Bremer Bank is a community-focused, full-service bank and direct mortgage lender headquartered in Minnesota, with a strong presence across the Upper Midwest. The bank emphasizes personalized service, local expertise, and a broad range of mortgage solutions designed to meet the needs of first-time buyers, repeat buyers, and those seeking to refinance or build homes.
See today’s mortgage interest rates on TrueRate.
How Bremer Bank compares to other lenders
| Headquarters | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Website | bremer.com |
| Rate | 0.16% less than the median rate |
| Lender fees | $770 (median) |
| Savings after 1 year, compared to the median interest rate | $873 |
| Savings after 10 years, compared to the median interest rate | $5,831 |
| Added cost after 1 year (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $1,705 |
| Added cost after 10 years (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $5,803 |
For a $400,000 mortgage, Bremer Bank’s rates and lender fees will likely result in savings of $873 in the first year and over $5,300 after 10 years compared to the median lender. Borrowers should compare Bremer to lower cost lenders, such as Tomo Mortgage, to see if larger savings (in this case around double) can be achieved.
What customers are saying
Mortgage reviews for Bremer Bank from third-party sources are largely negative. On Yelp, borrowers report abrupt last-minute mortgage loan denials after previously receiving approval and investing in home inspections and insurance, resulting in lost opportunities and significant frustration. Customers describe the mortgage process as unprofessional and unreliable, with poor communication about loan status and requirements.
Some users on Reddit mention successful refinancing experiences, these are rare compared to the volume of complaints.
How to compare mortgage lenders
Interest rates. Comparing rates between lenders isn’t always straightforward. Many promote low headline rates that require paying “points” upfront to buy down the interest rate. To make a true comparison, focus on the par rate (0 points) and the APR, which reflects both the interest rate and any lender fees. Even small differences can translate into significant savings over the life of the loan.
Lender fees or loan origination fees. Many lenders charge fees that add thousands to the cost of a loan. It’s important to look at both the rate and the fees together to understand the true cost of borrowing. For a $400,000 mortgage, avoiding even a $1,000 fee could contribute to meaningful savings in the first year and over the long term.
On-time close rate. Most lenders do not publicly share their on-time close rates. However, it’s a critical factor—especially if your home contract has tight deadlines. Asking about their process for meeting close dates, including underwriting and document review timelines, can give you more confidence when choosing a lender.
Pre-approval and offer letters. Some lenders offer fast pre-qualifications that may not be fully underwritten, which can weaken your offer in competitive markets. It’s important to ask whether a lender’s pre-approvals are fully underwritten and how credible their letters are when presented with an offer.
Customer satisfaction. If detailed customer review data isn’t readily available, check third-party review sites or ask the lender for references. It’s important to understand how they handle communication, responsiveness, and issue resolution throughout the loan process.
Employee reviews. Company culture often influences how clients are treated. A lender with strong employee satisfaction typically delivers better service, more organized processing, and a smoother overall experience for borrowers.
To better understand how we compare mortgage rates fairly, see our TrueRate Methodology.
If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre-approved with Tomo Mortgage today.