Last updated: September 2026. This guide covers mortgage refinancing in the United States. It is educational content, not financial advice. MortgageCompass is independent and these picks are editorial, not paid placements.
Refinancing can lower your monthly payment, shorten your loan term or let you tap into your home equity. But the savings depend heavily on which company you choose. Rates, fees and service vary widely between refinance lenders, and the wrong choice can wipe out much of the benefit.
In this guide we highlight the best mortgage refinance companies for 2026 by category, explain the main types of refinance loans, and show you how to compare offers so you keep more of your savings. If you are not sure yet whether refinancing makes sense for you, start with our guide on whether you should refinance your mortgage.
Best Mortgage Refinance Companies: Quick List
| Company | Best for | Refinance options |
|---|---|---|
| Rocket Mortgage | Overall and online convenience | Rate and term, cash out, FHA streamline, VA IRRRL |
| Citi | Customer service and existing Citi clients | Rate and term, cash out, jumbo |
| Bank of America | Existing bank customers | Rate and term, cash out, FHA, VA |
| Veterans United | VA streamline refinances (IRRRL) | VA IRRRL, VA cash out, conventional |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | Military members and their families | VA, conventional and credit union refinance programs |
| Pennymac | FHA and VA borrowers | Rate and term, cash out, FHA streamline, VA IRRRL |
| UWM (through brokers) | Borrowers who want a broker to shop for them | Rate and term, cash out, government loans |
Product availability, rates, fees and requirements change often and can vary by state. Always confirm details with the lender.
How We Chose These Companies
We focused on factors that matter most when you refinance:
- Customer satisfaction, including results from the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study.
- Size and experience, using 2025 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data and each lender’s track record with refinances.
- Range of refinance products, such as rate and term, cash out, FHA streamline and VA IRRRL loans.
- Nationwide availability.
- Ease of the process, including online tools and support options.
We did not rank companies by advertised rates, because refinance rates change daily and depend on your credit, equity, loan type and location. The only way to find your best rate is to compare personalized offers.
The Best Refinance Companies of 2026, Reviewed
1. Rocket Mortgage: Best Overall
Rocket Mortgage closed more loans than any other US lender in 2025, according to HMDA data, and has handled huge volumes of refinances over the years. Its online platform lets you apply, upload documents and track your refinance from start to finish.
Why we like it:
- A fast, fully digital process that suits busy homeowners.
- A wide choice of refinance options, including cash out and government streamline loans.
- Strong experience with high refinance volumes when rates fall.
Things to consider: Rocket’s quotes are not always the cheapest, so compare its Loan Estimate with at least two other lenders.
2. Citi: Best for Customer Service
Citi ranked highest in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study, scoring 802 out of 1,000 against an industry average of 760. A smooth, well communicated process can make a big difference when you are juggling paperwork and deadlines.
Why we like it:
- The top customer satisfaction score in the 2025 study.
- Possible relationship pricing for existing Citi banking customers.
- Options for larger loans, including jumbo refinances.
Things to consider: Its best pricing is often linked to having other accounts with Citi, and its branch network is smaller than some competitors’.
3. Bank of America: Best for Existing Bank Customers
Bank of America placed second in the J.D. Power 2025 study with a score of 792. If you already bank there, you may qualify for reduced lender fees through its rewards program.
Why we like it:
- High customer satisfaction scores.
- Conventional, FHA and VA refinance options.
- Potential fee discounts for existing customers.
Things to consider: The biggest discounts usually go to customers with larger balances. If you do not bank there, compare its offer carefully with other lenders.
4. Veterans United: Best for VA Streamline Refinances
Veterans United specializes in VA loans and is one of the largest VA lenders in the country. That makes it a strong choice for the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), often called a VA streamline refinance.
Why we like it:
- Deep expertise in VA refinances, including IRRRL and VA cash out loans.
- Loan officers who understand military benefits and entitlement.
- Educational resources for veterans and service members.
Things to consider: Its main strength is VA lending. If you have a conventional or FHA loan and are not VA eligible, other companies may be a better fit. Learn more in our guide to VA loan requirements.
5. Navy Federal Credit Union: Best for Military Families
Navy Federal serves service members, veterans, Department of Defense personnel and their families. As a credit union, it often offers competitive pricing and its own refinance programs alongside VA loans.
Why we like it:
- Refinance programs built for military households.
- VA and conventional refinance options.
- A strong reputation for member service.
Things to consider: You must meet its membership requirements, which are tied to a military or Department of Defense connection.
6. Pennymac: Best for FHA and VA Borrowers
Pennymac is one of the largest mortgage lenders and servicers in the US, with extensive experience in government backed loans. It is a good option to compare if you currently have an FHA or VA loan.
Why we like it:
- FHA streamline and VA IRRRL refinance options.
- Rate and term and cash out refinances.
- Large scale and long experience with government loans.
Things to consider: As with any lender, compare its fees and rate carefully with at least two other offers.
7. UWM (Through Brokers): Best for Rate Shoppers
United Wholesale Mortgage was the largest US lender by dollar volume in 2025, according to HMDA data. It works only through independent mortgage brokers, who can compare UWM’s pricing with other wholesale lenders on your behalf.
Why we like it:
- A broker can shop several lenders for you at once.
- Wholesale pricing is often competitive.
- A wide range of refinance products.
