Chase Mortgage Refinance Review: A Human Touch on a Big-League Bank
Let’s cut right to the chase (pun intended)—when you’re the biggest bank on the block, people tend to expect a lot. Chase Bank doesn’t just have the numbers to impress your accountant—it sits atop the country’s financial pyramid and is, not so humbly, the eighth biggest mortgage lender in America. That kind of clout usually translates into two things: competitive rates and the reassuring feeling that your lender won’t vanish overnight.
So, I rolled up my sleeves and dug into everything Chase offers for mortgage refinancing. We’ll crack open their parade of products, size up their rates and fees, and see if their digital tools make your life a little easier—or leave you pulling your hair out. And yes, we’ll see how they stack up against other big fish in the mortgage pond.
Curious if Chase is “the one” for your refi plans? Let’s find out.
Best for Competitive Mortgage Interest Rates
If your eyes go straight to the rates (don’t we all?), Chase usually does not disappoint. Their website is refreshingly up-front, letting you peek at current APRs for different loan flavors based on your ZIP code. More often than not, Chase is right there beating the national average, quietly gloating in the corner.
I’m a sucker for a good mortgage calculator, and Chase delivers the goods. Toss in your credit score, location, your dreams of a kitchen upgrade, and how much you owe on the place, and—voilà!—the calculator chews through it all to whip up personalized rate quotes. You get to tinker and play “what if” scenarios without having to spill your life story to a sales rep.
Other lenders have calculators, sure. But Chase’s may just convert even the most committed spreadsheet enthusiast—not just for its accuracy but also for its flexibility. Comparing banks suddenly feels less like a guessing game and more like a strategy session.
Chase Mortgage Refinance Pros and Cons
Ready for the rapid-fire round? Here’s where Chase shines, and where it falls a bit short:
- Pros
- Consistently competitive (sometimes brag-worthy) refi rates
- Second place in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction face-off
- Probably the most detailed online mortgage calculator in town
- Cons
- USDA loan refinancing? Sorry, not here.
- No online deep-dive into eligibility rules—gotta ask for the scoop
- Face-to-face help only in 36 states (and D.C.)—the rest get the digital handshake
Pros Explained
Fantastically Low Rates
Chase has this almost magical ability to offer rates that frequently dip below the national average. And, if you’re even a little commitment-phobic, you can lock in that rate while your application is being processed, so you don’t get burned if rates take an unexpected leap.
Customer Satisfaction That’s More Than Just Lip Service
According to the 2022 J.D. Power survey, Chase nearly nabbed the top spot, scoring a himalayan 736 out of 1,000—just behind Rocket Mortgage. Your neighbor who won’t stop talking about their smooth refi? They might just be a Chase customer.
An Online Mortgage Calculator That Doesn’t Make You Cry
Chase doesn’t make you guess. Their tool lets you map out fees, taxes, insurance, and monthly payments. By the end, you may feel more prepared than a boy scout at a merit badge jamboree.
Cons Explained
No USDA Love
Sorry, folks in the sticks—if your current loan is USDA-backed, Chase won’t have what you’re looking for, which stings if you’re keen on flexible, rural-friendly terms.
No Online Fine Print
Want to see if you qualify without having to talk to someone? Chase guards those details like a secret recipe. You’ll need to chat with a lending advisor or roll the dice by applying.
Advisor Access Isn’t Nationwide
Like diners that close at 3pm, Chase’s face-to-face advising isn’t everywhere. If you don’t live in one of 36 “chosen” states or D.C., you get digital or phone help only—hardly the end of the world, but it’s nice to know.
Chase Mortgage Refinance Offerings
Chase throws out almost the whole refinancing buffet: cash-out, rate-and-term, conventional, jumbo, FHA, and VA products, with both fixed and adjustable rates. Your home is your oyster if it’s your primary residence, and there’s also a nod to second homes and investment properties (for conventional and jumbo loans).
But here’s the rub: apart from what’s legally published for government-backed loans, Chase is a little secretive about their exact eligibility rules. Be ready to make a call or pop in an application if you want to know where you stand.
Hungry for specifics? Here’s what you get:
- Cash-Out Refinance: Need a living room makeover or crushed by credit card debt? Cash-out allows you to replace your mortgage with a fatter one and walk away with the difference—usually up to 80% of your home’s value. Across conventional, jumbo, FHA, and VA loan types, you’ll find options, though don’t expect a rulebook for maximum loan-to-value ratios unless your loan is VA- or FHA-backed. Often, the ceiling hovers between 80 and 90 percent, with VA sometimes letting you go all the way to 100%. FHA cash-outs are capped at 80%, and you’ll need a squeaky clean payment history, a solid credit score (think 580+), and a reasonable debt-to-income outlook. Bonus: you get your funds three days after closing, so start planning that deck party now.
- Rate-and-Term Refinance: Sometimes you just want to tweak your mortgage, not overhaul it—lower the rate, stretch (or shrink) the term, and, boom, monthly payments are suddenly more manageable. With 15-, 20-, and 30-year fixed-rate choices and ARMs galore, you’ve got options. FHA and VA refis are on the table too—usually friendlier to folks with middle-of-the-road finances. FHA “simple” refis involve an appraisal and credit check, while “streamline” options skip some of that (though be ready to bring closing costs to the table). VA streamline (“IRRRL”) refis are among the fastest, so long as you’ve been prompt with your previous VA loan payments and have lived in or recently occupied the place.
Chase Mortgage Refinance Pricing
Let’s talk turkey—how much is all this going to cost? Chase is a tease: their site is packed with sample rates, but if you want nitty-gritty on fees (think origination, application, appraisal), expect a curtain of mystery. Generally, budget for 2% to 6% of your loan amount in closing costs. Whether you land on the high or low end usually depends on your loan details and whether you go for that Scandinavian marble in your bathroom remodel.
Chase Mortgage Refinance Financial Stability
If you lose sleep over whether your lender is built to last, Chase should let you rest easy. Their parent, JPMorgan Chase & Co., isn’t just big; it’s fortress-level sturdy. Ratings? S&P puts them at A-, Moody’s goes with A1, and Fitch gives a hearty AA-. If these agencies were Olympic judges, Chase would be on the podium waving a tiny flag. With $434 billion in market value and a top spot on the Fortune 500’s financial list, expect plenty of cash on hand for those mortgage payouts.
Chase Mortgage Refinance Accessibility
Where Can You Refi?
Chase’s reach covers all 50 states, but if you like in-person service, check your map—they only have home lending advisors in 36 states (plus D.C.). The rest of us get digital and phone support, which, to be honest, usually does the trick.
How to Get in Touch
No carrier pigeons needed. You can call, email, or mail the old-fashioned way. Hours are weekday-friendly (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST) and Saturdays too (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST).
- General help: 1-800-848-9136
- Got refi fever? Call: 1-800-447-1101
Chase account holders can send secure emails and hear back in about a day. Or go retro with a letter:
- Chase
Mail Code LA4-6475
700 Kansas Lane, Monroe, LA 71203
What’s It Like to Apply?
Honestly? It’s refreshingly painless for a bank of this size. Chase’s online application is clear and their refi guides don’t pull any punches. If you have questions, their team is just a call or click away—and you won’t be the first to need a little hand-holding.
Chase Mortgage Refinance Customer Satisfaction
Not a Better Business Bureau darling, but who needs it when you’ve got an A+ rating and a true believer’s following? J.D. Power’s 2022 scorecard put Chase as the silver medalist among the biggest mortgage players—a great sign if you’re hunting for a refi partner who values happy customers.
Chase Mortgage Refinance FAQ
- What credit score does Chase use for mortgage refinancing?
The short answer: Chase plays coy, keeping minimum scores to themselves, except where FHA or VA rules apply. You’ll need to do a little digging for your specific case. - What are Chase’s current refinance rates?
Rates change with your loan type and financial profile, but Chase is famous for hanging out below the national average. - What documents do I need to refinance through Chase?
You’ll generally need pay stubs, employment proof, a current appraisal, and all the usual financial suspects.
How We Evaluated Chase Mortgage Refinance
I put Chase under the microscope for their variety of products, how bendy their terms are, how spicy their rates and fees look, whether the application is as sleek as promised, how friendly their customer support acts, and the usability of their online tools. The result: a fair and honest ranking among the mortgage refi crowd.
Summary of Money’s Chase Mortgage Refinance Review
Chase wears its “refi powerhouse” badge with pride. Unless you’re hoping to refi a USDA loan (sorry, you’re out of luck here), Chase’s wide array of options—especially cash-out and rate-and-term refinances—make it an easy recommendation for just about anyone. Their competitive rates, famous customer service, and that hard-to-ignore security that comes with a blue-chip bank can be a dream come true. Just don’t forget: shopping around is always smart. The best deal might just be waiting one click away.