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Best Mortgage Lender 2024[1]
Our flexible financing options and dedicated support make for award-winning home lending.
We’re committed to supporting your entire homeownership journey, throughout the life of your loan and beyond.
Our user-friendly and high-tech digital banking experience help set us apart as a top 5 largest bank and a top home lending originator.
Best Mortgage Lender, 2024 by Nerdwallet
January 2024
PNC is proud to be recognized as the 2024 Best Mortgage Lender by NerdWallet in multiple categories:
- First-Time Home Buyers
- FHA Loans
- Jumbo Loans
- Cash-Out Refinancing
- Home Equity Lines of Credit
What Makes Us Different
Serving our clients by delivering lower mortgage rates and lower origination fees for the past three years (when compared to the industry average)[2]
- Lower average mortgage interest rates.
- Lower average mortgage origination fees.
We feature a wide range of standard and specialty home lending products, along with down payment assistance solutions, that can help make the American Dream of home ownership more easily attainable.
- Home Buying, Refinancing, and Home Equity options.
- Standard products: Conventional and Jumbo loans (with fixed and adjustable rate terms), Choice Home Equity Line of Credit (with fixed and variable rate line options).[3]
- Specialty products:[4] Construction-to-permanent, Renovation-to-permanent and Lot (land) loans, along with customized lending solutions for both Medical Professionals and PNC Private Banking clients.
- Low-down-payment products:[5] 0% down (VA and USDA), 3% down (PNC Community Loan and 5 different Fannie/Freddie products), 3.5% down for credit scores as low as 600 (FHA).
- You may qualify for a home loan grant from up to $5,000-$7,500[6] that can be applied towards the down payment, closing costs and/or prepaid items at the time of closing. Learn more
- Relationship discounts for PNC clients: like our .25% rate discount[7] for PNC CHELOC clients who set up and maintain automated payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Explore PNC Mortgage Offerings
Refinance Mortgages:
From our self-serve online tools and educational resources, to our high-tech user-friendly digital apply platform, we offer a simplified digital experience that makes home lending easier to understand and navigate.
- Easy-to-use[8] digital tools: customizable Mortgage Rate Check tool for exploring today's products and rates, Mortgage Calculators for researching the costs and benefits of home lending, Home Insight Planner® Dashboard for building and comparing personalized loan options
- High-tech user-friendly digital apply platform: featuring advanced technology[9] that can reduce manual paperwork (VOI/VOA), help save time and energy (e-upload, e-sign, e-close) and help you manage and keep up-to-date on the status of your application
Designed to deliver speed and ease throughout the home lending experience, so that you can close on-schedule.
- Quick-and-easy prequalification: Check your buying power online in less than 30 minutes,[10] without impacting your credit score[11] with a PNC Preliminary Preapproval.[12]
- Fast preapprovals:[13] Receive a fully verified preapproval letter in just 2 days.[14]
- Expedite closing when needed: Built with the ability to close in as little as 21 days on eligible[15] home buying purchase products.
- With a personal dedication to closing your home loan on-schedule.[16]
We seek to build lifelong relationships supporting your long-term financial wellness. Your dedicated PNC MLO will be there for you long after closing, offering support and guidance to help you achieve all your future home lending goals.
- By delivering an exceptional home lending experience: Where 9 out of 10 PNC mortgage clients said they would recommend their PNC MLO to friends, family or colleagues.[17]
- By providing continued personalized support: At PNC, you don’t have to worry about your mortgage loan being sold off after closing.[18] That means your PNC MLO will be there for any support you may need, and for any future home lending goals you might have.
- By continuing to offer support long after you close on your first home loan: Your dedicated MLO will be there to help you take the next step in your home lending journey (from refinancing to home equity and for your future home buying needs), along with being able to connect you with the right internal partners needed to help you achieve any of your other personal financial, business and investment goals.
Don’t just take our word for it. PNC Home Lending has been recognized nationwide, earning numerous awards and accolades from respected independent reviewers across a range of categories.
