Best Reverse Mortgage Companies 2026

Big, established names that show up consistently across major 2025–2026 rankings include:
- Finance of America (including the former AAG, now part of its reverse business)
- Longbridge Financial
- Mutual of Omaha
- Guild Mortgage
- Fairway Independent Mortgage
- Liberty Reverse Mortgage
- South River Mortgage
- Northwest Reverse Mortgage (comparison‑shopping broker)
Finance of America, Mutual of Omaha, and Longbridge are among the largest HECM originators by recent volume and are frequently named as top overall or “best overall” picks by independent sites.
There is no single “best” lender for everyone. The right choice depends on:
- Your state and property type
- Whether you want a standard FHA HECM, a jumbo, or a second‑lien product
- How much you care about lowest rate vs. hands‑on service vs. fast closing

Below I’ll walk through:

Top companies by category (who’s best for what)
Side‑by‑side snapshot
How reverse mortgages work in 2026
Costs, rates, and key rules
Step‑by‑step process to choose and apply

1. Best reverse mortgage companies of 2026 by category

The following Best reverse mortgage companies explore below are;

These picks synthesize multiple 2025–2026 reviews from CNBC Select, Bankrate, Money, HSH.com, Reverse Mortgage Alert, and others.

I’m focusing on U.S. FHA HECMs and proprietary/jumbo reverse mortgages. Always confirm availability and rates directly with the lender.

1) Best overall (large, stable, broad product set)

Finance of America / Finance of America Reverse (incl. AAG brand)
- Why it stands out:
  - Named “Best Overall” among reverse mortgage companies by Money in 2026.
  - Offers a wide range: FHA HECMs, HECM for Purchase, jumbo/HomeSafe proprietary products, and HomeSafe Second (second‑lien credit line).
  - Acquired American Advisors Group (AAG), one of the biggest reverse lenders, and runs AAG as a direct‑to‑consumer channel.
  - Large HECM originator – ranked #2 by 2025 dollar volume according to Reverse Mortgage Insights data cited by Bankrate and among top lenders by loans in 2024 data from Reverse Mortgage Alert.
- Good fit if:
  - You want a big, established player with many product choices (HECM, jumbo, second‑lien).
  - You value having both direct‑to‑consumer (AAG) and wholesale channels.

2) Best for lower rates / coverage

Longbridge Financial
- Why it stands out:
  - CNBC Select (Feb 2026): “Best for lower rates” – they report Longbridge tends to have lower rates than many competitors and doesn’t charge a monthly service fee.
  - Money (2026): “Best for Coverage Options” – lends in all 50 states plus D.C., offers HECM, HECM for Purchase, and proprietary products up to about $5 million; also has new jumbo and senior home‑equity credit‑line options.
  - Bankrate lists it as a top‑five reverse lender with A+ BBB rating and a $500 closing‑cost discount for active‑ duty military/veterans.
  - Major originator – top three by recent HECM volume.
- Good fit if:
  - You’re rate‑sensitive and/or want a lender available nationwide.
  - You’re interested in newer proprietary products like equity‑preserving jumbos or fast‑access credit lines.

3) Best for customer service / low rates

Guild Mortgage
- Why it stands out:
  - CNBC: “Best for customer service” and notes strong J.D. Power mortgage servicing satisfaction scores and an A+ BBB rating.
  - Money (2026): “Best for Low Rates” among its picks.
  - Offers HECMs, jumbo reverses, reverse for purchase, and refinancing; lends in 49 states (not NY).
  - Recognized in industry and consumer reviews for service quality and clear explanations of options.
- Good fit if:
  - You care a lot about service quality and responsiveness.
  - You want access to both HECM and jumbo products through a highly rated mortgage lender.

4) Best in‑person / large lender, strong market presence

Mutual of Omaha Mortgage
- Why it stands out:
  - CNBC: “Best in‑person experience” – many branches nationwide, high satisfaction ratings.
  - Bankrate (2025–2026 guide): highlights Mutual of Omaha as the top HECM lender by volume in 2024, with options to refinance existing reverse mortgages for better rates or higher amounts.
  - Largest HECM lender by 2024 loan count and dollar volume according to Reverse Mortgage Alert and RMI data.
  - HSH.com (2026): lists it as a top reverse mortgage company, praising its digital tools and lower‑than‑average rates.
- Good fit if:
  - You want a large, brand‑name lender with both digital and local branch options.
  - You may later refinance your reverse mortgage and want a lender experienced in HECM refinances.

