--- title: 5 Best Mortgage Refinance Companies of August description: With interest rates projected to stay low well into 2021, homeowners can take advantage of historically low refinance options to reduce their monthly payments by… authors: - name: Heidi Rivera role: Staff Writer url: https://money.com/author/heidi-rivera/ bio: Heidi is a personal finance writer specializing in credit repair and consumer debt. at_money_since: 2019 articles: 40 covers: - Mortgages - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Credit Cards - Economy and Politics - Education - Housing - Identity Theft - Loans - Personal Finance - Professional Services - Taxes former_staff: true - name: Andrea Agostini Ferrer role: Lead Staff Writer url: https://money.com/author/andrea-agostini/ bio: Andrea has been writing for Money Group since 2020. Her articles, which have been featured across a wide variety of publications, have helped our readers navigate multiple areas of personal finance including credit, loans and insurance. She's currently part of our team of insurance experts, specializing in travel and pet insurance. education: University of Puerto Rico at_money_since: 2020 articles: 62 covers: - Mortgages - Banking - Business - Credit - Credit Cards - Debt - Economy and Politics - Education - Health and Wellness - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Lifestyle - Loans - Personal Finance - Pets - Professional Services - Retirement - Shopping - Taxes - name: Joan Pabón role: General Finance and Senior Insurance Editor url: https://money.com/author/joan-pabon/ bio: Joan Pabón is a former Money editor specializing in insurance. During her time at Money, she led a team of writers in crafting in-depth articles on a broad range of insurance topics, from life and health to property and casualty insurance. Her work has been featured in well-known online publications such as Yahoo Finance, MSN Money, and the Miami Herald. education: University of Puerto Rico at_money_since: 2019 articles: 7 covers: - Mortgages - Banking - Business - Credit - Economy and Politics - Health and Wellness - Insurance - Investing - Lifestyle - Loans - Personal Finance - Pets - Professional Services - Technology social: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-pabon-b03b6082/ former_staff: true published: '2021-08-01T17:23:15.000Z' modified: '2021-08-02T16:45:18.000Z' section: Mortgages tags: - Adsbymoney word_count: 1322 canonical: https://money.com/best-mortgage-refinance-msn/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We may earn a fee if you click on the links below. Compensation does not determine ranking. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![house with calculator over it 2021 Money Best Mortgage Refinance](https://img.money.com/2021/01/Money-Best-Mortgage-Refinance-2021.jpg) With interest rates projected to stay low well into 2021, homeowners can take advantage of historically low refinance options to reduce their monthly payments by as much as $1,000 or lower their loan terms and pay off their mortgage quicker. To make the decision easier, we have a [mortgage refinance calculator](https://money.com/mortgage-refinance-calculator/) that can help you estimate how much you might be able to save. ## Our Top Picks for Best Mortgage Refinance Companies of 2021 - [Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans](#rocket): Best Overall - [Bank of America](<#bank of america>): Best for Member Discounts - [Loan Depot](<#loan depot>): Best for Online Mortgage Refinancing - [Navy Federal](#navy): Best from Credit Union - [Nationwide](#nationwide): Best for Borrowers with Poor Credit ## Check August Refinance Rates in Your Local Area ### You may be able to reduce your payments with the help of lower interest rates. Click on your state to find out how. [View Today's Refinance Rates](https://money.com/pr/r32d9c590e12?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%2F&url=%2Fp%2Fquicken-loans-mortgage-refinance-review%3Fap_referrer%3D%252Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%252F%26pcuid%3Dr32d9c590e12%26pd%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.lmbahsj2.com%252F2B4SBT3%252F964QF6%252F%253Fsub1%253D14282%2526sub2%253Dabm-refi%2526sub4%253DMoney%26vertical_alias%3Dmortgage-refinance%26wafid%3D14282) We selected our top 5 picks for best mortgage refinancing companies, as an extension of Money’s [Best Mortgage Lenders](https://money.com/best-mortgage-lenders/). However, our vetting method left out some of the largest loan originators in the US. We believe these providers are still worth mentioning in our Better Than Most section. Continued improvement in areas like customer service and information accessibility is essential for them to rank higher. ## Best Mortgage Refinance Companies Reviews ### **[Rocket Mortgage](https://money.com/pr/zf962ef1b952?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%252F) by** [**Quicken Loans**](https://money.com/pr/td453110b271?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%252F) Review - Best Refinance Lender Overall
ProsCons
Best rated for customer support, with over 3,000 Home Loan experts available 7 days a week over the phoneNo in-person service
Variety of loan products including adjustable-rate mortgage, 15- and 30-year mortgage, FHA, VA and USDA loans
Streamlined online application process with eClosing
Digital platform allows customers to import property taxes, home insurance info, and integrate with their bank
Ranked as the nation’s top refinance originator by the MBA
Features a mortgage refinance rates calculator
