To make your mortgage refinance process easier, we also have a mortgage refinance calculator that can help you estimate how much you could save.
Our Top Picks for Best Mortgage Refinance Companies
Rocket Mortgage – Best Overall
Zillow – Best Marketplace
Better – Best for Fast Closing Time
loanDepot – Best for Online Mortgage Refinancing
Navy Federal Credit Union – Best Credit Union
Ally Bank – Best for Jumbo Loans
Nationwide – Best for Borrowers with Poor Credit
Bank of America – Best for Member Discounts
Best Mortgage Refinance Reviews
Why we chose it: We chose Rocket Mortgage (formerly Quicken Loans) as the best overall mortgage refinance because of its excellent track record in customer satisfaction, in-depth digital software, and web-based customer support. In 2021, Rocket was also the top mortgage originator in the United States.
Pros
JD Power best rated for customer support
Largest mortgage originator in 2021
Streamlined online application process with eClosing
Features a mortgage refinance rates calculator
Cons
No in-person service, but you may reach out to an affiliated broker
Rocket Mortgage (NMLS ID# 3030) has consistently ranked first place in the JD U.S Primary Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study, outperforming other lenders for the eighth consecutive year in 2021. Although the company is deeply rooted in online technology, it also has over 3,000 home loan experts available seven days a week to help you complete your application over the phone.
Loan types offered:
Conventional 15 and 30-year mortgage
Adjustable-rate mortgage loans
Government-backed loans (FHA, VA, and USDA loans)
Jumbo loans
Through Rocket Mortgage, customers can automatically import their property taxes and home insurance information upon entering their address. Using eClosing, customers can modify their rate, repayment term and costs to see other payment options.
Why we chose it: We chose Zillow as the best marketplace given its robust online presence, user-friendly mortgage calculator and easy access to competitive mortgage rates. Also, the fact that most of the application process is carried out online may be major selling point for potential homeowners who want to keep things simple and limit office visits.
ProsUser-friendly mobile appWide range of online resources, including a mortgage calculatorEasy access to competitive rates, updated dailyMost of the application process is performed online
ConsNot licensed to operate in all 50 statesNo program to help homebuyers with bad credit
Zillow (NMLS ID#: 10287) is the number one real estate and rental website in the United States, according to reports. Besides connecting users with lenders offering the most current mortgage rates, the company recently launched Zillow Home Loans, a division that offers direct financing without involving third parties.
Loan types offered:
Fixed-rate mortgage
Adjustable-rate mortgage
Jumbo loans
VA Loan
FHA Loan
Conventional
For refinancing, homebuyers are required to connect directly with a loan officer in order to get concrete numbers, since these are not displayed on the Zillow Home Loans website. The company has expressed interest in making these numbers available in the future.
Moreover, Zillow claims to close over 10 days faster than other companies. The flexibility put forth by the company’s online resources appears to be their main competitive advantage. By shortening the process, Zillow allows its customers to save time, a valuable commodity by today’s standards.
Why we chose it: We chose Better as the best mortgage refinance company for fast closing times because consumers can obtain a rate quote and a letter of preapproval in just a few minutes. The lender also claims it can close mortgages in as little as 14 days
Pros
Fast online process, with competitor price-match program
No loan officer commissions or fees for lender origination, application or underwriting
Smart tech automatically looks for and applies eligible discounts
Cons
Online-only, no brick and mortar branches
Not available in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada or New Hampshire
Limited refinance loan type options
Better Mortgage (NMLS ID# 330511) is a digital lender with an easy mortgage refinance process that’s fast and straightforward. The company’s loan programs offer low-interest rates and some of the lowest closing costs in the industry.
Better can afford to forego some of the fees charged by traditional brick-and-mortar lenders — such as application, underwriting and origination fees — because they operate fully online. Additionally, it offers a price guarantee if another lender has a more competitive price on their refinance products.
Loan Types Offered:
Adjustable-rate mortgage
Fixed-rate mortgage
Conventional
FHA
Jumbo
Better customers can upload and sign all their documents through the lender’s secure website. They also have direct access to one of the company’s dedicated loan officers.
Why we chose it: We chose loanDepot as the best mortgage refinance company for online mortgage refinancing due to its remarkable platform and wide availability across the US.
Pros
Licensed in all 50 states with over 200 locations in 43 states
Streamlined digital platform
Cons
Loan rates are not available online
loanDepot (NMLS# 174457) stands out for its “mello smartloan,” an end-to-end digital portal that employs artificial intelligence to verify asset and employment details and can also perform credit checks and begin the appraisal process.
loanDepot also has licensed loan consultants available to help consumers select the best mortgage product for their particular financial situation. By calling its lending officers, you can also request information on mortgage rates not readily available on the website.
