Best South Carolina Mortgage Lenders & Current Mortgage Rates


Is a home purchase in the Palmetto State on your mind? If so, you should have many choices to consider. South Carolina has just over 2.3 million housing units a homeownership rate of about 69%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey.

South Carolina’s median housing value is $170,800, which is considerably less than the national median value of $229,700. Certain areas of South Carolina have higher housing prices, while lower housing prices can be found in other areas.

U.S. News conducted an in-depth review of leading direct mortgage lenders. Research was based on program availability customer satisfaction ratings. Because each consumer has different needs, the top finishers in several key areas were chosen.

U.S. News’ Best South Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021

PNC Bank
3% Min. Down Payment
Not disclosed Min. Credit Score

McGlone
5% Min. Down Payment
Not disclosed Min. Credit Score

Lender
Learn More
3% Min. Down Payment
Not disclosed Min. Credit Score

Lender
Learn More
5% Min. Down Payment
Not disclosed Min. Credit Score

Best for low-interest VA loans

Navy Federal Credit Union serves more than 9 million members of the military community in every state. Qualifying members of the credit union can choose from options such as conventional loans, Veterans Affairs loans mortgage refinance loans.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: VA, Military Choice, conventional fixed rate, Homebuyers Choice, ARM
  • Minimum FICO credit score: Not disclosed
  • Maximum loan amount: $2 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Zero-down loans are available.

  • Private mortgage insurance is not required for many loans.

See full profile

Best for bad credit

Carrington Mortgage Services makes a range of mortgages, including refinancing, available to borrowers nationwide. The company, which provides conventional government-backed mortgages, has funded $22 billion in home loans since 2011.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, ARM, Carrington Flexible Advantage, first-time buyers, refinancing
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 500
  • Maximum loan amount: $2.5 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Applicants with credit scores as low as 500 are accepted for some products.

  • Conventional loans are offered with down payments as low as 3%.

See full profile

Best for product availability

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. is based in Madison, Wisconsin, has funded billions of dollars in loans since the company began in 1996 – more than $58 billion in 2020 alone. The lender offers several mortgage products, including conventional, Federal Housing Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs refinancing loans. Fairway Independent Mortgage also provides jumbo loans for home purchases in high-cost markets, renovation loans, adjustable-rate mortgages reverse mortgages. Fairway is an independent mortgage company serves as a mortgage broker direct lender.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: fixed rate, ARM, conventional, USDA/Rural Development, FHA, VA, jumbo, refinance, renovation, reverse mortgage
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 580
  • Maximum loan amount: undisclosed
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • The selection of mortgages includes VA USDA loans, which often have no down payment requirements.

  • The company has an A+ customer service rating with the Better Business Bureau.

  • Renovation loan options include the HomeStyle Renovation Loan, which combines the cost of remodeling the mortgage into one loan.

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Best for consumers with credit scores between poor good

NBKC Bank is a Kansas-based mortgage lender. It originates home loans in all 50 states.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: conventional, fixed rate, ARM, FHA, refinance, VA, FHA Streamline Refinance, Refi Plus, VA Streamline Refinance
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 620
  • Maximum loan amount: Not disclosed
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Borrowers with fair credit may qualify.

  • It features a simple online application process.

  • VA loan borrowers aren’t charged lender fees.

See full profile

Best for product selection

Guild Mortgage, founded in 1960, specializes in home loans serves borrowers nationwide. The lender’s full suite of products includes conventional government-backed mortgages home renovation loans.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, ARM, refinancing, renovation, jumbo
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 620
  • Maximum loan amount: $2 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • A broad range of mortgage products are offered.

  • Special mortgage programs for first-time buyers manufactured homebuyers are available.

See full profile

Best for VA loans

Veterans United Home Loans provides mortgages to veterans military families in all 50 states Washington, D.C., specializes in VA loans.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: VA, VA jumbo, refinance
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 640
  • Maximum loan amount: $1.5 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • No down payment or PMI are required.

See full profile

Best online bank for customer service

Ally Bank is a Detroit-based online bank. Ally offers traditional banking products services, such as conventional mortgages, as well as refinance loans jumbo home loans.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: fixed rate, ARM, home equity loans, refinancing, HomeReady for first-time homebuyers
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 620
  • Maximum loan amount: $4 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • A program is available for first-time homebuyers.

  • Existing Ally customers can get a closing cost discount.

