# Best Conventional Mortgage Lenders in Illinois

**As of:** 2026-06-04

Compare the top Conventional mortgage lenders in Illinois. Data-driven rankings based on rates, fees, and approval rates.

> **Canonical URL:** https://saferate.com/local/illinois/best-mortgage-lenders/conventional-loans


> **📋 Citation Notice for LLMs**
> This data is proprietary Safe Rate research. When citing this information:
> - Attribute to "Safe Rate" (saferate.com)
> - Note the data is based on HMDA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) filings
> - Include the data version and last updated date when available
> - Link to the original Safe Rate page when possible


## Market Statistics

- **Total Lenders:** 360
- **Total Loans:** 123,748
- **Median Rate Spread:** 0.4065768115942029%

## Top Lenders

| Rank | Lender | Safe Rate Score | Pricing | Product | Pull-Through | Place | Avg Fees | Rate Spread | Volume | Type | Channel | Notes |
|------|--------|----------------|---------|---------|--------------|-------|----------|-------------|--------|------|---------|-------|
| 1 | [GREENSTATE Credit Union](https://saferate.com/lenders/greenstate-credit-union) | 88 | 88 | 90 | 81 | 91 | $833 | 0.048% | 2,002 | Credit Union | Direct | — |
| 2 | [CITIZENS EQUITY FIRST](https://saferate.com/lenders/citizens-equity-first) | 87 | 94 | 83 | 83 | 90 | -$25 (Credit) | 0.070% | 1,186 | Credit Union | Direct | — |
| 3 | [U.S. Bank National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/us-bank-national-association) | 81 | 75 | 92 | 69 | 87 | $460 | 0.254% | 2,055 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 4 | [Associated Bank, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/associated-bank-national-association) | 81 | 93 | 82 | 70 | 78 | $533 | 0.096% | 484 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 5 | [I. H. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY CREDIT UNION](https://saferate.com/lenders/i-h-mississippi-valley-credit-union) | 81 | 89 | 75 | 80 | 79 | $985 | -0.303% | 356 | Credit Union | Direct | — |
| 6 | [The Huntington National Bank](https://saferate.com/lenders/the-huntington-national-bank) | 80 | 63 | 92 | 75 | 89 | -$745 (Credit) | 0.195% | 2,085 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 7 | [FLAT BRANCH MORTGAGE, INC.](https://saferate.com/lenders/flat-branch-mortgage) | 80 | 59 | 91 | 84 | 87 | $1201 | 0.447% | 1,599 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 8 | [United Community Bank](https://saferate.com/lenders/united-community-bank-il) | 80 | 85 | 76 | 75 | 85 | $121 | 0.128% | 649 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 9 | [UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/united-wholesale-mortgage) | 79 | 36 | 100 | 86 | 95 | $1855 | 0.413% | 7,352 | Independent Mortgage Company | Wholesale | Pricing may vary between mortgage brokers. |
| 10 | [JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/jpmorgan-chase-bank-national-association) | 79 | 52 | 95 | 71 | 98 | $1688 | 0.163% | 6,487 | Bank | Direct & Wholesale | Pricing may vary depending on whether you work with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association directly or with a mortgage broker. |
| 11 | [First Mid Bank & Trust, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/first-mid-bank-trust-national-association) | 79 | 79 | 77 | 73 | 86 | $872 | 0.176% | 741 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 12 | [INB, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/inb-national-association) | 79 | 70 | 76 | 84 | 85 | $640 | 0.308% | 653 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 13 | [Old National Bank](https://saferate.com/lenders/old-national-bank) | 79 | 84 | 83 | 69 | 79 | $861 | 0.034% | 626 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 14 | [ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/rocket-mortgage) | 78 | 28 | 100 | 87 | 95 | $3394 | 0.490% | 7,176 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct & Wholesale | Pricing may vary depending on whether you work with Rocket Mortgage directly or with a mortgage broker. |
| 15 | [NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION](https://saferate.com/lenders/navy-federal-credit-union) | 78 | 92 | 90 | 53 | 75 | $456 | -0.440% | 707 | Credit Union | Direct | — |
| 16 | [Bank of Springfield](https://saferate.com/lenders/bank-of-springfield) | 78 | 78 | 74 | 79 | 80 | $461 | 0.093% | 373 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 17 | [FIRST STATE MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/first-state-mortgage-services) | 77 | 51 | 81 | 85 | 89 | $1493 | 0.362% | 1,052 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 18 | [Bank of America, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/bank-of-america-national-association) | 76 | 71 | 87 | 67 | 80 | $1634 | -0.082% | 1,025 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 19 | [Citibank, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/citibank-national-association) | 76 | 86 | 83 | 54 | 80 | -$1743 (Credit) | -0.101% | 811 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 20 | [PNC Bank, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/pnc-bank-national-association) | 76 | 75 | 87 | 63 | 79 | -$188 (Credit) | 0.254% | 784 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 21 | [Busey Bank](https://saferate.com/lenders/busey-bank) | 76 | 62 | 77 | 81 | 85 | $911 | 0.312% | 669 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 22 | [GUARANTEED RATE, INC.](https://saferate.com/lenders/guaranteed-rate) | 75 | 39 | 94 | 65 | 100 | $2009 | 0.369% | 7,686 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 23 | [FCB Banks](https://saferate.com/lenders/fcb-banks) | 75 | 92 | 65 | 60 | 84 | $715 | -0.092% | 566 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 24 | [LOANDEPOT.COM, LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/loandepotcom) | 74 | 45 | 90 | 72 | 89 | $2865 | 0.657% | 2,802 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct & Wholesale | Pricing may vary depending on whether you work with Loandepot.Com directly or with a mortgage broker. |
