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Several important mortgage refinance rates stayed the same today. Both 15-year fixed and 30-year fixed refinances saw their average rates stay the same. In addition, the average rate on 10-year fixed refinance shrank. Although refinance rates are always moving, they have been at historic lows. If you plan to refinance your home, now might be a good time to get a good rate. Before refinancing, remember to consider your personal needs and financial situation, and compare offers from different lenders to find the right one for you.
30-year fixed refinance rates
For 30-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 3.14%, unmoved compared to one week ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) A 30-year fixed refinance will typically have lower monthly payments than a 15-year or 10-year refinance. If you’re having difficulties making your monthly payments currently, a 30-year refinance could be a good option for you. However, interest rates for a 30-year refinance will typically be higher than rates for a 15-year or 10-year refinance. It’ll also take you longer to pay off your loan.
15-year fixed-rate refinance
The average rate for a 15-year fixed refinance loan is currently 2.44%, unmoved over last week. Refinancing to a 15-year fixed loan from a 30-year fixed loan will likely raise your monthly payment. But you’ll save more money over time, because you’re paying off your loan quicker. You’ll also typically get lower interest rates compared to a 30-year loan. This can help you save even more in the long run.
10-year fixed-rate refinance
For 10-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 2.37%, a decrease of 2 basis points from what we saw the previous week. You’ll pay more every month with a ten-year fixed refinance compared to a 30-year or 15-year refinance — but you’ll also have a lower interest rate. A 10-year refinance can be a good deal, since paying off your house sooner will help you save on interest in the long run. However, you should analyze your budget and current financial situation to make sure you’ll be able to afford the higher monthly payment.
Where rates are headed
We track refinance rate trends using data collected by Bankrate, which is owned by CNET’s parent company. Here’s a table with the average refinance rates provided by lenders across the US:
Average refinance interest rates
| Product | Rate | Last week | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed refi | 3.14% | 3.14% | N/C |
| 15-year fixed refi | 2.44% | 2.44% | N/C |
| 10-year fixed refi | 2.37% | 2.39% | -0.02 |
Rates as of May 4, 2021.
How to find the best refinance rate
When searching for refinance rates online, it’s important to remember that your specific financial situation will influence the rate you’re offered. Market conditions aren’t the only factor in interest rates; your particular application and credit history will also play a large role.
Generally, you’ll want a high credit score, low credit utilization ratio, and a history of making consistent and on-time payments in order to get the best interest rates. To get your personalized refinance rates, you’ll need to speak with a mortgage professional, as the rates you qualify for may differ from the rates advertised online. Also remember to account for potential fees and closing costs.
You should also know that many lenders have had stricter requirements when it comes to approving loans in the past few months. As such, you may not qualify for a refinance — or a low rate — if you don’t have a solid credit rating.
To get the best refinance rates, you’ll first want to make your application as strong as possible. If you haven’t already, try to improve your credit by monitoring your credit reports, using credit responsibly, and managing your finances carefully. You should also shop around with multiple lenders and compare offers to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
When should I refinance?
Generally, it’s a good idea to refinance if you can get a lower interest rate than your current interest rate, or if you need to change your loan term. It’s true that in the past year, interest rates have been at a historic low. But when deciding whether to refinance, be sure to take into account other factors besides market interest rates.
To decide whether a refinance is right for you, consider all of the factors including how long you plan to stay in your current home, the length of your loan term and the amount of your monthly payment. And don’t forget about fees and closing costs, which can add up.
Some lenders have tightened their requirements in recent months, so you may not be able to get a refinance at the posted interest rates — or even a refinance at all — if you don’t meet their standards. Refinancing can be a great move if you get a good rate or can pay off your loan sooner, but consider carefully whether it’s the right choice for you.