Compare Current Mortgage Rates for Today





How to use our mortgage rate table

Our mortgage rates table features the average interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) for the most popular types of mortgage loans. It has rates for 15-year, 30-year, and 20-year loan terms. It also includes government-backed mortgages, such as VA loans, FHA loans, and a variety of adjustable-rate mortgages.

These rate averages will give you a good idea of how the length of your mortgage’s repayment term and the type of loan you get will impact your interest rate. Shorter loans usually have lower interest rates, and longer loans typically come with higher rates. Government-backed loans can have lower mortgage rates, especially if you have a lower credit score, but the same loans can have potentially higher fees, which drives up the APR.

How mortgage rates work

Your mortgage rate is the interest you pay on your remaining loan balance and it is expressed as a percentage. Your mortgage rate can be fixed, which means it will never change. Adjustable mortgage rates are fixed for a limited amount of time, perhaps 3-10 years and then typically reset every year after the introductory period.

The longer your mortgage’s repayment period, the more interest you’ll pay overall. For a traditional 30-year mortgage, you could easily end up paying over 50% of what you initially borrowed just in interest. For example, a $150,000 30-year mortgage at 3.3% would end up costing the borrower more than $86,000 in interest over the life of the loan, according to NextAdvisor’s mortgage calculator.

Why it’s important to shop for quotes

When you’re getting a mortgage, it’s important to compare offers from a variety of lenders. Every lender will evaluate your personal financial situation differently. So getting multiple quotes will allow you to choose the offer with the lowest interest rate.
However, interest rate isn’t the only factor you need to consider when comparing mortgage lenders. The fees each lender charges can vary just as much as the interest rate. So the offer with the lowest rate may not be the best deal if you’re paying excessive upfront fees. To compare rates and fees, take a look at the Loan Estimate form that lenders are required to provide within three business days of receiving your application. The Loan Estimate is a standardized form, which makes it easy to compare quotes.

What Are Today’s Mortgage Rates?

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, according to Bankrate’s latest survey of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 3.030% with an APR of 3.260%. The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 2.310% with an APR of 2.620%. The average 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) rate is 2.780% with an APR of 3.910%.

Current Mortgage and Refinance Rates

ProductInterest RateAPR
30-Year Fixed Rate3.000%3.180%
30-Year FHA Rate2.660%3.550%
30-Year VA Rate2.740%2.970%
30-Year Fixed Jumbo Rate3.010%3.090%
20-Year Fixed Rate2.900%3.080%
15-Year Fixed Rate2.300%2.540%
15-Year Fixed Jumbo Rate2.300%2.370%
5/1 ARM Rate2.710%3.980%
5/1 ARM Jumbo Rate2.670%3.580%
7/1 ARM Rate3.500%3.780%
7/1 ARM Jumbo Rate3.870%3.650%
10/1 ARM Rate3.920%4.010%
ProductInterest RateAPR
30-Year Fixed Rate3.030%3.260%
30-Year FHA Rate2.620%3.510%
30-Year VA Rate2.680%2.880%
30-Year Fixed Jumbo Rate3.050%3.170%
20-Year Fixed Rate2.880%3.090%
15-Year Fixed Rate2.310%2.620%
15-Year Fixed Jumbo Rate2.310%2.390%
5/1 ARM Rate2.780%3.910%
5/1 ARM Jumbo Rate2.850%3.530%
7/1 ARM Rate3.020%3.770%
7/1 ARM Jumbo Rate3.280%3.590%
10/1 ARM Rate3.230%3.920%

Rates as of Wednesday, July 28, 2021

These rate averages are based on weekday mortgage rate information provided by national lenders to These marketplace average rates for a variety of purchase loan types are updated daily, though it is possible rates have changed since this was last updated.

July 2021 Rate Forecast

Over the past few months, the average 30-year mortgage and refinance rates haven’t had a big swing in one direction or another and have hovered near 3%. So overall, the current interest rates are exceptionally low, even compared to recent mortgage rate history. And it looks like we’ll have more of the same in the near term, as some experts forecast July’s mortgage rate trends to be relatively flat.

As the economy rebounds, experts predict mortgage rates will rise in 2021. However, there are counterbalancing factors, which makes it likely that we won’t see a huge spike in rates. Inflation is higher, but the Federal Reserve believes that the inflation we’re seeing is only temporary and driven by pandemic-induced shortages. And while the U.S. is reopening for business, we still have a long way to go until the global economy has fully recovered.

