The 10 Most Trusted Reverse Mortgage Companies of 2026

The reverse mortgage market has changed significantly since 2011, when Wells Fargo and Bank of America exited the industry, creating opportunities for smaller, specialized lenders.

Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Finance of America Reverse, and Longbridge Financial are among the larger names in the reverse mortgage market, and each has been lending in the space for years.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loans have become much less common. FHA endorsed 32,963 HECMs in fiscal year 2023, down from 64,457 in fiscal year 2022, roughly a 50 percent drop in a single year. The 2024 borrowing cap for HECM loans stands at $1,149,825 for qualified borrowers.

Picking the right lender comes down to the details that vary most from one company to the next: how fast they close, the terms they offer, and the fees they charge. Ask each lender for those three things in writing. Here are ten reverse mortgage companies worth a close look in 2026.

Longbridge Financial

Longbridge Financial specializes in reverse mortgages, helping seniors tap home equity for retirement. Founded in 2012 by former employees of MetLife, New York Life, and Fidelity, the New Jersey-based company has become a top reverse mortgage lender.

Why Longbridge Financial works for reverse mortgages

Longbridge holds Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approval and maintains an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. The company belongs to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, which sets standards for ethical lending.

Longbridge's edge is its personalized approach. Loan officers take time to understand clients' goals, home situations, and finances before recommending solutions. As a Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)-approved lender, Longbridge services all its loans, so borrowers work with the same company throughout the loan's lifetime.

Customer service and accreditation

Longbridge has held Better Business Bureau accreditation since 2013. Third-party review scores move around from month to month, so check the current ratings yourself rather than relying on a number printed in an article.

The company reports only 14-23 complaints over the past three years, with all issues resolved. In June 2023, DBRS Morningstar rated Longbridge's MOR RVO2 as 'good' with a 'Stable' outlook, citing experienced staff, profitability, and strong loan performance.

Loan options and transparency

Longbridge offers several reverse mortgage options:

• Standard HECM loans for homeowners 62 and older
• HECM for Purchase loans for those wanting to buy a new home
• Longbridge Platinum, a proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage available to homeowners as young as 55 with loans up to $4 million

Platinum stands out with wider eligibility for condominiums, lower rates, and non-recourse protection: borrowers never owe more than their home is worth when the loan is repaid.

Longbridge makes information available through its website. Borrowers can access account information 24/7/365 via an online portal and use mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, the only active lender and servicer offering this feature.

Pricing and fees

Longbridge typically offers competitive rates at the lower end compared to other lenders. Unlike many competitors that charge monthly servicing fees of up to $35, Longbridge charges none, a significant savings over the loan's life.

The company provides a $500 discount on closing costs for active duty military and veterans. Standard fees still apply: appraisal (roughly $575), origination (capped by FHA), and counseling session (about $125).

Platinum jumbo loans come with lower upfront costs and no mortgage insurance premiums, potentially saving thousands over the loan's lifetime.

Finance of America Reverse

Finance of America Reverse has operated since 2003 and is one of the larger reverse mortgage lenders in the country.

Reputation and history

In 2023, Finance of America Reverse merged with American Advisors Group (AAG), then the largest reverse mortgage lender by volume. This acquisition reflected the company's strategy to build a retirement solutions platform for older homeowners.

The company settled legal challenges in the past. Finance of America Reverse agreed to pay $2.47 million to resolve allegations that a predecessor entity violated the False Claims Act. Despite this, FAR maintains an A+ Better Business Bureau accreditation.

Product variety

FAR offers several reverse mortgage products:

• HomeSafe Standard: Full-draw reverse mortgage with fixed-rate options and no origination fees
• HomeSafe Select: Similar to a HELOC but with reverse mortgage benefits, no minimum draw or origination fees
• HECM loans: Government-insured options for homeowners 62 and older
• Jumbo loans: Proprietary reverse mortgages up to $4 million

FAR allows greater age flexibility than many competitors. While traditional HECM loans require borrowers to be 62+, FAR's proprietary reverse mortgages are available to homeowners as young as 55 in most states.

Customer reviews

Borrowers frequently describe FAR representatives as knowledgeable, helpful, and professional in customer reviews.

Some negative feedback exists. Complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau have centered on service following the AAG acquisition, with some customers reporting account access difficulties.

Pricing and transparency

FAR's HomeSafe products offer a cost advantage: no monthly mortgage insurance premiums or origination fees. This typically reduces total loan costs compared to traditional HECM products.

