Looking for the best reverse mortgage lender in 2025?  Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or comparing interest rates and closing costs, this guide breaks down the top reverse mortgage companies based on verified reviews, BBB ratings, complaint history, and lender transparency.

Updated for 2025, this expert-backed comparison will help you make an informed decision and choose the right reverse mortgage lender for your financial future.

How We Chose the Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders in 2025

We know that choosing a reverse mortgage lender is a major financial decision—one that can impact your retirement security for years to come.  That’s why this list wasn’t thrown together from sponsored links or paid placements.  Our rankings are based on real, verifiable data and over 20 years of firsthand industry experience.

Here’s the exact process we used:

• Verified BBB Ratings & Accreditation – Only lenders with a current BBB profile were reviewed, with additional points awarded for maintaining a long-standing A+ rating.

• Years in Business – Lenders with a proven history (10+ years in reverse mortgages) scored higher for stability and reliability.

• Customer Review Analysis – We reviewed thousands of borrower ratings from reputable platforms (BBB, Google, Yelp), filtering out duplicate or suspicious feedback.

• Complaint Volume & Resolution Rate – Companies with frequent unresolved complaints or slow response times were ranked lower.

• Transparency of Loan Terms – Lenders that disclose their margins, fees, and closing costs received higher scores.

• HUD Approval & NRMLA Membership – Only HUD-approved lenders were considered, with extra credit for those committed to NRMLA’s Code of Ethics.

This approach means you’re not just seeing a list of “popular” companies—you’re getting a data-backed guide to the lenders that have consistently delivered the best results and borrower experiences.

5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Reverse Mortgage Lender

1.  Work with a Lender Who Understands Your Needs

It’s crucial to work with a reverse mortgage lender who truly understands your individual needs and long-term goals.  A knowledgeable lender won’t just focus on one aspect, like lower fees, but will look at the whole picture—helping you find the most suitable program for your unique circumstances.

For instance, while one lender may offer a slightly lower appraisal fee, saving you a small amount upfront, they might also provide less overall loan value or higher interest rates, which could cost you thousands more in the long run.  A good lender will take the time to evaluate your situation, ensuring you choose the reverse mortgage plan that best supports your financial goals and helps you maximize your home equity.

2.  Carefully Review Online Customer Feedback

Reading what other customers say about reverse mortgage lenders online is a good idea.  However, be cautious about where these reviews originate.  Some websites that help companies find customers might not provide honest reviews, as financial incentives can influence their content.

Instead, look for reviews on reputable sites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Google Reviews.  Real customers write reviews on these sites, and lenders can’t change them.

Pay attention to recurring issues that appear in the reviews.  If you encounter the same problems repeatedly, it’s best to avoid those providers.  Remember, this loan is for your benefit, not the lender’s.  The best reverse mortgage for you is one that fits your specific situation.

What works for some might not be right for you.  At All Reverse Mortgage, our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make a choice that truly fits your needs, rather than just selling you a loan.

3.  Compare All Loan Details, Including Margins and Closing Costs

When considering a reverse mortgage, it’s important to compare all aspects of the loan, not just the fees.  By law, lenders can’t add extra charges to third-party fees, such as appraisals, title fees, and credit reports.  Lenders can only charge what those services actually cost.

One thing to pay attention to is the lender’s margin.  A higher lender margin means you could end up paying a lot more in interest over the years, and you might get less money from the loan.

Here’s something else to consider: the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) is usually 2.0% of your home’s value, up to a maximum home value of $1,209,750.  So, the highest UFMIP could be as much as $24,195.00.  Some loan options may allow the lender to cover some or all of this cost, saving you money upfront.

That’s why it’s essential to compare different loans and determine which one is best suited to your situation.  Don’t just look at the fees; consider how the loan performs over time.

4.  Make Sure Your Lender is HUD-Approved

For your protection, verify that your chosen lender is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  You can easily check their approval status by visiting the HUD website and using their Lender List Search tool.

5.  Avoid Lenders Who Have Their Own Appraisal Services

It’s best to avoid lenders that use their appraisal services, as this may limit your options and affect the objectivity of your home’s value.  Shop around, compare quotes, and ensure the loan officer and the company have the proper qualifications and licensing.

Below is a comprehensive comparison of the top 20 reverse mortgage lenders in the U.S., ranked by BBB rating, years in business, customer satisfaction, and complaint volume.  Data reflects performance and reputation within the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) market as of August 2025.

Did You Know? Not all lenders with an A+ BBB rating have reasonable customer satisfaction. Some of the most well-known names have hundreds of complaints and 1-star reviews. Always dig deeper than the rating.

Before You Choose: Reverse Mortgage Lender Checklist

Before signing with any reverse mortgage lender, take these steps to ensure you’re getting the right fit for your needs:

1. Run Your Own Numbers First
   Use our reverse mortgage calculator to see what your payout could be based on real-time rates—before talking to any lender.

2. Request a Written Loan Estimate
   Make sure the quote includes the margin, APR, all closing costs, and any financed fees.  Don’t accept verbal estimates.

3. Ask About Servicing
   Find out who will service your loan after closing and whether they have a history of good customer support.

4. Compare Margins, Not Just Rates
   The lender’s margin affects both the amount you receive and the interest that accrues.  A lower margin can mean tens of thousands more in proceeds over time.

5. Confirm HUD Approval
   Use the HUD Lender Search Tool to verify your lender is approved to originate federally insured HECM loans.

6. Check Reviews from Independent Sources
   Look for feedback on BBB and Google—not just the lender’s own website.  Pay attention to recurring complaints.

By following this checklist, you can avoid costly mistakes, find a lender that prioritizes your needs, and make a fully informed decision.

Ready to Compare for Yourself? Use our reverse mortgage calculator to get a personalized quote with real-time rates, or call us at (800) 565-1722 to speak directly with a knowledgeable advisor at All Reverse Mortgage, Inc. (ARLO™). 

Frequently Asked Questions

Information for Past Customers of Inactive Companies

ARLO recommends these helpful resources: 

• Search for a lender by State or City