NextAdvisor’s Best Mortgage Lenders of 2021

You should always compare several different lenders when shopping for a home loan. Not only will the rates and fees you pay vary, but the quality of service as well. Even within the same company or the same branch office the experience from one loan officer to the next can be vastly different.

So regardless of what lender you end up working with, it’s important to find someone that can help you navigate challenges of your individual situation. If you’re a military veteran getting a VA loan, you’ll want to work with someone who has experience with those types of loans.

How we chose the best mortgage lenders

To narrow down the best mortgage lenders of 2021, we started by looking at the top 20 largest mortgage lenders, according to the Scotsman Guide rankings. Each of our top five lenders from that list has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, operates in 40+ states, and has less than 0.30 complaints per 1,000 loans originated, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaint database.

LoanDepot – Best for Repeat Borrowers


The Foothill Ranch, California-headquartered loanDepot was founded in 2010. It has more than 200 locations throughout the U.S. and is licensed to lend in all 50 states.

What to keep in mind

LoanDepot offers an entirely online application process, including proprietary software that allows you to digitally verify your information. Although, it also has physical locations if you prefer face-to-face interactions. Once you’ve taken out a mortgage with this lender, it offers incentives if you refinance with it. It will waive lender fees and reimburse you for the appraisal fees if you qualify for its “Lifetime Guarantee” offer.

Movement Mortgage – Best for Quick Closing


The South Carolina-headquartered Movement Mortgage was founded in 2008. It’s a licensed mortgage lender in all 50 states and has over 650 branches nationwide.

What to keep in mind

 It offers all of the most popular types of mortgages from conventional loans to FHA loans, and niche options, such as reverse mortgages. But if you want any type of home equity loan or line of credit, you’ll have to go with another lender.

Movement Mortgage prides itself on quickly closing loans, and claims that 75% are closed within seven business days. It also gives a large amount of its profits to charity. 



PrimeLending mortgage is based in Dallas, Texas and lends in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It originated nearly 60,000 loans in 2019 worth over $14.7 billion.

What to keep in mind

PrimeLending has hundreds of different loan options and an online application that makes it easy to upload documents and check the status of your loan. It also offers a float-down rate lock option. So you can secure your mortgage rate and if rates drop, you may qualify for a one-time reduction of your interest rate.

Finance of America Mortgage


Founded in 1984, Finance of America Mortgage is headquartered in Pennsylvania and serves all 50 states. It closed over 53,000 loans in 2019, making it one of the largest lenders in the country.

What to keep in mind

Finance of America Mortgage offers a wide range of loan products, from government-backed loans to conventional mortgages for both home purchases and mortgage refinancing. It even offers renovation loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC).

However, it doesn’t offer a fully online application process and rates and fees aren’t available on its website. So you’ll need to make a call or visit one of the lender’s physical locations to complete your application.

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation – Best for Home Equity Lending


Fairway Independent Mortgage has more than 400 locations nationwide and is licensed in all 50 states. As a lending institution, it focuses (as a direct lender) entirely on mortgage loans. But it also operates a mortgage wholesale division.

What to keep in mind

Even though Fairway Independent Mortgage has a smaller footprint than some of the other larger banks, it does have locations in 48 states and Washington, D.C. In addition to being able to apply in person at one of its office locations, you can also apply online. 

Fairway offers a wide range of mortgages, but because it’s not a full-service financial institution it doesn’t issue other types of accounts or credit lines, like home equity loans. So it’s not a good option if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all your financial services.

Finding the Best Mortgage Rate

How do I find the best mortgage rate?

Finding the best home mortgage rate is a matter of knowing your goals and picking the right tool to get the job done. The best mortgage for you may not always be the one with the lowest interest rate. Factors like how long you plan on living in your home will impact your decision.

If you plan on living in your new home long-term, then a fixed-rate mortgage is ideal. Mortgage rates today are very reasonable for fixed-rate 10-, 15-, or 30-year mortgages, and being able to lock in low rates is a smart choice. But you can get lower mortgage rates with some adjustable-rate loans. So if you plan on only keeping your home (or current mortgage) for three to 10 years, then you may be able to pay less interest with an ARM.

How do I find personalized mortgage rates?

Finding personalized mortgage interest rates is as easy as talking to your local mortgage broker or searching online. While most factors that impact mortgage interest rates are out of your control, rates still vary from person to person. Lenders charge higher home mortgage rates to borrowers they deem more risky. So having a high credit score (740+) will get you the best interest rates. Lenders also look at how much you are borrowing compared to the home’s value; this is known as loan-to-value, or LTV. You’ll get a better rate when the LTV is below 80%. So if your future home has a value of $200,000, you’ll get the best rates if the loan is for $160,000 or less.