We chose Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans (NMLS#3030) as the best refinance mortgage lender overall because of its great track record in customer satisfaction, in-depth digital software, and web-based customer support. ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/26689/large_6508809f-2f35-4a12-891b-de71ec1923f4.png) Save time and money by refinancing online with Rocket Mortgage! [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/r91c862aa9b7?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%2F&url=%2Fp%2Frocket-mortgage-refinance-review%3Fap_referrer%3D%252Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%252F%26pcuid%3Dr91c862aa9b7%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Flaunchpad.rocketmortgage.com%252F%253Fqls%253DCAO_affrktxx.refitiertw%2526nvm%253Dfalse%2526i%253Drefinance%2526si%253D65%26vertical_alias%3Dmortgage-refinance%26wafid%3D14968) ### [**Bank of America**](https://www.bankofamerica.com/) Review - Best For Member Discounts
ProsCons
Exclusive membership discounts available on both purchase and refinance closing costsNo renovation loans
Offers conventional, 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages, FHA, VA and USDA loans along with 15- and 30-year mortgages
Preferred Rewards program members can get an up to $600 reduction of their purchase or refinance origination fees in closing costs
Preferred Rewards tiers have discount levels based on qualifying balances in Bank of America or Merrill investment accounts
Physical branch locations available nationwide
Considers alternative credit data such as utility bills and rental payment history
One of the nation’s leading mortgage leaders, Bank of America (NMLS# 399802) has comprehensive digital services, including an online tool to track the progress of your mortgage loan and refinance application in real-time. ### [**loanDepot**](https://www.loandepot.com/) Review - Best For Online Mortgage Refinance
ProsCons
Fixed-rate mortgage, ARM loans, jumbo loans, VA and FHA loans, and HARP loansLoan rates are not available online
"mello smartloan" digital platform streamlines the entire loan process, from application to closing, cutting time by u to 17 days
Lifetime guarantee to waive lender fees and reimburse appraisal fees on future refinances after using them at least once
Low number of complaints
200 locations nationwide and over 1,700 affiliated licensed loan professionals
## Check August Refinance Rates in Your Local Area ### You may be able to reduce your payments with the help of lower interest rates. Click on your state to find out how. [View Today's Refinance Rates](https://money.com/pr/r32d9c590e12?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%2F&url=%2Fp%2Fquicken-loans-mortgage-refinance-review%3Fap_referrer%3D%252Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%252F%26pcuid%3Dr32d9c590e12%26pd%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.lmbahsj2.com%252F2B4SBT3%252F964QF6%252F%253Fsub1%253D14282%2526sub2%253Dabm-refi%2526sub4%253DMoney%26vertical_alias%3Dmortgage-refinance%26wafid%3D14282) While loanDepot (NMLS# 174457) innovated a fully digital process, it still has licensed loan consultants available who can help the consumer request information on their mortgage rates and select the best mortgage product for their particular financial situation. ### [Navy Federal Credit Union](https://www.navyfederal.org/) – Best from Credit Union
ProsCons
Online pre-approval applicationMembership is limited to veterans, active-duty military, and their families
Conventional, Cash-Out, VA loans, VA Streamline, Jumbo, and Fixed and adjustable-rate mortgage loansNo FHA, USDA loans, construction loans, or reverse mortgages
Sellers can contribute up to 6% of the value of the home towards closing costs
Doesn’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Customers who close using Realty Plus may get $400-$8,000 cash-back
Navy Federal (NLMS #399807) features [Realty Plus](https://realestateperk.com/RealtyPlus/) and [Navy Federal Title Services,](https://www.navyfederaltitle.org/) tools that facilitate the mortgage refinance process for homebuyers looking to refinance or sell and buy new property. ### [Nationwide](https://www.nhlfinance.com/): Best for Borrowers with Poor Credit
ProsCons
Offers VA loans, FHA loans, Conventional loans, Jumbo loans, Refinance No Cash-Out and Cash Out optionsOnly operates in eight states: California, Colorado, Texas, Idaho, Washington, Oklahoma, Montana, North Dakota
3-year Lease Option to buy Program requires a 10% down payment and enough income for rent payment
Options for self-employed and low credit buyers
Best Rate Guarantee matches competitor’s loan estimate offers
Free consultations
Nationwide Home Loans (NMLS #331347) features a Lease Option Program during which you can live in your new home for 3 years (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. ## Want to lower your mortgage payments? Refinancing can help! ### Refinancing your mortgage with Rocket Mortgage (NMLS: 3030) has never been easier. Click below to learn more. [Start Now](https://money.com/pr/xc42e7713983?