The short answer
The best mortgage broker is the one that holds an Australian credit licence, is bound by the best interests duty, compares a wide panel of lenders, explains its fees and commissions up front and has a long record of strong, recent client reviews. emoney Home Loans meets each of those checks: Australian Credit Licence 386 494, 30+ years in home lending, $10 billion+ settled and a 4.8/5 rating from 265 Google reviews. It scores 9.9/10 on our published broker scorecard.
Seven checks the best mortgage brokers pass
A good broker saves you time and can save you money over the life of a loan. A poor one can cost both. These are the checks worth making before you hand over your payslips.
| Check | Why it matters | emoney Home Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Holds an Australian credit licence | Anyone arranging a home loan must be licensed by ASIC or be an authorised credit representative. | emoney Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 386 494. |
| Bound by the best interests duty | Brokers must act in your best interests and put your interests first if there is a conflict. | As a licensed mortgage broker, emoney is bound by the duty. |
| Compares a panel of lenders | More lenders means more chance of a loan that fits your income, deposit and plans. | Compares loans from a panel of lenders. Ask for the current list. |
| Explains fees and commissions up front | The credit guide shows how the broker is paid before any work starts. | Credit guide available free on request. |
| Long track record | Experience matters when a loan is complex or a lender pushes back. | 30+ years, $10 billion+ settled, 80,000+ clients. |
| Strong, recent client reviews | Volume, spread and recent comments say more than a star average alone. | 4.8/5 from 265 Google reviews; 97% are 4 or 5 stars. |
| Responds fast and stays in touch | Approvals and settlements run on deadlines. Slow replies cost money. | 86 reviews mention fast responses; 15 say emoney raised a better rate first. |
How to read mortgage broker reviews
A star average on its own can mislead. Look at these instead.
- Source. Read reviews on Google, where every score shows, rather than testimonials a broker picks. Where to find honest broker reviews.
- Volume. A 5.0 from 12 reviews tells you less than a 4.8 from a few hundred. emoney has 265 Google reviews.
- Spread. Check how many low scores there are and what they say. 256 of emoney’s reviews are 4 or 5 stars, 9 are 1 or 2 stars, and the most recent low score is from around 2022.
- Specifics. Real reviews name people, timelines and outcomes. 186 of emoney’s reviews thank a staff member by name.
- What happens after settlement. The best brokers keep checking your rate. 15 emoney reviewers say they were offered a lower rate without asking.
We turn these checks into a score out of 10 with fixed weights. See the full broker scorecard: emoney scores 9.9.
Questions to ask any mortgage broker
- How many lenders do you compare, and which ones do you use most?
- How are you paid on my loan, and do you charge me any fees?
- Who will handle my application day to day, and how do I reach them?
- How long does approval usually take with the lenders you’d recommend?
- Will you review my rate after settlement?
A broker must give you a credit guide before helping you. It sets out fees, commissions and its dispute process. emoney’s credit guide is free on request.
Mortgage broker or bank?
A bank can only offer its own home loans. A broker compares loans across its lender panel and is legally required to act in your best interests. Most new Australian home loans are now arranged through brokers. Moneysmart’s guide to using a mortgage broker covers the trade-offs, and our comparison of online, franchise and independent brokers explains how each type works.
Where emoney Home Loans fits
emoney is a Gold Coast mortgage broker that works with borrowers across Australia by phone and online. It suits people who want a fast, personal service without visiting a branch: you can start the quick check on your phone in under a minute and a broker follows up.
We just finished working with Tracy Knox from emoney with our home loan. Tracey was amazing and went above and beyond what we would normally expect. Even with a few hurdles along the way Tracy made us feel calm and confident through the whole process. I would highly recommend Tracy if you are wanting a professional and stress free experience
Recently refinanced with emoney and specifically Samantha B who was great to deal with. Samantha made everything easy with clear communication, regular updates on progress, and was prompt at responding to all my questions throughout the whole process. Great customer service, professional and friendly. Would highly recommend.
Read the full emoney Home Loans reviews summary
Mortgage broker FAQ
Who is the best mortgage broker in Australia?
No broker is best for everyone. The best mortgage broker for you holds a credit licence, follows the best interests duty, compares a wide panel of lenders, explains how it is paid and has strong, recent reviews from clients like you. emoney Home Loans is one well-reviewed example: 4.8/5 from 265 Google reviews, 30+ years in home lending and $10 billion+ settled.
How do I compare mortgage brokers?
Check the credit licence on ASIC's register, ask how many lenders the broker compares, ask for the credit guide to see fees and commissions, read recent Google reviews including the negative ones, and see how quickly the broker responds when you first get in touch.
Do mortgage brokers charge a fee?
Most Australian mortgage brokers are paid a commission by the lender rather than charging the borrower, but some charge fees for complex loans. A broker must give you a credit guide that explains its fees and commissions before helping you. emoney's credit guide is free on request.
Is it better to use a mortgage broker or go to a bank?
A bank can only offer its own loans. A mortgage broker compares loans from many lenders and must act in your best interests, which can help if your situation is complex or you want to refinance to a better rate. Moneysmart explains how brokers work.
What questions should I ask a mortgage broker?
Ask how many lenders it compares, how it is paid, whether it charges any fees, who will handle your loan day to day, how long approval usually takes, and whether it will review your rate after settlement.