Magnolia Bank Mortgage Review 2025

Magnolia Bank offers competitive mortgage rates, nationwide loan options, and personalized service for home buyers, refinancers, and borrowers using VA or USDA programs.

The Mortgage Reports Rating
3.5
Magnolia Bank
Minimum down payment3%
Minimum credit score580
Loan Products Offered

Conventional mortgages
FHA mortgages
VA mortgages
USDA mortgages
Jumbo mortgages
Construction loans

Best Features

  • Low credit score programs starting around 580
  • Nationwide lending availability
  • Personalized service through remote loan officers

Drawbacks

  • Does not publish live rates online
  • Higher-than-average origination fees

Overview

Magnolia Bank is a nationwide mortgage lender known for its wide range of loan options, competitive rates, and personal customer support.

Founded in Kentucky more than a century ago, Magnolia has expanded its lending network across the U.S., offering a mix of conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans through its online platform and regional loan teams.

Magnolia offers a wide range of loan programs for veterans, rural buyers, and borrowers with smaller down payments, as well as options for those financing new construction.


Pros and cons of Magnolia Bank

Pros of Magnolia Bank:

  • Offers conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans
  • Competitive 2025 mortgage rates
  • Low credit score programs starting around 580
  • Nationwide lending availability
  • Personalized service through remote loan officers

Cons of Magnolia Bank:

  • Does not publish live rates online
  • Higher-than-average origination fees
  • Requires contact information for rate quotes
  • Limited in-person branch access

Magnolia Bank mortgage rates

Magnolia Bank’s mortgage rates for 2025 are competitive with the national average, though they vary by loan type and borrower profile. The bank does not publish daily rates on its website, so applicants need to request a quote directly. Based on recent lending data, here are Magnolia’s mortgage rates by loan type over the past year.

Loan TypeAverage Interest Rate
Conventional 30-Year6.72%
Conventional 15-Year6.22%
FHA 30-Year6.38%
VA 30-Year5.93%

Average rate and fee data sourced from public rate and fee records required by the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA).

Remember that interest rates vary a lot by customer. Your rate depends on factors such as your credit score, down payment, loan type, and home price.

That means you shouldn’t take average rates (or advertised rates) at face value. Instead, pick three to five lenders you’re interested in and get rate quotes from each one. Then compare the interest rates, closing costs, and other fees you’re offered to see which lender can give you the best deal.

Find your lowest mortgage rate. Start here

Magnolia Bank mortgage review for 2025

This Magnolia Bank lender review covers its full range of home loans, including purchase financing, refinancing, veteran programs, and specialty products like USDA and reverse mortgages. We evaluated four key aspects: affordability, lending flexibility, trustworthiness, and customer experience.

In a market where many lenders are tightening underwriting standards or pulling back on niche loan programs, Magnolia Bank distinguishes itself by offering a wide variety of loan options. Its VA and USDA loan programs are robust, and it can underwrite mortgages nationwide. For homebuyers in rural areas or those with smaller down payments, these options are a significant benefit.

That said, the general mortgage market is crowded, with most lenders competing on digital tools and transparent pricing. Magnolia’s lack of published rates and slightly higher fees make it less appealing to borrowers focused solely on cost. Still, its online platform and remote lending teams balance convenience with personal attention. For those who don’t need a local branch but value direct support, Magnolia offers a practical middle ground.

Overall, Magnolia Bank is a solid choice for borrowers who want options, access to non-standard programs (VA/USDA), and quick closing times. But it’s less suitable for those who prioritize the lowest costs and upfront transparency about rates and underwriting criteria.

Affordability

Magnolia Bank offers competitive rates, with its average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at approximately 6.38% in 2024, slightly lower than the national average of around 6.55%. However, the bank’s average origination fee for the 30-year fixed category, approximately $5,961, is significantly higher than the industry average of about $2,792.34.

Magnolia scores slightly below average in The Mortgage Reports’ affordability index due to higher origination fees. However, its competitive interest rates could lead to long-term savings for some borrowers. If keeping closing costs low is important to you, consider requesting a detailed loan estimate from Magnolia before applying.

Lending flexibility

Magnolia Bank provides a wide range of loan products, including conventional fixed-rate mortgages, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), construction loans, and reverse mortgages.

Magnolia Bank’s conventional loans usually require a credit score of 620 and a minimum 3% down payment. FHA loans are available to borrowers with credit scores as low as 580, with a 3.5% down payment requirement. Veterans and active-duty service members can qualify for VA loans with no down payment, and eligible rural buyers may do the same through Magnolia’s USDA loan program.

In short, lending flexibility is one of Magnolia Bank’s main advantages. It works well for veterans, rural buyers, and borrowers with limited credit or savings. Those needing specialized loans should check directly with the lender for details.

