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Mortgage lenders: Bank of America Mortgage vs. LoanDepot

Quick Verdict

Bank of America Mortgage and LoanDepot both have their strengths and weaknesses. Bank of America stands out for its transparent online rate publishing and user-friendly online tools, making it a good choice for customers who value convenience and transparency. LoanDepot, however, offers a wider variety of loan types and a unique Lifetime Guarantee program for refinances, which may appeal to customers with more complex financial needs or those planning to refinance in the future. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual borrower's priorities and financial situation.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeBank of America MortgageLoanDepot
Interest Rates (APR)Bank of America publishes its available mortgage rates online and updates this information regularly. Mortgage rates are valid as of June 27, 2025, and assume the borrower has excellent credit (including a credit score of 740 or higher). Bank of America's mortgage rates were slightly below Bankrate's national averages. Examples of rates as of June 26, 2025 (7:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time) for a $200,000 loan in ZIP code 95464: 30-year fixed: Rate 6.750%, APR 6.947%, Points 0.495, Monthly Payment $1,297; 15-year fixed: Rate 5.750%, APR 6.082%, Points 0.620, Monthly Payment $1,661; 5y/6m ARM variable: Rate 6.375%, APR 6.982%, Points 0.899, Monthly Payment $1,248. Examples of refinance rates as of June 26, 2025: 30-year fixed: Rate 6.750%, APR 6.933%, Points 0.725, Monthly Payment $1,297; 15-year fixed: Rate 5.750%, APR 6.023%, Points 0.619, Monthly Payment $1,661; 5y/6m ARM variable: Rate 6.625%, APR 7.053%, Points 0.953, Monthly Payment $1,281. ARM interest rates and payments are subject to increase after the initial fixed-rate period.Not publicly displayed; requires contact with a loan officer for a personalized quote. Rates can be higher than average, especially for borrowers with stronger credit profiles. APR includes lender fees and closing costs.
Loan Origination FeesBank of America charges an origination fee, according to their closing costs calculator. Low origination fees reduce upfront costs.Average of $4,909 in 2023. Can be higher than the industry average. VA loans have origination fees capped at 1% of the loan amount.
Down Payment OptionsAffordable Loan Solution program: Buyers can put down as low as 3%. Conventional loans: Require 3% down. FHA loans: Require 3.5% down. VA loans: Require zero down payment. Down Payment Grant program: Eligible applicants can receive 3% of the home

Overall Comparison

Bank of America Mortgage offers transparent rates online and a user-friendly digital process, while LoanDepot provides a wider variety of loan types and a Lifetime Guarantee program for refinances.

Pros and Cons

Bank of America Mortgage

Pros:
  • Offers a fully digital process for online application and management
  • Provides helpful educational resources
  • Offers a wide selection of loan types
  • User-friendly online mortgage tools
  • Online preapproval available in minutes
  • Shares rates online and provides a closing cost calculator
  • Extended customer service hours on Saturdays
Cons:
  • Some customers have reported that their loan processors and agents are not always available
  • The bank's website doesn't share credit score requirements or how long rate locks last
  • Experience can be super transactional and impersonal
  • Loan officer may only be available 9-5 M-F and take 24 hours to respond to emails or voicemails

LoanDepot

Pros:
  • Offers a fully online mortgage process
  • Provides a wide variety of loan types
  • Offers educational resources through Knowledge Cafe and Home School
  • Quick online pre-approval process
  • Lifetime Guarantee program waiving lender fees for future refinances
Cons:
  • Interest rates can be higher than average
  • Some customers report issues with communication and responsiveness
  • Requires contact information before displaying mortgage rates
  • Some customers have experienced slow closing times

User Experiences and Feedback