Mortgage lenders vs. banks: Which is best for you?
It depends on your personal situation, goals and preferences.
4 min read
Jun 15, 2026
TJ Porter
Contributor, Personal Finance
TJ Porter has eight years of experience as a personal finance writer covering investing, banking, credit, and more. He has written dozens of articles for Bankrate and other popular finance websites such as Credit Karma and the Balance.
TJ's brush with personal finance began as he looked for ways to stretch his own dollars through deals or reward points. In all of his writing, TJ aims to provide easy to understand and actionable content that can help readers make financial choices that work for them.
When he's not writing about finance, TJ enjoys games (of the video and board variety), cooking and reading.
Find TJ Porter beyond Bankrate
TJ's latest articles
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Documents you’ll need to apply for an unsecured business loan
Have your documents, like bank statements, ready when you apply for an unsecured business loan.
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How to increase your mortgage preapproval amount
Getting preapproved for the right mortgage amount is the first step in getting your dream home. Here’s how to wangle more from your lender.
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Pros and cons of unsecured business loans
Loans without collateral can be quick but more expensive than secured loans.
5 min read Jun 27, 2024
