Frequently Asked Questions

No. RatesQ never collects your Social Security Number, income documents, or bank statements. Mortgage partners provide rate offers based on your loan criteria (loan amount, property type, credit range) — not your personal identity. You remain anonymous until you choose to connect with a mortgage partner directly.

No. Your phone number, email, and personal information are never shared with mortgage partners until you explicitly choose to connect with them. Mortgage partners respond to your loan criteria anonymously. You control when and if you want to reveal your contact information.

Mortgage partners only see the loan criteria you provide: loan amount, property type, property value, occupancy type, credit score range, and loan purpose. They do not see your name, phone number, email, address, or any personally identifiable information unless you choose to share it.

RatesQ uses industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect your data. We never sell your personal information to third parties. Your account information is stored securely and only used to facilitate your mortgage rate comparison experience.

Yes. You can request to delete your account and all associated data at any time through your account settings. We will permanently remove your information from our systems in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.

No. RatesQ does not perform credit checks or access your credit report. The rate quotes you receive are based on the credit score range you provide. A hard credit inquiry only occurs if you decide to formally apply with a mortgage partner outside of RatesQ.

Rate quotes displayed on RatesQ are provided by participating mortgage partners and are subject to change. Final rates, terms, and loan approval depend on your complete financial profile, property details, and the mortgage partner's underwriting. Not all borrowers will qualify for the rates shown. Always verify current rates and terms directly with the mortgage partner before making decisions.

Quoted rates are estimates based on the information you provide. Your final rate depends on factors including your verified credit score, debt-to-income ratio, employment history, property appraisal, loan-to-value ratio, and current market conditions at the time of rate lock.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes the interest rate plus certain fees and costs associated with the loan, expressed as an annual rate. It provides a more complete picture of the loan's total cost. A lower interest rate with high fees may have a higher APR than a slightly higher interest rate with lower fees.

Discount points are upfront fees paid to reduce your interest rate — typically 1 point equals 1% of the loan amount and reduces the rate by about 0.25%. Lender credits work in reverse: the mortgage partner covers some closing costs in exchange for a higher interest rate. Your ideal choice depends on how long you plan to keep the loan.

Focus on the total cost of the loan, not just the interest rate. Compare APR for a standardized comparison, review closing costs carefully, consider how long you'll keep the loan, and use our comparison tools to see offers side-by-side. Pay attention to any lender credits or discount points that affect the rate.

While RatesQ displays the offers mortgage partners submit, you may be able to negotiate terms directly with mortgage partners when you connect with them. Mortgage partners compete on our platform, so you're often seeing competitive offers from the start. Use competing offers as leverage in your discussions.

Rates on RatesQ reflect offers from mortgage partners at the time they respond to your request. Mortgage rates fluctuate daily based on market conditions. If market conditions change significantly, mortgage partners may update their offers or you can request fresh quotes.

All mortgage partners on RatesQ must provide their NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) identification number. We verify that mortgage partners maintain active NMLS registration and applicable state licenses. You can independently verify any mortgage partner's credentials through NMLS Consumer Access at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) is a regulatory system that tracks mortgage professionals' licensing and registration. NMLS verification ensures that mortgage partners meet federal and state licensing requirements, have passed background checks, and are authorized to originate mortgages in their licensed states.

Yes. Every licensed mortgage professional has a unique NMLS ID. You can verify any mortgage partner's credentials, license status, and disciplinary history at nmlsconsumeraccess.org — a free public resource maintained by state regulators and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors.

If you experience issues with a mortgage partner, you can file complaints with multiple agencies: your state's mortgage regulatory authority, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and through the NMLS complaint process. RatesQ takes complaints seriously and may remove mortgage partners who violate platform standards.

RatesQ includes various types of NMLS-licensed mortgage professionals, including direct lenders, mortgage brokers, mortgage loan originators (MLOs), and correspondent lenders — all referred to as Mortgage Partners on the platform. All must maintain proper NMLS licensing. The mortgage partner's profile will indicate their business type and you can ask them directly about their model.

RatesQ is completely free for borrowers. There are no signup fees, subscription costs, or hidden charges to compare rates or connect with mortgage partners. We never charge borrowers for using our platform.

RatesQ provides value to licensed mortgage professionals by connecting them with borrowers who are actively shopping for mortgages. Licensed mortgage partners may pay subscription fees to access the platform. This business model allows us to keep the service free for borrowers.

Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the loan amount and include: origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, attorney fees, recording fees, prepaid items (taxes, insurance, interest), and other mortgage partner and third-party fees. Offers on RatesQ show estimated closing costs so you can compare total costs.

In some cases, closing costs can be financed into the loan (increasing your loan amount) or offset by lender credits (in exchange for a higher rate). Discuss these options with your mortgage partner to understand the long-term cost implications of each approach.

A Loan Estimate (formerly Good Faith Estimate) is a standardized form that licensed mortgage professionals must provide within 3 business days of receiving your full application. It details your estimated interest rate, monthly payment, closing costs, and loan terms. This document helps you compare offers on an apples-to-apples basis.

Licensed mortgage professionals can join RatesQ by creating a partner account. You'll need to provide your NMLS ID, company information, and licensing details. Once verified, you can access borrower rate requests and submit competitive offers.

Partners must maintain active NMLS registration and hold valid state licenses for the states where they wish to respond to rate requests. We verify all credentials before activating partner accounts and conduct periodic compliance reviews.

RatesQ connects you with borrowers who are actively comparing mortgage offers — not purchased lead lists. Borrowers have provided their loan criteria and are ready to review competitive offers. This results in higher quality engagement compared to traditional lead generation.

Yes. Your partner profile displays your NMLS credentials, company information, areas of expertise, and any linked reviews (such as Google Reviews). Building a strong profile helps borrowers feel confident connecting with you.

When borrowers choose to connect, they can initiate secure messaging through the platform or share their contact information. You cannot contact borrowers unless they explicitly choose to connect with you, ensuring quality interactions.

Partners must comply with all applicable federal and state regulations, including TILA, RESPA, ECOA, and state-specific requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of your rate quotes, proper disclosures, and maintaining your licensing. RatesQ is a marketplace and does not provide compliance advice.