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Best Mortgage Refinance Companies

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Looking to refinance your mortgage?

See which lender is best for you!

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A mortgage refinance happens when a borrower replaces their existing mortgage with another one with better terms, like eliminating private mortgage insurance, taking advantage of a lower interest rate or getting a shorter payoff term. Borrowers need to go through an application process and must get approved for the refinance, but if they are, it can save them money in the long run.

There are several types of refinancing: cash-out refinancing, rate-and-term refinancing, consolidation refinancing and cash-in refinancing. The best mortgage refinance lenders have quick application and approval processes, work with borrowers with a range of credit scores and offer multiple refinancing options.

Our research team vetted 26 refinance lenders rated by more than 16,000 customers. Read our methodology to understand how we selected companies for our top picks. Note that our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us. This does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

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Compare our top 9 choices for best mortgage refi companies

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All information accurate as of time of publication.

More info about our top choices for best mortgage refi companies

When picking a refinancing company, make sure you choose a company that offers competitive rates and terms, has helpful customer service and provides options that work for your needs and budget.

Easiest process

Rocket Mortgage

Refinancing options
Cash out, rate-and-term
Minimum credit score
580 - 620
Availability
Nationwide

Rocket Mortgage offers refinancing for both conventional loans and government mortgages, including FHA and VA mortgage loans. The application process is completely online, with the ability to upload your financial documents through the mobile app.

It takes only 10 minutes to see which refinance rate you qualify for. With 24-hour online access to your loan and the ability to connect with Rocket’s home loan experts seven days a week, the refinancing process is streamlined and user-friendly.

  • 90-day rate lock
  • Available nationwide
  • 100% online application
  • No in-person services
  • No construction loans or HELOCs
  • High origination fees

Many choose Rocket because of the ease of the application process. Since customers can upload their documents via their phone, the process goes much faster than with lenders that require hard copies. “Recently refinanced using Rocket Mortgage. Process was fast and pain-free and almost completely online. The portal was super useful, and the chat representatives were knowledge-full and efficient,” said one reviewer in New Jersey.

Though Rocket Mortgage is highly rated by ConsumerAffairs readers, some were dissatisfied with how long the refinance process took.

Best online lending
Refinancing options
Cash out, rate-and-term
Minimum credit score
620
Availability
Most states

Better Mortgage is a top pick for online lending since customers can contact Better through live chat 24/7. In addition to quick closing times and competitive refinancing rates, it also offers a Better Price Guarantee – it will match a valid competitor's offer and credit you an extra $100. If it can’t match the rate, the $100 is yours to keep.

Better does not charge any application, origination or underwriting fees.

  • No lender fees or commissions
  • 100% online application
  • Matches competitor offers
  • Matches competitor offers
  • No construction loans

One customer in California was very happy with the speed and ease of a refinance. “Everything ended as it started with on the estimate. Everything was online, on my schedule until the final physical signing.” Others had similar comments, feeling that the online user interface was much easier to deal with than calls from loan officers. Relying solely on online interaction can make it feel automated in a negative way, too. Many reviewers mentioned that though it appears you have one agent, it sounds like multiple people answering under one name.

Fastest and most accurate quotes
Refinancing options
Cash out, rate-and-term
Minimum credit score
600-620
Availability
All states but NY

AmeriSave offers two types of refinancing: cash-out and rate-and-term. You can receive a customized refinance quote in just a few minutes after you share your income and asset information. You can also use its calculators to see your estimated new payments on your refinancing.

AmeriSave offers refinancing on Fannie Mae, USDA, FHA or VA loans. Once you’re pre-qualified, your rate is locked in for 90 days. After the underwriting process is complete, an agent will schedule a closing time and place that fits your schedule.

Be aware that you may need to pay closing costs and appraisal fees.

  • No hidden fees
  • 90-day rate lock
  • Closing in as little as 25 days
  • Not available in New York
  • No HELOCs or home equity loans
  • Does not refinance mobile or manufactured homes

A few customers mentioned that they switched to AmeriSave after other lenders had given them quotes that were too low to be realistic or too high. “They offered me a competitive rate, and the process to go through the refi was very smooth. It was a fairly simple process to do,” said a reviewer in Georgia.

Competitive rates
Refinancing options
Cash-out, rate-and-term
Minimum credit score
Varies
Availability
Nationwide

First Internet Bank offers a variety of refinance and home equity options for conventional, FHA and VA loans. While it offers competitive refinance rates, requirements are stricter than average, and the company is not transparent about what those requirements are. You will need to go through the preapproval process to know what refinancing options are available for you.

The company has assistance available via phone or live chat, and you can use one of its online calculators to figure out how much home you can afford, what your mortgage payment might look like and more. There are no refinancing calculators, however.

  • Online application process
  • Available in all 50 states
  • HELOC and home equity loans
  • Requires a 620 credit score for FHA and VA loans
  • No in-person branches
  • No USDA loan refinancing

Many reviewers praised First Internet Bank for having the lowest rates for their needs and making it simple to compare the rate with competitors. More positive reviews mentioned how easy the mortgage and refinance process was. “All phases of our mortgage refinance went smoothly. All our questions were answered promptly,” said a reviewer in Montana.

Lowest fees
Refinancing options
Cash out, rate-and-term
Minimum credit score
Low- to mid-600s
Availability
Most states

Network Capital Funding offers refinancing on conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans without fees. You can lock in your rate without worrying about paying extra for processing and underwriting. It offers a streamlined online application process and competitive rates. There are no fees of any kind to qualified borrowers, including application, organization, rate lock, processing or underwriting fees. You may still need to pay closing costs.

Network Capital Funding says that it saved the average refinance customer $762 per month in the first part of 2022 through its “Smart Refinance” program. And with the RefiNow option, homeowners can refinance with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of up to 97%.

  • No lender fees
  • Relaxed credit score requirements
  • Rate lock
  • Not available in all states
  • No mobile app
  • No USDA loan refinancing

Overall, customers were happy with the rates and low fees from Network Capital Funding, with one customer sharing that they did not have to pay lender fees for their second refinance with the company. Another customer from Colorado said, “They were able to save me quite a bit of money by eliminating some charges that I shouldn't have been paying for in the first place.”

Best mobile app
Refinancing options
Cash out, rate-and-term
Minimum credit score
580 - 620
Availability
Nationwide

With Mr. Cooper, homeowners can refinance their conventional, jumbo, VA or FHA loan. The mobile app is highly rated on both the Apple and Google app stores, with almost 30,000 reviews. Customers are able to manage their mortgage and monitor their FICO score anywhere at any time through the app.

Mr. Cooper also offers a wide availability of its services. Not only is it available in all 50 states; it’s also available in Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You will need to contact the company directly to get details about your refinancing options, qualification requirements, fees and closing day.

Note that a refinance with Mr. Cooper does come with fees, such as title, application, origination and inspection fees.

  • Online loan tracking
  • 100% U.S.-based customer service
  • Transparent with costs and rates
  • No in-person service
  • No USDA loan refinancing
  • Mortgage application and origination fees

Mr. Cooper customers felt well-informed through the whole refinance process, noting that closing happened faster than expected. One customer from Iowa said, “They kept us informed at every step of the process. Answered every question we had quickly and made us feel like we were the only people they were working with. The entire process took only one month from start to closing.”

Best for VA refinancing
Refinancing options
IRRRL, cash-out
Minimum credit score
Varies
Availability
Nationwide

Veterans United is a home lender specializing in VA mortgages and refinancing loans for veterans and their families. Eligible homeowners have two choices when it comes to refinancing through Veterans United:

  • VA streamline (IRRRL) refinance: This is a quick way to secure a lower rate while still keeping your VA loan. You must have a current VA loan to qualify.
  • Cash-out refinance: Access your home’s equity for debt consolidation, home improvement and more. You can do this with a VA or conventional loan.