Loan types offered:
Conventional
Fixed- and adjustable-rate loans
Jumbo loans
Government-backed loans (VA and FHA loans)
Home Affordable Refinance Program Loans (HARP)
Choosing loanDepot for a mortgage refinance is rewarded with a lifetime guarantee. The company offers to waive lender fees and reimburse appraisal fees on future refinances after you’ve refinanced with them at least once.
Why we chose it: We chose Navy Federal as the best mortgage refinance credit union because of its fast online preapproval process, choice of loan terms and benefits for borrowers who are also selling.
Pros
Online pre-approval application
Sellers can contribute up to 6% of the value of the home towards closing costs
Doesn’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Cons
Membership is limited to veterans, active-duty military, and their families
No FHA, USDA loans, construction loans, or reverse mortgages
Navy Federal (NLMS# 399807) has mortgage refinancing options ranging from 10- to 30-year loan terms for their VA Streamline (IRRL) and Homebuyers Choice. The lender also offers the Military Choice loan for those who have exhausted their VA loan option. However, they don’t offer FHA, USDA loans, construction loans or reverse mortgages.
Loan types offered:
Conventional fixed-rate loans
Cash-out
VA loans, VA Streamline
Adjustable-rate mortgage loans
Jumbo loans
Realty Plus and Navy Federal Title Services are tools that facilitate the mortgage refinance process for homebuyers looking to refinance or sell and buy new property. Realty Plus connects you with a real estate agent and an agent coordinator to assist with your mortgage application. Further, if you close your mortgage with Navy Federal using Realty Plus, you can get between $400 and $8,000 cashback.
Navy Federal also offers Homesquad, a new option for potential buyers to get a faster preapproval for a mortgage loan. It allows borrowers to track their loan status 24/7 online or through their mobile device, upload documents easily, set up autopay, access payment history and other account activities, and request forbearance assistance.
Why we chose it: We chose Ally Banks as the best mortgage refinance company for jumbo loans due to its higher-than-average lending cap and lack of lender fees.
Pros
Online application, document uploads, and electronic signature options
No lender fees
Quotes don’t impact your credit score
No PMI with a down payment of 20%
Cons
Mortgage applications can only be completed with an in-person visit
You may be required to pay PMI if your down payment is less than 20%
Ally Bank (NLMS# 181005) stands out for its jumbo loans offerings of up to $4 million. For this type of loan, Ally offers a higher lending amount than other lenders, which usually cap at $2 million. Borrowers must pay a down payment of at least 20% for jumbo loans, and provide evidence that they can cover expenses for a certain amount of months. However, unlike other lenders, Ally accepts restricted stock units to count as reserve capital.
Loan types offered:
Fixed-rate mortgage
Adjustable-rate mortgage
Jumbo loans
Cash-out refinance
Potential borrowers can apply, submit documents and sign paperwork online, but can only complete and close down the loan application by visiting one of their branches. On their website, borrowers can find rates and a refinance mortgage calculator, among other information regarding refinancing and jumbo loans.
Why we chose it: We chose Nationwide as the best mortgage refinance company for borrowers with poor credit due to its strong programs for self-employed and low credit buyers, including its Lease Option Program.
Pros
Options for self-employed and low credit buyers
Customizable terms
Will match competitor’s loan estimate offers
Free consultations
Cons
Only operates in eight states: California, Colorado, Texas, Idaho, Washington, Oklahoma, Montana, North Dakota
Nationwide Home Loans (NMLS# 331347) features a Lease Option Program, which requires that you have at least a 10% down payment and enough income for closing costs and rent payment. Nationwide buys the home, and you sign a lease agreement with an option to buy within three years.
During those three years, you can live in your new home (paying the lease) while Nationwide helps you improve your credit score, sort out income reporting requirements or perform whatever other steps are necessary to help you get ready to purchase the home.
Loan Types Offered:
VA loans
FHA loans
Conventional loans
Jumbo loans
Nationwide also offers a Best Rate Guarantee, where they match a loan estimate from another lender.
Why we chose it: We chose Bank of America as the best mortgage refinance company for member discounts for its Preferred Rewards program, which offers significant price reductions on purchase and refinance closing costs.
Pros
Exclusive membership discounts available on both purchase and refinance closing costs
Physical branch locations available nationwide
Considers alternative credit data such as utility bills and rental payment history
Cons
No renovation loans
Bank of America (NMLS# 399802) members can benefit from its Preferred Rewards program by qualifying for a closing cost reduction of up to $600 from their purchase or refinance origination fees.
