Money.com

For centuries, precious metals have maintained their role as an integral part of the investment landscape. Today, gold, silver, platinum and palladium still offer investors a means of diversification while serving as a hedge against inflation and offering protection against market volatility.

When it comes to retirement planning, this holds true. Precious metals can play an instrumental part in a well-diversified retirement portfolio. Self-directed gold individual retirement accounts (IRAs) allow investors to hold assets that are ineligible for traditional and Roth IRAs. But like any company offering investment accounts, some are better than others.

Read on for our review of Rosland Capital’s gold IRA to help decide if its gold IRA is the right fit for your retirement plan.

Best gold IRA for investing in specialty coins

Founded in 2008, Rosland Capital offers a wealth of precious metal products, making it one of the best gold IRAs for specialty coins. The company offers educational resources on its website, including information about gold IRAs, the six-step process to invest in one and how to calculate required minimum distributions (RMDs).

One thing that makes Rosland Capital stand out among its competitors is its array of products, including specialty coins. While some gold IRA companies limit their options to investors, Rosland Capital offers precious metals products including gold, silver, platinum and palladium.

Rosland Capital gold IRA pros and cons

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Pros

• Low minimum balance requirement and low fees
• A+ BBB rating
• Diverse offering of products

Cons

• Wider spread than its competitors
• Numerous BBB complaints
• Cannot open account online

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Pros explained

If you’re researching how to buy gold in an IRA, you’ll learn that all precious metals dealers offering these retirement accounts have their pros and cons. The advantages Rosland Capital has over its competitors include low minimum balance requirements and low fees, an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and diverse product offerings.

Low minimum balance requirement and low fees

Compared to its competitors, Rosland Capital offers low minimum balance requirements and low fees. Its fees include:

• A one-time $50 account set-up fee
• A $100 annual maintenance fee
• A storage fee of $100–$150 per year

Furthermore, its minimum balance requirement is significantly lower than many other companies operating in the gold IRA industry. Whereas some of its competitors have minimum balance requirements of $10,000–$25,000, Rosland Capital’s is just $2,000.

A+ BBB rating

Rosland Capital has been accredited by the BBB since it was founded in 2008 and holds an A+ rating, the organization’s highest grade.

Diverse product offerings

From specialty gold coins and platinum bars to palladium bars and silver bullion, Rosland Capital offers investors a diverse range of product options. It is specifically well-reputed for the dozens of specialty coins it advertises, from historic pieces such as the 1912 graded $10 Indian Head coin to the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix five-ounce silver coin.

Cons explained

Just like its advantages, Rosland Capital has disadvantages compared to its competitors, including a wider spread, numerous BBB complaints and not offering clients an option to open accounts online.

Wider spread than its competitors

Rosland Capital has a wider spread than some of its competitors. The spread — the difference between the prices at which it buys and sells precious metals — is noted in multiple complaints filed against the company with the BBB.

Numerous BBB complaints

The precious metals dealer has received 10 complaints in the past year on the BBB website, and 30 over the past three years. Most of the complaints and users’ negative reviews center on poor communication on the company’s part, a considerable markup on its products and shipping delays and issues with payment delivery.

Cannot open account online

Rosland Capital doesn’t allow clients the option to open accounts online. In order to start a gold IRA with the company, you either have to contact its customer service team via the phone number listed on its website or fill out an online form and have a customer service member contact you.

Rosland Capital gold IRA offerings

In addition to its gold IRA investment options, Rosland Capital allows investors to directly purchase gold, silver, platinum and palladium products.

Gold IRA products

Gold IRAs offer you a way to diversify your retirement planning with precious metals (i.e., gold and silver), thereby reducing the risks you face after retiring. In order for precious metals to be included in an IRA, the IRS stipulates that gold bars and coins, platinum bars and coins and palladium bars and coins must be 99.5% pure, while silver bars and coins must be 99.9% pure.

Rosland Capital offers dozens of IRS-approved gold IRA products, including:

• American Eagle gold and silver coins
• American Buffalo gold coins
• Canadian Maple Leaf gold, silver and palladium coins
• Gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion bars
• Gold and silver Britannia coins

Gold and silver bullion and coins

Other gold products listed on the Rosland Capital website include:

• Formula 1 Championship gold and silver coins
• British Museum gold and silver coins
• Presidents Cup gold and silver coins
• Billie Jean King gold and silver coins
• Fernando Hierro gold and silver coins
• Arnold Palmer gold and silver coins
• Michael Schumacher gold and silver coins
• Players Championship gold and silver coins

Platinum and palladium bars

The company also offers PAMP platinum bars, which are engraved and created in Castel San Pietro, Switzerland, a city famed as a producer of precious metal bullion products. Rosland Capital also offers IRS-approved one-ounce Credit Suisse palladium bars.

Rosland Capital pricing

Rosland Capital doesn’t list prices for any of its products on the company’s website. Instead, it instructs customers to contact the customer service team via the phone number listed online. Additionally, the company doesn’t accept online payment, specifying that payment must be made by bank check, personal check or money order.

If customers are unable to pay, Rosland Capital charges a 4% restocking fee and reserves the right to charge the difference between the company’s purchase price and its actual resale price at the time of the intended purchase.

Rosland Capital gold IRA financial stability

Since it’s a privately held company, no information or financial statements about Rosland Capital are available online. However, the company has been accredited by the BBB since its inception in 2008, which demonstrates a good track record in the industry.

Rosland Capital gold IRA accessibility

Rosland Capital customer service team members are available to assist prospective customers from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST. The following section details the company’s availability, contact information and user experience.

Availability

Rosland Capital is available throughout the U.S. via its office in Los Angeles, as well as international customers through separate, independent Rosland-branded companies located in London, Paris and Munich.

The company does not offer online purchases, an app or chat service. All inquiries must be directed to the customer service team via telephone, email or an online form available on the website.

Contact information

Rosland Capital’s business hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST. You can contact the company’s customer service team via:

• Email: services@roslandcapital.com
• Mail: 11766 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1200, Los Angeles, California, 90025
• Phone: 1-866-942-2962

User experience

Augusta Precious Metals has a fairly comprehensive website that details its gold IRA and precious metals products. However, prices are not included online making it difficult to compare its products’ prices to that of its competitors or to the current spot price of gold.

Based on user reviews, Rosland Capital’s customer service team isn’t well-reputed for its communication while salesmanship can be front and center. The company’s website provides some educational information about investing in precious metals, as well as an FAQ section specific to gold IRAs.

Rosland Capital gold IRA customer satisfaction

Rosland Capital boasts a BBB customer review rating of 4.78 stars out of a possible 5 based on 329 reviews. Customer comments on the BBB website indicate that the company has a well-informed customer service team that is knowledgeable about the precious metals market and gold IRAs.

Additionally, Rosland Capital receives a 4.2-star rating out of a possible 5 based on 125 reviews on the Trustpilot platform, with user reviews citing responsive customer service representatives who are prepared to help explain the nuances of precious metals investing.

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Rosland Capital gold IRA FAQs

Who owns Rosland Capital?

Rosland Capital was founded in 2008 by CEO Marin Aleksov, a veteran of the precious metals industry. The company remains privately held.

Is Rosland Capital legit?

Rosland Capital is a legitimate business offering nearly two decades of expertise in the precious metals space. The company offers gold IRAs and various investments that can be made in gold, silver, platinum and palladium. It is accredited by the BBB and receives strong ratings from that site and Trustpilot.

Is a Rosland Capital IRA a good investment?

Rosland Capital’s gold IRAs offer investors a means of diversifying their retirement savings with precious metals, which historically have acted as hedges against inflation, provide lower volatility than other asset classes and act as stores of value. Whether or not to invest in a gold IRA with the company comes down to individual preferences and investment objectives.

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How we evaluated Rosland Capital gold IRA

We evaluated Rosland Capital based on the following factors:

• Account offerings, including what kinds of metals customers can invest in

• Information (or lack thereof) on pricing on the company’s website

• Customer experience and satisfaction according to trusted third-party review sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot

• Availability across the U.S. and internationally

Summary of Money’s Rosland Capital Gold IRA Review

Gold IRAs provide investors with a way to gain exposure to precious metals, which can help them diversify their investment portfolios. Rosland Capital offers customers a low barrier to entry compared to competitors’ minimum balance requirements and ongoing annual fees. The website includes some educational content but doesn’t list any prices. For pricing information or to open an IRA, you must contact the customer service team at the number provided on the company’s website. If you’re considering a gold IRA, be sure to educate yourself about all of the options before investing in one.

Preparing for a trip can be a real challenge, especially when you need to fit everything into one bag. An ideal solution to avoid traveling stress is to invest in a good-quality rolling duffle bag. These bags allow you to pack everything you need without compromising on space or style. They are also lightweight, spacious, and easy to maneuver, making them the perfect travel companion for navigating airports, bus stations, and other travel hubs.

In this article, we’ll help you find the ideal bag for your needs by reviewing the highest-rated duffle bags in 2023. We’ll provide in-depth reviews of the leading duffle bags available today, including comparisons of their pros and cons. We’ve also included a detailed buyer’s guide that covers the key features to consider when choosing a duffle bag to help you make an informed choice before your next trip. Prepare to hit the road and travel in style with the right rolling duffle bag for your needs and budget.

Best Overall: Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag

Best Carry-On: Samsonite Andante 2 Rolling Duffel Bag

Best for Rough Terrain: Travelers Club Adventure Upright Rolling Duffel Bag

Most Durable: Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag

Largest Capacity: TPRC Sierra Madre II Upright Rolling Duffel Bag

Reviewing the Finest Rolling Duffle Bags of 2023

Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag – Best Overall

List Price: $26.95

The Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag is the top pick on our list due to its unbeatable combination of quality, affordability, and style. Featuring a durable polyester construction and durable heavy-duty zippers, this soft-sided duffle has a spacious, U-shaped main compartment that provides ample room for all your traveling essentials. The bag has four front compartments, two narrow and two wide, each equipped with two-part zippers to simplify the organization of your items. The thick padded lining of this option provides peace of mind by keeping your belongings safe and secure. The buckle straps easily secure the bag’s contents, so you can travel with confidence.

Thanks to its two ergonomic straps and adjustable, detachable carrying strap, you’ll also be comfortable while transporting your essentials. Combining form and function, this duffle bag’s hide-away handle system retracts and extends smoothly for convenient portability. Its extra-large inline skate wheels have rubberized treads for smooth rolling on almost any terrain. It also has two long rubber feet on the back to protect your belongings against unexpected bumps or scratches. This pick is available in 24 unique colors and patterns as well as four sizes, making it easy to choose an option that suits your style and needs. Between its wide range of designs, strong construction, and excellent storage capacity, this duffle bag is the best overall product on our list.

Pros

• Convenient handles on both sides
• Sturdy and smooth-rolling wheels
• Easy to carry with shoulder strap
• Collapsible and expandable

Cons

• May not fit in all carry-on compartments
• May be too large for quick getaways

Samsonite Andante 2 Rolling Duffel Bag – Best Carry-On

List Price: $59.99

The Samsonite Andante 2 Rolling Duffel Bag is an excellent option for travelers who want a dependable bag that can also serve as a convenient carry-on. This 22 x 13 x 12-inch duffle is a perfect fit for airplane compartments. The compact design permits easy storage under an airplane seat or in an overhead bin for convenient access to your belongings throughout your flight. Crafted from dual-textured dobby polyester, it boasts a water-resistant resilience that provides long-lasting durability. It also has corner protectors to shield against wear and tear at key contact points, making it ideal for frequent long-distance travel.

