Better Mortgage Review: Is It the Right Option for You?
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHC
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHC
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Better Mortgage is a digital-first lender that offers loans in all 50 states. Its loan options include conventional, fixed and adjustable rate, Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Affairs (VA) and jumbo. Borrowers can choose rate-and-term or cash-out refinancing, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). The lender’s price guarantee promises to match a lower rate or pay $100, and verified approval can happen in as little as one day. Read on to see how Better Mortgage works and whether it’s the right fit for you.
How the Better Mortgage Process Works
Applying for a home loan with Better Mortgage takes only a few minutes and you can do it online.
Application Process
Better Mortgage’s application process is entirely online. You can submit your application, upload documents and track loan status all through its digital platform.
Speed of Preapproval
Basic preapproval takes three minutes and involves a soft credit check.
Receiving a verified approval involves a hard credit inquiry and can take up to 24 hours.Â
How Documents Are Submitted
The following documents are required for the approval process:Â
- W-2 and 1099 forms from the past two yearsÂ
- Recent pay stubsÂ
- Bank statements and investment account summariesÂ
- Federal income tax returnsÂ
- Proof of additional income source
These can be submitted only via online upload.Â
Level of Customer Support
Better Mortgage provides customer support primarily through phone and email. You can contact the support team at (415) 523-8837 for assistance.
Better Mortgage Loan Options
Better Mortgage offers many mortgage loan types, including FHA, VHA, jumbo and even home equity loans. Here’s what each option offers:
Conventional Loans
Better Mortgage offers a couple of conventional mortgages — fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. The fixed-rate mortgage has the following features and requirements:Â
- 5% minimum down payment
- A 620 minimum score
- A debt-to-income ratio of 50% or less
- Best for: Homebuyers who prefer to stay in their home over a long period of time
FHA
FHA loans are backed by the government. Here are the key features:
- Easier credit qualification compared to other loans
- Down payments as low as 3.5%
- Mortgage insurance required
- Debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less
- Best for: Homebuyers who have lower credit scores
VA
If you’re a current or former military member, you’re eligible for a VA loan. Check out the highlights of this loan:Â
- No down payment required
- No private mortgage insurance required
- Competitive interest rates
- A minimum 620 score required
- Applicable only to primary residences
- Best for: Eligible veterans, active-duty service members and their families
Jumbo Loans
Jumbo loans are available for larger properties. Their highlights and requirements include:Â
- A 10.01% minimum deposit requirement
- Ability to borrow up to $3 million based on different factors
- Debt-to-income ratio of 43% or lower
- Best for: People seeking high-value properties
Home Equity Loans
A home equity loan is a refinance option suited for borrowers who require a lump sum for a specific purpose.Â
- Up to 90% of home equity available to borrow
- Variable interest rates
- Ideal for primary residences, second homes and investment properties
- Best for: People seeking a lump sum to cover large, one-time expenses
Pros and Cons of a Better Mortgage
Getting a loan through Better Mortgage is quick and easy, but there are a few drawbacks to know.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully online process | No USDA loans available |
| Competitive rates | Limited customer service access |
| 24-hour complete approval option |
Better vs. Other Mortgage Lenders
How does Better stack up against other mortgage lenders? Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Lender | Apply Online | Fast approval | In-Person Help | Loan Types | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Better Mortgage | Yes | Yes, up to one day | No | Conventional, FHA, jumbo, refinance, home equity loans and HELOCs | Those who prefer to get a mortgage online |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | Full approval takes up to 2 weeks | Yes | Standard loans, VA and FHA loans plus specialized loans, including a loan for first-time homebuyers | Customers who prefer in-person help |
| Chase | Yes | One to three days | Yes | Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo loans | Digital-first users who also want the stability of a big bank |
| Rocket Mortgage | Yes | Often within minutes | No | Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo | Customers who want a tech-savvy experience |
Who Should Consider a Better Mortgage?
Wondering if Better Mortgage is the right fit for you? Here’s who it works best for — and who might want to look elsewhere.
Best For
- Homebuyers who prefer an online experience
- Homebuyers looking to save money on fees
- Borrowers who want fast preapproval
Not Ideal For
- Rural buyers wanting USDA loans
- Borrowers who want in-person service
What Real Customers Say About Better Mortgage
Better Mortgage earns mostly positive — but sometimes mixed — feedback from major review platforms:
- Zillow: Rated 4.36 out of 5 stars based on 880 reviews, with many customers noting a smooth online process and responsive support.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Accredited since 2018 with an A- rating and 62 complaints reported, reflecting generally solid but mixed customer experiences.
Keep in mind that online reviews often reflect individual experiences — your own may differ.
FAQs
- Is Better Mortgage a real mortgage company?
- Yes. Better Mortgage has been in business for 22 years and is accredited by the BBB. It has an A- rating.
- How fast can I get preapproved?
- A basic approval takes three minutes. A verified approval takes longer and involves uploading financial documents — it can take up to 24 hours.
- What credit score do I need for a Better Mortgage?
- For conventional loans, you need a credit score of 620 or more. For FHA loans, you need a credit score of 580 or more.
- Can I refinance through Better?
- Yes, Better offers a cash-out refinance option, a rate-and-term refinance and a no-closing cost refinance.
- Does Better Mortgage charge high fees?
- Better doesn't charge an origination fee, and closing costs range from $1,500 to $5,500.
Data is accurate as of Nov. 18, 2025, and is subject to change.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
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- Zillow. "Better Mortgage Corporation."
- Better Business Bureau. "Better.com."