The program works in tiers ranging from Gold to Platinum Honors, with discount levels based on the tier for which each customer qualifies. A member’s tier is determined by qualifying balances in Bank of America banking and/or Merrill investment accounts.
Loan types offered:
Home equity loans
Fixed-rate mortgages
Adjustable-rate refinance loans
FHA and VA loans
Cash-out refinancing loans
Another perk of doing business with Bank of America is its digital services, including an online tool to track the progress of your mortgage loan and refinance application in real-time.
While the company doesn’t state credit score requirements on its website, you can consult one of their loan officers to see if you qualify for refinancing.
Other companies we considered
When we looked at the refinance mortgage lending industry, we found that many of the biggest lenders didn’t necessarily offer the best refinance products, though they might excel in other areas.
Chase Review
Highlights from Chase (NMLS #399798)
Pros
The eighth-largest originator of mortgage loans in the country
Large variety of loans: ARMs, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25- and 30-year mortgages, FHA and VA loans and DreamMaker Mortgage Program
Competitive mortgage interest rates
Online Refinance Learning Center with calculators for loan estimates, interest rates and terms
Cons
Several regulatory actions with the CFPB within the last five years (although none filed within the last three years)
High number of customer complaints with the CFPB
About Average rating in JD Power customer satisfaction survey
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Regulatory Actions with the NMLS
Minimum Credit Score
Refi Loan Types
810/1000
9
620
DreamMaker®, Fixed-rate, FHA, VA, Jumbo, ARM
PNC Bank Review
Highlights from PNC Bank (NMLS#446303)
Pros
Has current mortgage rates and helpful calculators on its site
Home insight planner and application tracker
Considers non-traditional credit history
Online mortgage preapproval
Cons
The process can’t be fully completed online
No branches in AK, AZ, AR, CA, CT, HI, ID, IA, LA, ME, MN, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, ND, OK, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA or WY
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Regulatory Actions with the NMLS
Minimum Credit Score
Refi Loan Types
791/1000
2
620
Fixed, ARM, Cash-out, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA
SunTrust Review (now Truist)
Highlights from SunTrust (now Truist) (NMLS#399803)
ProsOnline mortgage application and tracking softwareComprehensive educational resources
ConsCustomized rates are only available with an applicationBranches only in AL, AZ, DC, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN and VARates and fees not available online
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Regulatory Actions with the NMLS
Minimum Credit Score
Refi Loan Types
Not Rated
0
620
Cash-out, VA IRRRL
Alliant Credit Union Review
Highlights from Alliant (NMLS#197185)
ProsRate watch sends a notification when rates have hit your targetComplete the application process online
ConsNo government-backed loansDoesn’t disclose loan feesNo in-person bankingMust be a member to qualify
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Regulatory Actions with the NMLS
Minimum Credit Score
Refi Loan Types
Not Rated
1
620
Fixed, ARM, Jumbo
Guild Mortgage Review
Highlights from Guild Mortgage (NMLS#3274)
Pros
Online mortgage application, e-signatures and digital loan process tracking
Direct lender, services its own loans
Closing cost and total payment calculator
Cons
Not available in NY or NJ
Rates aren’t available online unless you apply
Does not disclose fees
Branches only in 33 states
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Regulatory Actions with the NMLS
Minimum Credit Score
Refi Loan Types
803/1000
3
640
Fixed, ARM, Cash-out, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo
U.S. Bank Review
Highlights from U.S. Bank (NMLS #402761)
Pros
Variety of refinance loan offerings
Rewards homeowners with an existing first mortgage with U.S. Bank
Great online tools, with a fully digital application and a proprietary app
Provides general mortgage rates, with the option to see results by state
Online prequalification
Cons
Customer satisfaction rating was below
Mortgage rates on the website assume a higher-than-average credit score
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Regulatory Actions with the NMLS
Minimum Credit Score
Refi Loan Types
802/1000
0
620
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Cash-out, IRRL
AmeriSave Mortgage Review
Highlights from AmeriSave (NMLS#1168)
ProsWide variety of loan optionsClosing time average of 25 days
ConsHigh number of regulatory actions with the NMLSDoesn’t disclose origination fees or closing costsNot available in New York
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Regulatory Actions with the NMLS
Minimum Credit Score
Refi Loan Types
Not Rated
14
620
Rate and Term, Cash-out, FHA, USDA, VA
Reali Loans Review
Highlights from Reali Loans (NMLS#)
ProsCompletely online processNo origination feesCustomized rate quotes
ConsWebsite makes customers enter their data to provide any infoNo information about loan typesOnly available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Regulatory Actions with the NMLS
Minimum Credit Score
Refi Loan Types
Not Rated
5
620
Fixed
Veterans United Home Loans Review
Highlights from Veterans United Home Loans (NMLS#1907)
ProsFree credit counselingRepresentatives available 24/7
ConsOnly has physical branches in 18 statesWon’t refinance FHA or USDA loansDoesn’t disclose closing costs or fees
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Regulatory Actions with the NMLS
Minimum Credit Score
Refi Loan Types
Not Rated
3
640
Fixed, ARM, Jumbo, VA IRRRL, Cash-out
Mortgage Refinance Guide
The Best Refinance companies offer a variety of features to aid homeowners looking to get the most from their refi prospects.