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%2F&url=%2Fp%2Frocket-mortgage-refinance-review%3Fap_referrer%3D%252Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%252F%26pcuid%3Dxc42e7713983%26skip_rechoose_link%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Flaunchpad.rocketmortgage.com%252F%253Fqls%253DCAO_AFFRKTxx.rktmapxxxx%2526nvm%253Dfalse%2526i%253Dexplore_loan_types%2526si%253D67%26vertical_alias%3Dmortgage-refinance%26wafid%3D5747) ## 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](https://money.com/what-is-a-credit-score/), debt-to-income ratio, and average loan-to-value ratio (LTV). ### Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of Less Than 50% Your debt-to-income ratio consists of all of your monthly debt payments added up and then divided by your gross monthly income. The DTI helps lenders determine your ability to manage payments and plays a key role when applying for refinancing. Lenders usually require that your debt-to-income ratio be 50% or less to qualify for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan refinance. Meanwhile, conventional loans may allow DTI ratios of up to 43%, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). To get you started, we have a [tool to calculate](https://money.com/debt-income-ratio-calculator/) your current DTI ratio. ### A Healthy FICO Credit Score Refinance lenders have minimum credit score requirements. Experian, Equifax, and My Fico are authorized FICO score retailers. However, you can still obtain [free copies of your credit report](https://money.com/struggling-financially-pulling-your-credit-report-can-help/) from the three main credit reporting bureaus — TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian — at [annualcreditreport.com](https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action) once a year. ### 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. Most lenders require that borrowers have at least 20% in equity to qualify for a refinance. ## Things You May Need to Apply 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
*[Sponsored offer]* ## Mortgage Refinance Companies ### Customer experience We looked at the refinance loan offers of the largest lenders in the industry and the ways in which they’re simplifying the application process for these types of mortgage products. We considered lenders that provided online tools, pre-approval, discounts, or exclusive refinance programs. ### Data analysis We considered lender size and reach, and reputation for customer satisfaction. To determine lender originations, we relied on the 2020 report from the [Mortgage Bankers Association](https://www.mba.org/). As for customer sentiment, we consulted [J.D. Power’s U.S. Primary Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study](https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2019-us-primary-mortgage-origination-satisfaction-study). Finally, we checked the [NMLS](https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/) (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, or “Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System”) database for any regulatory actions taken against each company we analyzed. ### Consumer feedback and expert input We vetted each based on the most important attributes of a lender according to expert interviews and consumer feedback from a short poll that ran on Money’s social media platforms. After weighing professional and consumer opinion accordingly, we identified our top picks in the mortgage refinance industry. ## Check August Refinance Rates in Your Local Area ### You may be able to reduce your payments with the help of lower interest rates. Click on your state to find out how. [View Today's Refinance Rates](https://money.com/pr/r32d9c590e12?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%2F&url=%2Fp%2Fquicken-loans-mortgage-refinance-review%3Fap_referrer%3D%252Fbest-mortgage-refinance-msn%252F%26pcuid%3Dr32d9c590e12%26pd%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.lmbahsj2.com%252F2B4SBT3%252F964QF6%252F%253Fsub1%253D14282%2526sub2%253Dabm-refi%2526sub4%253DMoney%26vertical_alias%3Dmortgage-refinance%26wafid%3D14282) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://money.com/best-mortgage-refinance-msn/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://money.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Mortgages", "item": "https://money.com/mortgages/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Mortgage Refinance", "item": "https://money.com/mortgage-refinance/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "5 Best Mortgage Refinance Companies of August" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-mortgage-refinance-msn/" }, "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is mortgage refinancing?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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 by reducing your term.

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\n\n

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The best time to refinance a mortgage is when the interest rates are lower than the one you locked in at the time of closing your mortgage. Lower interest rates will allow you to reduce your term and monthly payments.

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\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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Refinancing your mortgage can cost around 2% to 6% of your loan amount.

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Shopping around for a mortgage refinance company will help you get the best financial deal. We compared the best refinance companies and came up with a list of top companies, including Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans (Best Overall), Bank of America (Best for Member Discounts), and loanDepot (Best for Online Convenience).

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\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are today’s mortgage refinance rates?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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Mortgage and mortgage refinance rates have been declining since 2019, hitting historical lows in 2020. Here are the most recent numbers.

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