Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Best Mortgage Lenders for 2025
December 12, 2024
Ready to buy a home in 2025? Choosing the right mortgage lender can save you thousands and plenty of headaches. With mortgage rates and housing markets in flux, it’s more important than ever to find a lender that fits your needs – whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, refinancing, or have less-than-perfect credit.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best mortgage lenders of 2025 across all categories: big banks, credit unions, and online lenders (with no geographic restrictions). We’ll also share tips on how to strengthen your finances – including a clever way to use credit card rewards – as you prepare for homeownership. Let’s dive in!
What Makes a “Best” Mortgage Lender in 2025?
Not all lenders are created equal. The top mortgage lenders of 2025 stand out by offering competitive interest rates, reasonable fees, a variety of loan programs, and excellent customer service. Many also provide perks like pre-approval in minutes or flexible credit requirements.
When evaluating lenders, we considered:
- Interest Rates & Fees: Even a slightly lower rate can mean big savings. The best lenders offer below-average rates or special discounts, and low or no origination fees.
- Loan Options: Top lenders support all the major loan types – conventional, FHA, VA, USDA – and some niche products. This matters if you need a low down payment or have unique circumstances.
- Credit Flexibility: The best lenders for 2025 accommodate a range of credit scores. Some, like New American Funding, are known for flexible qualification requirements for those with lower credit or non-traditional credit histories.
- Customer Experience: From online applications to personal guidance, we picked lenders known for fast, easy processes. In fact, several of our picks shine in digital experience – e.g. Rocket Mortgage’s app and online portal have made it a top-rated digital lender.
With those criteria in mind, here are our top picks:
1. Rocket Mortgage – Best Overall Online Lender
Why it’s a top pick: Rocket Mortgage is the nation’s largest lender by volume and a pioneer in online lending. It’s ideal if you value speed and convenience. You can get pre-approved in as little as 10 minutes via Rocket’s app or website, and they offer competitive rates for various loans. Rocket consistently earns high customer satisfaction scores and was NerdWallet’s choice as “Best for digital experience” among FHA lenders.
Key features: 100% online process, rate transparency, and an interest rate lock guarantee program. Rocket’s scale means they have broad programs – first-time buyers, refinancing, cash-out loans – you name it. Keep in mind Rocket’s convenience can come with slightly higher fees for some loans, so always compare your Loan Estimate.
Who it’s best for: Tech-savvy borrowers who want a quick, hassle-free mortgage from a well-known, reliable non-bank lender. If you prefer handling paperwork digitally and getting instant updates on your loan status, Rocket is hard to beat.
2. Chase – Best Big Bank for Mortgages
Why it’s a top pick: Chase is one of the “big four” U.S. banks, and it leverages that resources and stability to offer great mortgage options. In fact, Chase often ranks at the top of lists for first-time homebuyer lenders due to its strong loan programs and customer service. If you already bank with Chase, you might qualify for relationship discounts on your mortgage rate or closing costs.
Key features: Wide branch network nationwide plus robust online tools, so you get the best of both worlds (in-person service or digital convenience). Chase offers conventional loans, government-backed loans (FHA, VA), and even jumbo loans for high-cost areas. They also have a DreaMaker℠ loan program with just 3% down for low-to-moderate income buyers.
One standout is Chase’s emphasis on education – their website has calculators and homebuyer resources, helping newbies understand the process. That aligns well if you’re just starting out.
Who it’s best for: Borrowers who want the reassurance of a well-established bank. If having a local branch or the ability to meet with a loan officer matters to you, or if you seek to bundle banking services, Chase is a great choice. It’s especially friendly for first-time buyers who might need extra guidance.
3. New American Funding – Best for Borrowers with Lower Credit
Why it’s a top pick: New American Funding (NAF) earned Forbes Advisor’s top spot as “Best Mortgage Lender of 2025” for its flexible approach. This lender is more willing than many to manually underwrite loans – meaning they’ll look at your whole financial picture, not just your credit score. If you have a weaker credit score or are self-employed, NAF may give you a fair shot. They also have a notable focus on lending to minority communities and offer bilingual support, which is a plus for a diverse market.
