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If you’re on the fast track to buying a home, you’ve probably come across a lot of different players in the game, including mortgage lenders and mortgage servicers. There are some important differences between a mortgage servicer and mortgage lender.

A mortgage lender is the lending institution that originates your mortgage. The loan officer you work with on your home loan is a representative of the lender. But once the papers are signed, the lender is no longer your primary point of contact. That role falls to the mortgage servicer, which is the institution responsible for administering your loan.

What Is a Mortgage Lender?

A mortgage lender is the financial institution that funds your mortgage. The lender serves as your primary point of contact during underwriting while your mortgage heads toward the closing table.

Once your home mortgage loan closes, the servicing of the loan may be handled by a different entity. It may be the same company (for example, Wells Fargo both originates and services home loans), but you may have a different mortgage servicer, which will issue your mortgage statements.

What Do Mortgage Lenders Do?

Mortgage lenders guide borrowers through the entire financing process. In a nutshell, mortgage lenders:

•   Help borrowers choose a home loan

•   Take the mortgage application

•   Process the loan

•   Draw up loan documents

•   Fund the mortgage

•   Close the loan

After shopping for a mortgage and obtaining mortgage preapproval, you choose a lender.

Your mortgage lender helps you compare mortgage rates and different mortgage types to find one that may be right for you.The lender also answers any mortgage questions you may have.

Your lender will also fund the mortgage and close the loan. After your loan has been funded, it may be transferred to a mortgage servicer.

What Is a Mortgage Servicer?

A mortgage servicer is a company that receives installment payments for a mortgage loan. It is responsible for administering the day-to-day tasks of the loan, which include sending statements, keeping track of principal and interest, monitoring an escrow account, and taking care of any serious concerns that may occur.

A mortgage servicer may or may not be the same company as your mortgage lender. The rights to service your loan can be transferred to another company. When this happens, your mortgage terms will remain the same, but you’ll send your mortgage payment to the new servicer.

What Do Mortgage Servicers Do?

The main role of a mortgage service is to collect your payment and ensure that the different parts of your payment (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, and mortgage insurance, if applicable) make it to the proper entity.

The mortgage servicer will forward principal and interest to the investor (or holder of your mortgage note). Taxes collected and stored in the escrow account will go to the taxing entity when they are due, the insurance premium will be paid to the homeowners insurance company, and the mortgage insurance payment will be forwarded.

The mortgage servicer’s main duties are:

•   Managing and tracking borrowers’ monthly payments

•   Managing borrowers’ escrow accounts

•   Generating tax forms showing how much interest borrowers paid each year

•   Helping borrowers resolve problems, such as with mortgage relief programs

•   Initiating foreclosure if the borrower defaults

•   Performing loss mitigation to prevent foreclosure (in some cases)

•   Processing requests to cancel mortgage insurance

Mortgage servicers also have the responsibility of preserving properties that are in distress. Should a hardship befall borrowers and they need to vacate the property, the servicer must step in to take care of the property while it’s in foreclosure proceedings.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

Differences Between a Mortgage Servicer and a Mortgage Lender

To summarize, these are some of the major differences between a mortgage lender and a mortgage servicer.

The Takeaway

Both the mortgage lender and mortgage servicer play an important role in the home-buying process but at different times. The lender will guide you in applying for and obtaining a mortgage. The mortgage servicer will assist in your everyday needs with the mortgage. So your first step on your home-financing journey is to find a mortgage lender.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

FAQ

What are the four types of mortgage lenders?

Banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, and individual homeowners all lend money for home mortgages.

What is the difference between a mortgage servicer and investor?

A mortgage servicer is responsible for the day-to-day administration of a loan. A mortgage investor is the person or entity that owns the mortgage note. The investor may be the originator, but it’s more likely that the investor owns a mortgage-backed security. A mortgage investor has no active role in the administration of the actual loan.

How do I find out who my servicer is?