FAR doesn't publish specific rates online but discloses that standard closing costs apply, appraisal, title insurance, and settlement charges. In some cases, lender credits may reduce out-of-pocket expenses, occasionally allowing zero-cost closings.

Finance of America Reverse provides a range of reverse mortgage solutions worth considering if you're exploring how to access your home equity.

Mutual of Omaha Mortgage

Mutual of Omaha was founded in 1909, making it one of the oldest financial institutions in the reverse mortgage space. Its mortgage division launched in 2016 and quickly became the nation's second-largest reverse mortgage provider.

Legacy and trustworthiness

Mutual of Omaha operates as a mutual company, meaning it prioritizes customer financial goals over shareholder returns. This structure has helped it maintain an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

Mutual of Omaha's pitch is that home equity makes up a large share of many retirees' net worth and often goes untapped. The company positioned itself to help homeowners reach that resource.

Customer service experience

Mutual of Omaha Mortgage is reviewed on Trustpilot, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. Scores differ across the three, and they change over time, so read the recent reviews rather than the headline number.

Borrowers often highlight responsive service and individualized attention. The company actively addresses customer feedback and resolves complaints.

Loan types and features

Mutual of Omaha offers four primary reverse mortgage products:

1. Standard HECM reverse mortgage, the traditional FHA-backed option with a $1,209,750 loan limit for 2025
2. HECM for purchase, enables seniors to use reverse mortgage funds to buy a new home
3. HomeSafe reverse mortgage, a proprietary product for high-value homes offering loans up to $4 million
4. Refinance options, allows refinancing of existing reverse mortgages for potentially improved terms

Mutual of Omaha is more flexible with credit requirements than many competitors. The company doesn't set minimum credit scores for conventional loans and accepts scores as low as 550 for certain government-backed options.

The typical application takes about 45 days and involves working with a loan officer. While this may seem less convenient than online-only lenders, many borrowers find the personal guidance creates a smoother, more reassuring experience.

For retirees dealing with inflation, unexpected costs, and longer lifespans, Mutual of Omaha presents reverse mortgages as strategic financial planning tools rather than last-resort options. The company provides educational resources and online calculators to help you evaluate whether a reverse mortgage fits your financial strategy.

Guild Mortgage

Guild Mortgage expanded into reverse mortgages through strategic acquisitions, building on its traditional mortgage business since 1960. The company's "customers for life" philosophy naturally extended to reverse mortgages.

Jim Cory, who manages Guild's reverse division, explained: "You can't really present 'customer-for-life' if you don't have a reverse mortgage offering. Our division fits in perfectly with that."

Guild balances technology with personal service. The MyMortgage digital portal offers paperless applications while keeping individualized support available. As the company notes, "while improved technology has made the lending process faster and more efficient, most customers still need and want a personal touch."

Guild earned the J.D. Power award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Origination in the U.S." in 2021.

The company is Better Business Bureau accredited and follows BBB Standards for Trust.

Guild expanded its reverse mortgage capabilities by acquiring Cherry Creek Mortgage in March 2023. Their Flex Payment Mortgages let seniors choose:

• Lump sum payments for major expenses
• Line of credit access for as-needed funds
• Monthly payments to boost retirement income
• Custom combinations of these options

This expansion helped Guild reach eighth place among HECM lenders, with 430 endorsements between October 2023 and August 2024, up from 265 in the previous period.

Terry Schmidt, Guild's president, said: "The acquisition of Cherry Creek Mortgage and its reverse mortgage division aligns with our customer for life strategy. This combination of resources enables us to expand our business and meet a growing market need."

Fairway Independent Mortgage

Fairway Independent Mortgage markets itself on faster closings than the industry norm. Closing timelines depend heavily on the appraisal and the counseling schedule, so ask for the lender's current average in writing rather than the number in the ad.

Fairway's philosophy centers on ethics: "the way we do things is just as important as what we do." The company operates over 500 branch locations nationwide with more than 3,000 mortgage professionals available to help seniors.

Fairway has placed near the top of J.D. Power's U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study in recent years.

Fairway is Better Business Bureau accredited, and reviews across the major platforms are consistently positive. Scores move around, so check the current ones yourself.

Fairway offers three main reverse mortgage products:

• Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM): The standard FHA-insured reverse mortgage option
• Jumbo Reverse Mortgage: For accessing more equity on properties valued beyond the current HECM limit of $1,209,750
• HECM For Purchase: Designed specifically to help seniors buy new homes better suited for retirement

To qualify, borrowers must be 62 or older, own a home outright or with significant equity, use the property as a primary residence, meet basic credit and property requirements, and complete HUD-approved counseling.

