Current Mortgage Rates
Today's average mortgage rates for the United States. Rates vary by lender, location, and your individual financial situation.
Last verified: 2026-09-07 — showing estimated national average rates. Update src/data/rates.ts when rates change.
30-Year Fixed
Most popular - stable payments for 30 years
15-Year Fixed
Pay off faster, lower total interest
5/1 ARM
Lower rate for first 5 years, then adjusts
FHA 30-Year
Lower credit score requirements
VA 30-Year
For veterans and active duty - no down payment
Important Notes & Disclaimer
- Rates are estimates: Your actual rate depends on your credit score, down payment, loan type, and lender.
- APR vs Rate: The APR includes lender fees and is a better measure of total cost.
- Get personalized quotes: Contact multiple lenders to compare actual offers.
- Location matters: Rates vary by state and even by county. VA and FHA limits differ by location.
- Not financial advice: Rate data is sourced from third parties, may be delayed, and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not an offer to lend and does not constitute financial advice. Locked rates are subject to lender approval, appraisal, and underwriting. Consult a licensed mortgage professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Understanding Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates change daily based on economic conditions, bond market movements, Federal Reserve policy, and inflation data. Here's what you need to know:
What Affects Your Rate
- Credit score: Higher scores get lower rates. A 760+ score typically gets the best available rates, while a 640 score may pay 0.5-1% more.
- Down payment: Putting 20%+ down often gets you the best rates. Lower down payments may add 0.25-0.5% to your rate.
- Loan type: Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans all have different rate structures. VA and USDA often have the lowest rates because of government guarantees.
- Loan term: 15-year loans typically have rates 0.5-0.75% lower than 30-year loans because the lender's risk is shorter.
- Points: You can buy "points" (each worth 0.25% rate reduction) to lower your rate. One point on a $300,000 loan costs $3,000 but saves about $50/month.
Rate vs APR
The interest rate is what you pay on the loan balance. The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes the interest rate plus lender fees, points, and some closing costs, giving you a more complete picture of the loan's total cost. When comparing lenders, always compare APR, not just the interest rate.
How to Get the Best Rate
- Shop around: Get quotes from at least 3-5 lenders. Rates can vary 0.25-0.5% between lenders for the same borrower.
- Improve your credit: Pay down credit cards, don't open new accounts, and dispute errors before applying.
- Consider timing: Rates can fluctuate daily. Lock your rate when you find a good one — most lenders offer 30-60 day rate locks.
- Compare APR, not just rate: A lower rate with high fees may cost more than a slightly higher rate with low fees.
Use our mortgage calculator to see how different rates affect your monthly payment.
Ready to Lock In Your Rate?
Use our mortgage calculator to see how different rates affect your monthly payment.