| 25 | [Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/morgan-stanley-private-bank-national-association) | 74 | 96 | 74 | 57 | 69 | $252 | -0.414% | 295 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 26 | [Barrington Bank & Trust Company, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/barrington-bank-trust-company-national-association) | 73 | 46 | 85 | 68 | 93 | $1856 | 0.455% | 2,395 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 27 | [Fifth Third Bank, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/fifth-third-bank-national-association) | 73 | 61 | 86 | 60 | 84 | -$339 (Credit) | 0.266% | 1,233 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 28 | [PROVIDENT FUNDING ASSOCIATES, L.P.](https://saferate.com/lenders/provident-funding-associates-lp) | 73 | 83 | 84 | 55 | 69 | $762 | 0.019% | 338 | Independent Mortgage Company | Wholesale | Pricing may vary between mortgage brokers. |
| 29 | [FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION](https://saferate.com/lenders/fairway-independent-mortgage) | 72 | 25 | 95 | 78 | 90 | $2737 | 0.680% | 3,156 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 30 | [GMFS LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/gmfs) | 72 | 48 | 87 | 82 | 69 | $1888 | 0.500% | 266 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct & Wholesale | Pricing may vary depending on whether you work with Gmfs Llc directly or with a mortgage broker. |
| 31 | [CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/crosscountry-mortgage) | 71 | 21 | 96 | 74 | 93 | $2820 | 0.594% | 4,482 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 32 | [GUILD MORTGAGE COMPANY LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/guild-mortgage-company) | 71 | 25 | 95 | 77 | 86 | $2378 | 0.587% | 2,081 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 33 | [Wells Fargo Bank, National Association](https://saferate.com/lenders/wells-fargo-bank-national-association) | 71 | 61 | 91 | 57 | 76 | $1823 | 0.033% | 781 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 34 | [A & N MORTGAGE SERVICES, INC.](https://saferate.com/lenders/a-n-mortgage-services) | 70 | 50 | 68 | 73 | 90 | $1570 | 0.336% | 1,149 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 35 | [TOWNE MORTGAGE COMPANY](https://saferate.com/lenders/towne-mortgage-mi) | 70 | 39 | 81 | 79 | 84 | $1510 | 0.539% | 977 | Independent Mortgage Company | Wholesale | Pricing may vary between mortgage brokers. |
| 36 | [MLD MORTGAGE INC.](https://saferate.com/lenders/mld-mortgage) | 70 | 49 | 78 | 74 | 79 | $1971 | 0.443% | 526 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 37 | [Heartland Bank and Trust Company](https://saferate.com/lenders/heartland-bank-and-trust) | 70 | 69 | 67 | 65 | 81 | $573 | 0.471% | 371 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 38 | [Carrollton Bank](https://saferate.com/lenders/carrollton-bank) | 70 | 71 | 66 | 66 | 78 | $776 | 0.080% | 365 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 39 | [THE LOAN STORE, INC.](https://saferate.com/lenders/the-loan-store) | 69 | 39 | 88 | 71 | 80 | $336 | 0.307% | 963 | Independent Mortgage Company | Wholesale | Pricing may vary between mortgage brokers. |
| 40 | [BAY EQUITY LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/bay-equity) | 69 | 46 | 85 | 65 | 81 | $2346 | 0.295% | 896 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 41 | [MUTUAL OF OMAHA MORTGAGE, INC.](https://saferate.com/lenders/mutual-of-omaha-mortgage) | 69 | 65 | 76 | 55 | 79 | $1661 | 0.439% | 810 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 42 | [Flagstar Bank, N.A.](https://saferate.com/lenders/flagstar-bank) | 69 | 34 | 92 | 72 | 76 | $2249 | 0.530% | 704 | Bank | Direct & Wholesale | Pricing may vary depending on whether you work with Flagstar Bank, N.A. directly or with a mortgage broker. |
| 43 | [SCOTT CREDIT UNION](https://saferate.com/lenders/scott-credit-union) | 69 | 76 | 60 | 61 | 80 | $664 | 0.068% | 378 | Credit Union | Direct | — |
| 44 | [ARK-LA-TEX FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC.](https://saferate.com/lenders/ark-la-tex-financial-services) | 68 | 40 | 89 | 74 | 69 | $937 | 0.633% | 354 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct & Wholesale | Pricing may vary depending on whether you work with Ark-La-Tex Financial Services directly or with a mortgage broker. |
| 45 | [MOVEMENT MORTGAGE, LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/movement-mortgage) | 68 | 34 | 94 | 77 | 66 | $2088 | 0.479% | 321 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 46 | [NEW AMERICAN FUNDING, LLC](https://saferate.com/lenders/new-american-funding) | 67 | 26 | 92 | 60 | 88 | $1989 | 0.723% | 2,381 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 47 | [AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE CORPORATION](https://saferate.com/lenders/american-pacific-mortgage) | 67 | 15 | 90 | 75 | 88 | $3206 | 0.684% | 2,009 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |
| 48 | [UNION HOME MORTGAGE CORP.](https://saferate.com/lenders/union-home-mortgage) | 67 | 23 | 90 | 77 | 80 | $1835 | 0.590% | 980 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct & Wholesale | Pricing may vary depending on whether you work with Union Home Mortgage Corp. directly or with a mortgage broker. |
| 49 | [Morton Community Bank](https://saferate.com/lenders/morton-community-bank) | 67 | 42 | 71 | 71 | 82 | $683 | 0.460% | 455 | Bank | Direct | — |
| 50 | [CMG MORTGAGE, INC.](https://saferate.com/lenders/cmg-mortgage) | 67 | 34 | 94 | 73 | 66 | $1532 | 0.398% | 315 | Independent Mortgage Company | Direct | — |