Throughout the application process, Fairway's Reverse Mortgage Planners provide guidance to help you understand your options and navigate each step.

Liberty Reverse Mortgage

Liberty Reverse Mortgage has served over 75,000 borrowers and established itself as one of the largest reverse mortgage lenders. The company stands out through its distinctive fee structure and diverse loan offerings.

No-fee structure

Liberty takes an unusual approach to closing costs by rolling them into the loan itself. Borrowers pay only for the required HUD-approved counseling session. Bundled costs typically include:

• FHA mortgage insurance
• Origination fees
• Title and closing settlement fees

This structure helps seniors with limited cash who need to tap home equity.

Trust ratings and reviews

Liberty belongs to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) and follows their ethics code emphasizing fairness, integrity, and professionalism. Customer feedback across review platforms is mixed to moderately positive.

The company offers online resources including a two-step reverse mortgage calculator to help estimate costs before applying.

Loan types

Liberty focuses on three main reverse mortgage products:

1. Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs): Standard FHA-insured reverse mortgages for homeowners 62 and older
2. HECM for Purchase: For seniors buying a new home without making monthly mortgage payments
3. EquityIQ: Liberty's proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage for homeowners 55+ with high-value homes, providing up to $4 million without mortgage insurance premiums

Liberty's typical application takes 30-45 days, positioning it as a middle option for processing time among reverse mortgage providers.

South River Mortgage

South River Mortgage is one of the larger reverse mortgage lenders in the United States. Based in Maryland, the company combines technology with individualized attention.

Growing reputation

South River started as a broker in 2019 before becoming an FHA-approved direct lender, a move that improved processing efficiency. President Tyler Plack said: "Having transitioned to an FHA-approved lender has been, strategically, one of the best moves we've made."

The company is not Better Business Bureau accredited. Its emphasis on technology has made it popular among seniors who value efficiency.

Customer service and support

Borrowers frequently mention responsive communication and clear guidance in reviews of South River.

Reviews are mixed across platforms, with the strongest praise going to the personalized attention borrowers get during the loan process.

Loan options

South River offers several reverse mortgage products:

• HomeForLife, a proprietary product with customized options and faster closing
• Specialized options with shorter processing periods than industry averages

South River leans on technology to move loans along quickly, which is worth considering if speed matters to you.

GoodLife Home Loans

GoodLife Home Loans began in 2012 as a family-owned business focused on improving retirement security through ethical reverse mortgage services. The company operates as Traditional Mortgage Acceptance Corporation (TMAC) and serves as a secondary market purchaser of reverse mortgages.

GoodLife entered the market to raise industry standards through ethical lending. The company is Better Business Bureau accredited.

The company's approach differs through its family-oriented philosophy. GoodLife commits to advising clients as if they were family members and operates transparently, providing complete information upfront to help seniors make informed decisions about accessing home equity.

Reviewers frequently praise GoodLife's loan officers for patience and for explaining the process clearly.

GoodLife assigns each client a dedicated reverse mortgage expert who guides them from application to funding. Loan officers take time to understand clients' specific goals and priorities, creating customized approaches based on individual needs.

For pricing, GoodLife may charge an origination fee, mortgage insurance premium (where required by HUD), closing costs, and servicing fees, typically incorporated into the loan balance. The company currently operates in 38 states.

GoodLife provides educational resources covering various reverse mortgage types: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), single-purpose reverse mortgages, and proprietary reverse mortgages. These options address different needs, from funding specific expenses like home repairs to accessing larger loan amounts than traditional reverse mortgages offer.

Plaza Home Mortgage

Plaza Home Mortgage has underwritten and funded FHA reverse mortgages since 2008, operating as an approved Ginnie Mae HMBS issuer. The San Diego-based lender serves all 50 states with conventional, government-backed, and reverse mortgage products.

Ethical lending practices

Fair and responsible lending forms the foundation of Plaza's business. The company maintains a non-discrimination policy, making credit available to qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, national origin, or disability status. Plaza views sustainable homeownership as providing "long-term economic prosperity and quality of life for individuals and families throughout neighborhoods and communities."

Plaza settled legal challenges in 2013, resolving Justice Department allegations regarding discriminatory lending toward African-American and Hispanic borrowers. The company cooperated with the investigation and established race and national origin-neutral standards for broker fees.

Customer satisfaction

Plaza implements strong privacy protections for customer information, using technology alongside physical and organizational safeguards to protect against unauthorized access to sensitive data.

When issues arise, Plaza offers accessible channels for addressing concerns. The company's website states they "focus on being your problem solvers, not creators," emphasizing solution-focused service.

