Both Ally Home and PNC Mortgage offer competitive mortgage options with online application processes and a range of loan products. Ally Home stands out for its fast pre-approval and digital lending tools, while PNC Mortgage offers more flexible down payment options and a wider variety of specialty loans. However, potential customers should be aware of the mixed customer service reviews for both lenders and the below-average mortgage servicing rating for PNC Mortgage.
| Attribute | Ally Home | PNC Mortgage |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rates | Ally Bank's rates are generally competitive and can be lower than traditional lenders. Interest rates are based on market conditions, your credit score, property location, loan amount, loan type, repayment term, and loan-to-value ratio. | Generally near the industry average, competitive for borrowers with good credit. Rates vary based on credit score, down payment, loan type, and home price. As of June 2025, rates and APRs were below the market average. Offers fixed and adjustable-rate options. Examples: Conventional 30-Year (6.63%), Conventional 15-Year (6.06%), FHA 30-Year (6.62%), VA 30-Year (6.56%). |
| Loan Options | Conventional fixed-rate mortgages (15, 20, or 30-year terms), Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) with initial fixed-rate periods of 5, 7, or 10 years. After the fixed period, the rate adjusts every six months, Jumbo loans for higher-value properties, Refinancing options: rate-and-term, and cash-out, HomeReady program for first-time homebuyers. | Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA mortgages. Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Specialty loans like construction loans, renovation loans, lot loans, and medical professional loans. PNC Community Loan (3% down payments, accepts gift funds, no PMI). Combination loans (80-10-10). |
| Down Payment Requirements | Conventional loans: As low as 3%, Jumbo loans: Minimum 10.01%. | Flexible options. PNC Community Loan allows down payments as low as 3%. VA and USDA loans may have no down payment options. FHA loans may be available with a 3.5% down payment. |
| Closing Costs | Typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. These costs cover lender fees, third-party fees, and additional costs like insurance and escrow accounts. | Typically range from 3% to 5% of the loan amount. Discounts may be available for existing banking customers. Up to $5,000 may be available to cover closing costs for eligible buyers in specific areas who meet income requirements. |
| Customer Service Reputation | Ally Financial offers digital lending tools and processes. Some customers have reported a streamlined online application process and helpful customer service. However, some customers have reported terrible customer service. | Mixed reviews. Lower ratings on sites like Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot. A higher number of complaints to the CFPB compared to other lenders. |
| Online Application Process | Ally has an all-digital banking approach, allowing you to apply at your own pace and track loan progress online. They offer digital pre-approval, application, and loan tracking. | Online tools for mortgage rate quotes and application tracking. Online pre-approval is available and may take as little as 24 hours. Digital loan application allows you to import income information using your bank credentials. Home Insight Tracker allows you to upload documents and communicate with your lending team. |
| Pre-Approval Speed | Ally offers a fast online preapproval process. Pre-approvals can take as little as three minutes and only involve a soft credit check. | Online pre-approval can be obtained in as little as 24 hours. |
| Refinancing Options | Ally provides both rate-and-term and cash-out refinancing options for conventional and jumbo loans. They also offer RefiNow for borrowers with Fannie Mae-backed mortgages. | Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate refinance options are available. Cash-out refinancing and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) are also offered. |
| Geographic Availability | Ally is licensed to make home loans in all 50 states. | Offers mortgages nationwide. Branch locations are available in many states. |
| Minimum Credit Score Requirements | Conventional loans: Typically 620 or higher, Jumbo loans: A credit score of 680 may be required. | Generally, a credit score of at least 620 is needed for a conventional loan. FHA loans may be available to borrowers with scores as low as 580, depending on other factors. USDA loans may require a minimum score of 640. |
| Debt-to-Income Ratio Requirements | For conventional loans, lenders generally prefer a DTI of 36% or below but may accept under 43%. Government-backed loans, like FHA loans, may accept DTI ratios up to 43%, and in some cases, higher ratios near 57%. | PNC recommends a maximum DTI of 40%. Lenders generally prefer a DTI of 36% or lower. The 28/36 rule suggests spending no more than 28% of gross monthly income on housing costs and no more than 36% on all debt payments. |
| Loan Servicing Experience | Ally Bank underwrites and services its loans. | Below-average J.D. Power rating for mortgage servicing. Limited mobile app functionality for mortgage servicing. |