Safe Rate Rankings
Best VA Mortgage Lenders in Chicago
Rankings are a starting point, not a verdict. Safe Rate recommends speaking with 2-3 lenders to find the right fit for your home loan!
Chicago Market Insights
- Guaranteed Rate is Safe Rate's top-ranked VA lender in Chicago, leading on pricing, pullthrough, VA product expertise, and local knowledge.
- There is often a pricing vs. pullthrough tradeoff in mortgage lending. In Chicago, Nbkc Bank and Navy Federal Credit Union scores highest on VA pricing while Greenstate Credit Union and United Wholesale Mortgage leads on likelihood to close. That is why we encourage speaking with multiple lenders.
- United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) ranks #2 in Chicago, serving as the platform behind many independent local brokers who live and work in the community. A local broker knows the neighborhoods, the local market, and is personally invested in your outcome. Real estate agents often prefer referring local brokers for their accessibility and responsiveness, qualities that matter when a deal is moving fast. Pricing and experience can vary by broker.
- Popular names in Chicago: Rocket Mortgage (#10) and Guaranteed Rate (#1).
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Overall Rankings
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| Rank | Lender | Overall | Pricing | Product | Pull Through | Place | Avg Fees | Rate Spread | # of Loans | Action | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GUARANTEED RATE, INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | $2,024Fees | 0.354%Above | 5,815 | ||
2 | UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyWholesale | Exceptional | Strong* | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional | $1,875Fees | 0.444%Above | 5,055 | ||
 Verified Broker Partner Dylan HallSafe Rate Mortgage · NMLS #1658740 Dylan is a verified Safe Rate partner and licensed broker who actively works with UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC. Also approved with: PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC (#22) | |||||||||||
3 | GREENSTATE Credit Union Credit UnionDirect | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional | $894Fees | 0.049%Above | 826 | ||
4 | NBKC BANK BankDirect | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $686Fees | 0.045%Below | 147 | ||
5 | NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Credit UnionDirect | Strong | Exceptional | Exceptional | Sound | Strong | $533Fees | 0.502%Below | 312 | ||
6 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association BankDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Strong* | Exceptional | Sound | Exceptional | $1,681Fees | 0.147%Above | 5,072 | ||
7 | The Huntington National Bank BankDirect | Strong | Strong | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | $876Credit | 0.180%Above | 1,680 | ||
8 | LOANDEPOT.COM, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Sound* | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | $2,845Fees | 0.666%Above | 2,013 | ||
9 | PROPER RATE, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | Exceptional | $1,665Fees | 0.261%Above | 1,200 | ||
10 | ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Acceptable* | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional | $3,536Fees | 0.424%Above | 3,770 | ||
11 | U.S. Bank National Association BankDirect | Strong | Strong | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | $173Fees | 0.152%Above | 1,013 | ||
12 | GUARANTEED RATE AFFINITY, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Strong | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $2,082Fees | 0.494%Above | 632 | ||
13 | FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Acceptable | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional | $2,744Fees | 0.649%Above | 2,058 | ||
14 | TOWNE MORTGAGE COMPANY Independent Mortgage CompanyWholesale | Strong | Sound* | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional | $1,472Fees | 0.561%Above | 734 | ||
15 | Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Strong | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $2,442Fees | 0.486%Above | 298 | ||
16 | MLD MORTGAGE INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Strong | Strong | Strong | Strong | $2,488Fees | 0.373%Above | 213 | ||
17 | FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Strong* | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $2,052Fees | 0.567%Above | 421 | ||
18 | ARK-LA-TEX FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Sound* | Exceptional | Exceptional | Strong | $832Fees | 0.682%Above | 185 | ||
19 | CMG MORTGAGE, INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Sound | Exceptional | Exceptional | Strong | $1,617Fees | 0.414%Above | 178 | ||
20 | CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Acceptable | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | $2,831Fees | 0.552%Above | 3,117 | ||
21 | THE LOAN STORE, INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyWholesale | Strong | Sound* | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $377Fees | 0.318%Above | 717 | ||
22 | PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Strong* | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $918Fees | 0.297%Above | 493 | ||
Verified Broker Partner Dylan HallSafe Rate Mortgage · NMLS #1658740 Dylan is a verified Safe Rate partner and licensed broker who actively works with PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC. Also approved with: UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC (#2) | |||||||||||
23 | Flagstar Bank, N.A. BankDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Sound* | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $2,367Fees | 0.559%Above | 460 | ||
24 | M/I FINANCIAL, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Sound | Exceptional | Exceptional | Strong | $3,230Fees | 0.106%Above | 283 | ||
25 | MOVEMENT MORTGAGE, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Sound | Exceptional | Exceptional | Strong | $2,237Fees | 0.442%Above | 225 | ||
26 | PRIMELENDING, A PLAINSCAPITAL COMPANY Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Sound | Exceptional | Exceptional | Strong | $2,876Fees | 0.696%Above | 166 | ||
27 | NEWREZ LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Sound* | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $2,305Fees | 0.625%Above | 659 | ||
28 | BAY EQUITY LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Acceptable | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | $2,272Fees | 0.312%Above | 744 | ||
29 | UNION HOME MORTGAGE CORP. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Acceptable* | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | $1,839Fees | 0.570%Above | 819 | ||
30 | Mortgage Research Center, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Acceptable | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $2,478Fees | 0.582%Above | 637 | ||