As far as storage goes, this duffle bag features generously sized end pockets and a U-shaped main opening, providing abundant space for your belongings. Its sturdy bottom structure offers a stable foundation for safely packing a range of items. This pick has external handles and a tall, lockable pull handle for convenient maneuverability while on the go. Its in-line wheels glide smoothly over surfaces, so you can easily and quickly navigate through tight spaces and busy travel hubs like airports and train stations. While it’s an ideal size to serve as carry-on luggage, this bag’s interior is still spacious enough to hold all your essentials.

Pros

• Perfectly sized as a carry-on for flights
• Large U-shaped opening and spacious pockets
• Sturdy dual-textured polyester and reinforced corners
• Inline wheels ensure smooth and easy movement

Cons

• May tip if unevenly loaded and unattended
• May not extend adequately for taller travelers

Travelers Club Adventure Upright Rolling Duffel Bag – Best for Rough Terrain

List Price: $60.00

The Travelers Club Adventure Upright Rolling Duffel Bag offers excellent value for a travel bag that’s sturdy enough to withstand camping trips and outdoor adventures. It’s equipped with heavy-duty blade wheels that can easily handle traversing across rough terrain. For comfortable carrying, it comes with an adjustable shoulder strap. This rugged pick features a durable nylon lining to keep your clothing, camping gear, and supplies safe and sound. It also has high-quality zippers that can withstand daily wear and tear and a push-button locking handle that extends and collapses easily.

With a 40-pound capacity, the design of this bag offers ample storage to fit all your belongings. Exterior pockets provide quick access to essentials, while the expandable drop-bottom compartment allows for extra space when needed. This product also includes a separate shoe pocket to keep footwear away from your other items. Whether you’re a leisurely explorer or an avid adventurer, this rolling duffle bag is a reliable, all-terrain way to carry your essentials to campsites and other outdoor destinations.

Pros

• Lightweight yet sturdy construction
• Durable wheels tackle rough terrain with ease
• Separate compartments for shoes or wet clothes
• Impressive capacity of 40 pounds

Cons

• Bag only has one side pocket
• Liner material could be more durable

Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag – Most Durable

List Price: $44.00

The Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag is an optimal choice for travelers looking for a piece of durable yet lightweight luggage. At 6.2 pounds and constructed with high-quality nylon material, this large 30-inch duffle bag can reliably hold all your belongings while traveling. The reinforced stitching and heavy-duty wheel system make this product very tough, so it’s capable of withstanding the wear and tear that comes with frequent travel. The bag’s retractable telescopic handle and four in-line blade wheels ensure smooth maneuverability, maximizing ease of movement for a convenient travel experience.

This duffle bag is an excellent choice for storing and securing your belongings thanks to its spacious main compartment and two velcro straps. It offers additional organization with its multiple compartments, including a side zippered pocket for quick access to your essentials and a mesh pocket that is perfect for carrying your water bottle or snacks. With its exceptional durability, reliable portability, and range of storage options, this bag is an asset for all types of travel.

Pros

• High-quality construction offers lightweight durability
• Spacious main compartment with multiple pockets
• Heavy-duty wheel system for easy maneuvering
• Convenient top and rear handles

Cons

• Requires some effort to clean textured fabric
• Lacks security features for added protection

TPRC Sierra Madre II Upright Rolling Duffel Bag – Largest Capacity

List Price: $21.57

The TPRC Sierra Madre II Upright Rolling Duffel Bag is an excellent option for long-distance travel due to its sturdy construction and impressive storage capabilities. It features a large 103-liter volume capacity, making it a great option for longer trips or bulky items. This 30-inch bag comes in a sleek black and gray color combination with yellow accents and is very lightweight at only 5.6 pounds. The U-shaped zippered top opening makes it easy to pack and organize your items so you can make the most of your space. With two additional side pockets, you will have convenient access to your most important items, whether it’s your phone, wallet, water bottle, or other essentials.

This rolling bag has durable in-line skate wheels that move smoothly for easy transportation. The luggage has a convenient telescopic handle and a top carry handle, allowing for versatile transportation. A dedicated drop-bottom storage compartment allows you to stow away shoes or other items separately from your belongings, helping to keep everything clean and organized while you travel. With its stylish design, multi-purpose pockets, and large storage capacity, this rolling duffle bag will surely exceed your expectations for organizing all your travel essentials.

Pros

• Durable enough to withstand rugged travel conditions
• Large storage capacity of over 100 liters
• Heavy-duty inline skate wheels for easy portability
• Convenient drop-bottom shoe compartment

Cons

• May feel oversized for some travelers
• Lacks external straps to compress bulky items

Buying Guide: Rolling Duffle Bag

A versatile duffle bag is an essential traveling companion, whether you’re heading on a quick weekend getaway or an extended trip out of town. Duffle bags are lightweight, easy to store, and can fit just about anything you need without taking up too much space. Finding the perfect one for your needs can be an intimidating task, given the range of brands and styles out there.

With that in mind, we’ve crafted a comprehensive buying guide to help you find the ideal rolling duffle bag to complement your traveling style. This guide highlights the key features to take into consideration, ensuring that you don’t overlook anything in your search. By using the information in this guide, you’ll be able to select a rolling duffle bag that combines convenience, storage, and style for your upcoming journeys.

Size

When choosing a duffle bag, size is an essential factor. It’s vital to consider the bag’s intended use and the items you expect to carry. A more compact bag may suffice for everyday use, such as carrying a laptop and personal items. If you need ample storage for sports gear, camping essentials, or larger items, a bigger bag would be a better fit.

Storage capacity

When choosing a duffle bag, opt for one that has pockets and compartments. This will help keep your items organized and easy to reach. Make sure there’s a designated space or hook to hold your keys or pens and check for secure closures like zippers or buckle fastenings to keep your valuables tightly protected. To ensure absolute safety and peace of mind for your belongings, take the time to assess both ease of access and bag security during the selection process.

Materials

While choosing a duffle bag, prioritize durable materials like nylon, canvas, or leather, which can withstand daily usage and unpredictable weather conditions. You can also consider bags treated with additional waterproofing layers or weather-resistant coatings to ensure your belongings are safe from the elements.

Durability

Look for high-quality stitching and hardware in the bag’s construction to ensure the utmost durability and craftsmanship. Make sure the seams are tightly secured and that there are no loose threads or frayed edges that could cause breakage. Before traveling, check that all closures, including zippers, buttons, buckles, and straps, are securely attached. It may also be worth checking whether the material has been treated with a special coating to protect against water damage.

Comfort

When it comes to traveling long distances, a carefully chosen duffle bag can vastly improve your comfort. Cushioned straps help distribute the weight evenly, effectively preventing discomfort and fatigue. Additionally, adjustable straps, lightweight materials, and heavy-duty wheels make transporting bags easier.

Color and style

When choosing a duffle bag, choose a color and style that matches your personal preferences and aesthetics. After all, your bag should reflect your unique style choices and complement your wardrobe. Consider whether you’re looking for a classic or modern design, and choose a color that works well with the rest of your wardrobe or suits your personality.

Security features

For enhanced security while traveling, opt for bags with zippers or buckles instead of drawstring closures which may be less effective against thieves. There are also many bags available now that come equipped with a range of additional security features. One example is anti-theft pockets, which incorporate RFID-blocking technology to safeguard against digital theft of stored data, such as credit cards, which are vulnerable to electronic pickpockets.

Price

When shopping for a duffle bag, don’t base your decision solely on cost. Quality should be your top priority. Begin your search by establishing a budget, evaluating available features, and reading customer reviews. Research various models and their price points to determine which offers the most value for your needs. When you find a great deal that ticks all your checkboxes and suits your budget, don’t hesitate to invest in it.

People Also Ask

What are the best materials used in making duffle bags?

The key to a long-lasting duffle bag is durable and reliable materials. Heavy-duty nylon, polyester, leather, and canvas are top choices as they offer excellent strength and durability against wear and tear.

What size duffle bag do I need for a weekend getaway?

When planning a weekend escape, a duffle bag in medium or large size is ideal. Typically, a medium-sized bag measures 18-22 inches long, while a large one ranges between 24 and 30 inches.

What are the most important features to look for in a rolling duffle bag?

When choosing a duffle bag, consider features such as adjustable shoulder straps and multiple pockets for organizing your belongings. Additionally, it should have sturdy zippers and reinforced stitching for durability against everyday wear and tear. It’s also essential to ensure the bag is lightweight yet robust enough to carry bulky items like jackets or shoes.

How do I clean and maintain a rolling duffle bag?

Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to keeping your duffle bag in pristine condition. Usually, spot-cleaning it with soap and water is enough to remove the dirt and stains on the fabric’s surface. Leather bags require special care to avoid damaging their fibers and losing their luster. Professional cleaners are typically best equipped to help preserve your leather materials and ensure their longevity.

Can rolling duffle bags fit into an overhead compartment on an airplane?

There are different types of bags available in the market that can fit into overhead compartments of airplanes. These include rolling duffle bags, backpacks, and folding bags with an unfolded size smaller than the allowable dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

How long does a quality duffle bag typically last?

Investing in a durable and high-quality duffle bag is wise, as it should endure between five and 10 years based on usage frequency and maintenance. Caring for your bag is essential to ensure it lasts. Stick to a regular cleaning and upkeep routine, and don’t compromise on manufacturing quality. Doing so could cause unexpected issues, hindering your bag’s longevity.

Why Trust Us

Our commitment to the consumer begins with product selection and ends with the last word we write in each article. Each rolling duffle bag is carefully vetted quantitatively through star ratings and the number of reviews qualitatively through careful examination of reviews and the features each one has to offer. Leveraging our team of bargain hunters, we’re always sure to keep your budget in mind while finding the best rolling duffle bags on the market. Our team of experts is dedicated to accurately depicting the pros and cons of each duffle bag, translating product specifications into information you can understand. We aim to offer unbeatable value on travel products, so you can get the most comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for your buck.

Throughout the week, Amazon featured early holiday deals on major brands like Adidas, Peloton, and Gap, but Black Friday still appears to have the best prices of the season. From Beats to Vera Bradley, there are plenty of big bargains if you look carefully.

Below, we compiled a list of 12 great gift ideas that are available online starting November 24. There’s no telling when deal prices end, so act quickly. Check out our favorite Black Friday gifts on sale with reviews from real customers.

Best Family Gift

Fangor HD Projector 1080P (54% off): $127.86

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Echo Show 5 Smart Display (56% off): $39.99

“The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) is like having a personal assistant who tells great jokes – it’s the smart display you didn’t know you needed until you have one. The sleek design fits seamlessly into any room, and the 5.5-inch screen is just the right size – not too big to be intrusive, but not so small that you need a magnifying glass to see what’s going on.” Sarah via Amazon

McAfee Total Protection 2024 Antivirus (85% off): $14.99

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EastPoint Sports Cornhole Set (43% off): $39.99

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Best Gifts for Men

Turonic GM5 Massage Gun (47% off): $99.97

 

“So far, it is working great! Love the different attachments. The battery seems to last a long time. Feels great on sore muscles after a long day at work.” Caroline via Amazon

Fireside by Dearfoams Slipper (64% off): $39.07

“These fit perfectly. I’m a size 11 and the slippers are comfortable and warm. They aren’t so tight that I can’t also wear them with a thin pair of socks.” Rob via Amazon

Champion Mens Zip-Up Hoodie (50% off): $30

“This is a nice zipper hoodie I have some other brands and this seems to have nice fit and nice material I have had several Polo Hoodies and they are comparable Polos are warmer. Time will tell if the zipper holds up.” Tom via Amazon

Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones (50% off): $99.95

“I recently purchased the Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, and I have been thoroughly impressed with their performance. These headphones are the perfect blend of style and substance, making them a fantastic choice for both audiophiles and fashion-conscious individuals.” Eddie via Amazon

Best Gifts for Women

Vera Wang Eau de Parfum for Women (71% off): $24.33

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Keds Leather Slip On Sneaker (48% off): $34

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Vera Bradley Crossbody Purse (53% off): $34.99

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Anne Klein Genuine Diamond Bracelet Watch (60% off): $38.28

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A home warranty is a service contract that helps cover the repair or replacement costs of your home’s major appliances and systems when they break down. A plan can supplement your homeowners insurance policy — which protects your home and belongings from certain perils (like a fire).