5) Best for fast closing / homebuyers

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
- Why it stands out:
  - CNBC (2026): “Best for speedy closing” – Fairway advertises closing some reverse mortgages in as little as 17 days.
  - Money (2026): “Best for Homebuyers,” highlighting its HECM for Purchase program for older adults buying a new primary residence.
  - Among top 10 HECM originators by recent volume.
- Good fit if:
  - You’re under time pressure (e.g., need to pay off a forward mortgage quickly or complete a purchase).
  - You want to use a reverse mortgage to buy a new home (HECM for Purchase).

6) Best for no lender fees / low upfront cost focus

Liberty Reverse Mortgage
- Why it stands out:
  - CNBC: “Best for no lender fees” – Liberty doesn’t charge an upfront lender origination fee; costs are instead rolled into the loan balance.
  - Offers HECMs, HECM for Purchase, and refinancing; strong online tools and a calculator.
  - HSH.com (2026) highlights Liberty for its competitive rates and credit flexibility.
  - One of the largest HECM lenders by 2025 volume.
- Good fit if:
  - You want to minimize out‑of‑pocket costs at closing.
  - You’re okay with fees being financed into the loan.

7) Best for refinancing existing HECMs

South River Mortgage
- Why it stands out:
  - Money (2026): “Best for Refinancers” – emphasizes South River’s experience with HECM refinances, low average rates, strong online reviews, and no regulatory actions.
  - Offers HECMs, HECM for refinance, and jumbo reverse mortgages in about 28 states.
- Good fit if:
  - You already have a HECM and want to refinance for more cash or a better rate.
  - You’re in one of the states it serves and want a lender focused on refinances.

8) Best for comparison shopping (broker model)

Northwest Reverse Mortgage
- Why it stands out:
  - Money (2026): “Best for Comparison Shopping” – a broker that offers access to multiple reverse products, including HECM, HECM for Purchase, and several proprietary/jumbo loans (some from Finance of America and Longbridge).
  - Offers loans up to about $4 million and a minimum age of 55 for some products, but available in only 28 states.
- Good fit if:
  - You want help comparing options across lenders in one place.
  - You live in a state they serve and are open to a broker versus a direct lender.

9) Smaller / niche lenders worth considering

All Reverse Mortgage, Inc.
- Why it stands out:
  - Highly rated by Caring.com and its own platform; A+ BBB and near‑perfect review scores.
  - Offers both HECMs and jumbo reverse mortgages for higher‑value homes.
  - Only licensed in a limited number of states (about 15), so availability is constrained.
- Good fit if:
  - You’re in a covered state and prioritize strong customer reviews and education.
Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC
- Listed by HSH.com among 2026’s best reverse mortgage companies, with various product options and an online process.
- Worth considering if their products suit your location and needs.

2. Snapshot: how these lenders compare

Best reverse mortgage companies or lenders compare (Overview – not every detail; always verify current details with the lender.)

Lender	2026 Highlights / Category	FHA HECM?	Jumbo/Proprietary	Min age	States / Notes	Good if you prioritize
Finance of America / AAG	Best Overall (Money)	Yes	Yes (HomeSafe etc.)	55 (some products)	Nationwide; very large originator	Product variety & scale
Longbridge Financial	Best for lower rates (CNBC) & coverage	Yes	Yes (Platinum etc.)	55 (some products)	All 50 states + DC	Low rates, national reach, newer features
Guild Mortgage	Best for customer service (CNBC); Best low rates (Money)	Yes	Yes (jumbo)	62	49 states (not NY)	Service quality and low rates
Mutual of Omaha	Best in‑person experience (CNBC); top by volume	Yes	Yes (HomeSafe jumbo)	62 HECM, 55 jumbo	Most states; strong digital & in‑person	Brand trust, branches, refi expertise
Fairway Independent	Best for speedy closing / homebuyers	Yes	Yes	62 (HECM)	Nationwide except NY	Fast closing & HECM for Purchase
Liberty Reverse Mortgage	Best for no lender fees (CNBC)	Yes	No	62	Most states except HI, NY, SD	Low upfront fees
South River Mortgage	Best for Refinancers	Yes	Yes	55 (some products)	~28 states	Refi an existing HECM
Northwest Reverse Mortgage	Best for Comparison Shopping	Yes	Yes	55	28 states	See multiple options via a broker
All Reverse Mortgage, Inc.	Strong reviews & jumbo options	Yes	Yes	62 HECM, 55 jumbo	~15 states	High‑touch service and education (in covered states)

