nesto: How to get the best mortgage rates in Canada

To that end, nesto, a mortgage brokerage firm founded in 2018, helps you find the best mortgage rates on the market. The platform has revolutionized Canada’s mortgage lending industry with a fully digital application process and commission-free brokers. In this article, learn how nesto can help you get the best mortgage rate in Canada in 2026.

What is nesto?

nesto is Canada’s first digital mortgage lending platform. Founded in 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, the company has established itself as a key player in the Canadian mortgage market.

Its technology analyzes the entire market in seconds and finds the lowest mortgage rates based on your situation. Despite a 100% digital process, nesto’s commission-free mortgage experts provide support and guidance throughout the process.

In June 2024, nesto reached a major milestone by acquiring the CMLS Group, one of Canada’s largest non-bank mortgage lenders. This acquisition significantly strengthens nesto’s ability to offer competitive rates to its clients.

nesto mortgage professionals are licensed in all Canadian provinces. In addition, nesto has been a certified B Corporation since 2023, reflecting its commitments to transparency, governance, and social impact.

What services does nesto offer?

The nesto platform helps you find the best mortgage rates, whether for a new mortgage, a renewal, or a refinance.

nesto works with several mortgage lenders, including banks and credit unions. In addition, the company has offered its own mortgage products since 2022, which expanded further with the acquisition of CMLS in 2024.

Depending on your situation, you can obtain and compare the best fixed and variable rates on the market, across multiple terms (1 year to 10 years) and multiple amortization periods.

You can also lock in your rate for 150 days, the longest rate hold period offered in Canada. By comparison, other lenders generally offer a 90- to 120-day guarantee.

However, there are requirements to obtain a nesto mortgage at the lowest rate. For example, you need a credit score above 680 to access the best offers.

The advantages of nesto

The nesto mortgage brokerage firm stands out in several ways. Here are the elements that set it apart from traditional brokers.

The great renewal of 2025-2026

If you are reading this article in 2026, you may be part of what nesto calls the great renewal. About 50% of Canadian mortgages must be renewed between 2025 and 2029. Most of these mortgages were taken out at historically low rates during the pandemic (2020-2021).

In practical terms, a borrower who obtained a 5-year fixed rate of 1.99% in 2021 is renewing today at around 4.14% with nesto. For a mortgage balance of $400,000, this represents an increase in monthly payments of about $400 to $500 per month. This is what analysts call the payment shock.

The 30-year mortgage: a new option

Since December 15, 2024, a new rule has made homeownership easier in Canada. All buyers of a first home or a newly built home can now amortize their mortgage over 30 years, instead of the previous 25 years.

In practical terms, a 30-year amortization reduces monthly payments and increases borrowing capacity. In return, the total interest paid over the life of the loan will be higher.

nesto can help you assess whether the 30-year option is advantageous for your situation. The platform automatically takes your eligibility for this option into account when you apply.

How to complete a nesto application online

Whether for prequalification or mortgage approval, nesto allows you to complete your application online through its fully digital platform. From the start, you get the lowest mortgage rates based on your situation.

To begin your application, you must choose between a new mortgage, a mortgage renewal or a mortgage refinancing.

At the end of the process, you will be able to speak with a commission-free mortgage expert.

Application for a new mortgage

First, select the “New mortgage” option:

Next, answer the seven questions in the form in under a minute:

These questions include, among other things, the property type (house, condo, plex), the planned purchase price, and the down payment amount.

Finally, you get the lowest rate on the market for a new mortgage based on your situation:

You can quickly adjust information such as the purchase price and down payment. You can also switch between fixed and variable rates to compare.

If you have questions about the products offered, you can book an appointment with a nesto mortgage advisor. Otherwise, click “Continue” and complete the application form without speaking to an advisor.

Mortgage renewal application

First, select the “Mortgage renewal” option:

Next, answer the seven questions in the form in under a minute:

These questions include, among other things, the current property value, the mortgage balance, and whether it is an insured mortgage (CMHC, Sagen, Canada Guaranty).

Finally, you get the lowest rate on the market for your renewal:

You can quickly adjust information such as the property value and mortgage balance. You can also switch between fixed and variable rates.

If you want to move forward with this offer, click “Continue” and complete the application form.

Mortgage refinance application

First, select the “Mortgage refinance” option:

Next, answer the six questions in the form in under a minute:

Finally, you get the lowest rate on the market for a refinance based on your situation:

You can quickly adjust information such as the property value, mortgage balance, and additional funds required. You can also switch between fixed and variable rates.

If you want to move forward with this refinance offer, click “Continue” and complete the application form.

Which term and rate type to choose in 2026

With a policy rate at 2.25% and 5-year fixed rates around 4.14% at nesto, choosing the term and rate type deserves careful consideration. Here is our analysis to help you decide.

Fixed rate

Variable rate

Should you choose 3 years or 5 years?

The 5-year term remains the most popular in Canada. However, in a context where rates could continue to fall, the 3-year term becomes attractive, as you will be able to renew sooner at a potentially lower rate.

Conversely, if you are concerned about rates rising or want maximum stability, the 5-year fixed rate remains the safe choice. Discuss your profile with a nesto expert to make the right decision.

The nesto low-rate guarantee

With nesto, you get the lowest rate on the market for your situation from the outset. You do not need to negotiate or take out additional products such as mortgage insurance to access the best rate.

You can, however, compare the nesto rate with that of other banks or brokers. If you find a better rate elsewhere for an equivalent mortgage product, nesto commits to matching or beating that offer.

And if it is not possible for nesto to match or beat that offer, the company commits to giving you $500. This is the nesto low-rate guarantee.

Conclusion

In summary, nesto helps you find the best mortgage rates on the Canadian market in 2026. The platform offers a fully digital mortgage application process and commission-free brokers. Its technology analyzes the entire market in seconds and finds the lowest mortgage rates based on your situation—whether for a new loan, a renewal, or a refinance.

You do not need to take out additional products to get the best rate. nesto even guarantees that its clients get the lowest rate for their situation, without negotiation—or you receive $500.

Finally, you can lock in your rate for 150 days, the longest rate hold period offered in Canada. With about 50% of Canadian mortgages renewing between 2025 and 2029, systematically comparing with nesto can make the difference between sound financial management and a payment shock.

nesto – Frequently asked questions