed Credit Union
Best for: Credit union rates for a broad membership
Visit penfed.org
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
PenFed Credit Union, originally for military members, now offers broad membership paths and is often cited among competitive-rate lenders in weekly surveys. Its credit union structure means it does not answer to shareholders in the same way as a bank, which can show up in rates and fees. Borrowers who want a credit union alternative without a military requirement often start here.
The digital experience is generally solid but less polished than the best online lenders, and branch access is limited compared with Chase or Wells Fargo. For a straightforward purchase or refinance, PenFed is a strong third quote to add to an online lender and a bank. Check membership eligibility and the current rate quote for your exact loan scenario, since rates change daily.
What we like- Competitive rates in many surveys
- Credit union model with member focus
- Broad membership options compared with military-only credit unions
Watch out for- Digital experience can feel less polished than Rocket or Better
- Branch access is more limited than large banks
#7
SoFi
Best for: High-credit borrowers and member benefits
Visit sofi.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
SoFi is an online lender that appeals to high-credit, salaried borrowers who want a clean digital process and member benefits. Public comparisons often place SoFi among the more competitive lenders for borrowers with credit scores in the 700s, and existing SoFi members may receive closing cost credits. Unemployment protection features have also been cited for SoFi loans, though terms should be confirmed in the loan documents.
Borrowers with lower credit scores or complex income may find better options at PennyMac, Wells Fargo, or a credit union. SoFi's jumbo capacity, reported around $3 million, is also lower than large banks that lend far above that level. For a high-credit borrower buying within SoFi's limits, it is a strong, modern quote to include.
What we like- Competitive rates for high-credit borrowers in public comparisons
- Member benefits such as closing cost credits for existing members
- Online process
Watch out for- Best pricing often needs excellent credit
- Jumbo capacity is lower than large banks, reported around $3 million
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
loanDepot is a large nonbank lender with a broad menu for purchases and refinances, including conventional, FHA, and VA loans. It is often cited for refinance strength, including a lifetime guarantee program that waives lender fees on a future refinance under certain terms. That feature appeals to borrowers who expect to refinance again if rates fall, though the exact terms and eligibility should be read carefully.
Rate surveys often place loanDepot in the middle of the pack rather than at the very lowest APR, so the value depends on fees, service, and the refinance program, not on rate alone. Get a full Loan Estimate from loanDepot and compare it line by line with other lenders on the same day. For a refinance where future flexibility matters, loanDepot deserves a quote.
What we like- Broad refinance programs
- Lifetime guarantee that waives future refinance fees on some programs
- Online and branch options
Watch out for- Rates in surveys are often mid-pack rather than lowest
- Lifetime program terms need careful reading
How we chose
We compared mortgage lenders that are operating now in the US, with a focus on rate competitiveness, fees, loan types, and process. We checked lender homepages, rate survey articles, and public comparisons, including weekly rate surveys that rank lenders by APR for 30-year fixed conventional loans. We included online lenders, large banks, and credit unions, because the best rate for one borrower is rarely the best for another. Rates change daily and vary by borrower, so we do not present a single rate as current, and we direct readers to get personalised Loan Estimates.
How to compare mortgage rates fairly
Get quotes on the same day, for the same loan amount, loan type, term, down payment, and credit profile. A rate quoted on Monday cannot be fairly compared with a rate quoted on Friday, because bond markets move daily. Ask each lender for a Loan Estimate, which standardises fees and APR in a format you can compare line by line.
APR versus note rate
The note rate is the interest rate on the loan. The APR includes many lender fees, so it is usually higher than the note rate and gives a fairer comparison of total lender cost. A lender with a low note rate but high fees can have a higher APR than a lender with a slightly higher note rate and low fees. Compare APR first, then check cash to close and monthly payment.
Points, credits, and lock periods
Ask whether a quote includes discount points, which buy the rate down, or lender credits, which raise the rate but reduce closing costs. A quote with points will look cheaper on rate but cost more upfront. Also ask how long the rate lock lasts and what happens if closing is delayed, since a lock extension can add cost.
Total cost, not just monthly payment
A lower monthly payment from a longer term or a lower rate is not always cheaper over the life of the loan. Check total interest, fees, mortgage insurance if applicable, and how long you plan to stay in the home or keep the loan. This is not financial advice, and a loan officer or independent adviser can help model scenarios for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Which mortgage company has the best rates?
It depends on your credit score, loan type, down payment, location, and the day you get quotes. Weekly surveys often place Navy Federal, PenFed, Better, and other lenders near the top for 30-year fixed APR, but the order changes weekly. Get Loan Estimates from at least three lenders on the same day for your exact scenario.
Is it better to use a bank, an online lender, or a credit union?
Each has strengths. Online lenders often offer low fees and fast digital processes, banks offer relationship discounts and branch service, and credit unions often offer competitive rates with a member focus. The best choice depends on your credit, loan type, and whether you value digital speed, branch help, or relationship pricing.
What is the difference between interest rate and APR?
The interest rate, or note rate, is the rate charged on the loan balance. APR includes many lender fees, so it reflects more of the total cost of borrowing. When comparing lenders, APR gives a fairer picture than the note rate alone, though you should still check cash to close and monthly payment.
How many mortgage quotes should I get?
Get at least three quotes, from different types of lenders, on the same day and for the same loan scenario. Rate shopping within a short window is usually treated as a single credit inquiry for scoring purposes, but confirm the current rules with each lender. Compare Loan Estimates line by line, not just advertised rates.
Do I need a perfect credit score to get a good mortgage rate?
No, but credit score affects rate and options. Conventional loans often offer the best rates to higher-score borrowers, while FHA and VA loans can help borrowers with lower scores or smaller down payments. Check your credit report for errors before applying, and ask each lender what rate applies to your actual score band.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://better.com
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com
- https://www.chase.com
- https://www.wellsfargo.com
- https://www.navyfederal.org
- https://www.penfed.org
- https://www.sofi.com
- https://www.loandepot.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
Better
Rocket Mortgage
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Navy Federal Credit Union
loanDepot