See full profile

Best for large loan amounts

Bank of America serves roughly 66 million customers in all 50 states. The lender offers conventional, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs jumbo loans, as well as home equity lines of credit mortgage refinancing.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: fixed rate, Affordable Loan Solution, FHA, VA, ARM, home equity line of credit, fixed-rate refinancing, FHA refinancing, VA refinancing, cash-out refinancing, adjustable-rate refinancing, jumbo
  • Minimum FICO credit score: Not disclosed
  • Maximum loan amount: $2.5 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Bank of America has a wide variety of mortgage products.

  • The lender offers origination fee discounts for qualifying Bank of America Merrill Lynch clients.

  • Home equity lines of credit have no annual, application or cash advance fees or closing costs.

  • Bank of America offers a first-time homebuyer program.

See full profile

Best for low down payment

PNC Bank is one of the largest U.S. banks, serving more than 8 million customers in all 50 states. PNC offers most types of mortgages.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: fixed rate, FHA, VA, USDA, ARM, home equity line of credit, refinancing, medical professional mortgage program, jumbo, PNC Community
  • Minimum FICO credit score: Not disclosed
  • Maximum loan amount: $5 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Multiple types of mortgages are available.

  • Some mortgage options require no or low down payments.

  • PNC supplies an online home ownership cost tool.

See full profile

Best for no down payment

Alliant Credit Union is a nonprofit financial cooperative. The credit union serves customers in all 50 states. Mortgage products include conventional, jumbo refinancing loans, home equity lines of credit.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: Traditional, ARM, refinancing, home equity line of credit, Alliant Advantage Mortgage
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 620
  • Maximum loan amount: $2.5 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • No-down-payment mortgages are available for first-time homebuyers with excellent credit.

  • Mortgages are available to borrowers with FICO credit scores as low as 620.

See full profile

What Are the Mortgage Rates in South Carolina?

The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgage in South Carolina is 2.9%. Home interest rates range from 2.5% to 4% in South Carolina.

What Are Today’s Mortgage Rates?

Locking in a low mortgage rate today can save you thousands over the life of your loan. Compare your mortgage rate offers with national average trends.

Mortgage Calculator

Is your dream home within reach? U.S. News’ mortgage calculator will show you how much house you can afford.

What Are Some South Carolina Homebuyer Programs?

SC Housing offers a homeownership assistance program to help eligible South Carolina homebuyers afford a home. The program offers down payment and/or closing cost loans reduced mortgage insurance on certain loan types.

  • Available to: Eligible South Carolina homebuyers.
  • Income limits: Vary by county (see income limits).
  • First-time homebuyers only? Yes for non-targeted counties.
  • Benefits: Reduced mortgage insurance requirements for certain loans as well as down payment and/or closing cost assistance of up to $6,000 in the form of a 10- or 20-year forgivable second mortgage with no monthly payments a 0% interest rate.

  • Available to: Eligible South Carolina homebuyers.
  • Income limits: Vary by county (see income limits).
  • First-time homebuyers only? Yes for non-targeted counties.
  • Benefits: Federal tax credit may reduce your income tax liability each year by an amount equal to 50% of the mortgage interest paid or $2,000, whichever is less.

  • Available to: Eligible South Carolina homebuyers.
  • Income limits: Vary by county (see income limits).
  • First-time homebuyers only? No.
  • Benefits: Down payment as low as 3%, down payment assistance with a 0% interest forgivable second mortgage.

View More Best South Carolina Mortgage Lenders

Best for online service

Caliber Home Loans of Coppell, Texas, offers mortgage home equity products nationwide. Options include conventional, adjustable-rate, refinancing, Federal Housing Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterans Affairs loans. Caliber has been in business since 2008, is focused on home lending products.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, ARM, refinancing, bond, renovation, Freddie Mac HomeOne, Freddie Mac Home Possible, Fannie Mae HomeReady
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 620
  • Maximum loan amount: $3 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A

Best Features

  • The first-time homebuyer program HomeOne can require a down payment of as little as 3% borrowers may qualify with a minimum 620 credit score.

  • Government-insured loans including Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Affairs, United States Department of Agriculture programs are available.

See full profile

Best for product range

CMG Financial is a privately held mortgage banking firm operating nationwide with localized support, founded in 1993 based in San Ramon, California. The lender offers a range of products including conventional, government specialty mortgages, like jumbo loans.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, All in One Loan, 203K Renovation Loan, Fannie Mae HomeReady, Freddie Mac Home Possible, HomeFundIt, refinance
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 620
  • Maximum loan amount: $3 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Exclusive mortgage products include the HomeFundIt for crowdfunding a down payment.

