Recast minimums and fees by lender
Every servicer sets its own rules for mortgage recasting: the minimum lump sum, the one-time fee, and which loan types qualify. The table below collects commonly reported figures for major U.S. lenders. Treat ranges as estimates where an exact published figure isn't verified, and read the disclaimer that follows.
| Lender | Minimum lump sum | Recast fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | ~$5,000+ | $150–$500 | Conventional loans; confirm investor eligibility |
| Rocket Mortgage | ~$5,000+ | $150–$500 | Offers recasting on eligible conventional loans |
| Wells Fargo | ~$5,000+ | $150–$500 | Conventional only; government loans excluded |
| Bank of America | ~$5,000+ | $150–$500 | Eligibility varies by loan and investor |
| UWM (United Wholesale Mortgage) | $5,000 | $150–$500 | Published $5,000 minimum on eligible loans |
| American Heritage / AFR | ~$10,000 | $150–$500 | Higher minimum (~$10,000) reported |
Disclaimer: Always confirm with your servicer; policies change. These figures are general estimates compiled from commonly reported lender practices, not guarantees. Your loan's investor (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or a private jumbo investor) ultimately controls whether a recast is allowed, and servicing can be transferred at any time. Verify the current minimum, fee, and eligibility in writing before sending a lump-sum payment.
Why recast policies differ between lenders
The company you mail your payment to is your servicer. It handles the recast, but the rules often come from the investor who owns the loan. That's why two borrowers at the same bank can get different answers: one loan may be a Fannie Mae conventional that allows recasting, while another is a jumbo held by an investor that doesn't. Loan servicing is also bought and sold frequently, so the lender that originated your mortgage may not be the one you call for a recast today.
The good news is that the cost side is fairly consistent. Recast fees cluster between $150 and $500 across nearly every major lender, and the process involves no credit check, no appraisal, and no new closing costs. What varies most is the minimum lump sum and whether your specific loan type is eligible at all.
How to confirm your lender's recast terms
Before you commit a lump sum, get four things in writing from your servicer: that your loan is eligible to recast, the minimum principal payment required, the one-time fee, and the date the new payment takes effect (usually 30–45 days out). Ask them to confirm the lump sum will be applied to principal and not to future scheduled payments. This is the single most common mistake that derails a recast.
For the mechanics of the request itself, see our how to recast a mortgage guide and the broader recasting a mortgage overview. If you have an FHA, VA, or USDA loan, recasting generally isn't available. See recasting FHA, VA, and USDA loans for the alternatives.