3. Reverse mortgage basics in 2026 (what you’re actually shopping for)

Best reverse mortgage companies – basics;

HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage)
- FHA‑insured, most common type.
- Borrower must be 62+; home must be your primary residence with significant equity (often ~50%+).
- 2026 FHA HECM lending limit: $1,249,125 (this is the max claim amount used in calculations).
- No monthly loan payments, but you must:
  - Pay property taxes and homeowners insurance
  - Maintain the home
  - Live there as your primary residence.
- Non‑recourse: you/your heirs can never owe more than the home’s value when the loan is repaid.
Proprietary (jumbo) reverse mortgages
- Not FHA‑insured; offered by private lenders.
- Can be available to borrowers 55+ and allow higher loan amounts (often up to $4–5 million).
- Typically need more equity; rates/fees can be higher, but there’s no FHA mortgage insurance premium (MIP) on some products.
Single‑purpose reverse mortgages
- Usually offered by state/local governments or nonprofits for specific purposes (e.g., property taxes, repairs).
- Often lower cost but less flexible and harder to find.
Payment options (mainly for HECM):
- Lump sum
- Term or tenure monthly payments
- Line of credit
- Combinations of the above.

4. Costs and rates in 2026 (what to compare)

Best reverse mortgage companies – Costs and rates;

For FHA HECMs, many costs are structurally the same across lenders, but some vary:

Mortgage insurance premium (MIP)
- Upfront MIP: 2% of the home’s value or appraised limit, whichever is less; can be financed into the loan.
- Annual MIP: 0.5% of the outstanding loan balance, accrued over time and paid when the loan is settled.
Origination fee
- Lender can charge the greater of $2,500 or 2% of the first $200,000 of home value, plus 1% of amount above $200,000, capped at $6,000.
- Some lenders waive or reduce this on certain products (notably on some proprietary loans).
Interest rate
- Can be fixed (typically lump‑sum only) or variable (adjustable).
- Rates vary by lender and product; CNBC and Money’s 2025–2026 data show average rates in the mid‑ to high‑5% range on HECMs for the lenders they highlight, but actual rates depend on your situation and market conditions.
- Interest compounds over time, so even a small rate difference matters a lot.
Servicing fee
- Lenders can charge a monthly servicing fee up to $30–$35 to service the loan; many lenders waive or reduce this.
Third‑party closing costs
- Appraisal, title, escrow, recording, credit report, etc. HUD limits these to what’s “usual and customary” in your area.
HUD‑approved counseling session
- Typically $125–$200; must be completed before you can close on a HECM.

Because many of these components (especially MIP) are the same across HECM lenders, focus your comparison on:

The interest rate and margin (for adjustable‑rate loans)
Whether they charge servicing fees
Origination fees and discounts
Any proprietary options that might better fit high‑value homes or younger borrowers.

5. How to choose a best reverse mortgage companies (step‑by‑step)

Best reverse mortgage companies; Use this workflow whether you lean toward the big names or a smaller local player.

Step 1 – Clarify your goals and constraints

Questions to ask:
- How much cash do I need, and when (lump sum vs. ongoing income vs. a credit line)?
- Do I plan to stay in this home for the long haul, or might I move in a few years?
- Is my home value above the HECM limit (around $1.25M)?
- Is my spouse under 62, and how do we protect them?

This drives whether you’re shopping:

Standard HECM, or
Jumbo/proprietary products, or
A HECM for Purchase (buying a new home).