31 | KEY MORTGAGE SERVICES, INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Sound | Strong | Strong | Exceptional | $1,736Fees | 0.344%Above | 967 | ||
32 | GUILD MORTGAGE COMPANY LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Acceptable | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $2,394Fees | 0.604%Above | 814 | ||
33 | MUTUAL OF OMAHA MORTGAGE, INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Sound | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $1,694Fees | 0.399%Above | 501 | ||
34 | AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE CORPORATION Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Mediocre | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | $3,172Fees | 0.689%Above | 1,346 | ||
35 | A & N MORTGAGE SERVICES, INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Sound | Sound | Strong | Exceptional | $1,607Fees | 0.337%Above | 1,027 | ||
36 | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association BankDirect | Strong | Sound | Exceptional | Sound | Strong | $1,683Fees | 0.061%Below | 469 | ||
37 | PLAZA HOME MORTGAGE, INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyWholesale | Strong | Sound* | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $1,315Fees | 0.500%Above | 263 | ||
38 | Barrington Bank & Trust Company, National Association BankDirect | Strong | Mediocre | Exceptional | Strong | Exceptional | $1,916Fees | 0.445%Above | 1,731 | ||
39 | LOWER, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Acceptable* | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $1,479Fees | 0.565%Above | 675 | ||
40 | GOLD STAR MORTGAGE FINANCIAL GROUP, CORPORATION Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect & Wholesale | Strong | Acceptable* | Strong | Strong | Strong | $1,880Fees | 0.415%Above | 222 | ||
41 | CIBM Bank BankDirect | Strong | Sound | Sound | Strong | Strong | $1,325Fees | 0.441%Above | 215 | ||
42 | NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Acceptable | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $3,615Fees | 0.489%Above | 361 | ||
43 | AMERICAN PORTFOLIO MORTGAGE CORPORATION Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Acceptable | Strong | Strong | Strong | $2,496Fees | 0.649%Above | 264 | ||
44 | NEW AMERICAN FUNDING, LLC Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Mediocre | Exceptional | Sound | Strong | $1,800Fees | 0.558%Above | 698 | ||
45 | Ixonia Bank BankDirect | Strong | Mediocre | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $3,413Fees | 0.815%Above | 333 | ||
46 | Nations Lending Corporation Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Mediocre | Exceptional | Exceptional | Strong | $2,557Fees | 0.504%Above | 159 | ||
47 | COMPASS MORTGAGE, INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Mediocre | Strong | Strong | Exceptional | $2,732Fees | 0.579%Above | 537 | ||
48 | LEADERONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Strong | Mediocre | Exceptional | Strong | Strong | $2,265Fees | 0.650%Above | 303 | ||
49 | The Federal Savings Bank BankDirect | Sound | Mediocre | Exceptional | Sound | Exceptional | $3,016Fees | 0.786%Above | 728 | ||
50 | UNITED HOME LOANS, INC. Independent Mortgage CompanyDirect | Sound | Acceptable | — | Strong | Exceptional | $1,965Fees | 0.395%Above | 389 | ||
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How are mortgage lenders ranked in Chicago?+−
Safe Rate ranks lenders using the 4 Ps framework, derived entirely from HMDA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) data: Pricing (how competitively a lender prices loans vs. the market benchmark), Pullthrough (how effectively a lender closes applications), Place (the lender's depth of expertise in Chicago), and Product (performance on specific loan types). Each lender receives a composite Safe Rate Score from 0–100. No lender pays to appear in the rankings.
What is the Safe Rate Score?+−
The Safe Rate Score is a 0–100 composite index measuring a lender's performance across Pricing, Pullthrough, Place, and Product. Scores of 80 or above earn Champion status; scores of 60–79 earn Superstar status. All scores are calculated from verified HMDA data — no lender can pay to improve their position.
How many mortgage lenders are active in Chicago?+−
Based on 2024 HMDA data, 254 lenders originated a combined 69,290 loans in Chicago. Safe Rate's rankings evaluate all of them — not just a curated shortlist.
What does the rate spread tell me about a lender in Chicago?+−
Rate spread measures how much above the Average Prime Offer Rate (APOR) a lender charges. The median rate spread in Chicago is 0.45%. Lenders in Safe Rate's top rankings consistently price below this median, meaning borrowers typically pay less interest over the life of their loan.
What is HMDA data and why does Safe Rate use it?+−
HMDA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) is a federal law requiring every mortgage lender to disclose every loan application annually — including rates, amounts, approvals, and denials. Safe Rate uses HMDA because it is government-verified, covers all lenders equally, and cannot be gamed. It is the most objective foundation available for lender rankings.
Does Safe Rate accept payment from lenders to appear in rankings?+−
No. Safe Rate rankings are strictly data-driven. No lender can pay to appear in or improve their position in Safe Rate's rankings. The only factor that determines a lender's rank is their verified HMDA performance data.
What is the difference between a bank, credit union, and independent mortgage company?+−
Banks and credit unions offer mortgages alongside checking, savings, and other products. Independent Mortgage Companies (IMCs) focus exclusively on originating loans and often offer more product variety and speed. In Chicago's rankings, all three institution types are evaluated on the same HMDA performance metrics.
How We Rank Lenders
Our rankings use a weighted average of scores across equally-weighted categories to evaluate lenders on a linear, raw performance scale.
Our Point System (Max 40 Points)
Data Integrity & Updates
Data is updated quarterly based on the latest HMDA filings and proprietary SafeRate analysis. All metrics are calculated using standardized methodologies to ensure fair comparison across lenders.
⚖️ Licensing & Disclosures
Lender rankings and market statistics are created by Dylan Hall, licensed mortgage loan officer (NMLS #1658740). Safe Rate is a mortgage technology platform; mortgage lending services are provided by PartnerOwn LLC dba Safe Rate Mortgage, a licensed mortgage broker and lender (NMLS #1590949). Safe Rate Mortgage is a lending partner of some of the lenders ranked on this page, and Safe Rate Inc. has software or service customers on this list; however, all rankings are calculated using objective, public Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) datasets, completely independent of any corporate partnerships, client relationships, or compensation.