Compare your mortgage loan options. Start here

Trustworthiness

The Better Business Bureau accredits Magnolia Bank and has awarded it an “A” rating. That said, BBB complaint records show multiple customer grievances, particularly regarding high-pressure sales tactics, communication issues, and unsolicited calls. Overall, online reviews are mixed, with a Trustpilot rating of around 3.2 that reflects both positive and negative customer experiences.

Our analysis didn’t identify any significant enforcement actions reported by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which suggests a positive compliance record. Magnolia appears to be a stable, long-standing lender. However, borrower experiences can vary depending on the loan officer and transaction.

Customer experience

Magnolia Bank offers an online prequalification process that asks for basic borrower information. The lender aims to close purchase loans in about 30 days and offers digital tools such as mortgage calculators and rent-versus-buy comparisons. Although based in Kentucky, Magnolia operates nationwide through remote lending teams that handle applications, approvals, and closings entirely online.

However, Magnolia does not publish its rates publicly, and visitors must provide contact details to access most loan information. This setup can feel intrusive for borrowers who want to research quietly without triggering sales calls or emails. Customer reviews reflect this divide: some praise responsive loan officers, while others report delays and pushy follow-ups. Borrowers who prefer a mostly digital process may find the system efficient, but those seeking transparency or local in-person service might find it less appealing.

FAQs about Magnolia Bank

Find your lowest mortgage rate. Start here

Magnolia Bank offers conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, as well as jumbo loans, construction loans, and reverse mortgage options. These mortgage loans will meet the needs of most borrowers, including first-time buyers, homeowners refinancing, and those purchasing higher-value properties.

Conventional loans usually require a credit score of at least 620 and a minimum down payment of 3%. If borrowers have a credit score of 580 or higher, they can qualify for an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment. Eligible military members and rural homebuyers can typically qualify for VA and USDA loans with no down payment required.

Magnolia Bank offers VA loans for eligible veterans and active-duty service members, which don’t require a down payment. They also offer USDA loans to qualified borrowers in rural areas, with 100% financing. Both programs make it easier for people to buy homes when they meet specific service or location requirements.

You can begin online by filling out a short pre-qualification form. After you submit it, a loan officer will get in touch to talk about your options, rates, and what to do next. Magnolia also offers online tools to help you estimate payments and compare loan options.

Magnolia Bank’s mortgage rates are generally competitive, often slightly below the national average. However, its origination fees and other closing costs tend to be higher than those of many comparable lenders. Because Magnolia doesn’t publish rates online, you’ll need to request a personalized quote to see your total borrowing costs. Ask for a detailed loan estimate so you can compare pricing with other lenders before applying.

Is Magnolia Bank the best mortgage lender for you?

Magnolia Bank can be a good choice for borrowers who want a variety of loan options and personal service. Veterans and rural borrowers will appreciate its VA and USDA programs, while first-time homebuyers and second-home shoppers will benefit from its FHA and conventional mortgage options. The lender’s main drawbacks are its higher-than-average fees, lack of published rates, and the requirement to provide contact information early in the process, which can discourage casual rate shoppers.

If you’re comfortable applying online and want direct support from a loan officer, Magnolia delivers a dependable experience. But if transparency and the lowest upfront costs are top priorities, it’s worth comparing quotes from a few other lenders before deciding.

How The Mortgage Reports scored Magnolia Bank

The Mortgage Reports evaluates and ranks lenders based on four key factors, each weighted to reflect its impact on the borrowing experience.

  • Customer experience (20%): Examines the lender’s digita and service accessibility, including the availability of an online pre-approval or pre-qualification process, ease of contact, and the presence of a current rates page on their website.
  • Affordability (20%): Assesses the average origination charges and the average interest rate offered by the lender.
  • Lending flexibility (40%): Evaluates the lender’s minimum down payment and credit score requirements, as well as the availability of FHA, VA, and USDA loan options.
  • Trustworthiness (20%): Measures customer satisfaction and reliability based on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaints per 1,000 loans and ratings from reputable third-party review platforms such as Trustpilot.
Time to make a move? Let us find the right mortgage for you

Sources:

  1. Average mortgage rates and fees sourced from self-reported data mortgage lenders are required to file under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Rates and fees shown reflect the previous year’s data and may not align with today’s mortgage rates
  2. Monthly principal and interest payments calculated using TheMortgageReports.com mortgage calculator. Payments shown are based on a $200,000 loan amount and assume a “very good” credit score. Property taxes and homeowners insurance are not included. Your own monthly payment will vary
  3. Number of mortgage originations for the previous year sourced from self-reported data mortgage lenders are required to file under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
  4. CFPB Complaints reflect the number of mortgage origination or closing-related complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for the previous year
  5. Complaints per 1000 mortgages reflect the number of official complaints filed against a lender with the CFPB for the previous year, compared to the lender’s total number of mortgage originations for the previous year
  6. JD Power Rating reflects the company’s customer satisfaction score according to JD Power’s most recent Primary Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study. Survey respondents score their lenders in four areas: application/approval process, communication, loan closing, and loan offerings