Key features: NAF offers conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and even non-QM (non-qualified) loans for unique cases. They reportedly can qualify FHA borrowers with credit scores as low as 580 (with higher down payments even 500 in some cases), and they have in-house programs to help improve your credit to eventually refinance into better terms. While New American Funding is not as purely digital as some (you’ll speak with a loan officer), they do have an online application and a mobile app for payments once you have the loan.
Who it’s best for: Homebuyers who need flexibility on credit or income verification. If other lenders have turned you down or you worry you won’t meet strict bank criteria, give NAF a look. They’re also a strong option for VA and FHA loans – and they don’t charge excessive fees, making them a solid all-around choice if you want a balance of personal touch and flexibility.
4. Navy Federal Credit Union – Best Credit Union Option (VA Loans)
Why it’s a top pick: Credit unions often offer excellent rates and personalized service, and Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is the largest of them all. It’s been recognized as “Best Mortgage Lender for VA Loans” by NerdWallet in their 2025 Best-of Awards – and for good reason. Navy Federal specializes in helping military members, veterans, and their families secure home loans with no down payment (VA and even some 0% down conventional options for those who qualify).
Key features: As a member-owned institution, NFCU tends to have lower rates and fees than many big banks. They offer VA loans, conventional loans, and even an exclusive product called Military Choice, which is a 0% down loan for those who’ve exhausted their VA benefit or don’t qualify. Navy Federal also doesn’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI) on some zero-down loans, saving borrowers money. The catch is membership – you or a family member must have ties to the U.S. military, Department of Defense, or National Guard to join (but if you do, it’s a top-tier choice).
Who it’s best for: Eligible military-affiliated borrowers, and generally anyone who can join NFCU. Also, if you prefer a credit union experience – typically friendly service and a mission-driven approach – NFCU is worth looking at. They handle first-time buyers and refinancers alike, particularly shining if you’re aiming for a VA loan.
(If you aren’t eligible for NFCU, other notable credit unions for mortgages include PenFed Credit Union and Bethpage FCU, which offer competitive nationwide home loans.)
5. Better Mortgage – Best Fully-Online Experience with Low Fees
Why it’s a top pick: Better Mortgage is an online-only lender that has made waves by eliminating many common lender fees. There are no origination fees, no application fees, and no commissions – a very consumer-friendly model. Better’s platform is highly automated (they even use AI for some underwriting tasks), which can lead to faster closings. In 2025, with more people comfortable doing everything online, Better stands out as a hassle-free, low-cost option for straightforward loans.
Key features: All digital process that guides you from rate quote to closing. You can upload documents and track your loan status in a simple dashboard. Better’s pricing is aggressive; they often have some of the lowest rates for well-qualified borrowers, partly because they operate efficiently online. They also offer a “Better Price Guarantee,” promising to beat a competitor’s offer by at least $1000 or give you $1000 if they can’t. Another perk: Better has rolled out programs to waive refinancing fees for returning customers (their “Better Forever” program), which is great if you might refinance later.
Who it’s best for: Borrowers who want to save money on fees and are comfortable without face-to-face interaction. If your loan scenario is relatively straightforward (you have W-2 income, good credit, etc.), Better could save you a lot in closing costs and deliver a very smooth experience. However, if you need more hand-holding or have a complex situation, you might prefer a lender with in-person service.
Other Notable Lenders to Consider
.webp)
- Veterans United Home Loans: The #1 VA lender in the country, known for expertly serving military buyers. Great if you’re VA-eligible and want a lender deeply experienced in that process.
- Guaranteed Rate (aka Rate.com): A strong online-enabled lender (they often appear simply as “Rate”). They’re known for very fast pre-approvals – sometimes fully underwriting your application in 24 hours. Good for those who want to move quickly or compete in hot markets with a strong approval letter.
- Local Banks & Credit Unions: In addition to our nationwide picks, always check local institutions. Sometimes a hometown bank or credit union might offer special first-time buyer programs or rate discounts for community members. The trade-off is smaller lenders might not advertise broadly, so you have to seek them out.