Things to consider: You cannot apply with UWM directly, and your experience depends on the broker you choose. Ask how the broker is paid and compare their offer with a direct lender.
Types of Refinance Loans
Before you choose a company, it helps to know which kind of refinance you need.
| Refinance type | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rate and term refinance | Replaces your loan with a new rate, term or both | Lowering your rate or changing your loan length |
| Cash out refinance | Borrows more than you owe and pays you the difference | Funding renovations or major expenses using home equity |
| FHA streamline refinance | Refinances an FHA loan with reduced paperwork | Existing FHA borrowers seeking a lower payment |
| VA IRRRL | Refinances a VA loan with reduced paperwork | Existing VA borrowers seeking a lower rate |
| Conventional refinance from FHA | Moves an FHA loan to a conventional loan | Removing FHA mortgage insurance once you have enough equity |
Cash out refinance limits
Cash out refinances let you borrow against your home, but lenders limit how much. For conventional loans, you can usually borrow up to about 80% of your home’s value. VA cash out refinances can go higher for eligible borrowers. Remember that cash out increases your debt and is secured by your home, so use it carefully.
Streamline refinances
FHA streamline and VA IRRRL loans are designed to make refinancing easier for existing government loan borrowers. They often skip the appraisal and full income verification, but they must provide a clear benefit, such as a lower rate or a move from an adjustable to a fixed rate. The VA IRRRL carries a funding fee of 0.5% of the loan amount unless you are exempt.
How to Compare Refinance Companies
1. Get at least three Loan Estimates
Every lender must give you a standardized Loan Estimate within three business days of your application. Compare the interest rate, APR, lender fees, points and total closing costs side by side.
2. Calculate your break even point
Divide your total refinance costs by your monthly savings to see how many months it takes to recover the costs. If you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the refinance is more likely to pay off.
3. Compare total interest, not just the payment
A lower monthly payment can hide a higher total cost if you reset your loan to a new 30 year term. Look at the total interest over the life of each option.
4. Check your current lender
Your current lender or servicer may offer a competitive rate or reduced fees to keep your business. Ask for a quote, but do not assume it is the best deal.
5. Watch for “no closing cost” offers
Some lenders offer refinances with no upfront closing costs, but they usually charge a higher interest rate or add the costs to your loan. These can make sense if you plan to move or refinance again soon.
Refinance Costs to Expect
Refinancing a US mortgage usually costs around 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Common costs include:
- Origination or underwriting fees.
- Appraisal fee (sometimes waived on streamline loans).
- Title search and title insurance.
- Recording fees and local taxes.
- Credit report fees.
- Discount points, if you choose to buy down your rate.
On a $300,000 refinance, that could mean roughly $6,000 to $15,000 in costs, which is why the break even calculation matters so much.
Tips to Get the Best Refinance Deal
- Boost your credit score before applying. See our guide on what credit score you need to buy a house, since the same factors apply to refinancing.
- Build equity. A lower loan to value ratio often means better rates and no mortgage insurance.
- Keep your debts low to improve your debt to income ratio.
- Shop within a short window. Multiple mortgage inquiries within a short period usually count as one for credit scoring.
- Negotiate. Show competing Loan Estimates to your preferred lender and ask them to match.
- Check today’s rates on our current mortgage rates page so you know what a competitive offer looks like.
Red Flags When Choosing a Refinance Company
Most lenders are reputable, but refinancing attracts some aggressive marketing. Be cautious if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Pressure to refinance again and again. Repeated refinancing that adds fees each time without a real benefit is sometimes called loan churning.
- Unsolicited offers that look official. Mailers designed to look like they come from your current lender or a government agency may be from a different company.
- Fees that grow near closing without a clear explanation or a revised disclosure.
- Encouragement to take more cash out than you need, which increases your debt and puts more of your home’s equity at risk.
- Requests for upfront payments before you have received a Loan Estimate.
- An unlicensed lender or broker. You can verify any mortgage company or loan officer on the NMLS Consumer Access website.
If something feels wrong, pause and get a second opinion before signing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company has the lowest refinance rates?
No single company has the lowest rates for everyone. Your rate depends on your credit score, equity, loan type and the day you apply. Comparing several Loan Estimates is the best way to find your lowest rate.
Can I refinance with my current lender?
Yes. Many homeowners refinance with their current lender or servicer, and some offer loyalty discounts. Still, compare their offer with other companies before deciding.
How long does a refinance take?
Many refinances close within 30 to 45 days, although streamline loans can be faster and complex cases can take longer.
Can I refinance with bad credit?
It is possible, especially through FHA streamline or VA IRRRL programs, which have more flexible requirements. Conventional refinances usually require stronger credit.
The Bottom Line
The best mortgage refinance companies for 2026 include Rocket Mortgage for overall convenience, Citi and Bank of America for customer service, Veterans United and Navy Federal for military borrowers, Pennymac for FHA and VA loans and UWM through brokers for rate shoppers. Each has strengths, but the right choice depends on your loan type, credit and goals.
Before you refinance, calculate your break even point, compare at least three Loan Estimates and look at the total cost over the life of the loan. If you are unsure, a licensed mortgage professional can help you decide whether refinancing will truly save you money.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. MortgageCompass is not affiliated with the companies mentioned. Picks reflect our editorial assessment based on public data, including the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study and 2025 HMDA data. Products, rates, fees and eligibility change frequently; always confirm details directly with the lender.