Lender comparison

Compare Mortgage Lenders for 2026

Shopping at least 3 lenders can save $30,000–$100,000 over a 30-year loan. Here's how the top options compare — and which fits your situation.

Before you apply, compare your offers side by side with our free worksheet →

Side-by-side comparison

LenderTypeBest forHard pull?Min. credit
CredibleMarketplaceRate shoppingOnly at formal application620+
Rocket MortgageDirect lenderBuyers who want a fully online experience and fast approvalsAt application620+
Better.comDirect lenderBuyers who want no loan officer pressure and a transparent rateAt application620+
Your local credit unionCredit unionMembersAt applicationVaries

Lender details

Compare multiple lenders

Credible

Marketplace

Best for: Rate shopping — compare multiple lenders with a single application

Soft pull pre-qualification. Shows competing offers side by side.

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Fastest digital close

Rocket Mortgage

Direct lender

Best for: Buyers who want a fully online experience and fast approvals

Entirely app-based process. Strong brand trust and customer support.

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No commission

Better.com

Direct lender

Best for: Buyers who want no loan officer pressure and a transparent rate

Commission-free loan officers. Strong for well-qualified borrowers.

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Often lowest rates

Your local credit union

Credit union

Best for: Members — credit unions frequently offer the lowest rates available

Not all credit unions have a digital-first process. Worth calling.

Find your credit union →

MorgCalc may receive compensation from partner lenders. Credit union rates are not represented here — contact your local credit union for their current offerings.

How to compare mortgage offers (beyond the rate)

Rate is the headline, but it's not the whole picture. When you receive multiple Loan Estimates, compare these elements:

  • APR vs. rateAPR includes the interest rate plus fees — it's the true cost of the loan. A lower rate with high fees can cost more than a higher rate with no fees.
  • Points and creditsOne point = 1% of loan amount, typically buys ~0.25% rate reduction. Lender credits do the opposite — a higher rate in exchange for cash toward closing costs.
  • Closing cost comparisonCompare Section A (lender fees) line by line between Loan Estimates. These are negotiable; Section B (third-party fees) and C (government fees) are largely fixed.
  • Rate lock termsHow long is the lock? 30, 45, or 60 days? What's the fee to extend if closing delays? This matters in volatile rate environments.
  • Closing timelineSome lenders close in 21 days; others take 45. If the seller needs a fast close, this matters as much as rate.

When to use a mortgage broker

A mortgage broker doesn't lend money — they shop your file to multiple lenders simultaneously and earn a commission when the loan closes (typically 1–2% of the loan, paid by the lender).

Brokers make sense when: your financial profile is complex (self-employed, high DTI, non-traditional income), when you want someone to do the shopping for you, or when you're in a market where local lenders have better terms than national ones.

Direct lenders are faster and simpler when your profile is clean. The rate difference either way is usually under 0.125%.

See your payment at different rates

Before you talk to a lender, know your number. A 0.25% rate difference on a $400,000 loan is about $60/month — or $21,600 over 30 years.

Open the mortgage payment calculator →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions