Top Picks for the Best Mortgage Company for Refinance in 2026

January 16, 2026

Find the best mortgage company for refinance in 2026. We review top lenders like CrossCountry Mortgage, Rocket Mortgage, and more.

Homeowner with keys, symbolizing mortgage refinance success.

Thinking about refinancing your mortgage in 2026? It’s a smart move if you can snag a better interest rate or tap into your home's equity. But with so many companies out there, picking the best mortgage company for refinance can feel like a puzzle. We looked at a bunch of lenders, checking out their rates, fees, and how happy their customers are, to help you find a good fit. This list is all about helping you find the best mortgage company for refinance.

Key Takeaways

  • CrossCountry Mortgage: Best Overall Rate and Fast Closing Times.
  • New American Funding: Known for offering low rates.
  • Navy Federal Credit Union: A top choice for military members.
  • Rocket Mortgage: Stands out for customer satisfaction.
  • Bank of America: Good for refinancing larger loans.

1. CrossCountry Mortgage

Modern office with city view, symbolizing financial success.

CrossCountry Mortgage really stands out when you're looking for a refinance option, especially if you're hoping to get things done quickly. They've earned a top spot in our reviews for a good reason. Their ability to close loans in as little as 10 days is pretty impressive, which can be a huge deal if you're trying to lock in a rate before it changes.

What makes them a strong contender is their approach to accessibility. They tend to have lower credit score requirements compared to some other lenders, with some loan products not even having a minimum score. This opens the door for more people to potentially refinance. Plus, they offer a good variety of loan types, including rate-and-term, FHA, VA, cash-out, and renovation loans, with both fixed and adjustable rates available.

Here's a quick look at some of their features:

  • Loan Variety: Rate and term, FHA, VA, USDA, cash-out, renovation loans, and HELOCs.
  • Rate Options: Both fixed and adjustable rates are on the table.
  • Closing Speed: Can close in as little as 10 days.
  • Credit Score Flexibility: Minimum scores can be as low as 500 for certain products.

While they don't show sample rates or fees directly on their website, which can be a bit of a drawback, their overall package, especially the speed and accessibility, makes them a solid choice for many homeowners looking to refinance.

When you're comparing refinance options, it's easy to get caught up in just the interest rate. But remember to look at the whole picture – closing costs, loan terms, and how quickly you can actually get the money or the new rate locked in. CrossCountry Mortgage seems to focus on making that whole process smoother and faster.

2. New American Funding

New American Funding office interior with people collaborating.

New American Funding is a solid choice if you're looking to refinance and want to snag a lower interest rate. They often come in with rates that are a bit better than what other big companies are offering. Plus, they're known for being pretty quick with the closing process, which is always a plus when you're dealing with all the paperwork involved in refinancing.

One of the standout features is their willingness to work with a wider range of credit scores. While you'll still need to meet certain criteria, they have options that might be accessible even if your credit isn't perfect. This can open doors for people who might have been shut out by other lenders.

Here's a quick look at what they offer for refinances:

  • Rate and Term Refinances: This is your standard refinance to get a better interest rate or change your loan term.
  • Cash-Out Refinances: If you need to tap into your home's equity for other expenses, this lets you borrow more than you currently owe and take the difference in cash.
  • HELOCs: Home Equity Lines of Credit are also available, giving you a revolving credit line secured by your home.
  • FHA and VA Streamline Refinances: These are specific options for homeowners with FHA or VA loans, often with simpler processes.
While New American Funding often boasts competitive rates, it's always a good idea to compare their offers with a few other lenders. The exact rate you get depends on many factors, including your credit score, the loan type, and current market conditions. Don't just take one company's word for it; shopping around is key to finding the best deal for your specific situation.

They also have a pretty wide reach, serving customers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This makes them a convenient option for many homeowners across the country. If getting a good rate and a relatively smooth process are high on your refinance checklist, New American Funding is definitely worth a closer look.

3. Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union is a solid choice, especially if you're a member of the military or a veteran. They really focus on VA loans, which can come with some pretty sweet benefits for those who qualify. It's not just for active duty folks either; veterans and even their families can often join.

When it comes to refinancing, Navy Federal has a few options. They offer standard rate and term refinances, which is great if you just want to lower your monthly payment or interest rate. They also do cash-out refinances, letting you tap into your home's equity for other needs. For those with VA loans, their VA streamline refinance is designed to be a simpler process.

One thing that stands out is their Special Freedom Lock. This lets you lock in your interest rate for a longer period, 60 days, which can be helpful if you're worried about rates going up while your refinance is being processed. Plus, they sometimes let you adjust your rate down a couple of times without charging extra, which is a nice perk.

Keep in mind that Navy Federal is a credit union, meaning you usually need to be a member to do business with them. While their membership requirements are generally more open than some other credit unions, it's still something to check before you get too far into the process. They also tend to stick to VA and conventional loan types, so if you're looking for something more specialized, you might need to look elsewhere.

Here's a quick look at what they offer for refinances:

  • Rate and Term Refinance: Aimed at lowering your monthly payment or interest rate.
  • Cash-Out Refinance: Allows you to borrow against your home equity.
  • VA Streamline Refinance: A simplified process for existing VA loan holders.

While they don't always advertise specific minimum credit scores publicly like some big banks, having a good credit history will always help you get the best rates. It's worth reaching out to them directly to see what your options are, especially if you're already a member.

4. Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage has consistently been a top choice for many looking to refinance, and it's easy to see why. They really focus on making the whole process as smooth as possible, especially if you're doing it all online. It's no surprise they often get high marks in customer satisfaction surveys.

One of the big draws is their technology. You can apply, get approved, and even close on your loan without leaving your couch. This digital-first approach means things can move pretty quickly. For instance, their average closing time for refinances is often around 21 days, which is significantly faster than the national average.

Here's a quick look at what they generally offer:

  • Types of Refinance Loans: Conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans. This includes rate-and-term, adjustable-rate, and cash-out options.
  • Minimum Credit Score: Typically around 620 for conventional loans, though it can be lower for FHA and VA loans.
  • Availability: They operate in all 50 states and Washington D.C.

They are a leading lender for refinancing conventional loans. While their online platform is a major plus, it's worth noting that some borrowers have reported higher-than-average closing costs in the past. It’s always a good idea to compare the total costs, not just the interest rate, when you're looking at different lenders. If you're interested in seeing what Rocket Mortgage might offer, they have tools to help you estimate potential savings.

When considering a refinance, it's important to look at the entire picture. While a lower interest rate is the main goal, understanding all the fees involved and how long the process might take is just as important for making sure it's the right move for your financial situation.

5. Bank Of America

Bank of America is a solid choice if you're looking to refinance, especially if you already bank with them. They're known for handling larger loan amounts, with a median refinance amount of $815,000 in 2024, which is pretty significant. This makes them a good option for owners of more valuable homes.

One of the standout features is their Real Estate Center. You can pop in your address and get a feel for your home's worth by looking at similar sales in your area and its value history. This kind of info is super helpful when you're weighing your refinance options.

Existing Bank of America customers often get a nice perk with potential discounts on interest rates or origination fees. It really pays to stick with your current bank sometimes.

Here's a quick look at what they offer:

  • Loan Types: They cover the usual suspects like Conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans. For refinancing, you can look at rate-and-term, adjustable-rate, and cash-out options.
  • Customer Satisfaction: They tend to score well in customer satisfaction surveys, which is always a good sign.
  • Affordability: Bank of America gets good marks for affordability, thanks to programs that help homebuyers and competitive rates and closing costs. You can check out their homebuyer assistance programs for more details.

It's worth noting that while they don't publish minimum credit scores, their sample rates are often based on a FICO score of 740 or higher. Also, FHA and VA refinances are typically only available if you're already a Bank of America mortgage client. Still, for many, it's a reliable place to start your refinance journey.

6. Pennymac

Pennymac is a company that pops up when you're looking at mortgage refinancing, especially if you've got an FHA loan. They seem to do a lot of FHA refinances, like almost a third of their business in 2024, which is pretty significant.

What's interesting is their approach to fees. They have lender fees, and they're generally lower than what other companies charge. You can either pay a flat fee of $500 or about 0.95% of the loan amount. Both of those are usually less than the typical 1% to 2% you see elsewhere. They also mention showing refinance rates after you put in some details like your property value, how much you owe, if you want cash out, your ZIP code, and your credit score range. That's kind of neat because you get a personalized look right away.

Here's a quick rundown of what they offer:

  • Loan Types: They handle conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and even jumbo loans. For refinancing specifically, they do rate-and-term, adjustable-rate, cash-out, FHA Streamline, and VA IRRRL.
  • Credit Score Minimums: For conventional loans, you'll need a 620 credit score. If you're looking at FHA, VA, or USDA loans, the minimum drops to 580.
  • Availability: Good news here, they work in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Pennymac can be a solid choice if you're looking to refinance an FHA loan and want potentially lower upfront lender fees.

However, it's not all perfect. While they might have had lower interest rates for some borrowers in 2024, the flip side was that their loan costs could be higher than average. So, you really need to compare the total cost, not just the interest rate, when you're looking at Pennymac.

When you're comparing mortgage companies, it's easy to get caught up in just the advertised interest rate. But remember to look at all the fees involved. Sometimes a slightly higher interest rate with lower fees can save you more money in the long run, and vice versa. It's all about the total picture.

7. Veterans United

When it comes to refinancing a VA loan, Veterans United is a name that comes up a lot. They're known for handling a huge number of VA loans, so they really know their stuff when it comes to the ins and outs of these specific mortgages. If you're a service member or a veteran looking to refinance, they've got you covered with all the VA refinance options, including cash-out, IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan), and even jumbo loans if you need them.

One of the standout features is their customer service. They offer 24/7 support, which is pretty great considering their client base is spread out all over the world. Plus, they tend to get good marks from customers, which is always a good sign when you're dealing with something as big as a mortgage.

Here's a quick look at what they offer for refinances:

  • VA Loans: This is their specialty. They handle rate-and-term refinances, cash-out refinances, and the VA IRRRL.
  • Conventional Loans: While VA loans are their main focus, they also offer refinancing for conventional mortgages.
  • 24/7 Customer Service: Available around the clock to help with any questions or issues.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Consistently receive positive feedback from borrowers.
Veterans United focuses heavily on serving the military community, which means they're well-versed in the unique benefits and requirements associated with VA loans. This specialization can make the refinancing process smoother for eligible borrowers.

While they don't offer adjustable-rate mortgages for refinances, their focus on VA loans means they're a strong contender if that's your primary need. They aim to make the process straightforward for those who have served.

8. Movement Mortgage

Movement Mortgage is a lender that might catch your eye, especially if you're looking to refinance a rental property. They offer something called Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans, which are pretty neat for investors. These loans let you use different kinds of income proof, like bank statements or profit and loss reports, instead of just traditional pay stubs. To get one of these DSCR loans, you'll generally need a credit score of at least 640, keep your loan-to-value ratio at 80% or less, and make sure the property's rent covers at least 75% of the mortgage payment.

While Movement Mortgage has specific loan products that can be helpful for certain borrowers, like investors with rental properties, they don't always make it easy to find all the details upfront. Information about closing costs, lender fees, and sample rates isn't readily available on their website. This lack of transparency can make it harder to compare them directly with other lenders.

It's worth noting that Movement Mortgage has a borrower experience score of 3.4 out of 5 stars. They do have a fast application process, which is a plus. However, potential borrowers might find that rate information isn't always easy to get a hold of on their site. If you're considering them, be prepared to ask for specific quotes. You can find out more about their borrower experience on their website.

9. Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank is a solid choice if you're looking to refinance, especially if you're in one of the states they serve. They tend to have loan costs that are lower than average, which can really add up over the life of your loan. It's not available everywhere, though, so you'll want to check if they operate in your area first.

They offer a few different types of refinances, including conventional, FHA, and jumbo loans. You can do a rate-and-term refinance, an adjustable-rate mortgage, a cash-out refinance, and even a VA IRRRL. They don't really give out specific minimum credit score requirements, saying they look at a range of factors.

One cool thing they have is the Rate Drop Protector Program. Basically, if mortgage rates go down after you've already refinanced with them, they'll waive lender fees on a future refinance. That's a nice little safety net to have.

  • Availability: Limited to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
  • Loan Types: Conventional, FHA, Jumbo, Rate-and-term, Adjustable-rate, Cash-out, VA IRRRL.
  • Perks: Potential for lower-than-median loan costs and an autopay discount for refinancing.
Fifth Third Bank might not be the biggest player nationwide, but for those in their service area, they present a compelling option for refinancing, particularly due to their focus on keeping loan costs down and offering programs like the Rate Drop Protector.

10. Citibank

Citibank is a big name in banking, and they also handle mortgage refinances. They work in all 50 states and Washington D.C., which is pretty convenient. You can look into conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans, plus different types like rate-and-term, adjustable-rate, and cash-out refinances.

One thing that stands out is that according to some analysis of 2024 data, Citibank offered loan costs that were lower than the average. Plus, they apparently scored really well in customer satisfaction surveys, even getting the top spot among all lenders in one study. If you're already a Citibank customer, you might get a little something extra, like a discount on closing costs. They even mention a specific code for a $500 discount.

However, it's not always super clear what credit score you need. They tend to say "excellent credit," which usually means a really high score, like 800 or more. Also, the sample rates they show might be lower because they've included discount points, so you have to be careful when comparing.

When thinking about refinancing with a large bank like Citibank, it's good to remember they often have broad reach and can handle many types of loans. But always check the fine print on rates and what credit score they're really looking for, especially if your credit isn't perfect.

Here's a quick look at what they offer:

  • Loan Types: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Rate-and-Term, Adjustable-Rate, Cash-Out.
  • Availability: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Customer Satisfaction: High ratings in studies like J.D. Power.
  • Potential Discounts: For existing Citibank customers and through specific promotions.

Wrapping It Up

So, that's our look at some of the top mortgage companies for refinancing in 2026. Remember, the 'best' one really depends on what you're looking for – maybe it's the lowest rate, the quickest closing, or just a company that makes you feel well taken care of. We crunched the numbers on a bunch of lenders, looking at things like interest rates, fees, and what actual customers had to say. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare a few options before you commit. What works for your neighbor might not be the perfect fit for you, so take your time and find the lender that helps you reach your financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mortgage refinancing?

Refinancing your mortgage means getting a brand new loan to pay off your old one. You might do this to get a lower interest rate, change the length of your loan, or take out cash from your home's value.

Is it a good idea to refinance my mortgage?

It can be a smart move if you can get a lower interest rate than your current loan, which could save you money each month. It also makes sense if you want to pay off your loan faster or get cash for things like home improvements.

How do I choose the best company to refinance with?

There's no single 'best' company for everyone. You should look for a company that offers the type of loan you need, is clear about all the costs and rates, and helps you get the best deal possible. It's smart to compare offers from a few different companies.

Can I get a better rate by refinancing with my current lender?

Maybe, but not always. While your current lender might offer you a deal, it's often a good idea to check with other lenders too. You might find a better interest rate or lower fees elsewhere.

What's the difference between refinancing and a home equity loan?

When you refinance, you replace your entire mortgage with a new one. A home equity loan is a separate loan that you take out using the value of your home as collateral, in addition to your existing mortgage.

How long does the refinancing process take?

The time it takes can vary, but it's often similar to when you first bought your home. Some companies are faster than others, with some closing loans in as little as 10 days, while others might take 30 to 45 days or more.

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