You should receive monthly statements that will have information on who your servicer is and where you can send payment. You can also find out who your mortgage servicer is by calling 888-679-6377 or going to www.mers-servicerid.org/sis, which has the current servicer and note owner information for loans registered on the MERS® System.

Can I change my mortgage loan servicer?

You cannot change your mortgage loan servicer unless you refinance your mortgage. Servicing of your mortgage, however, can be transferred to another loan servicer without your consent.

What happens when my loan moves to a new servicer?

If your loan has been transferred to a new servicer, the new company will send you a letter and you will need to send your monthly payments to them. The terms of the original loan will never change, no matter who the servicer is.

Photo credit: iStock/MicroStockHub

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*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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A bump-up certificate of deposit (CD), also known as a step-up CD or raise-your-rate CD, is a type of savings account that allows the account owner to “bump up” or increase the interest rate they earn if rates rise during the CD term. Typically, one bump up is allowed, and the other terms of the CD remain the same after that.

The initial interest rate of a bump-up CD is lower than other types of CDs, but it comes with the potential opportunity to earn a higher rate.

What Is a Bump-Up CD?

A bump-up certificate of deposit is a type of savings account that is similar to an ordinary CD in many ways.

If an investor opens a bump-up CD account, it will start out with a certain interest rate. The investor will be required to deposit a certain amount of money to open the account and agree to keep it there for a specified period. The major difference between a bump-up CD and a traditional CD is that the account owner can potentially increase the interest rate they earn if rates go up during the term of the CD. This bump up is typically allowed only once during the CD term.

How a Bump-Up CD Works

If, during the term of a CD, the issuer’s interest rates increase, the CD account owner can ask the issuing bank to raise the interest rate they earn on their CD. This is quite different from a standard savings account, where the account owner has no control over the interest rate. So if the initial rate on a bump-up CD is 4.00%, and during the maturity term the rate increases to 5.00%, the account holder can request a bump up to 5.00%.

If the interest rate drops to 4.50% sometime after that, the investor is protected and keeps their bump up to 5.00%.

Usually, interest rates can only be increased one time during a CD term, but some banks do offer multiple bump-ups if the term of the CD is long. Also important to note is that some banks may put a cap on how high the interest rate can be bumped on a CD. So if interest rates go up a lot, CD owners may not be able to fully take advantage. Generally, bump-up CDs have a two- to four-year term. Like a regular CD, these accounts are FDIC-insured.

Recommended: How to Invest in CDs

Example of a Bump-Up CD

Say an investor opens a bump-up CD with a two-year term and a rate of 4.00%. One year into the CD term, the issuing bank’s interest rates rise, and they now offer 5.00% on the same type of CD. The investor can request that the rate on their CD be increased to the new rate of 5.00% for the second year of its term.

In this example, if the investor deposited $10,000 into the CD when they opened it and earned 4.00% on their money for the full two-year term, by the end of the term they would have $10,816.00 at the maturity date. However, if they earned 4.00% for the first year and 5.00% for the second year, at the maturity date they would have $10,900.00, or about $84 more. That might not seem like a lot, but when you’re saving and investing for the future, every little bit helps.

Advantages of Bump-Up CDs

There are some benefits to bump-up CDs, including:

•   Ability to raise the CD’s interest rate during its maturity term instead of having to wait or open a new CD

•   The potential to get new, higher rates without any early withdrawal penalties

Disadvantages of Bump-Up CDs

Bump-up CDs come with some drawbacks as well. Here are some to consider.

•   Since bump-up CDs typically allow only one bump up, they are recommended for investors who have a deep understanding of the interest-rate system and what might happen during their investment term.

•   The initial interest rate on bump-up CDs tends to be lower than other types of CDs. So even though there is the ability to raise the rate later, a traditional certificate of deposit may still earn more interest since it likely starts at a higher rate.

•   Interest rates may not go up during the CD term, locking the investor into the initial lower rate.