  • The lender has a national presence with regional fulfillment local support.

  • CMG Financial offers a mobile app.

See full profile

Best for fair credit

Flagstar offers banking lending products in every state. Borrowers can select from conventional or government-backed mortgages, such as FHA, VA U.S. Department of Agriculture loans, opt for adjustable-rate mortgages. Other choices include home equity loans lines of credit.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: conventional, VA, ARM, FHA, USDA, jumbo, refinance, home equity
  • Minimum FICO credit score: Not disclosed
  • Maximum loan amount: $3 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Flagstar Bank provides a broad selection of mortgages home equity loans.

  • Some mortgages require no or a low down payment.

  • Borrowers can apply for loans online.

See full profile

Best for digital mortgages

LoanDepot is an online lender operating in all 50 states with more than 200 in-person branches. The company was founded in 2010 is headquartered in Southern California. LoanDepot offers Federal Housing Administration Department of Veterans Affairs loans, as well as home equity refinancing loans.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: refinance, jumbo, hybrid ARM, fixed rate, HARP, VA, FHA, 203k loan
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 620
  • Maximum loan amount: $3 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • LoanDepot mortgages have a lifetime guarantee, which means if you ever decide to refinance an existing LoanDepot loan, the company will waive the lender fees reimburse appraisal fees.

  • The company offers a variety of mortgage products.

  • It’s licensed in all 50 states.

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Best for digital customer care

PrimeLending is a Dallas-based mortgage lender with several mortgage loan options, including conventional loans, jumbo loans, government-backed loans refinance loans. The lender is a subsidiary of PlainsCapital Bank.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: fixed rate, ARM, conventional, cash-out refinance, refinance, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, new construction, interest rate reduction refinance loan
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 640
  • Maximum loan amount: undisclosed
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Homebuyers can choose from a variety of mortgage products.

  • Home loans are available nationwide.

  • Down payment closing cost assistance is available.

See full profile

Best for array of products

Founded in 1999, McGlone Mortgage Group is licensed in multiple states to offer purchase refinance home loans. Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, McGlone Mortgage Group offers many different mortgage options.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, HomeReady, High Balance/Super Conforming, Energy Efficient Mortgage, FHA
  • Minimum FICO credit score: Not disclosed
  • Maximum loan amount: $2 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Varied loan options are available.

  • McGlone Mortgage Group offers mortgage calculators other tools.

  • Co-signers are allowed for most loans.

See full profile

Best for conventional mortgage

Citizens Bank is a regional bank based in Providence, Rhode Island. It offers traditional banking services products, including home loans mortgage refinance loans.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: conventional, ARM, refinance, HELOC, jumbo, fixed rate
  • Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
  • Maximum loan amount: undisclosed
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Citizens Bank provides a homebuying service with rewards for borrowers in select states.

  • Homebuyers can get an interest rate discount for qualifying automatic payments.

  • Borrowers can apply online.

See full profile

Best for government loans

Founded in 2008, PennyMac is a national mortgage lender with more than $402 billion in loans serviced. PennyMac offers a range of home loans, including conventional, Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Affairs investment property mortgages.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: conventional, FHA, VA, ARM, refinancing
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 620
  • Maximum loan amount: $765,600
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • PennyMac accepts a 50% debt-to-income ratio for conventional loans in some instances.

  • Online capabilities include a 24/7 access center email status updates.

See full profile

Best for low APR

New American Funding is a national mortgage lender with a variety of home loan options. The lender has processed more than $27 billion in mortgages.

Before You Apply

  • Mortgage types: ARM, cash-out refinance, conventional, FHA, HELOCs, jumbo, reverse, USDA VA
  • Minimum FICO credit score: 620
  • Maximum loan amount: $3 million
  • Better Business Bureau rating: A+

Best Features

  • Provides multiple mortgage options, including low no down-payment loans

  • Offers fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgages

See full profile

Additional Homebuying Resources

Advertising Disclosure: Some of the loan offers on this site are from companies
who are advertising clients of U.S. News. Advertising considerations may impact
where offers appear on the site but do not affect any editorial decisions,
such as which loan products we write about how we evaluate them. This site
does not include all loan companies or all loan offers available in the marketplace.



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