In a Nutshell
pros
- Diverse range of loan options
- Special rates for Costco members
- Highly rated customer support
cons
- No physical branches
- No rates without registration
Axos Bank at a Glance
Loan types | Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity |
Featured Loans | Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, HEL/HELOC |
Repayment terms | 10-30 years |
Best for | Saving on closing fees, especially if you’re a Costco member |
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Overview
Axos Bank started out as an online bank in 2000 and has developed a reputation as a top online mortgage lender. It offers an impressive range of mortgage products, from the types of conventional and government-backed loans offered by most lenders to niche products like non-conforming loans and special loans for Costco members. Because Axos is a completely online bank with no physical branches, it is able to offer lower closing fees than most other lenders.
Best For?
Axos Bank is a good option for anyone looking to borrow from an online mortgage lender, but it is a particularly great choice for the 90 million-plus Americans with Costco membership. That’s because Axos offers a special mortgage program for Costco members, with exclusive discounts for existing cardholders, as well as borrowers who subscribe to Costco during the mortgage application process.
Types of Loans/Products
As mentioned, Axos offers a wider range of mortgage loans than most other banks. These include conventional loans, government-backed home loans, home equity loans, and a unique mortgage program for Costco members.
Portfolio and non-conforming loans: Customized mortgages for complex financial needs, such as non-owner-occupied properties and lower down payments.
FHA loans: Government-backed loans for people with sufficient credit and down payment.
VA loans: Government-backed loans for active and former service people and spouses who meet certain conditions, with zero down payment.
Home Equity loans and home equity lines of credit: HELs and HELOCs let homeowners borrow against their equity.
Interest-only mortgages: Includes introductory period in which the borrower pays interest but no principal in return for lower monthly payments.
Loans for investment properties with 5 or more units: Includes financing for mixed-use properties, student housing, retail, office, industrial, and mobile properties.
Mortgage program for Costco members: Special rates and fees for new and existing Costco members.
The Application Process
The application process takes place online with telephone assistance from a dedicated mortgage consultant. To request a quote online, just fill out a few details including your name, contact details, estimated credit score, loan amount, and down payment. Axos also offers a special feature which lets users request a daily, weekly, or monthly rates update to their inbox, with no obligations.
If you’re satisfied with the rate given, you may go ahead and apply for a mortgage. Axos has similar requirements to most other mortgage lenders.
Borrower must be a US citizen or resident.
Borrower must be 18 years or older.
Costco membership only required if applying for mortgage program for Costco members
Pros and Cons
Aside from the almost entirely digital application process, the main advantage of Axos Bank’s service is its wide range of mortgage products and low closing costs. Axos Bank really does appear to beat most of its competitors on closing costs, and doubly so for Costco members. Anyone can take advantage of the Costco discount.
Rates and Fees—The Bare Basics
Unlike some other banks, Axos doesn’t display rates unless the user enters their contact details. With that said, once the user registers, they get access to a completely transparent quote for different mortgage products, including a full breakdown of closing fees and monthly payments.
Repayment Terms
Borrowers may select from the following loan terms: 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, or 30 years.
Help & Support
Judging by independent customer reviews, most customers walk away very satisfied with Axos Bank’s hands-on service. Each applicant is appointed a dedicated mortgage consultant who stays with them through to closing. Applicants may call Axos Bank directly or speak to an agent over live chat during business hours. If you request a quote online, an Axos agent will call you to provide additional information.
Summary
It’s fair to say Axos offers competitive rates and fees on mortgage products, especially for Costco members. The other thing that stands out for us is the transparency, which makes sense given that Axos wants to show off those low rates and fees. When you request a quote, you get a full breakdown of estimated closing costs and payments, and the sheer amount of detail is something you don’t tend to see with most lenders. Overall, Axos Bank offers a solid option if you’re looking to apply for a mortgage online and potentially find a great rate.
Axos F.A.Q.
Q: When was Axos founded?
A: Axos launched on July 4, 2000 (it chose this date on purpose), under the name Bank of Internet USA.
Q: Does Axos have physical branches?
A: No. Axos Bank has only ever operated online, making it one of the first banks to open exclusively as a digital operation.
Q: How trustworthy is Axos Bank?
A: Axos is a FDIC-insured bank and a certified equal housing lender.
A: Do you have to be a Costco member to get an Axos loan?
No, but it pays to take out Costco membership because Axos rewards Costco users with lower rates and fees.
Physical Address
Axos Bank
4350 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 140
San Diego, CA 92122