•   If interest rates do start to increase, timing the bump-up on a CD can be challenging. By bumping up earlier you can take advantage of a higher interest rate for more time, but you could miss out on an even higher rate that might come later.

How to Open a Bump-Up CD

Banks and credit unions offer bump-up CDs just like they offer checking and savings accounts. To open a bump-up CD, an investor deposits a certain amount, and the CD has a particular starting interest rate and term. Once the bump-up CD is open, the account owner can contact the issuing bank or credit union to increase the rate if it rises during the CD term. As mentioned, bump-up CDs typically offer the account holder just one opportunity to request a rate increase.

Factors to consider when opening a CD include:

•   Maturity term of the CD: Bump-up CDs tend to have longer terms than traditional CDs, such as two years or more.

•   Bump-up frequency: Does the CD offer the opportunity to bump up more than once? Many don’t but some may.

•   Initial interest rate: If interest rates don’t rise, the initial rate will be the ongoing rate throughout the CD term. And bump-up CDs tend to have lower interest rates to begin with.

•   Minimum deposit to open the account: Some bump-up CDs may require higher minimum deposits than traditional CDs, depending on the issuer.

•   Early withdrawal rules and penalties: Inquire with the financial institution what the consequences might be for cashing in the CD before the term ends.

•   Fees: Typically, there aren’t fees involved with CDs, but that isn’t always the case. Find out if there are any fees and how much they are.

Alternatives to Bump-Up CDs

There are several other types of interest-bearing deposit accounts and CD investment strategies that investors may want to consider, such as:

Traditional CD

A traditional CD has a fixed interest rate over the course of its maturity term. Traditional CDs often earn higher rates than bump-up CDs. They also usually have shorter terms.

CD Laddering

Since it can be hard to predict what will happen with interest rates in the future, another investing strategy is to create a CD ladder.

A CD ladder is a portfolio of CDs that each have a different interest rate and maturity term. This strategy provides an investor with a range of interest rates, allowing them to take advantage of changes in the market. Each time one of their CDs matures they have some funds to put into a new CD or cash out. Usually, a longer-term CD will have a higher rate, but by opening some shorter-term CDs as well, investors can put their money into new ones if interest rates increase, rather than opening a bump-up CD.

Here is an example of how an individual might set up a CD ladder with five rungs if they have $10,000 to invest:

•   $2,000 in a one-year CD

•   $2,000 in two-year CD

•   $2,000 in a three-year CD

•   $2,000 in a four-year CD

•   $2,000 in a five-year CD

As each CD matures, they can reinvest the funds into a new CD if interest rates are rising.

Step-Up CD

Similar to a bump-up CD, step-up CDs allow investors to take advantage of rising interest rates. The difference is, with a step-up CD, the issuer automatically raises the interest rates at certain intervals throughout the CD term. With a bump-up CD the rate is not automatically increased.

If you are looking for ways to bump up your savings, there are some other options in addition to CDs that you may want to consider. For instance, one way to potentially increase your savings is with a bank account with competitive rates, such as a high-yield savings account. You can shop around and explore the different savings options to see what might be right for you.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

What is an 18-month bump-up CD?

An 18-month bump-up CD is a certificate of deposit savings account that earns a certain amount of interest over the course of 18 months. If interest rates rise during that time, the account owner can request that the interest rate their CD earns be increased to the new rate.

When should I bump up my CD?

If you have a bump-up CD, you may want to consider a bump up when interest rates rise. However, remember that you are typically only allowed to bump up the rate once during the term of the CD. For this reason, bump-up CDs are generally best for investors who have a deep understanding of the interest-rate system and what might happen to rates during their CD term.

Who has bump-up CDs?

Bump-up CDs are typically offered by banks, online banks, and credit unions. You can explore bump-up CD options at different financial institutions to find one with the best rates and terms for you.

Photo credit: iStock/sihuo0860371

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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4.00% APY
SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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