Refinancing a VA loan has similar eligibility requirements as a VA home loan purchase. You can qualify if you served on active duty for more than 90 consecutive days during wartime or more than 181 days of service during peacetime. National Guard and Reservists qualify after six years of service. Select surviving military spouses are also eligible.

  • Specializes in VA loan programs
  • Available nationwide
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Only for veterans and select military-connected borrowers
  • No HELOCs
  • Limited in-person branch locations

Many customers were impressed with how well Veterans Home United Loans explained the process, saying the company representatives were experts in complex VA matters and very veteran-friendly. One reviewer from Georgia said, “... I had a personal emergency in regards to my home, and I emailed very late on a Friday expecting a response on Monday. He returned my email before the next morning and delivered exactly what I needed. This shows that he really cares about his customers.”

Quickest pre-qualifications
Refinancing options
Cash out, rate-and-term
Minimum credit score
Varies
Availability
Some states

ClearPath Lending offers refinancing loans for VA, FHA and conventional mortgages. Additionally, ClearPath Lending has a best-price guarantee and will consider matching competitor rates. The company claims you can prequalify for a mortgage in as little as 15 minutes, but it’s unclear if that applies to refinancing. You’ll need to contact the company directly to find out.

You won’t be able to access more information about ClearPath’s refinancing rates or process until you submit an application online. Alternatively, you can also call its main office during regular business hours. Online calculators are available to help you determine how much you might save with a refinance.

  • Best price guarantee
  • Loan application tracking
  • Loyalty program
  • Application process isn't entirely online
  • Not available in all states
  • Recent ruling over VA advertising

Customers appreciated how easy the loan process was and how diligent ClearPath’s customer service was at answering questions and returning calls. “Everything that he said turned about and happened just as he said it would. I've refinanced a lot of loans and you'd be surprised at how much honesty there isn't out there,” said a reviewer reviewer in Idaho.

While many reviewers were surprised at how fast the refinance was, others felt the underwriting process was cumbersome and slowed things down.

Best customer service
Refinancing options
Rate-and-term, cash-out, VA IRRRL
Minimum credit score
Varies
Availability
Most states

North American Savings Bank offers a variety of refinance options for borrowers, including cash-out, rate-and-term and VA refinancing. You can find recent refinance rates and fees published directly on its site, so you can compare lenders before submitting your application.

While available nationwide, North American Savings Bank has a local feel and approach to customer service. Kansas City can benefit from the physical branch locations, but customers can get assistance nationwide via phone, email or online chat.

  • Nationwide service
  • Mortgage assistance programs
  • Nontraditional mortgage options
  • No branches outside Missouri
  • No USDA loans
  • Long refinance process

Homeowners can expect great customer service from North American Savings Bank; many reviews praise loan officers for being friendly and efficient. One customer from Washington sums up how most reviewers feel about North American Savings Bank: “The experience was easy, and our loan consultant was very responsive. Although the process was a lengthy one due to demand, our loan consultant was good about providing status updates.”

However, many felt the refinance process took longer than expected. More than one reviewer said that their refinance process took between three to four months to complete.

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What is mortgage refinancing?

Mortgage refinancing is what happens when a mortgage holder replaces their existing mortgage loan with one that has different terms. Some reasons to get a refinancing loan include:

Some people may also obtain a refinance to get cash out of their home equity for home improvements, debt consolidation, tuition or investment.

The application process for a mortgage refinance is similar to that of your original mortgage. You’ll need proof of income, employment and assets. Additionally, you’ll need to provide homeowners insurance information and your homeowners association representative’s name and contact information (if applicable). Streamlined refinancing programs, which require less documentation, are available for FHA, VA and USDA loans.

Pros and cons of refinancing

Depending on your financial goals, the biggest advantages to refinancing your mortgage are reducing your monthly payment or converting some of your equity into cash. The former saves you money, while the latter gives you access to funds you can spend or invest.