Reverse mortgage offerings

Plaza's reverse mortgage division features "Ready Reverse," a streamlined process that guides clients through the entire lending journey. The program includes fast pre-qualifications, compliant counseling packages, and comprehensive closing documentation.

Plaza's reverse mortgage products include:

• Traditional fixed and adjustable HECM loans
• Reverse mortgages for home purchase transactions
• Both Correspondent and Wholesale channel options

A dedicated support team assists throughout the process. Plaza provides extensive educational resources, including "continuing education, live webinars, self-paced courses and personalized training" to help you understand reverse mortgage complexities and determine whether such products suit your financial needs.

HighTechLending

HighTechLending operates from Irvine, California, marketing reverse mortgages through its American Senior division. The company has operated in approximately 30 states over 19 years, receiving BBB accreditation in April 2021.

Transparency

HighTechLending faced transparency challenges in the past. In 2017, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions charged the company with using "false, deceptive, and misleading advertising" targeting seniors. Allegations claimed they falsely represented that borrowers could stay in their homes for life without making monthly payments. The company later implemented policies to prevent similar violations.

HighTechLending now discloses key HECM loan information: mortgage insurance premiums (initial 2% and annual 0.5%), third-party charges, origination fees, interest, and servicing fees. Origination fees are stated as "the greater of $2,500 or 2% of the first $200,000 of home value plus 1% of the amount over $200,000," capped at $6,000.

Customer reviews and ratings

HighTechLending is Better Business Bureau accredited and is reviewed on Facebook, Yelp, and Zillow as well. Scores differ between those platforms, so read a few recent reviews on each rather than relying on any single average.

Recent clients often describe loan officers as knowledgeable, personable, and professional.

Reverse mortgage products

The lender offers several reverse mortgage options:

• Standard HECM loans for borrowers 62+
• Reverse mortgages for those as young as 55 in select states
• Loans up to $4 million for qualified borrowers

HighTechLending promotes optional monthly mortgage payments as a key benefit, though borrowers must still pay property taxes and homeowners insurance to avoid foreclosure.

How to compare these lenders

Lenders differ most on four things: the minimum age they accept, whether they offer a proprietary jumbo product above the FHA HECM limit, how their fees are structured, and how fast they close. Ask each lender for those four in writing. Published star ratings and marketing claims go stale quickly, so they are the weakest basis for a decision this size.

Conclusion

Selecting the right reverse mortgage lender shapes your whole experience when you tap home equity in retirement. The companies covered here each bring something different: no monthly servicing fees at one, a proprietary jumbo product at another, faster processing at a third.

Most of these companies offer jumbo loan options that go above the standard HECM limit of $1,209,750, and several have lowered their minimum age to 55, compared with the traditional 62-year minimum for HECM loans.

Consider loan options, processing times, and fee structures when selecting a lender, and check current third-party ratings yourself rather than relying on a number printed in an article.

The reverse mortgage industry has kept changing since 2011, when major banks exited. Although HECM endorsements fell to 32,963 in fiscal year 2023 from 64,457 in fiscal year 2022, reverse mortgages remain a substantial option for qualified seniors seeking to supplement retirement income or address specific financial needs.

The best choice here comes down to your priorities, whether that's minimizing fees, maximizing loan amounts, getting responsive customer service, or something else that matters to your situation.

Sources

Primary sources for the figures and guidance on this page:

HUD Mortgagee Letter 2024-22, "2025 Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Limits" - Official FHA notice setting the HECM maximum claim amount at $1,209,750 for calendar year 2025, the standard HECM limit referenced on this page.

HUD, Annual Report to Congress on the FHA Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, Fiscal Year 2023 - Confirms FHA endorsed 32,963 HECM reverse mortgages in fiscal year 2023, the second straight year of declining HECM volume - the basis for this page's statement that fewer than 33,000 borrowers obtained HECM loans in FY 2023.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "What is a reverse mortgage?" - Confirms core HECM rules cited on this page: HECMs are only for homeowners age 62 and older, the home must be the borrower's principal residence, and borrowers must keep paying property taxes and homeowners insurance.

Department of Justice / HUD OIG, "Finance of America Reverse Agrees to Pay $2.47 Million to Resolve Alleged Liability for FHA-Insured Reverse Mortgage Lending Violations" (2020) - Confirms the $2.47 million settlement mentioned on this page, resolving False Claims Act allegations that a Finance of America Reverse predecessor (Urban Financial Group) originated FHA-insured HECM loans that did not meet HUD requirements.