Our mortgage refinance guide provides information about the different types of mortgage loans, the benefits of mortgage refinancing and what documents financial institutions require for a complete application.
Whatever your needs, read on to learn more about the process and to make the best-informed decision.
Types of mortgage refinance
Rate-and-term refinance
Also known as a “no cash-out refinance,” a rate-and-term refinance adjusts the interest rate or the term (or both) of an existing mortgage while its balance stays the same. This option often has a lower interest rate than cash-out loans.
Zero-closing-cost refinance
Some lenders offer “no-closing-cost” or “zero-closing-cost” refinance loans for those who qualify. These let you roll up closing costs into your mortgage loan. While you’ll still pay closing costs and interest on those fees, it won’t be upfront.
Cash-out refinancing
A cash-out refinance converts the home equity you’ve accumulated into cash, similarly to a home equity line of credit (HELOC). You’re essentially replacing your existing mortgage with a new loan that’s higher than your current loan balance. In turn, you get the difference in home equity as a tax-free cash advance paid to you at closing.
What to watch out for: The borrower may end up with a higher interest rate and may extend the life of the loan. Keep in mind that you should only borrow an amount that’s feasible to pay off.
Cash-in refinance
A cash-in refinance allows borrowers to lower their mortgage principal during a refinance negotiation. With this type of loan, the borrower makes a lump sum payment on their mortgage, lowering the principal balance on their new mortgage refinance loan.
Contrary to cash-out refinancing, this option may improve the chances of an underwater mortgage qualifying for a refinance. Generally, most lenders require an LTV ratio of at least 80%.
Streamline refinance
Streamline refinance allows borrowers to refinance an existing FHA loan with limited documentation or underwriting. These loans don’t require appraisals, in most cases only employment verification. Streamline refinance could be a good option for homeowners who already have a VA loan. Before making a decision, take a look at our picks for Best VA loans and Best Mortgage Lenders.
Enterprise-backed Mortgage Refinances
Eligible borrowers can now refinance their mortgage at a reduced interest rate and lower monthly payments. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), borrowers may save an estimated $100 to $250 a month.
To qualify, borrowers must:
Have a mortgage backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) for the house they live in
Have an income at or below 80% of the area’s median income
Have no missed payments in the past six months and no more than one missed payment in the previous 12 months
Have a debt-to-income ratio below 65% or a FICO credit score of at least 620
Have a mortgage loan to value (LTV) ratio lower than 97%
Other federal programs that could help consumers who are facing financial hardship include Hope for Homeowners (HFH) and the Home Affordable Refinancing Program (HARP).
Should you refinance your mortgage?
If you’re on the fence about mortgage refinance, here you can find information about the benefits of refinancing, what can that money be used for, and the documentation financial institutions require for a complete application.
Refinancing can help:
Lower the interest rate on your mortgage
Help you obtain a lower monthly payment
Shorten your loan term
Refinancing can be used for:
Home improvements
Home expansions or repairs
Financial emergencies
Your home equity is the difference between the value of your home and what is owed on the mortgage. Home equity can be used for:
Debt consolidation
Pay down or refinance student loans
If a mortgage refinance isn’t the best choice for your financial situation, and you’d still like to manage high student debt, our list of best student loan refinance companies may offer some options.
You should consider mortgage refinance to pay credit card debt only if the debt is very high and keeps growing due to interest rates. If you’re struggling with debt and you want to improve your credit score, check our selection for the best credit repair companies. You can also consult with a financial advisor before deciding on refinancing your home.
Should I refinance with my current lender?