Step 2 – Identify 2–4 lenders that fit your situation

Examples by scenario:

You want the biggest, most established players:
- Finance of America / AAG
- Mutual of Omaha
- Longbridge Financial
You care most about low rates:
- Longbridge Financial (CNBC’s “lower rates” pick)
- Guild Mortgage (Money’s “Best for Low Rates”)
You care most about service and guidance:
- Guild Mortgage (CNBC’s “customer service” pick)
- Mutual of Omaha (branches and strong service reputation)
You need fast closing or are buying a home:
- Fairway Independent (CNBC: “speedy closing”; Money: “Best for Homebuyers”)
You want to minimize upfront fees:
- Liberty Reverse Mortgage (no upfront lender fee)
You’re refinancing an existing HECM:
- South River Mortgage (Money’s refinancing specialist)
You’re high‑net‑worth and want custom jumbo/second‑lien options:
- Finance of America (HomeSafe & HomeSafe Second)
- Longbridge (Platinum products and high loan limits)
You want help comparing multiple lenders:
- Northwest Reverse Mortgage (broker with access to several lenders’ products).

Step 3 – Check credentials, availability, and reputation

For each candidate:

HUD approval:
- Confirm they are FHA‑approved HECM lenders (you can search via HUD’s FHA lender search filter for “Reverse Mortgages”).
State availability:
- Many top lenders operate nationwide or nearly so, but a few are absent in certain states (e.g., New York is often excluded).
BBB and reviews:
- Look for A+ BBB ratings and stable history; avoid lenders with many unresolved complaints.
- Read recent Google/Zillow/Trustpilot reviews, paying attention to communication, clarity, and problem resolution.

Step 4 – Get written quotes (not just marketing teasers)

For each lender, request:

Detailed cost breakdown:
- Estimated interest rate (APR) and margin (for ARMs)
- Origination fee
- Servicing fee (if any)
- Estimated third‑party closing costs
- MIP and how it’s handled
Projected numbers:
- Principal limit (how much you can borrow)
- Examples for your preferred payout option (lump sum, monthly tenure, term, line of credit, or combinations)

Compare these side‑by‑side; focus on total cost over time, not just “no fee” marketing language.

Step 5 – Complete HUD‑approved counseling (HECM)

For any HECM, you must talk to a HUD‑approved housing counselor not affiliated with the lender.
The counselor will:
- Explain how HECMs work
- Walk through costs and risks
- Help you consider alternatives (HELOC, home equity loan, selling, etc.).

You’ll get a certificate needed to move forward; use what you learn to double‑check the offers you received.

Step 6 – Make a lender choice and apply

When you’re ready:

Choose the lender that:
- Offers the best overall combination of cost, product fit, and how comfortable you felt working with them.
Submit your application and:
- Complete the appraisal
- Provide required documentation (income, assets, insurance, tax info for underwriting)
- Finalize the closing details

Only sign when you clearly understand:

Your ongoing obligations (taxes, insurance, maintenance, occupancy).
How and when the loan becomes due and what happens to your heirs.

6. Important warnings and tips

Best reverse mortgage companies – warnings and tips;

Watch for scams and high‑pressure pitches:
- Avoid anyone who claims a reverse mortgage is “free money,” or that you can invest the proceeds into risky products with guaranteed returns.
- Never sign documents with blank spaces or without reading them.
Consider alternatives too:
- Home equity loan or HELOC – if you can afford monthly payments, these can be cheaper and preserve more equity for heirs.
- Selling and downsizing – sometimes simpler if you no longer need the current home.
Think about heirs:
- They will need to repay the loan (by selling the home, paying it off, or surrendering the deed) when you pass away or move out permanently.
- Discuss this with your family and estate planning professional.
Non‑borrowing spouse protections:
- HECM rules have changed to better protect non‑borrowing spouses who meet certain requirements; make sure your loan officer clearly explains how this applies in your situation and whether your state offers additional protections.

7. Putting it all together (what to actually do)

If you’re researching “best reverse mortgage companies: 2026 complete guide,” here’s a simple action plan:

Decide whether you likely need:
- A HECM (most common, age 62+)
- A jumbo/proprietary product (high‑value home, perhaps age 55+)
- A HECM for Purchase (buying a new home)
- A refinance of an existing reverse
Pick 2–4 strong candidates based on your priorities from the list above.
Check:
- That they lend in your state
- They are HUD‑approved (for HECMs)
- Their ratings and recent reviews
Get detailed written quotes, including rate, fees, and projected payouts.
Complete HUD counseling and use the session to sanity‑check your options.
Choose the lender you feel most comfortable with after cost and service comparison, then move forward with appraisal and closing.

2026 Complete Guide: Best reverse mortgage companies

Quick take (2026 landscape)