All home warranties have restrictions and exclusions of things they don’t cover. Unfortunately, if your damaged item doesn’t follow your contract’s limitations, you may find your home warranty claim denied.

Read on to learn why even the best home warranty companies may deny a claim and what you can do to prevent it.Table of contents

• Why home warranty companies may deny a claim
• Steps to file a warranty claim correctly
• How to avoid getting claims denied
• How to dispute a home warranty claim denial
• Home warranty claims FAQs

Why home warranty companies may deny a claim

A home warranty company may deny a claim for many reasons, including lack of maintenance, incorrect installation or unauthorized repairs. Always read your contract carefully, as it contains the details and extent of your home warranty coverage. It may have stipulations that lead to your claim being denied.

While each company sets its own terms and conditions, here are the most common reasons providers deny claims.

1. The appliance or system is not covered by the home warranty

Home warranty companies typically offer three different types of plans: a systems repair plan (heating, plumbing, etc.), an appliance repair plan or a comprehensive plan that includes both. However, your plan may not cover every appliance or system in your home.

Exclusions vary by company and could surprise you. You may not be covered for specific parts of a system or appliance. For example, your contract may cover the repair of your garage door but not the remote.

Your contract may also exclude coverage if a pre-existing condition (present before the warranty began) is at least partly at fault for the failure.

Make sure to read our article on what is a home warranty and what it covers to learn more.

2. The appliance was not maintained properly

You must properly maintain your appliances and home systems in order for them to be covered. If the company finds that you didn’t take care of the appliance in a way that could have prevented it from breaking down, your claim could be denied.

3. The appliance was installed improperly or has safety code violations

Your claim could also be denied if the appliance or system was not installed correctly or if the installation violates local building codes. This is true even if a professional performed the improper installation.

4. The appliance has unusual wear and tear

Home warranties only cover an appliance or system when it breaks down due to normal wear and tear. The company may deny your claim if it determines you haven’t been using the item properly.

For example, overloading your washing machine or dishwasher is improper use that can cause malfunctions or damage. In this case, your claim will likely be denied.

5. The damage was caused by animals

Some home warranty companies exclude any damage caused by animals, including pets and vermin. If any kind of animal caused the damage to your appliance or system, your claim may be denied.

6. The damage is secondary to a primary breakdown

Many companies only cover direct damage to your appliances or systems themselves. If you submit a claim for secondary damage — i.e., the dishwasher overflows and ruins the carpet — your claim could be denied. However, your homeowners insurance coverage may help with the cost of repairing the secondary damage.

7. You exceeded your coverage limit

Home warranty companies place annual coverage limits on each covered appliance or system, and annual caps on all payouts. These caps are different for each home item, but on average they range between $500 for smaller items and up to $50,000 for the aggregate limit.

Even if your appliance would otherwise be covered, your claim may be denied if you’ve already exceeded your plan’s coverage limit.

8. An unauthorized technician performed repairs

Many home warranty providers have a network of service technicians who can fix your covered appliances or home systems.

Typically, you must use one of the company’s technicians. Having someone else do the repairs — or doing them yourself — could make that item ineligible for coverage.

Some companies allow plan holders to choose their technicians as long as they are licensed and reputable. Before hiring a service provider, check with your contract to see what flexibility you have.

Steps to file a warranty claim correctly

When an appliance or home system malfunctions, you can file a claim with your home warranty provider to get it fixed. Before booking a service call, you should make sure that your home protection plan covers your specific issue.

The claims process can vary by company, but here are the basic steps to file a home warranty claim.

1. Understand your coverage

As home warranty plans vary in coverage, you should review your contract documents to learn more about covered repairs and replacements, terms and conditions for filing a claim, and exclusions. You can usually obtain these from your warranty company’s website.

First, check if your plan covers the specific appliance or system that needs repair. A basic plan might only cover major systems, such as your heating and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and electrical systems. Other plan options may include common appliances, such as water heaters, washers, fridges, garbage disposals and ovens. Higher tier plans may even extend coverage to equipment such as garage door openers, built-in microwaves, doorbells and even roof leaks.

Next, review any particular conditions the company requires for a claim to be approved. Make sure your damaged item meets contract requirements.

2. Consider your plan’s coverage limits

Review your plan’s coverage limits and any previous claims you’ve made throughout the year. If the repair costs more than the item-specific limit or total annual limit, you may need to pay for the remainder out of pocket. Having this information before filing your claim can help you arrange to cover the cost with cash or through financing.

3. Request a service visit

Once you’ve confirmed that your plan covers the item, contact your service provider and make a service request. You can usually log in to your customer portal to find an online service visit request form. Otherwise, you may need to call to speak to a representative.

When you request service, expect to provide information about the issue. Make sure you know the appliance’s brand name, unit age and serial and model numbers. You’ll also need to describe when and how the issue started as well as whether you’ve previously requested service for the issue.

4. Pay the service call fee

Before finalizing the service visit request, the home warranty company will likely have you pay your service call fee.

The service call fee pays for the time and labor of the professional who will evaluate and repair your broken-down home system or appliance. Your home warranty plan contract will state the service call fee, which could range from $35 to $150. Depending on the provider’s payment options, you may pay over the phone or online

After you pay it and submit the service call request, the provider will arrange for a service contractor to evaluate the damage and write an inspection report. If the home warranty company approves your claim, the contractor will then repair the covered item or process the replacement.

How to avoid getting claims denied

As we explained above, there are legitimate reasons why claims get denied, but there are also steps you can take to avoid this disappointment and hassle. Understanding your contract, giving your appliances routine maintenance and keeping service records go a long way.

Read your contract’s fine print

Study your home warranty contract carefully before you sign. Learning as much as possible about your contract and coverage is the most important step to avoid an unexpected claim denial.

Keep maintenance records

Frequent maintenance will keep your appliance and systems purring for years. When it comes to claims, meticulous documentation is helpful. These records will show that you’ve followed the manufacturers’ instructions. They can help you prove the appliance or system didn’t malfunction because of improper care, but from a defect or regular use.

Take steps to mitigate damage when possible

Pay attention to any glitches, system errors or even funny sounds, as these may precede larger problems. Don’t limit yourself to just routine maintenance on each appliance or system. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, do whatever you can as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

How to dispute a home warranty claim denial

If the home warranty company denies your claim, there are steps you can take to appeal the decision.

1. Review the terms and conditions of your home warranty contract. Double check the coverage. If you don’t already have one, ask for a PDF of the contract to find keywords and relevant sections quickly.

2. Contact your home warranty company. Let your company know you want to appeal your denied claim and ask customer service to provide you with the documents you need to begin the claims appeal process. Also, log dates, times, representative names and any information obtained during your customer service calls or other correspondence.

3. Request a copy of the inspection report. Service technicians are typically required to write a report after diagnosing your issue. Knowing the information on this report — and, by extension, the reason behind the denial — will help you focus on the crux of the issue in your appeal.

4. Get a third-party assessment. As the first assessment could have missed an important detail, having a second, impartial opinion may help your case. You’ll have to pay for this assessment yourself, so make sure that what you have to gain is more than the cost of the evaluation itself.

5. Follow the appeals process. Sometimes the home warranty provider may request additional documents or records. It’s also best practice to follow up with the company if you don’t receive a response within 30 days.

6. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If the provider is unresponsive or you feel the denial is unjustified, filing a complaint might prompt the company to respond. Companies like to stay in good standing with the BBB and other review sites to uphold their reputation.

7. Take further action if your claim isn’t resolved. If your appeal fails and you feel you’ve been defrauded, consider calling in the authorities. First, contact your state’s consumer protection office and file a complaint. The agency that usually investigates fraud is the state’s attorney general’s office. To make sure you’re contacting the correct office, find your state’s consumer protection office.

If all else fails, you can also take the legal route. Some states have small claims courts where you can sue for up to around $10,000, depending on the state. If you believe the home warranty company owes you more than what your small claims court awards, you may have to file a lawsuit in a higher court. Consider discussing your situation with your attorney before filing to ensure this is the correct course of action.

Summary of Money’s 8 Reasons Home Warranty Companies Deny Claims

Home warranties help homeowners pay for necessary repairs and replacements of covered appliances or home systems. The added peace of mind and repair cost savings can make a home warranty worth it for some people. However, review the contract before purchasing to make sure the premiums of the plan make sense for you. Also, ensure you know how the home warranty works, including what’s covered and excluded.

Home warranty customers are often confused about why their home warranty claim was denied. There are many legitimate reasons why this happens.

The most common reasons for home warranty claim denials include the following:

• The service plan doesn’t cover the item

• The item was installed incorrectly

• The item didn’t have proper maintenance

• The item displays unusual wear and tear

• The damage was caused by animals (like pets or vermin)

• The damage is secondary (i.e., this issue was caused by another item breaking down)

• You exceeded your plan’s coverage limits

• You had an unauthorized service technician complete the repairs

To avoid unexpected claim denials, be aware of what your home warranty plan covers and excludes, keep detailed maintenance records and prevent damage when you can.

American homebuyers may be feeling like they’re out of options amid soaring housing prices, low inventory and elevated mortgage rates.

But a new ranking shows there are still some cities where the median home price is $300,000 or less — a steal when you consider the median throughout the U.S. right now is $431,000.

Real estate listing site Realtor.com looked at list prices in the 100 largest cities in October, including their surrounding suburbs and smaller urban areas, to find the cheapest markets for homebuyers.

Where homes cost under $300,000

The metropolitan areas listed in Realtor’s new ranking have some seriously affordable real estate, and shoppers can even find a home with a yard.

But buyer beware: The big cities with median home prices of $300,000 and under tend to be dealing with population decline stemming from economic hardship.

Buyers shouldn’t let that discourage them, especially if they’re determined to make a purchase in this era of high mortgage rates (the average rate is currently 7.4%), high home prices, high homeowners insurance costs and limited inventory.

The cities on the list, which are mostly in the Midwest and South, feature a low cost of living. They’ve largely been sheltered from the historic housing price surges that have affected most of the country in recent years. And while it’s true that these areas have been through some tough economic times, Realtor’s chief economist, Danielle Hale, says the majority have a below-average unemployment rate.

10 big cities with low home prices

These are the 10 metro areas where the median list price was around $300,000 or less in October.

1. Toledo, Ohio (median list price: $205,725)
2. Scranton, Pennsylvania (median list price: $239,495)
3. Rochester, New York (median list price: $249,949)
4. Detroit, Michigan (median list price: $252,250)
5. St. Louis, Missouri (median list price: $277,000)
6. McAllen, Texas (median list price: $280,000)
7. Birmingham, Alabama (median list price: $294,825)
8. Little Rock, Arkansas (median list price: $295,000)
9. Wichita, Kansas (median list price: $298,950)
10. Baton Rouge, Louisiana (median list price: $301,954)

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More from Money:

Home Sales Rise as More Sellers Cut Prices and Grant Concessions to Buyers

Here’s What’s Next for the Housing Market After a Massive Realtor Lawsuit

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Throughout history, gold and other precious metals have maintained their status as fixtures in the ever-evolving global financial markets. Investors often turn to gold because of its historical role as a hedge against economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Unlike some other asset classes, gold serves as a store of value, retaining its value and purchasing power regardless of macro trends or currency devaluation.

As a safe-haven asset, people have turned to gold investments time and time again when they’re worried about the economy. This article delves into the many factors that influence the precious metal’s price, how it’s used to diversify portfolios and whether now is an opportune time to allocate resources to gold.

Read on to learn if the timeless metal is a good fit for your personal finance goals.

Is it a good time to buy gold?

Investors looking to diversify their portfolios and add a store of value often wonder if investing in gold would achieve that. The precious metal serves as a safe-haven asset during times of elevated inflation, high interest rates, currency movements and market volatility.

However, the price of gold and the current market for it are impacted by several factors. Therefore, deciding precisely when to invest in it requires numerous considerations. The following section details many of them.

When to invest in gold

If you’re thinking about adding gold to your investments, there is no shortage of ways to gain exposure. Whether that means investing in the precious metal by buying gold bars, opening a gold IRA, or owning a gold-mining company’s stocks or gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), you should contemplate the following criteria before making an investment decision.

During times of higher inflation

Gold is a popular investment when inflation is high. That’s because the precious metal is seen as a relatively price-stable, safe-haven asset when the cost of consumer goods and services rise, and purchasing power subsequently falls.

Since hitting its all-time high in 2020, the price of gold challenged that mark twice in 2022 and twice in 2023, during which time inflation was at or near 41-year highs. Similarly, in the late 1970s and early ‘80s when inflation nearly doubled within three years, the price of gold broke its then-all-time-high twice.

Demand for the precious metal during these periods evidences that inflation is a key driver of gold prices. For example, in the first quarter of 2022 when U.S. inflation began worsening, gold demand was 34% higher than the same quarter the year prior. That year-over-year increase represented the highest quarterly demand since Q4 of 2018 and was 19% higher than the five-year average.

During times of economic uncertainty or geopolitical unrest

Geopolitical unrest can have a positive effect on the price of gold. As global tensions increase, so too can precious metal prices. Investors can turn to gold as a safe-haven asset in order to protect their wealth. For example, in Q1 of 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, the price of gold jumped 6%. In Q4 of 2023, after war broke out between Israel and Hamas, the price of gold climbed 7.5% in the first month following the conflict.

Conversely, geopolitical stability can have the inverse effect on gold prices. During relatively stable periods, prices can stagnate or fall as investor sentiment can shift in favor of higher-risk assets.

When you want to diversify your portfolio

Gold, like other precious metals and commodities in general, also serves as a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. The goal of diversification is simple: Holding various asset classes can help reduce the overall losses experienced by one or several assets, thereby minimizing risk exposure.

By including gold in a well-diversified portfolio, you’re not only gaining precious metals exposure but adding an asset class that can not only perform well during high-inflation/high-interest-rate environments and retain its value over the long term, but can also outperform during market downturns when stocks, ETFs and mutual funds may suffer.

When you’re looking for a safe investment

When considering stores of value, gold consistently finds itself near or at the top of the list. For this reason, it provides a layer of safety, which makes gold appealing to many long-term investors. Because of this, it can also play a role in retirement, when investments should be considerably more conservative. With gold IRAs, you’re able to include assets such as precious metals that you can’t hold in traditional or Roth IRAs.

The risks of buying gold

Like all asset classes, there are varying degrees of risk involved. That’s no different for gold. The following section explains four of them.

Gold isn’t income-producing

Albert Einstein referred to compound interest as the eighth wonder of the world, further stating that “He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn’t … pays it.” Compound interest is why income-producing investments are popular among long-term investors. Their ability to produce interest on top of price appreciation allows gains to grow faster.

Gold is not an income-producing investment. Unlike traditional equity assets that can produce income, such as stocks, ETFs and mutual funds, or other investments like real estate, bonds and CDs, precious metals and other commodities don’t produce yield. The only return physical gold can produce is when its price rises and you sell it. By owning gold, you’re risking unrealized gains in other asset classes that can produce income and, by extension, offer compound interest.

Bull markets

When equities are performing well during bull markets, precious metals can see their prices stabilize or reverse. That’s because investors are able to enjoy better returns from higher-risk assets such as stocks, ETFs and mutual funds, than they would from gold investments.

For example, in the wake of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, gold hit its then-all-time-high in August 2011 just as the equity markets proved they were once again in bull territory. The price of gold subsequently fell over 41% before bottoming in December 2015.

For bear markets, the opposite holds true. Investors will flee higher-risk assets in search of the safety gold can provide. However, historically, bull markets last longer and provide larger gains than bear markets’ losses:

• The average bull market lasts 2.6 years, while the average bear market lasts just 9.6 months.

• The average bull market gain is 111%, compared to the average bear market loss of -35%.

Storage and insurance costs

The costs associated with storing and insuring gold can be a detriment to overall potential gains. Since precious metals held in self-directed gold IRAs must, by law, be held at IRS-approved depository facilities, you’ll incur fees charged by the custodian to oversee the storage and insurance of your gold.

Since these fees are charged annually, over the long term they can erode your potential gains. Storage and insurance fees can range from 0.5% to 1% of the value of your precious metals each year. Additionally, annual account maintenance fees can be assessed.

Price volatility

The gold market is typically seen as being more stable compared to other markets. However, it’s not immune to price fluctuations and market volatility of its own. There are numerous factors that can contribute to this, including its inverse relationship to the fiat currency, its limited nature and industrial use.

Gold’s inverse relationship to paper currency, like the U.S. dollar, can impact its prices. When the gold standard was finally abandoned in 1971, it marked the end of its run as the de facto monetary system for the world. From that point forward, gold and the dollar were freed from one another and in doing so, their prices have tended to move in opposite directions since.

Furthermore, gold is a finite resource. A total of 244,000 metric tons have been discovered, including 187,000 produced and 57,000 in underground reserves. When mining stocks are reduced, demand can outstrip supply, driving the price up. But when new gold deposits are discovered and supply is thereby increased, prices can suffer.

Industrial applications for precious metals can also impact the market. Gold is used in the aerospace, automotive, defense, electronic and medical industries. And although technology accounted for just 6.56% of all gold demand in 2022, those uses could be expanding with the advent of newer tech applications. Gold is used in electric vehicles’ circuit boards, solar cells and computer chips.

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Gold price FAQs

What drives the gold market?

Beyond supply and demand, which can be impacted by fluctuations in the amount of gold produced and its industrial applications, numerous other factors contribute to the price of gold. The value of the U.S. dollar, bull and bear markets, inflation, interest rates and geopolitical unrest can all impact the gold market.

How often do gold prices change?

Gold prices change daily. Prices are published twice a day by the London Bullion Market Association via the ICE Benchmark Administration (IBA), which consists of multiple banks, an oversight committee and a panel of internal and external chair members. The IBA sets gold spot prices, meaning the current market value price.

Should you invest in gold this year?

Whether or not you invest in gold comes down to your personal preferences. If you want to hedge against inflation, diversify your portfolio with a safe-haven asset and provide yourself with downside protection for your other holdings, gold could be a good fit. However, if you’re interested in income-producing assets, don’t want to pay recurring annual fees in an IRA and prefer higher-risk assets, perhaps gold isn’t right for you.

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Summary of Money’s Is It a Good Time to Buy Gold?

Gold is historically a safe and stable investment that can protect you in times of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Its price holds up well during times of high inflation and high interest rates, and sees increased demand and price appreciation during traditional equity bear markets rather than bull markets. Like all assets, the price of the precious metal and its demand ebb and flow depending on numerous circumstances. If you’ve determined that now is the right time, read our guide on how to invest in gold.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become an appealing solution for accessing the internet without restrictions, securing your browsing data and maintaining your privacy. There are many options to choose from, each with its own advantages and benefits for your specific needs.

Ivacy VPN stands out as a noteworthy platform, offering impressive features at a fair price. Keep reading for a comprehensive Ivacy VPN review, from its subscription plans and pricing to accessibility and customer satisfaction.

Ivacy VPN pros and cons

Ivacy VPN has a niche in the market due to its pricing structure, which is a major draw for users who are on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise on quality. The VPN’s plans — particularly the five-year subscription — are an excellent value for your money, and they’re much more affordable than similar offers from competitors.

However, even the best VPN services have benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh them carefully. Here are Ivacy VPN’s pros and cons:

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Pros

• Comprehensive security features
• Wide server selection
• Excellent customer service
• Supports P2P and streaming

Cons

• No free trial
• Inconsistent speeds on some servers
• Intermittent problems with streaming services

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Pros explained

Comprehensive security features

Ivacy VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, an industry standard known for its exceptionally strong security properties. It also supports two highly secure protocols, the Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) and Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2). This combination of military-grade encryption and strong protocols provides an almost impenetrable shield for your data.

Wide server selection

Ivacy VPN’s server network is remarkable, boasting almost 6,000 servers across more than 100 different locations around the globe. This wide-ranging selection of servers allows users to connect to the location of their choice and access geo-restricted content from many different regions. It also means users should have a server nearby no matter where they are in the world.

Excellent customer service

Ivacy’s customer service is one of its strongest selling points. The company provides quality and timely support to users through their live chat service 24/7. This ensures that customers can address their problems irrespective of their geographical location or time zone.

Supports P2P and streaming

Peer-to-peer file-sharing and torrenting often require high-speeds, a stable connection and robust security. Ivacy VPN’s optimized P2P servers meet these requirements, ensuring efficient and smooth P2P transactions. Moreover, Ivacy is able to successfully connect to popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, for access to geo-blocked content.

Cons explained

No free trial

Ivacy VPN does not offer a free trial — an uncommon sight in the industry. A free trial could serve as a preview, letting users assess the service’s quality and functionality first-hand before deciding on a subscription. Ivacy partially makes up for this by providing a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is effectively a risk-free period for users to test the service.

Inconsistent speed on some servers

Download speeds on Ivacy can fluctuate significantly depending on the server you’re connected to. While many servers provide commendable speeds, users might experience varying performance across different locations. This is especially important for international users who rely on Ivacy to connect from places around the globe.

Intermittent problems with streaming services

Some users report experiencing difficulties in accessing streaming platforms, such as Netflix, while using Ivacy VPN. Since many VPN users often resort to such services to bypass geo-restrictions, this can lead to a subpar user experience, especially for those who rely heavily on their VPN for entertainment.

Ivacy VPN plans

Ivacy VPN has a broader offering of plans than many competitors. Shorter-term offerings are a good choice if you’re wondering if you need a VPN, while the longer plans offer significant discounts.

One-month plan

Ivacy VPN’s base offering at $9.95 comes with all of its features, unblocking Netflix across 16 major regions as well as Hulu, Disney+ and BBC’s iPlayer. While the one-month plan is Ivacy’s most expensive choice from a monthly perspective, it’s more affordable than the base plan of many major competitors.

One-year plan

Ivacy VPN’s pricing strategy is a big part of its draw. Its $3.99 per month, one-year subscription plan presents an enticing reduction in price compared to the base plan. It sits at nearly a 60% discount compared to what you would pay for Ivacy’s services on a month-by-month basis.

Five-year plan

Ivacy VPN’s five-year plan earns its title of the company’s best value proposition. This plan requires an upfront payment of $60 but compensates users with a surprisingly discounted rate — 90%, or $1.00 monthly — compared to Ivacy’s monthly plan.

This is an excellent choice for those eyeing a long-term VPN commitment in search of a good deal.

Ivacy VPN pricing

Ivacy VPN monthly plan costs $9.95 per month, while its annual subscription, billed once per year at $47.76, is only $3.99 per month. Its five-year plan, billed at $60.00 at the beginning of each term, is only $1.00 per month — a savings of $537 over its monthly offering.

Ivacy VPN financial stability

Ivacy VPN has been around since 2007. The company was acquired in 2016 by PMG Pte. Ltd., an IT firm based in Singapore. Though their parent company’s financials appear to be unavailable online, Ivacy VPN’s reported revenue for 2022 was $5.3 million.

Ivacy VPN accessibility

Ivacy VPN’s website is relatively simple and easy to navigate. It could improve its design to better cater to users with visual difficulties, as many of its pages use light-colored text on a light background.

Many of the website’s pages contain duplicate information, which likely has more to do with sales strategy than accessibility concerns. Lastly, though live chat support is available on nearly every page, it isn’t the most robust support option for anyone with motor difficulties.

Availability

In addition to over 100 geographic locations, Ivacy VPN has no restrictions based on country of origin or use. Anyone with uncensored internet access should be able to use its services, though functionality may not be guaranteed in places with stringent internet censorship laws.

Ivacy VPN is available for download for Windows, Linux and Mac desktop computers and on Android, iOS and Huawei mobile devices. Android TV and Amazon’s Fire Stick devices are also supported, as are PlayStation, Xbox and the streaming protocol Kodi. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.

Contact information

In addition to 24/7 live customer support, Ivacy users can contact the company via three different email addresses catering to various issues. There’s also a support form on its contact page, which has links to a broad range of quick-start guides, a fairly comprehensive knowledge base of articles and the option to open a trouble ticket with replies being sent via email.

User experience

Ivacy’s website seems to follow a “more is more” design philosophy, with much of the same information duplicated throughout its site. That said, information is at least readily accessible and complete, with many different routes to support and details about their service.

Ivacy VPN customer satisfaction

Ivacy reviews are chiefly positive. Users often cite prompt responses from customer support with sufficient information to successfully resolve issues, even when those problems are complicated or highly technical.

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Ivacy VPN FAQs

Is Ivacy VPN safe?

Ivacy VPN uses leading encryption technology and active protection measures like a kill switch, which works to ensure your data remains secure even if your VPN connection drops. In addition, the company adheres to a strict no-logs policy, so your data is shielded even from your VPN provider.

How good is Ivacy VPN?

Ivacy VPN is something of a well-kept secret. It provides excellent customer service, above-average speeds and robust security features. The service supports a wide range of devices and operating systems and boasts a simple, straightforward design that’s easy for even novice VPN users.

Is Ivacy VPN free?

Ivacy VPN is a paid service with no free trial or free account options. However, its five-year plan is one of the most affordable paid options among all VPNs.

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How we evaluated Ivacy VPN

Our assessment of Ivacy VPN was based on multiple factors, including:

• Encryption algorithms: Measures that primarily determine the security level of the service

• Privacy policies: Zero-log policies and other factors that might impact the service’s users

• Speed: Evaluated against benchmarks set by VPN competitors as well as direct ISP connections

• Pricing: Present market offerings were compared against other commercially accessible VPN services

• Customer support: The ease of contact for technical inquiries or account cancellation

• Overall user experience: Derived mainly from reviews on app stores and consumer review websites

Summary of Money’s Ivacy VPN review

Ivacy VPN is a strong contender in the VPN market thanks to its robust array of security features, industry-standard speeds, widespread server network and exceptional customer service. Its long-term subscriptions offer an excellent value, and its support for P2P activities and streaming services is another strong selling point.

The lack of a free trial may deter some users, but the substantial discounts offered by Ivacy’s long-term plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee make it worth considering. Users should be aware of some intermittent problems with streaming some Netflix titles, which is likely to be an ongoing problem for all VPN providers as Netflix changes its security algorithms.

From a security standpoint, the platform uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure your data stays secure. Despite minor drawbacks, Ivacy VPN delivers consistent, reliable performance and a positive user experience, making it a trusted choice for any VPN user comfortable with a long-term commitment.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) give you more privacy and security when using the internet. But every VPN provider has pros and cons that can impact performance, security and customizability. That makes it important to research the best VPN services before committing to a long-term plan.

Windscribe is one such option you may be considering. This Windscribe VPN review covers everything you need to know about the company, its plans and other details that could influence whether it’s the right fit for you. Read on to learn more.

Best VPN with a customizable plan option

Windscribe’s standout feature is its customizable plan tier, the Build A Plan. So long as you meet the minimum purchase requirement of $3, the company lets you add access to all of its premium data centers in a specific country for $1 per month USD. Using a customized plan could save you money, since you would pay only for the VPN access you need.

Windscribe VPN pros and cons

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Pros

• Customizable plans
• Forever-free option
• Ad, malware and tracker blocker
• Supports multiple VPN protocols

Cons

• Bandwidth limitations
• No real-time support options
• Failed to protect user data from foreign governments

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Pros explained

Customizable plans

Windscribe has a build-your-own-plan tool that lets you choose the VPN server locations which you want to access. This can drastically reduce the VPN’s monthly price when compared to the company’s full plan.

Forever-free option

If you don’t want to pay for a VPN plan, you can use Windscribe for free. The company has a forever-free option that allows users a data allowance of 10GB per month and is available for as long as you want to use it.

Ad, malware and tracker blocker

Paid monthly and annual Windscribe subscriptions include the company’s integrated ad, malware and tracker blocker, which is called R.O.B.E.R.T. This feature is customizable so you can fine-tune the websites and services it blocks on an as-needed basis.

Note that customized plans do not come with R.O.B.E.R.T. If this is a feature you want, you’ll need to pay for it as an add-on or purchase a monthly or annual subscription. Moreover, for users of Windscribe’s free VPN plan, R.O.B.E.R.T. will only block malware and ads.

Supports multiple VPN protocols

Windscribe gives you the option of changing your VPN protocol whenever you want between OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard. Each of these protocols has pros and cons that can impact browsing and download speeds, security and VPN detectability. Changing your VPN protocol can help you adjust your web-browsing experience to meet more unique and advanced needs.

Cons explained

Bandwidth limitations

Build A Plan customers only get access to 10GB of data per month for each server location they select. For example, if you build a plan with server access in three countries, you would have 32GB of data per month in total because each custom plan starts with 2GB of data. Compare this to other paid VPN solutions, most of which boast unlimited bandwidth.

No real-time support options

Windscribe doesn’t provide a way to contact customer service for real-time support. It has a support form you can fill out to send the company an email and an AI-powered chatbot, which may be able to answer basic questions. However, there are no guarantees for how quickly you should expect to hear back from Windscribe.

Failed to protect user data from foreign governments

Windscribe servers in Ukraine were seized in 2021 by the Ukrainian government. Because Windscribe failed to encrypt its users’ data, the Ukrainian government could freely view any activity a Windscribe customer engaged in online while connected to the company’s VPN.

In response to the incident, Windscribe said it would take further action to protect users’ data in the future. This included moving encryption keys off-server and implementing new, short-lived certifications for enhanced privacy.

Windscribe VPN plans

Windscribe offers four plans to choose from, which will appeal to different types of users. We look at each option below.

Windscribe Free

Windscribe Free VPN gives users 10GB of browsing data per month without a financial commitment. That’s enough to watch about 10 hours of Netflix through your VPN on “high” settings. You can use the free version of Windscribe for as long as you want, but you’ll lose access to the VPN’s servers once you reach your monthly data limit.

Windscribe Pro

Windscribe Pro is the company’s flagship offering. It’s available as a monthly subscription or as an annual plan. This option comes with:

• The full functionality of R.O.B.E.R.T., Windscribe’s integrated ad, tracker and malware blocker

• VPN protocol configuration that lets you switch between options like OpenVPN and IKEv2

• Unlimited bandwidth

• Access to VPN servers in 69 countries and 112 cities

• Build A Plan

Another option is to build your own Windscribe plan. These customized plans only include access to the servers you decide to pay for, but you have to choose at least three. This means your monthly minimum payment will be $3.

Keep in mind the Build A Plan product doesn’t come with R.O.B.E.R.T. or unlimited data. You can pay for Windscribe’s integrated blocking tool as an add on, but your data will always be limited based on the number of server locations you choose to pay for.

ScribeForce

ScribeForce is what Windscribe calls its team-focused VPN plan. It offers the advantage of centralized billing and connected accounts for improved organizational oversight. The company also says that ScribeForce is cheaper for teams than its regular individual accounts, but we couldn’t verify this because ScribeForce’s pricing isn’t publicly available.

Windscribe VPN pricing

The price of your Windscribe VPN will depend on the plan you choose and how you decide to pay for it. Here’s a quick overview.

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Plan	Price per month	Annual payment option	Monthly data allowance
Windscribe Free	Free	N/A	10GB
Windscribe Pro	$9	$69 ($5.75 per month)	Unlimited
Build A Plan	$1 per server location ($3 minimum)	N/A	2GB + 10GB for each additional location
ScribeForce	Not publicly listed	Not publicly listed	Not publicly listed

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One of the main things to note about the company’s offerings is that you only get unlimited data if you get Windscribe Pro. All other plans have data caps that could disrupt your VPN usage.

Additionally, it only makes sense to use the company’s build-a-plan tool if you want to access between three and eight servers. This is because, for $9 per month, you can get unlimited access to all of Windscribe’s servers.

Windscribe VPN financial stability

Windscribe was founded in 2016. The company is 100% owned by the company’s founders and employees. Windscribe doesn’t make its financial statements publicly available, which makes it difficult to analyze the company’s long-term financial stability.

Windscribe VPN accessibility

This section takes a closer look at Windscribe’s accessibility across platforms.

Availability

Windscribe VPN is available across all major platforms and devices. This includes:

• Windscribe VPN for PC
• Windscribe VPN for Mac
• Windscribe VPN for Android
• Windscribe VPN for iPhone
• Windscribe VPN for Chrome
• Windscribe VPN for FireTV

The company’s app is also available for routers that support VPN connections. This can provide VPN access to all devices that connect to your home internet without logging into your account on each of them.

Contact information

Customer support is one of Windscribe’s biggest weaknesses. The company doesn’t offer live chat or phone-based service. The only way to ask a question is to use Windscribe’s integrated AI chatbot or send the company an email via the form on its website.

User experience

Windscribe has dedicated applications for all major devices and enough VPN protocol customization options to keep advanced users happy. It also comes with an integrated tool for blocking ads, malware and trackers. These features help deliver a solid user experience that can appeal to different types of consumers.

That being said, user experience is a subjective metric. If you’re interested in Windscribe, consider trying the free version. You can download it for free on any device to see what Windscribe is like before committing to a paid plan.

Windscribe VPN customer satisfaction

Windscribe has a 4 out of 5-star rating on the Google Play Store and a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on the Apple App Store. Some negative reviews mention frequent app disconnections, while positive reviews tend to highlight the company’s integrated ad blocker, R.O.B.E.R.T.

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Windscribe VPN FAQs

Is Windscribe a good VPN?

Windscribe is a good VPN that is worth considering, an assessment that review scores on Google Play and the Apple App Store confirm. Its paid plans are affordable and include integrated tools for blocking ads. There’s also a forever-free plan you can try with no financial commitment.

Is Windscribe VPN safe?

Windscribe is a widely used VPN with plenty of strong user-submitted reviews. That shows it’s safe to download without worrying about catching a virus.

Nonetheless, Windscribe’s servers have been breached in the past. The company has since taken action to resolve the problem, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it couldn’t happen again in the future.

How to use Windscribe VPN?

You can use Windscribe VPN by downloading the app on the device you’re using. Then, create an account and confirm your email address to connect to a server.

Does Windscribe VPN work with Netflix?

Windscribe works with Netflix Canada. If your account won’t connect to Netflix for some reason, try changing your VPN protocol.

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How we evaluated Windscribe VPN

While creating this Windscribe VPN review, we evaluated each of the following factors:

• Pricing: We evaluated Windscribe’s plans and payment options to assess their value.

• Data limits: We looked at data limits for Windscribe’s plans and considered whether they would work for the average user.

• Plan customizability: We considered Windscribe’s customizable plan and compared them to the company’s pre-built options.

• User-submitted reviews: We looked at verified user reviews to assess the general sentiment regarding Windscribe from those who have direct experience with the VPN.

• Company trustworthiness: We researched Windscribe’s history as a VPN provider to assess its trustworthiness and financial stability moving forward.

Summary of Money’s Windscribe VPN review

Windscribe is a VPN provider with customizable plans that you can use on an unlimited number of devices. It’s available on all major platforms and offers a forever-free option if you have limited VPN needs.

The company’s track record as a custodian of user data is less than perfect, as Windscribe’s servers were breached by the Ukrainian government in 2021. There have been no reported issues since, but it’s something to consider — especially if data privacy is a priority.

If you’re still deciding whether you need a VPN, take a look at this guide to learn more about how they can enhance your web browsing experience, whether you pay for Windscribe or another provider.

Low-income students will get more help paying for college next year thanks to a new, more generous formula for awarding federal financial aid.

The expansion, new details of which the government released Wednesday, is part of a major revamp of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which millions of students fill out annually to get federal grants and student loans.

The redesigned FAFSA includes new calculations that will help an estimated 610,000 additional students from low-income backgrounds qualify for a federal Pell Grant, according to numbers published by the U.S. Department of Education Wednesday. Nearly 1.5 million more students who were already eligible for a Pell Grant will now qualify for the maximum award under the new formula.

The 2024-2025 FAFSA will also have fewer questions and feature a more user-friendly design. Altogether, these changes mark the biggest overhaul to the financial aid form in decades.

“We’re doing our best to make this process as easy and as streamlined as possible, and hopefully people will see the difference this year,” Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal tells Money.

There is still no official release date for the 2024-25 FAFSA, though the department said Wednesday that it plans to make the form available by Dec. 31.

How Pell Grant access is expanding

The new aid formula grows the need-based Pell Grant program in two ways — by changing eligibility rules so more students qualify, and by giving some of those already eligible more money.

Pell Grant eligibility will now will be determined by household income and family size, based on the federal poverty line. (In the past, it was based on a student’s “Expected Family Contribution”; more on that below.) The income cutoffs also depend on whether a student is a dependent or independent, per the FAFSA, and whether the student lives in a single-parent household.

For example, a dependent student with married parents will qualify for the maximum Pell Grant at 175% of the federal poverty level, while a dependent student with a single parent will qualify for the max grant at 225% of the federal poverty level. You can look up the income cutoffs by household size and dependency status with this table from the Education Department.

The new formula brings the number of students eligible for the maximum Pell Grant — which is $7,395 this year — up to 5.2 million, according to the Education Department.

The expanded eligibility numbers are based on current students who have filed a FAFSA, which means the actual effect could be larger if more college-bound Americans submitted the form.

“We know that there are more than a million students in college who are probably eligible for a Pell Grant, but they haven’t filled out the form,” Kvaal says. “And there are people out there who would be in college if they knew this help was available.”

Until now, students had to file the FAFSA and learn their “Expected Family Contribution” to find out whether they were eligible for a Pell Grant. But the term Expected Family Contribution is being replaced by “Student Aid Index,” which officials say more accurately describes what it is — an indicator colleges use to determine a student’s financial need.

The simpler formula and clearer income cutoffs should offer earlier predictability and more transparency for prospective students.

What’s changing with the FAFSA

The 2024-25 FAFSA will feature about 50 questions, down from more than 100 questions in previous years. Applicants will only see relevant questions based on the information they provide, which means some students could answer as few as 18 questions.

But what’s more important than the precise number of questions, Kvaal says, is understanding that the form will be much easier to fill out. For students, most of questions focus on who they are and where they want to go to college.

Much of students’ and parents’ financial information will be transferred directly from the IRS via an improved data-sharing system. This year, even parents who don’t file taxes can use the transfer system, directly inputting their status with the IRS and avoiding an often time-consuming process to prove their status.

“It’s going to feel a lot smoother and a lot faster,” Kvaal says. “And it’s going to be available for millions more students and families.”

Delays in release, processing of 2024-25 FAFSA

The FAFSA typically opens on Oct. 1, but the release this year was postponed to allow more time for the department to prepare for all of the changes.

Education Department officials have not announced a specific day that the 2024-25 form will be available to the public — only that it will be online before the end of the year, which pushes back the financial aid timeline on college campuses by about three months.

Now, the Education Department says schools may have to even wait longer to receive information submitted by students on the FAFSA, posting in a separate notice Wednesday that schools could expect the information “by the end of January 2024.”

That would delay when families can expect to receive financial aid offers. Colleges can’t start packaging financial aid awards until they receive that information from the Education Department, and financial aid offices receive the information, distributing offers will likely take at least several more weeks, according to Justin Draeger, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Any significant delay in sharing applicant data with schools would leave “the most vulnerable student populations in limbo as they wait for the financial aid information they need to make vital college-going decisions,” Draeger said in a statement.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to prepare for the new FAFSA. Everyone filling out a FAFSA needs a Federal Student Aid ID. It can take one to three days to confirm your account, so parents and students filling out the form for the first time should start this process ahead of time.

Separately, families can review a prototype application published by the Education Department to get a sense of the new form and use the revised Federal Student Aid estimator, which gives an estimate of how much aid you may be eligible for before actually filling out the form.

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More from Money:

When Is the FAFSA Available This Year? Nobody Knows

Guide to College Grants and Scholarships

Student Loan Servicers Ordered to Refund Many Borrowers After Widespread Billing Errors

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Refinancing your mortgage is one way to improve your financial position, but for the move to make sense, you need to find the right lender. The best refinance companies will offer competitive interest rates, a smooth application process and a variety of loan options to choose from.

Based on our analysis of the loans offered, average interest rates and customer satisfaction rankings, we chose Rocket Mortgage as the best refinance lender overall.

You may, however, want to consider other lender options as well. Shopping around for the best rate and terms is the only way to ensure you find the right loan to fit your needs. Read on to learn why we think these 8 companies are the best in the market right now.

Our Top Picks for the Best Mortgage Refinance Companies of 2023

• Rocket Mortgage – Best Refinance Lender Overall
• loanDepot – Best for Online Mortgage Refinancing
• Zillow – Best Marketplace
• Better – Best for Fast Closing Time
• Navy Federal Credit Union – Best Credit Union
• Ally Financial – Best for Jumbo Loans
• Nationwide – Best for Custom Loans
• Bank of America – Best for Member Discounts

Best Mortgage Refinance Reviews

Why we chose it: We chose Rocket Mortgage (formerly Quicken Loans) as the best overall mortgage refinance company for its excellent track record in customer satisfaction and web-based customer support. It’s also popular: In 2022, Rocket originated more mortgages than any other company in the United States, according to data from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act collated by data firm iEmergent.

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Pros

• Rated best mortgage servicer by JD Power
• Largest mortgage originator in 2022
• Streamlined online application process with eClosing
• Features a mortgage refinance rates calculator

Cons

• No in-person service, but you may reach out to an affiliated broker

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

750/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

8

Min. Credit Score

620 (580 for FHA)

Refi Loan Types

15- and 30-year Conventional, ARM, FHA, VA, Jumbo, home equity loans

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Rocket Mortgage (NMLS ID# 3030) has ranked in the top 3 in the J.D. Power U.S Primary Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study for nine consecutive years. You can complete your application online or by phone with help from one of the company’s home loan experts. In many cases, you can also get in-person assistance from an independent mortgage broker affiliated with Rocket.

Rocket Mortgage’s offerings include Fannie Mae’s RefiNow and Freddie Mac’s Refi Possible, which are refinance options for homeowners with a debt-to-income ratio of up to 65% who currently have a mortgage with one of those government-sponsored enterprises.

Homeowners who qualify for these programs will see a reduction of at least 0.50 percentage points off their interest rate and can apply for a grant of up to $500 to cover appraisal costs. Applicants must have a good payment history, a FICO credit score of 620 or higher and at least 3% equity in a one-unit primary residence to be eligible.

Other refinancing options allow homeowners to shorten their term or access their home equity with a cash-out refi.

Why we chose it: We chose loanDepot as the best online mortgage refinance company because of its widespread availability across the U.S.

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Pros

• Licensed in all 50 states with over 200 locations in 43 states
• Streamlined digital platform

Cons

• Loan rates are not available online

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

722/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

4

Min. Credit Score

620 (580 for FHA)

Refi Loan Types

Conventional, fixed-rate, ARM, VA, FHA, HARP

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loanDepot (NMLS# 174457) stands out for its “mello smartloan,” a digital portal that uses artificial intelligence to verify asset and employment details, perform credit checks and begin the home appraisal process. The online application can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Choosing loanDepot for a mortgage refinance comes with another perk: If you’ve refinanced with the company before, its Lifetime Guarantee will waive your lender fees on future refinances. You can also qualify for a half-point fee waiver on closing costs if you refinance an existing loanDepot home equity line of credit (HELOC) into a new HELOC.

loanDepot also services its loans, so you’ll be dealing with the same company for as long as you hold the loan. The website provides educational resources on the refinancing process and has a calculator that will give you an estimate of your new mortgage payment if you decide to refinance.

While the lender’s digital application process is streamlined and fast, loanDepot also has over 200 locations throughout the United States for borrowers who may prefer more personal attention.

Why we chose it: We chose Zillow as the best mortgage refinancing marketplace for its ability to connect homeowners with a variety of licensed lenders throughout the country, and its array of tools that help guide the process.

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Pros

• User-friendly mobile app
• Wide range of online resources, including a mortgage calculator
• Easy access to competitive rates, updated daily
• Most of the application process is performed online
• Licensed in 49 states and the District of Columbia, not licensed in NY

Cons

• No program to help homebuyers with bad credit

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. POWER RATING

Not Rated

NMLS REGULATORY ACTIONS

3

MIN. CREDIT SCORE

620 (Conventional), 620 (FHA), 620 (VA), 700 (Jumbo)

REFI LOAN TYPES

Fixed-rate, ARM, Jumbo, VA, FHA, Conventional Conforming

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Zillow Home Loans (NMLS ID#: 10287) is the affiliate company of Zillow, Inc., the real estate listing site, but it also offers access to thousands of lenders across the country, including mortgage bankers and brokers, credit unions and community banks.

Zillow Inc.’s Lender Directory allows you to search for a mortgage provider by city, state/territory or zip code. You can also search for a specific bank or loan officer if you have a recommendation from a friend or family member, read customer reviews and submit an application.

Zillow also has a mortgage refinance rate comparison tool, which lets you compare average interest rates for different types of loans (including conforming, government-backed and jumbo loans) as well as different term lengths. Updated daily, the tool can give you an idea of what mortgage interest rate you can expect to qualify for and compare it the market average.

As with any marketplace, once you contact a lender, you’ll be dealing with that company directly and Zillow will no longer be involved in the process.

Why we chose it: We chose Better as the best mortgage refinance company for fast closing times. Homeowners can get a rate quote and a letter of preapproval within 24 hours — and it comes with a price match guarantee.

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Pros

• Fast online process, with competitor price-match program
• No origination, application or underwriting fees
• Smart tech automatically looks for and applies eligible discounts

Cons

• Online-only, no brick and mortar branches
• Limited refinance loan type options

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

692/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

6

Min. Credit Score

620

Refi Loan Types

Conventional, Fixed-rate, ARM, FHA, Jumbo

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Better Mortgage (NMLS ID# 330511) is an online lender with a refinance process that’s fast and straightforward. It also offers some of the lowest closing costs in the industry.

Better says it can afford to forego some of the fees charged by traditional brick-and-mortar lenders — such as application, underwriting and origination fees — because they operate fully online. Additionally, it offers a price guarantee if another lender offers homeowners a more competitive price on one of the refinance products Better offers.

Better customers get direct access to a dedicated loan officer, who can help them navigate the application process by phone. Or they can opt to upload and sign all their documents through the lender’s website instead. The entire process, from application to pre-approval, can be done in as little as one day.

Customers who recently purchased a home with Better can qualify for up to $3,500 in lender credits toward closing costs if they refinance within three years of obtaining their original loan. Borrowers can use Better’s mortgage payment and amortization calculators to estimate their new monthly payments and how much interest they can save over time with a refi.

Why we chose it: We chose Navy Federal as the best mortgage refinance credit union because of its fast online pre-approval process, choice of loan terms and benefits for borrowers who are also selling.

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Pros

• Online pre-approval application
• Doesn’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI)

Cons

• Membership is limited to veterans, active-duty military, and their families
• No FHA, USDA loans, construction loans, or reverse mortgages

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

760/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

2

Min. Credit Score

N/A

Refi Loan Types

Fixed-rate Conventional, Cash-out, VA, VA Streamline, ARM, Jumbo

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Navy Federal (NLMS# 399807) has mortgage refinancing options for its members, ranging from 10- to 30-year loan terms for their VA Streamline (IRRL) and Homebuyers Choice.

The lender also offers the Military Choice loan for those who have exhausted their VA loan option. In addition to VA loans, Navy Federal can refinance FHA and conventional loans.

Realty Plus and Navy Federal Title Services are tools that facilitate the mortgage refinance process for homebuyers looking to refinance or sell and buy new property. Realty Plus connects you with an agent coordinator to assist with your mortgage application, and you can get between $400 and $9,000 cashback.

Navy Federal also offers HomeSquad, an option for potential borrowers to get a faster preapproval for a purchase or refinance loan. Borrowers can track their loan status 24/7 (online or through a mobile app), upload documents easily, request forbearance assistance and a number of other account activities.

Why we chose it: We chose Ally Financial as the best mortgage refinance company for jumbo loans due to its higher-than-average lending cap and lack of lender fees.

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Pros

• Online application, document uploads, and electronic signature options
• No lender fees
• Quotes don’t impact your credit score

Cons

• You may be required to pay PMI if your down payment is less than 20%

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

731/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

2

Min. Credit Score

700 for Jumbo

Refi Loan Types

Fixed-rate, ARM, Jumbo, Cash-out

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Ally Financial (NLMS# 181005) stands out for its jumbo loan offerings of up to $4 million and its lack of lender fees. You won’t be charged any application, origination, loan processing or underwriting fees.

Borrowers must pay a down payment of at least 20% for jumbo loans and provide evidence that they can cover expenses for a certain number of months. Unlike other lenders, Ally accepts restricted stock units as reserve capital.

Ally offers other types of refinance loans, including conventional fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, rate and term loans and cash-out refis. Ally doesn’t charge any lender fees, and says it can close on loans up to 10 days faster than its competitors.

New customers can apply, submit documents and sign paperwork online. Borrowers can also find rates and a refinance mortgage calculator, along with other information regarding refinancing and jumbo loans, on the Ally website.

Why we chose it: We chose Nationwide as the best mortgage refinance company for custom loans because of the variety of products and flexible lending options and its cash back perk.

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Pros

• Options for self-employed and low credit buyers
• Customizable terms
• $0 lender fee offer
• Free consultations

Cons

• Only operates in CA, CO, TX, ID, WA, OK, MT and ND

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. POWER RATING

Not Rated

NMLS REGULATORY ACTIONS

None

Min. Credit Score

N/A

Refi Loan Types

Conventional, VA, FHA, Jumbo

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Nationwide offers mortgage refinance loans in partnership with AXOS Bank (NMLS # 524995). The company provides a full gamut of loan options, including rate and term and cash-out refis, all of which can be customized to meet the borrower’s needs.

Borrowers can also get up to 3% annualized cash back on mortgage payments made from Axos’ Total Loan Rewards Checking Account, which can add up to a tidy sum. Depending on the loan amount, and contingent on opening an Axos Bank Checking Account, the bank will either reduce or eliminate its lender fees.

The application process can be completed online or by phone with one of Axos’ lending officers.

Borrowers can get an instant rate quote online by providing basic information like loan amount, credit score and the property’s location. Axos also offers a rate watch option to alert when mortgage rates reach your desired level.

Why we chose it: We chose Bank of America as the best mortgage refinance company for member discounts. Its Preferred Rewards program offers significant price reductions on purchase and refinance closing costs.

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Pros

• Exclusive membership discounts available on both purchase and refinance closing costs
• Physical branch locations available nationwide
• Considers alternative credit data such as utility bills and rental payment history

Cons

• No renovation loans

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

731/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

10

Min. Credit Score

N/A

Refi Loan Types

Fixed-rate, ARM, FHA, VA, Cash-out, Home Equity

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Bank of America (NMLS# 399802) members can benefit from its Preferred Rewards program by qualifying for a closing cost reduction of up to $600 from their purchase or refinance origination fees.

The program works in tiers ranging from Gold to Platinum Honors, with discount levels based on members’ banking and Merrill investment account balances. Some benefits of the program require enrollment in PayPlan, an automatic payment service linked to a Bank of America deposit account.

Like many other lenders, Bank of America provides a range of digital services to borrowers: customers can apply for a refinance loan directly online or an appointment can be scheduled with a loan officer at any of Bank of America’s branches.

Other resources include an online refinance calculator and home value estimator designed to give borrowers an idea of how much they could save with a refi.

Other mortgage refinance companies we considered

Through our research on the mortgage lending industry, we found that many of the biggest lenders don’t necessarily offer the best refinance products. (Though they might excel in other areas.)

Chase Review

Why we didn’t choose it: We didn’t choose Chase (NMLS# 399798) because of the high number of regulatory actions and customer complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau within the past five years.

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Pros

• Large variety of loans: ARMs, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25- and 30-year mortgages, FHA and VA loans and DreamMaker Mortgage Program
• Competitive mortgage interest rates
• Online Refinance Learning Center with calculators for loan estimates, interest rates and terms

Cons

• Several regulatory actions with the CFPB within the last five years (although none filed within the last four years)
• High number of customer complaints with the CFPB

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

736/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

9

Min. Credit Score

620

Refi Loan Types

DreamMaker(R), Fixed-rate, FHA, VA, Jumbo, ARM

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PNC Bank Review

Why we didn’t choose it: We didn’t choose PNC Bank (NMLS# 446303) because the application process cannot be fully completed online.

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Pros

• Has current mortgage rates and helpful calculators on its site
• Home insight planner and application tracker
• Considers non-traditional credit history
• Online mortgage preapproval

Cons

• The process can’t be fully completed online
• No branches in AK, AZ, AR, CA, CT, HI, ID, IA, LA, ME, MN, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, ND, OK, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA or WY

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

732/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

2

Min. Credit Score

620

Refi Loan Types

Fixed, ARM, Cash-out, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA

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SunTrust Review (now Truist)

Why we didn’t choose it: We didn’t choose SunTrust (NMLS# 399803) because there is no transparent information on fees and closing costs on the website.

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Pros

• Online mortgage application and tracking software
• Comprehensive educational resources

Cons

• Customized rates are only available with an application
• Branches only in AL, AZ, DC, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN and VA
• Fees not available online

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

718/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

0

Min. Credit Score

620

Refi Loan Types

Cash-out, VA IRRRL

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Alliant Credit Union Review

Why we didn’t choose it: We didn’t choose Alliant Credit Union (NMLS# 197185) because of the limited number of refinancing options available.

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Pros

• Rate watch sends a notification when rates have hit your target
• Complete the application process online

Cons

• No government-backed loans
• Doesn’t disclose loan fees
• No in-person banking
• Must be a member to qualify

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

Not Rated

NMLS Regulatory Actions

1

Min. Credit Score

620

Refi Loan Types

Fixed, ARM, Jumbo

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Guild Mortgage Review

Why we didn’t choose it: We didn’t choose Guild Mortgage (NMLS# 3274) because its loan products are not available in all states.

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Pros

• Online mortgage application, e-signatures and digital loan process tracking
• Direct lender, services its own loans
• Closing cost and total payment calculator
• Highest rated by JD Power’s US Primary Mortgage Originator Satisfaction Study

Cons

• Not available in NY or NJ
• Rates aren’t available online unless you apply
• Does not disclose fees
• Branches only in 33 states

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

731/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

3

Min. Credit Score

640

Refi Loan Types

Fixed, ARM, Cash-out, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Reverse

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U.S. Bank Review

Why we didn’t choose it: We didn’t choose U.S. Bank (NMLS# 402761) because of its limited refinancing options.

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Pros

• Variety of refinance loan offerings
• Rewards homeowners with an existing first mortgage with U.S. Bank
• Great online tools, with a fully digital application and a proprietary app
• Provides general mortgage rates, with the option to see results by state
• Online prequalification

Cons

• Customer satisfaction rating was below average
• Mortgage rates on the website assume a higher-than-average credit score

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

685/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

2

Min. Credit Score

620

Refi Loan Types

Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Cash-out, IRRL

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AmeriSave Mortgage Review

Why we didn’t choose it: We didn’t choose AmeriSave Mortgage (NMLS# 1168) because of the high number of regulatory actions lodged against the company.

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Pros

• Wide variety of loan options
• Closing time average of 25 days

Cons

• High number of regulatory actions with the NMLS
• Doesn’t disclose origination fees or closing costs
• Not available in New York

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

674/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

14

Min. Credit Score

620

Refi Loan Types

Rate and Term, Cash-out, FHA, USDA, VA

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Veterans United Home Loans Review

Why we didn’t choose it: We didn’t choose Veterans United (NMLS# 1907) because it offers limited refinancing options.

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Pros

• Free credit counseling
• Representatives available 24/7

Cons

• Only has physical branches in 18 states
• Won’t refinance FHA or USDA loans
• Doesn’t disclose closing costs or fees

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HIGHLIGHTS

J.D. Power Rating

768/1000

NMLS Regulatory Actions

3

Min. Credit Score

620

Refi Loan Types

Fixed, ARM, Jumbo, VA IRRRL, Cash-out

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Mortgage Refinance Guide

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’re probably anxious to put the mortgage application process behind you for good. But if you bought at a high interest rate, knowing you have the option of refinancing into a lower rate in the future — and how to go about doing that — can be useful.

You can also refinance your mortgage to take advantage of the increased equity you’ve built up in your home. The proceeds of the new loan can be used to pay off high-interest debt like student loans or to finance home improvement projects.

When you refinance, you replace your current loan with a new mortgage. Our mortgage refinance guide is designed to help people refinancing their home loans for the first time make an informed decision. Read on to learn about different types of mortgage products, the benefits of refinancing a mortgage and what documents financial institutions require for a complete application.

Types of mortgage refinance

By understanding the different loan types, you can zero in on the best mortgage refinance lenders and products for your needs.

Rate-and-term refinance

A rate-and-term refinance allows you to take advantage of low rates. You take out a new loan with the same loan balance as your existing mortgage. Ideally, you’ll get a low interest rate, a shorter repayment term or both. Rate-and-term is the most common type of refi. An example of a rate and term refi is switching from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage.

What to know:

• You can use this type of refi to switch from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage

• Also known as a “no-cash-out” refinance

What to watch out for:

• You’ll have get an appraisal and pay closing costs again

Zero-closing-cost refinance

Some lenders offer “no-closing-cost” or “zero-closing-cost” refinance loans to qualifying applicants.

What to know:

• You’ll still pay closing costs (and any interest that accrues), but they’ll be rolled into the mortgage loan and not an upfront cost

What to watch out for:

• Because closing costs are rolled into the loan amount, monthly payments are higher than a rate-and-term refinance

Cash-out refinancing

One of the benefits of homeownership is the long-term increase in home values. A cash-out refinance converts a portion of the home equity you’ve accumulated into cash, similar to a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). A cash-out refi replaces your existing mortgage with a new loan at a higher balance.

What to know:

• You can take advantage of an increase in your home’s value with a tax-free cash advance paid to you at closing

• These funds are often used to make home improvements

What to watch out for:

• You could end up with a higher interest rate and monthly payment
• Make sure you borrow an amount that’s feasible to pay off

Cash-in refinance

If you have an underwater mortgage, a cash-in refinance allows borrowers to lower their mortgage principal during a refinance negotiation. With this type of loan, the borrower makes a lump sum payment on their mortgage, lowering the principal balance on their new loan.

What to know:

• This option could improve the chances of an underwater mortgage qualifying for a refinance

• If you pay down enough of the principal to increase your equity above 20%, it will eliminate your monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments

• Most lenders require a loan-to-value ration of (LTV) of at least 80%

What to watch out for:

• Your funds will be tied to your home, so you won’t be able to use them to pay off other debt, cover emergency expenses or invest

Streamline refinance

A streamline refinance allows borrowers who meet the qualification requirements to refinance existing government-backed loans, such as an FHA loan, USDA loan or VA loan, with limited documentation or underwriting.

What to know:

• These loans generally don’t require appraisals and may or may not require employment and income verification

• You need to show a history of on-time monthly mortgage payments

What to watch out for:

• Government-backed loans have specific qualification requirements for borrowers

Low-income enterprise-backed mortgage refinance

In summer 2021, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, under the auspices of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), implemented new refinance options for low-income borrowers. Eligible borrowers can now refinance their mortgage at a reduced interest rate and lower monthly payments.

The Federal Goverment has several other programs for borrowers with financial difficulties, including Hope for Homeowners (HFH) and the Home Affordable Refinancing Program (HARP).

The Federal Goverment has several other programs for borrowers with financial difficulties, including the Home Affordable Refinancing Program (HARP).

What to know:

• According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), borrowers may be able to save an estimated $100 to $250 per month

What to watch out for:

• This option is not available for cash-out refinancing loans

• You need to have lived in the home for at least one year before doing this kind of refi

• Only applies to single-family homes.

To meet eligibility requirements, borrowers must:

• Have a mortgage backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) for the house they live in

• Have an income at or below 80% of their residential area’s median income

• Have no missed payments in the past six months and no more than missed payment in the past 12 months

• Have a debt-to-income ratio below 65% or a FICO credit score of at least 620

• Have a mortgage LTV ratio lower than 97%

How does refinancing work?

Refinancing a mortgage works by replacing your existing home loan with a new one. That means your interest rate, monthly payment and loan term will all change.

Say you obtained a $300,000 mortgage at 6% interest, with a monthly payment of $1,799. After 14 years, you have a remaining balance of $223,000 and decide to refinance into a new 30-year mortgage at 5% interest. Your new monthly payment will be $1,197, and your new payback time is 30 years.

Many homeowners are attracted to refinancing because of the possibility of finding lower interest rates, but there are other reasons for taking out a new home loan — like using home equity to pay off higher-interest debt and shortening the term of the loan.

If, for example, you have an outstanding balance of $247,000 on your 30-year mortgage after seven years at 6% interest, your current monthly payment would be about $1,499. You can refinance into a 15-year fixed-rate loan at 5%, which would bring up your monthly payment to $1,949, but you’ll pay off your home in a total of 22 years instead of 30 (and save a lot of money on interest in the process).

How soon can you refinance a mortgage?

How soon you can refinance your mortgage will depend, in part, on the requirements outlined by your lender — like having a good credit score and enough money in the bank to cover the costs of refinancing.

The type of loan you have will also affect your refi timeline. In the case of conventional loans, you may be able to refinance immediately. Some lenders may require a ‘seasoning’ period, where you have to make a minimum number of monthly payments before being eligible to refinance, which you may be able to circumvent by choosing a different lender.

For FHA loans, you’ll need to have made at least six monthly payments before you can do a rate and term refinance. VA loans also require at least six months of payments, while USDA loans require 12 months of payments.

For a cash-out refinance, you’ll need to have a record of between six and 12 months of payments before you can refinance, depending on the type of loan and the lender. If you’re thinking about refinancing your loan, check with your lender to see what requirements they may have.

Should you refinance your mortgage?

If you’re on the fence about going through with a mortgage refinance, here’s some info on the pros and cons of refinancing, what the money can be used for, and the documentation you’ll need to provide to complete an application.

Under the right circumstances, refinancing can help:

• Secure a lower interest rate on your mortgage
• Lower your monthly payment
• Shorten your loan term
• Pay off higher-interest debt like credit cards
• Improve your personal finances

Should I refinance with my current lender?

Before selecting a refinance mortgage lender:

• Shop around and request loan estimates from multiple lenders

• Look into current mortgage rates to see if you can find a better APR than you have now

• Use our mortgage refinance calculator to get an idea of how much you could be saving.

What do you need to refinance your mortgage?

There are three primary factors lenders consider when reviewing mortgage refinance applications: credit score, debt-to-income ratio and loan-to-value ratio (LTV).

• A low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: You need a DTI of up to 43% for conventional loans or less than 50% for an FHA mortgage refinance, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Use our DTI ratio calculator to figure out where you stand.

• A healthy FICO credit score: Most mortgage refinance lenders require a minimum credit score requirement of 620, but you’ll get the best rates for a score that’s 740 or higher.

• A Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) of 80% or less: LTV is the amount of the loan you want to take out divided by the appraised value of your home.

You will also have to submit additional paperwork related to your income and the property you are refinancing.

Documentation required to apply for a mortgage refinance:

☑ A copy of your government-issued ID or Social Security card

☑ Proof of income for the last 30 days

☑ W-2s for the past 2 years

☑ Federal tax returns (personal and business) for at least the last 2-3 years

☑ Written explanation if employed less than two years or if there’s a gap or change in employment

☑ Address of property to be refinanced and purchase contract

☑ Homeowners’ insurance information such as the agent’s name and contact information

☑ Bank statements and statements of assets

☑ Bankruptcy/ discharge papers (if applicable)

When is refinancing your mortgage not the best idea?

Just because you can refinance doesn’t mean you should.

For starters, if your new interest rate isn’t at least 0.5 to 0.75 percentage points lower than your previous one, most experts argue it’s not worth it.

Refinancing also means new closing costs and other potential fees. If you won’t recoup those costs, it doesn’t make sense to refinance — even if you’re making a lower monthly payment. You should also reconsider a mortgage refinance if:

• Your refi terms won’t save you much in interest
• Your credit score has taken a dive since your original mortgage
• Your new minimum monthly payment will be out of your budget
• You have plans to move out in the near future

Latest News on Mortgage Refinance

Homeowners considering a mortgage refinance are finding tough conditions in today’s market.

Mortgage rates are flirting with 8% — a mark that hasn’t been seen in 23 years — for borrowers with excellent credit. For those who have a credit score of 700 or less, rates are much higher. With many homeowners taking advantage of the sub-4% rates seen during the pandemic, there are very few who could benefit from a rate and term refinance.

Home prices, however, are still elevated in many markets around the country, which translates to large amounts of equity. Homeowners who may be facing economic uncertainty can find out how much equity they can borrow and tap into those funds via a home equity loan, a cash-out refinance or a home equity line of credit to help weather the downturn.

As with any type of loan, be sure to consider the pros and cons of a refinance before making a decision. If you decide to go ahead, these steps can help you get started:

1. Define your refinancing goal (e.g. lower your rate, shorten your term, etc.)
2. Check your home equity
3. Check your credit score and credit report
4. Calculate whether refinance costs will be worth it
5. Get your W2, 1099 forms and other documents ready
6. Shop for a lender
7. Lock in your rate

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Best Mortgage Refinance FAQs

What is refinancing?

When you refinance a mortgage, you replace your current loan with a new one with a different term length, interest rate or amount borrowed. Refinancing can help you save money on your mortgage by negotiating a lower interest rate or reducing the number of years you need to pay.

How often can you refinance your home?

There is no limit to how many times you can refinance your mortgage. However, the closing costs associated with refinancing can be expensive. Just because you can always refinance your home doesn’t mean you should do so. Make sure to calculate your breakeven point.

How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?

Closing cost to refinance a mortgage can cost around 2% to 6% of your loan amount. These costs include fees for the loan application, loan origination, home appraisal, and more. With a no-closing-cost refinance loan, these fees get rolled into the loan balance or interest rate.

Should I refinance my mortgage?

You should refinance your mortgage if you can lower your monthly payments, shorten your loan term or negotiate some other type of tangible benefit. A refinance could make sense if you can lower your interest rate by at least 0.50 percentage points. Before opting for a refi, make sure the new terms and payments won’t put you in a financial bind.

Can I refinance my home with bad credit?

You can refinance your home even if you have bad credit, but it won’t be easy. You will likely be offered a higher interest rate than someone with a better credit history. However, if you’ve managed to improve your credit score or accumulate a large amount of savings that can be used to reduce the size of the loan, the positives could outweigh the negatives.

When to refinance a mortgage?

The best time to refinance a mortgage is when interest rates are lower than when you locked in your rate and closed on your current mortgage. Refinancing when rates are lower will allow you to reduce your monthly payments. You may also refinance to a shorter term and pay more each month but save on interest over the life of the loan.

Who is the best mortgage refinance lender?

We chose Rocket Mortgage as the best overall mortgage refinance lender because of its consistently high customer satisfaction ratings — including being in the top three best mortgage servicers by J.D. Power for nine years running — as well as its web support and online application process.

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How We Chose the Best Mortgage Refinance Companies

Our methodology considered:

• Lenders that provide a quality customer experience with online tools, pre-approvals, discounts or exclusive refinance programs

• Lender size, reputation and number of complaints.

• Ratings and data from the Mortgage Bankers Association, J.D. Power’s U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study and the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System or “Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System”)

• Consumer feedback and expert input

Summary of Money’s Best Mortgage Refinance Companies of 2023

• Rocket Mortgage – Best Refinance Lender Overall
• loanDepot – Best for Online Mortgage Refinancing
• Zillow – Best Marketplace
• Better – Best for Fast Closing Time
• Navy Federal Credit Union – Best Credit Union
• Ally Financial – Best for Jumbo Loans
• Nationwide – Best for Custom Loans
• Bank of America – Best for Member Discounts