Tips to Get the Most from Your Mortgage (Kudos’s Take)
.webp)
Choosing the best lender is half the battle; the other half is making sure you are the best borrower you can be. Here are a few tips, with a unique twist, to improve your mortgage experience:
Boost Your Credit Score
A higher credit score can land you better rates. Pay down credit card balances, avoid late payments, and correct any credit report errors. Using a tool like Kudos (which helps optimize your credit card usage and rewards) can indirectly boost your credit health – for example, Kudos can help you identify the best card for each purchase, encouraging responsible usage and on-time payments that elevate your score over time. Higher score = lower mortgage rate, in many cases.
Save for a Down Payment (and Closing Costs)
The more you put down, the less you have to borrow – and if you can hit 20%, you’ll avoid PMI. Create a savings plan specifically for your home purchase. Also, consider using credit card rewards strategically: some new cards offer large cashback or points bonuses that could be converted to cash for your home-buying expenses.
Get Rate Quotes from Multiple Lenders
Don’t settle for the first offer. The top lenders we listed all compete – and a lender that’s best for one person might not be cheapest for you. By law, multiple mortgage credit inquiries within a short window (14-45 days) count as one inquiry on your credit report, so you won’t be penalized for shopping around. Use that to your advantage and obtain Loan Estimates from at least 3 lenders (e.g. one big bank, one credit union, one online lender).
Look at the APR and the Fine Print
The interest rate isn’t everything. Compare APR, which factors in fees. A lender with a slightly lower rate but high fees might end up more expensive than a lender with a slightly higher rate and zero origination fee. Our “best of 2025” picks like Better and Navy Federal tend to excel in keeping fees low – but always read the details.
Consider Pre-Approval Before Home Shopping
All the lenders above offer pre-approval (some instant, some within a day). Getting pre-approved not only tells you how much you can afford, it also makes you a more credible buyer when you make an offer on a house. Tip: If you’re using a tool like Kudos to manage your finances, you likely already have a clear picture of your budget and credit standing – which puts you in a strong position when seeking pre-approval.
Final Thoughts
The best mortgage lender for you in 2025 will depend on your unique situation – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We’ve highlighted Rocket Mortgage for its technology, Chase for its trust and full-service banking, New American Funding for flexibility, Navy Federal for its unbeatable VA loans, and Better for its low fees. All of these are excellent, reputable lenders.
As you compare your options, keep in mind factors like your credit score, the type of loan you need, and whether you value in-person service or prefer everything online. And remember, a mortgage is a major commitment: even a slightly better rate or lower fee can save you money every month. Use the resources at your disposal – from comparison tools to financial apps. Kudos, for instance, can help you optimize your credit cards and overall financial picture, ensuring you’re getting maximum rewards and low interest costs, which can make affording a mortgage easier in the long run.
By doing your homework and leveraging the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the keys to your new home with the best lender by your side. Here’s to smart borrowing and a happy homebuying journey in 2025!
FAQ: Best Mortgage Lenders for 2025
What is the best mortgage lender in 2025?
Yes, Rocket Mortgage, Chase, and New American Funding are among the best lenders in 2025. The right choice depends on your needs—online speed, big-bank stability, or flexible credit requirements.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit in 2025?
Yes, some lenders like New American Funding and Navy Federal Credit Union offer options for borrowers with lower credit scores, especially through FHA or VA loan programs.
Are online mortgage lenders safe to use?
Yes, reputable online lenders like Rocket Mortgage and Better Mortgage use encrypted platforms and follow federal lending regulations, offering fast approvals and secure processing.
Should I get pre-approved before house hunting?
Yes, getting pre-approved helps you understand your budget and strengthens your offer when bidding on a home. Most top lenders offer free, fast pre-approvals.
Can I use credit card rewards to help with a mortgage?
Yes, while you can’t usually pay your mortgage directly with credit cards, tools like Kudos help you maximize rewards or savings that can go toward closing costs or down payments.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