2025:
Best Cash-Out Refinance Lenders – Bankrate
Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders – Bankrate
Best Mortgage Lenders of November 2025 – Bankrate
Best Lenders for Mortgage Refinancing of November 2025, Best for Availability – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders for Fair Credit, Best for Government-Backed Loans – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders for Low and No Down Payments, Best for USDA Loans – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders of November 2025, Best for USDA Loans – CNBC Select
Mortgage-Home Equity Scorecard Winner, 1st Place Overall – Keynova Group
Best Home Equity Lenders of 2025, Best Overall – Money
Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Home Buyers – NerdWallet
Best USDA Mortgage Lenders of November 2025 – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of October 2025 – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lenders of November 2025 – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lender for Jumbo Loans, 2025 Best of Awards – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lender for Home Equity Lines of Credit, 2025 Best of Awards – NerdWallet
Best FHA Lenders of November 2025, Best Overall – Yahoo Finance
Best Mortgage Lenders of November 2025, Best for FHA Loans – Yahoo Finance
Best Low- and No-Down-Payment Mortgage Lenders of November 2025, Best for FHA Loans – Yahoo Finance
Best Mortgage Lenders for Bad Credit of November 2025, Best for FHA Loans – Yahoo Finance
2024:
Best Cash-Out Refinance Lenders – Bankrate
Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders – Bankrate
Best Mortgage Lenders of January 2024 – Bankrate
Best USDA Loan Lenders – CNBC Select
Best Lenders for Mortgage Refinancing of December 2024, Best for Availability – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders for Seniors, Best for Buying a New Home – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders for Fair Credit, Best for Government-Backed Loans – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders for Low and No Down Payments, Best for USDA Loans – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders of December 2024, Best for USDA Loans – CNBC Select
2024 STAR™ Program Recipient for General Servicing – Fannie Mae[19]
Mortgage-Home Equity Scorecard Winner, 2nd Place Overall – Keynova Group
Best Mortgage Lender for Cash-Out Refinancing, 2024 Best of Awards – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lender for FHA Loan, 2024 Best of Awards – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lender for Jumbo Loans, 2024 Best of Awards – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Home Buyers, 2024 Best of Awards – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Home Buyers – NerdWallet
Best USDA Mortgage Lenders of December 2024 – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of December 2024 – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lenders of December 2024 – NerdWallet
Best VA Mortgage Lenders of November 2024 – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lender for Home Equity Lines of Credit, 2024 Best of Awards – NerdWallet
2023:
Most Trusted Bank, 2023 Bankrate Awards – Bankrate
Best Mortgage Lender Overall, 2023 Bankrate Awards – Bankrate
Best USDA Loan Lenders – CNBC Select
Best Lenders for Mortgage Refinancing of December 2023, Best for Availability – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders for Seniors, Best for Buying a New Home – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders for Fair Credit, Best for Government-Backed Loans – CNBC
Best Mortgage Lenders for Low and No Down Payments, Best for USDA Loans – CNBC Select
Best Mortgage Lenders of December 2023, Best for Flexible Loan Options – CNBC Select
Mortgage-Home Equity Scorecard Winner, 2nd Place Overall – Keynova Group
Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Home Buyers – NerdWallet
Best USDA Mortgage Lenders of December 2023 – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of December 2023 – NerdWallet
Best VA Mortgage Lenders of December 2023 – NerdWallet
Best Mortgage Lenders of December 2023 – NerdWallet
Explore & Find Your Path
Learn about your mortgage options and take your first step to home ownership.
Tools to Help You Decide
If you prefer to explore options on your own:
Mortgage Calculators
Mortgage Calculators to decide how much house you can afford, calculate mortgage payments, learn what to expect for closing costs and more.
Customizable Rate Tool
Customizable Rate Tool to explore our rates, fees and payment options. You can customize by size, down payment, credit score and zip code.
First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Explore what you’ll need to know when considering your first home purchase.
Specialized Grants & Affordability Programs
Check out what we offer to help make mortgage loans more affordable for eligible clients.
Apply Online
When you’re ready, start an application at your convenience.
Have Questions?
We're Here to Help
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PNC mortgage rates and fees being lower than the industry average was validated using 2022, 2023 and 2024 Federal HMDA data. Data assumptions include: both purchase and refinance funded home loans for all unit types where the transaction was a first lien across all product types and for all loan amounts. Data assumptions excluded: all opens lines of credit, reverse mortgage, balloon payment and business commercial loans (including exempt loan types in these categories) for all funded transactions. National average interest rates for 2022 were 4.65%, while PNC’s average was 4.10%. National average origination charges were $3,397, while PNC’s average was $2,253. National average interest rates for 2023 were 6.61%, while PNC’s average was 6.44%. National average origination fees were $3,965, while PNC's average was $2,232. National average interest rates for 2024 were 6.57%, while PNC’s average was 6.49%. National average origination fees were $3,822, while PNC's average was $2,107.