Before selecting a refinance mortgage lender:
Shop around and request loan estimates from multiple lenders
Look into current mortgage rates and APR rates
Research available refinance options such as a fixed or adjustable-rate mortgage, and government-backed loans
You might find lender offers that are better deals in terms of refinance rates, loan products, or closing costs. While many lenders have their calculators, you can also use our mortgage refinance calculator to get an idea of how much you could be saving.
Aside from refinancing with your current lender, another option is using a mortgage broker, an intermediary between borrowers and lenders. This can be beneficial, as some lenders work exclusively with brokers and offer better rates than a broker’s high volume of loans. However, brokers often receive fees from lenders for giving them business, or you might have to pay their fee yourself.
What do you need to refinance your mortgage?
Regardless of the type of loan, there are three primary considerations lenders consider when applying for a new mortgage refinance: credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and average loan-to-value ratio (LTV).
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of Less Than 50% for FHA mortgage refinance, DTI up to 43% for conventional loans, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
To get you started, we have a tool to calculate your current DTI ratio.
A Healthy FICO Credit Score: Most mortgage refinance lenders require a minimum score of 620 on your credit report, but you’ll get the best rates for a score upwards of 740.
Average Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV) of 20% or More: The LTV is the amount of the loan you want to take out divided by the appraised value of your home.
Mortgage Refinance Checklist
When applying for a mortgage refinance, lenders will ask you for specific documents. Check out the list below to ensure you have everything you need:
✓ A copy of your government-issued ID or Social Security card
✓ A recent copy of your credit report
✓ Proof of income for the last 30 days
✓ W-2s for the past 2 years
✓ Federal tax returns (personal and business) for at least the last 2-3 years
✓ Written explanation if employed less than two years or if there’s a gap or change in employment
✓ Statements of outstanding debt and all current expenses
✓ Address of property to be refinanced and purchase contract
✓ Homeowners insurance information such as the agent’s name and contact information
✓ Statements of assets
✓ Bankruptcy/ discharge papers if applicable
When is refinancing your mortgage not the best idea?
With so many homeowners running to refinance their mortgages these days, it’s also a good idea to pause and consider the big picture. Just because you can refinance doesn’t mean you should.
For starters, if your interest rate will not drop at least one full percentage point, most experts will argue that it’s not worth it.
By refinancing, you will essentially close an account and take on a new loan. That means closing costs and other potential fees.
The following are a handful of reasons to reconsider a mortgage refinance:
If your refi terms won’t save you much in interest
Your credit score has taken a dive since your original mortgage
High closing costs that cannot be rolled into the new loan
Your new minimum monthly payment will be out of your budget
You have plans to move out in the near future
If any of the above apply to your particular situation, it’s worth it to take a closer look at the specifics of a potential refinance and evaluate whether it’s the right choice for you.
Best Mortgage Refinance FAQ
What is refinancing?
Refinancing a mortgage is, essentially, replacing a current loan with a new one – whether changing the terms, interest rates, or amount borrowed. In the best cases, refinancing can help you save money on your mortgage payments by negotiating low rates or reducing your term.
How often can you refinance your home?
There is no limit to the number of times you can refinance your mortgage. However, refinancing can be costly and it will affect your long-term financial obligations. Just because you can always refinance your home doesn’t mean you should do so.
How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?
Refinancing your mortgage can cost around 2% to 6% of your loan amount. This includes fees for the loan application, loan origination, home appraisal, and more, depending on the type of mortgage. A no closing cost refinance loan can ignore many of these fees but may have other hidden costs to make up for them.
When to refinance a mortgage?
The best time to refinance a mortgage is when the interest rates are lower than the one you locked in when you close your mortgage. Lower interest rates will allow you to reduce your term and monthly payments.
What are today’s mortgage refinance rates?
As of September 1, mortgage refinance rates continue to linger near historic lows. The national average 30-year fixed refinance is 3.230%, and the average rate for a 15-year fixed refinance is 2.590%.
How We Chose the Best Mortgage Refinance Companies
Our methodology considered:
Lenders that provided a quality customer experience with online tools, pre-approval, discounts, or exclusive refinance programs
Lender size, reputation, and complaints. We consulted the Mortgage Bankers Association, J.D. Power’s U.S. Primary Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study and the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing Systemga or “Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System”)
Consumer feedback and expert input
Summary of Money’s Best Refinance Companies of November 2021
Rocket Mortgage – Best Overall
Zillow – Best Marketplace
Better – Best for Fast Closing Time
loanDepot – Best for Online Mortgage Refinancing
Navy Federal Credit Union – Best Credit Union
Ally Bank – Best for Jumbo Loans
Nationwide – Best for Borrowers with Poor Credit
Bank of America – Best for Member Discounts