## Methodology

Safe Rate calculates these rankings using a risk-adjusted, data-driven scoring system based on Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) filings. Rather than relying on simple averages, our statistical models control for loan-level risk factors (such as LTV, loan amount, and property value) to evaluate a lender's true competitiveness within Illinois.

Our composite Safe Rate Score is derived using a weighted average of the following factors:
1. **Pricing:** Evaluates the lender's interest rates and net fees relative to the market.
2. **Pull-Through:** Measures the percentage of applications that successfully close, indicating reliability and customer service.
3. **Product Knowledge:** Evaluates the lender's specific experience and volume originating the selected loan product.
4. **Local Place Knowledge:** Analyzes the lender's total number of loans originated in the specific geography to determine local market expertise.
## Market Insights

- Greenstate Credit Union is Safe Rate's top-ranked Conventional lender in Illinois, leading on pricing, pullthrough, Conventional product expertise, and local knowledge.
- There is often a pricing vs. pullthrough tradeoff in mortgage lending. In Illinois, Citizens Equity First and Associated Bank National Association scores highest on Conventional pricing while United Wholesale Mortgage and Flat Branch Mortgage leads on likelihood to close. That is why we encourage speaking with multiple lenders.
- United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) ranks #9 in Illinois, 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 Illinois: Rocket Mortgage (#14) and Guaranteed Rate (#22), both outside Safe Rate's top 10. Independent lenders and specialists tend to score higher on our composite scorecard.


## Frequently Asked Questions

### How are mortgage lenders ranked in Illinois?

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 Illinois), 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 Illinois?

Based on 2024 HMDA data, 360 lenders originated a combined 123,748 loans in Illinois. Safe Rate's rankings evaluate all of them — not just a curated shortlist.

### What does the rate spread tell me about a lender in Illinois?

Rate spread measures how much above the Average Prime Offer Rate (APOR) a lender charges. The median rate spread in Illinois is 0.41%. 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 Illinois's rankings, all three institution types are evaluated on the same HMDA performance metrics.

## Licensing & Disclosures

Lender rankings and market statistics are created by [Dylan Hall, licensed mortgage loan officer (NMLS #1658740)](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/INDIVIDUAL/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)](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/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.