When shopping around for the best rates consider a variety of lenders, like local banks, national banks, credit unions, or online lenders. Be sure to compare not only interest rates, but also the fees and other terms of the mortgage. Also, mortgage rates are constantly changing, so getting rate quotes from multiple lenders around the same time makes it easier to get an accurate comparison. If that’s too much legwork, you could work with a mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers don’t directly issue loans, instead they work with a number of lenders to find you the best deal. But their services aren’t free, they work on commission paid by either the lender, or the borrower.

What is a good mortgage rate?

Average mortgages rates have been at historically low levels for months, even dipping below 3% for 30-year fixed-rate loans for the first time ever. If you can get a mortgage with an interest rate below 3%, you could be getting the deal of a lifetime.

But even if you’re getting a low interest rate, you need to pay attention to the fees. Hidden inside a good mortgage rate can be excessive fees or discount points that can offset the savings you’re getting with a low rate.

How are mortgage rates set?

Mortgage rates fluctuate for the same reasons the price of homes change – supply, demand, inflation, and even the U.S. employment rate can all impact mortgage rates. But the demand for homes isn’t necessarily a sign of where mortgage rates are headed. The best indicator of whether rates will go up or down is the 10-year Treasury bond rate.

When a lender issues a mortgage it takes that loan and packages it together with a bunch of other mortgages, creating a mortgage-backed security (MBS), which is a type of bond. These bonds are then sold to investors so the bank has money for new loans. Mortgage bonds and 10-year Treasury bonds are similar investments and compete for the same buyers, which is why the rates for both move up or down in tandem.

If the demand for these safer bond investments is low, the mortgage interest rate increases to attract buyers. When there is strong demand for these investments, they can be sold more easily and the mortgage interest rates decrease. That’s why, in a slumping economy, when more investors want to purchase safer investments, like mortgage-backed securities and treasury bonds, rates tend to go down. The Federal Reserve has been purchasing MBS and treasury bonds, and this increased demand has led to the lowest mortgage rates on record.

When is the right time to get a mortgage?

Before you apply for a mortgage, you should have a proven reliable source of income and enough saved up to cover the down payment and closing costs. If you can save at least 20% for a down payment, you can skip paying for private mortgage insurance and can qualify for better interest rates.

At the end of the day, the best time to apply is when you’re ready. But there are other details to consider when timing your home purchase. Because home sales slow down during the winter, you may be able to get a better price in the spring. However, general nationwide trends won’t necessarily apply to your local real estate market. To get a better sense of the nuances of your area it’s important to talk with local experts.

How do I choose a mortgage lender?

When it comes to choosing a mortgage lender, picking the right one can save you in the long run, but you’ll need to know what you’re comparing. The right lender for you might not always be the one with the best mortgage rates, although that’s often the biggest factor to consider. You’ll also want to scrutinize other aspects of your loan, like the monthly payment, closing costs, down payment, and the lender’s processing fees.

Because there is so much to look at, it’s important to work with a competent lender you trust. You want someone who can pull the curtain back and show you what all these costs mean and help you make the best choice for your situation. To find a trusted lender you can look at online reviews, or even better, ask around. Your real estate agent and friends who recently purchased a home are great sources for mortgage lender recommendations.

What is a mortgage rate lock?

Mortgage rates change daily, and that can be a problem when it can take more than a month to close a refinance loan. The solution offered by most lenders is a mortgage rate lock.

With a rate lock, your interest rate won’t change for a set amount of time. If there are delays in closing your loan, and your rate lock will expire before you can complete the refinance, you may be able to get an extension. If that happens, be sure to ask if there are fees for extending the rate lock.

When should I lock my mortgage rate?

Right now mortgage rates are historically low, so it’s a good idea to lock your rate as early in the mortgage application process as possible. Rates move up and down from day to day, and knowing exactly where they’ll move is impossible. A rate lock will protect you from potential interest rate increases, which could unexpectedly increase the cost of your home loan.

If you’re concerned about interest rates dropping after you lock in your rate, you can ask your lender if it offers the option to change your rate if it drops, this is also called a “float down.” With this option, you’ll need to pay attention to the fine print. Typically, you can only reduce your mortgage rate if it drops by a certain percentage, and there are likely to be fees associated with this option.

What are the mortgage rate trends for 2021?

The expectation for mortgage rates in 2021 is that they will grow as the economy recovers. However, our economic recovery is unlikely to follow a straight line, so there will be ups and downs along the way.

To start the year, the average 30-year mortgage rate climbed to 3.18% by the end of March. That was followed by a month-long retreat for rates all the way back down to under 3%, before mortgage rates returned to 3% in late May. So even though the long-term overall trend will be rising rates, there will be ups and downs from month to month. But overall, rates are expected to remain historically favorably for months to come.

NextAdvisors Guide to Mortgages

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage is a type of secured loan that is used to purchase a home. The word “mortgage” actually has roots in Old French and Latin, and literally means “death pledge.” Thankfully, it was never meant to be a loan you paid for until you died (although it might feel that way), but rather a commitment to pay until the pledge itself “died” (i.e. the loan was paid off).

You can also get a mortgage to replace your existing home loan, which is known as a refinance.

What is a mortgage rate?

A mortgage rate is the interest lenders charge on a mortgage. Mortgage rates come in two forms: fixed or variable. Fixed rates never change for the life of your loan — and in exchange for this certainty, the rate is higher on longer loans. Variable-rate mortgages can have lower interest rates up front, but fluctuate over the term of your loan based on broader economic factors. How frequently a variable-rate mortgage changes varies based on the loan’s terms. For example, a 5/1 ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) would have a fixed rate for the first five years of the loan, then change every year after that.

How does a mortgage work?

A mortgage is a type of secured loan where the property – often your home – is the collateral. So you’ll never be able to take out a mortgage without having some sort of real estate attached to it. Mortgage loans are issued by banks, credit unions, and other different types of lenders.

Aside from paying the loan back, you pay for a mortgage in two ways: fees and interest. Interest is paid on your loan balance throughout the life of the loan, and is built into your monthly payment. Mortgage fees are usually paid upfront, and are part of the loan’s closing costs. Some fees may be charged annually or monthly, like private mortgage insurance.

Mortgages are repaid over what is known as the loan term. The most common loan term is 30 years. You can also get a mortgage with a shorter term, like 15 years. Short-term loans have higher monthly payments, but lower interest rates. Mortgages with longer terms have lower monthly payments, but you’ll typically pay a higher interest rate.

How do I get a mortgage?

Other than finding the ideal home to purchase, getting a mortgage is the most important part of the homebuying process. It’s likely the largest loan you’ll ever take out. So finding the right lender and getting the best deal can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Here’s what you need to do.

  1. Shop around and compare multiple lenders and loans

There are lots of different types of lenders. Looking at the loans and programs that banks, credit unions, and brokers offer will help you understand all of your options.

If you’re looking for a specific type of loan, like a VA loan or a USDA loan, then make sure that the lender offers these mortgages.

  1. Apply for preapproval

Before you start shopping for a home, you’ll need a preapproval letter. A mortgage preapproval is different from a formal loan application in that it doesn’t affect your credit and doesn’t mean you’re actually approved for a loan. But it does give you an idea for whether you’re likely to be approved, so the lender will need you to submit documentation to verify your financials for this process.

  1. Submit an application

Once you’re ready to really start comparing loan offers you need to submit an application. Until you apply, the lender won’t be able to give you an official estimate of the fees and interest rate you qualify for.

To find the lowest rate and fees, you should submit applications with two or three lenders. Once you have each Loan Estimate in hand, it’s easier to compare and determine which offer is best for you.

  1. Underwriting and closing

The final step to getting a mortgage loan is the underwriting and closing process. During underwriting, the lender will review everything from your credit score to your bank statements to assess whether you qualify for the loan.

The closing process includes the home inspection and appraisal. The final day of closing is when you’ll sign the dotted line, take the keys to your new home, and officially have a mortgage.

What is the difference between APR and interest rate?

The interest rate is the cost of borrowing the money, and it is advertised as a percentage of the loan. APR stands for annual percentage rate, and it includes the interest rate plus other fees associated with the mortgage. So the APR will provide you with a better idea of the total cost of financing the loan. You may find lenders offering the same interest rate and monthly payments, but if one is charging higher upfront fees, then the APR will be higher.

The Federal Truth in Lending Act requires lenders to disclose the APR, but which fees are included in it can vary. So when comparing APRs of different lenders, ask which fees aren’t included for better comparison.

What are the different types of mortgages?

Mortgages come with all sorts of different interest rates and terms. These influence not only how long it will take to pay off your loan, but also how much your monthly payments will be.

These are some of the most common types of mortgages home buyers use:

Fixed-rate mortgage

A fixed-rate mortgage has a set interest rate for the life of the loan. With this type of loan, your mortgage rate will never change. While your overall monthly payments could still fluctuate based on property taxes or other factors changing over the course of your mortgage, a fixed rate locks in how much you’ll pay in interest over the course of your loan. And if interest rates drop to below your current rate, you can refinance to a lower rate.

Two of the more popular mortgage terms for fixed-rate loans are 15- and 30-year mortgages.

ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage)

An ARM is usually a 30-year term loan with an interest rate that changes over time, in line with market averages. When the interest rate changes depends on the loan. Common ARM terms are 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1. The first number designates the first year your interest rate will change, and the second number is how frequently the interest rate resets after the first time. So a 5/1 ARM adjusts the rate after 5 years, and then annually after that. Most ARMs reset annually after the initial adjustment.

Government-backed loan

There are several types of government-secured loans backed by different departments of the government, including the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). You can apply for these loans through approved lenders, such as most national banks and many smaller regional lenders.

Qualifying for these loans is a bit different than with conventional loans. For example, USDA loans are only available for homes in an eligible rural-designated area, and VA loans are only an option if you meet the military service requirements. FHA loans typically have lower credit score requirements, but you will have to pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.

What is the best mortgage loan type?

The best mortgage is the one that helps you meet your housing needs for as little financing costs as possible. There are a few factors to consider when it comes to getting the right mortgage.

Some experts recommend getting a 15-year mortgage because you’ll pay far less interest and be debt free in half the time compared to a 30-year loan. With a 30-year loan, your monthly payments can be significantly lower, but you’ll pay much more in interest over the course of your term. So it’s a tradeoff.

There are also tradeoffs in choosing a government-backed versus a conventional loan. For example, FHA mortgages can have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans. But unlike conventional loans, FHA loans require mortgage insurance even if your loan-to-value ratio drops below 80%.

If you want a set interest rate for the life of the loan, and more stable monthly payments, then a fixed-rate mortgage is ideal. The interest rate on a fixed-rate mortgage never changes. In exchange for this security, the rate can be a bit higher than with a similar adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). ARMs have a set interest rate for a certain number of years (usually, five, seven, or 10 years), and then the rate adjusts annually. An ARM might make sense if you plan on refinancing your mortgage in the future, or you might sell the house before the rate adjusts.

Regardless of what loan type you go with, remember, it’s not the loan you have to keep forever. Even if you stay in the same home for the rest of your life, you can refinance your mortgage to take advantage of better terms or rates.

How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

The amount of money you can borrow is affected by the property, type of loan, and your personal financial situation.

During the mortgage preapproval process the lender will look at your overall financial profile to determine how much it is willing to let you borrow. A big factor in this process is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Your DTI is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your monthly income. In most cases, the maximum DTI a lender will allow is 43%. So if you make $5,000 a month your mortgage payment and other monthly debt payments can’t exceed $2,150.

To protect its investment, a lender will typically only let you borrow a certain percentage of a property’s value. So the value of the property can also limit how much you can borrow. Most mortgage loans require a down payment of anywhere from 3% to 20%. You may be able to borrow 100% of the property’s value with certain government-backed loans, like Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans or U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA) loans.

What is a discount point?

Discount points are fees you pay the lender upfront in exchange for a lower interest rate. Buying down the rate with discount points can save you money if you’re planning on keeping your home for a long time. But if you’re going to sell or refinance before the full loan term is up, paying more fees upfront may not make sense.

Discount points can be part of a good deal, but you need to make sure you know when they are being added to your loan. When you’re comparing mortgage offers, be sure to ask if the interest rate includes discount points.

Renting vs. buying a home

Deciding whether it makes sense to rent or buy is about more than just comparing your monthly rent to a potential mortgage payment. How long you plan on staying in that area should also factor into the decision. Buying a home requires you to pay thousands of dollars in upfront fees. If you will need to sell the house in the next two or three years, then you may not have enough equity built up in the home to offset the fees you wouldn’t have paid if you were renting. You also need to factor in maintenance and upkeep costs if you’re looking to purchase a home.

However, over the long term, buying a home can be a good way to increase your net worth. And when you buy, you can lock in a fixed interest rate, which means your monthly payments are less likely to increase compared to renting. Owning a home also has the added benefit of providing a stronger sense of stability for you and your family. And when you own, you have the freedom to customize your living space however you like.

Continue Buying a Home Guide Series