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The Choice Home Equity Line of Credit account includes an option to establish a Fixed Rate Part for terms ranging from 5 to 30 years (except in the state of Tennessee where terms range from 5-20 years). Payments include principal and interest amounts based on a level amortization schedule designed to fully repay the Fixed Rate Part amount at the end of the term selected.
The Fixed Rate Part rates and payments displayed are for new customers only. Existing CHELOC customers can consult their Line of Credit Agreement or find their Fixed Rate Part rates at https://www.pnc.com/en/customer-service/home-equity-customer-service.html.
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PNC specialty products are built to meet the unique needs of different PNC clients. Some of these products may offer specialized loan terms and provide more flexible eligibility requirements that differ from our standard product offerings. Not all products are available in every state. Product and eligibility restrictions may apply. A PNC Mortgage Loan Officer can help determine your eligibility for any of our specialty products.
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A PNC Mortgage Loan Officer can help determine eligibility for any of our affordable lending solutions. Contact a PNC Mortgage Loan Officer to learn more. Terms and conditions of this offer are subject to change without notice.
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The PNC Grant can be used for purchase and limited cash out refinances if the subject property is located in a targeted low- or moderate-income census tract within the PNC Bank Assessment Area. Terms and conditions of these offers are subject to change without notice. Use of the PNC Grant may limit or preclude utilization of other discounts or programs and may be considered taxable income. Consult with your tax advisor. Appropriate Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form will be issued. Additional eligibility requirements and other product and program restrictions may apply. A PNC Mortgage Loan Officer can help determine your eligibility for these offers.
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To receive a 0.25% interest rate discount to the Variable APR applicable after the Introductory Period ends, you must set up Automatic Payments from a qualifying PNC checking account at closing. The automatic payment discount will be discontinued if you cancel automatic payments. PNC may occasionally offer a promotional introductory APR. The automatic payment discount does not apply to the Introductory APR.
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PNC provides clients with access to “easy to use” digital tools on our PNC.com website. These tools can be used to explore and research the home lending process, and are provided for education and illustrative purposes only. The accuracy of the calculations and their applicability to your circumstances are not guaranteed. Please consult your mortgage, financial or tax advisor regarding your unique situation.
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PNC does not guarantee that all clients will be able to successful utilize any or all of the advanced technology listed. PNC does offer these digital capabilities as part of our home lending digital apply platform, but successful utilization of these products varies from client to client.
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In less than 30 minutes” was substantiated by internal PNC reporting which showed that the online digital preliminary preapproval process had a median time from application start to submit of 28 minutes for 2024 for all clients that successfully received a preliminary preapproval letter.
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PNC will make one or more soft credit inquires during the digital online preliminary preapproval process, which will not affect your credit score. If you later submit an application, a hard credit inquiry will be made which may affect your credit score.
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Final loan approval and amount are subject to verification of loan data, property appraisal and underwriting conditions.
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Borrower must satisfy pre-approval conditions outlined in commitment letter. Final loan approval and amount are subject to verification of loan data, property appraisal and underwriting conditions.
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PNC's internal process for completing the pre-underwriting review typically takes 24 hours, while completing the underwriting review typically takes an additional 24 hours, which equates to 2 business days (when all required documentation has been provided by the client upfront).
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PNC has built a 21 day short close process for clients that need to close their home loans fast. This process may not be available to all clients, as there are certain product restrictions and other eligibility restrictions that apply. This option is only available for home buying transactions (purchase), and is not available for refinance or home equity transactions. A PNC Mortgage Loan Officer will be able to determine eligibility for this option.
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PNC does not guarantee that a client will close their loan on-time as there can be mitigating factors in and out of our control that can cause a closing date to be missed. However, we do make it our mission to meet our client's scheduled closing date, with the majority of PNC clients purchase and refinance loans closing on-time in 2023.
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9 out of 10 statement is based on NPS data pulled from Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024 for all internal client satisfaction surveys completed by PNC clients with funded home lending transactions (includes both purchase and refinance transactions and excludes home equity transactions). The data point utilized is the average % of positive promoters (scored PNC as either a 9 or 10 for the following question: “How likely are you to recommend your mortgage loan officer (person who consulted with during the loan consideration process and took your loan application) to a friend, family member or colleague?”. The average score of positive promoters for this question for this time period was 91%.
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From Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2023 PNC Bank retained the servicing rights for all PNC originated mortgage loans (including both purchase and refinance loans).
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STAR™ is a trademark of Fannie Mae.
PNC is a registered service mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”). All loans are provided by PNC Bank, National Association, a subsidiary of PNC, and are subject to credit approval and property appraisal. Certain restrictions and conditions apply.
©2026 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC
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