The main downside to refinancing is that you’ll have to pay closing costs and reduce your home equity (in a cash-out refinance). If you are refinancing to a shorter term, your monthly payment will likely be higher.

Pros

  • Reduce interest rate and get better terms
  • Switch to a fixed-rate product to lock in a low rate
  • Lower monthly payment
  • Convert equity to cash with a cash-out refinance

Cons

  • Closing costs can get expensive
  • Cash-out refinance reduces your home equity
  • Hard inquiry shows up on credit report
  • Monthly payment may be higher if you’re refinancing to a shorter term

How to choose a refinance lender

Like any big financial decision, refinancing a mortgage can seem like a complicated process. Refinancing is popular because it’s so versatile — you can use it to get cash out, lower payments, consolidate debt, remove private mortgage insurance and more.

Here are some tips for choosing the right refinance lender:

  1. Compare lenders: Just like when you first bought your home, it’s smart to shop around for the best refinance rate. Generally, it’s good if you can lower your current rate by 1% to 2%. It all really comes down to what your “break-even point” is, or how long it takes to make up your refinancing costs before you start to benefit from the lower rate.
  2. Look beyond rates: Ideally, you’ll get a lower rate, but that’s not the only thing to consider. Don’t forget about factors like customer service and closing costs. It might be to your advantage to accept a slightly higher rate if you can save on closing costs. For more, read about how refinancing a mortgage works.
  3. Negotiate lender fees: Know when to lock a rate in. You can pit lenders against each other, stirring up some healthy competition that will likely work to your advantage.
  4. Read reviews: Reading verified reviews is a good way to get a sense of homeowners’ experiences with a refinance lender. Keep an eye out for red flags — avoid companies if you notice a pattern of feedback regarding poor customer service or high-pressure tactics.
  5. Always read the fine print: Before you sign anything, it’s crucial that you thoroughly read your loan agreement, paying attention to the loan amount, loan term, interest rate, taxes, insurance and other costs and fees. Homeowners who are happiest with their refinance terms have a good understanding of what they are getting from their lender.

Let your financial goals inform where you start looking for a lender. Keep in mind, too, that a mortgage broker can help you compare lenders if you want to save time.

FAQ

How long does it take to refinance a house?

On average, it takes most people between 30 and 45 days to refinance a house. However, there can be unexpected delays related to inspections, appraisals and other parts of the process. It’s not uncommon for it to take up to two months or longer in some situations.

When should I refinance my mortgage?

Refinancing makes the most sense when you have the opportunity to lower your rate or when you need access to funds from your home equity. Usually, it makes more sense to refinance when you plan to stay in the house for a while. You also have to take into account how soon you can refinance a mortgage.

How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?

The cost to refinance a mortgage depends on several factors, including the size of the loan, your location, your financial history and your existing home equity. Generally, it costs between 2% and 6% of the total loan balance. For example, for a $150,000 mortgage refinance, expect to pay between $3,000 and $9,000 at closing. You can pay closing costs out of pocket or roll them into the loan.

What do I need to refinance my house?

Specific refinancing requirements vary depending on the loan type (conventional, VA, FHA, etc.) and the lender through which you obtain it. A few basic requirements include a certain amount of equity, a maximum LTV ratio, a minimum credit score and a maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

Should I refinance with my current mortgage company?

Refinancing with your first mortgage lender can sometimes be easier. The company already has much of your information on file, so you may not need to start completely over supplying documentation. At the same time, switching your mortgage over to another financial institution can be worth the hassle if it saves you money in the long term.

Methodology

We started with a list of 26 mortgage lenders that specialize in refinancing. To narrow it down, we first eliminated companies with an overall satisfaction rating below 3.5 stars.

To select top picks, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team then analyzed recent verified review data published on our site over the last 12 months (June 12, 2020, through June 12, 2021). We required all of our picks to have a minimum 2:1 ratio of 5-star reviews to 1-star reviews over this time period.

We also considered the availability of products and overall online experience when selecting our top lenders.

Not sure how to choose?

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