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Numerous closely followed refinance rates dropped today. Both 15-year fixed and 30-year fixed refinances saw their average rates trail off. At the same time, average rates for 10-year fixed refinances remained unaltered. Refinance interest rates are never set in stone — but rates are the lowest they’ve been in years. Because of this, right now is a great time for homeowners to lock in a good refinance rate. But as always, make sure to first consider your personal goals and circumstances before refinancing, and talk to multiple lenders to find a lender who can best meet your needs.
30-year fixed refinance rates
The current average interest rate for a 30-year refinance is 3.13%, a decrease of 2 basis points over this time last week. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) One reason to refinance to a 30-year fixed loan from a shorter loan term is to lower your monthly payment. If you’re having difficulties making your monthly payments currently, a 30-year refinance could be a good option for you. In exchange for the lower monthly payments though, rates for a 30-year refinance will typically be higher than 15-year and 10-year refinance rates. You’ll also pay off your loan slower.
15-year fixed-rate refinance
The average 15-year fixed refinance rate right now is 2.42%, a decrease of 1 basis point from what we saw the previous 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. And 15-year refinance rates are typically lower than 30-year refinance rates, which will help you save even more in the long run.
10-year fixed-rate refinance
The average 10-year fixed refinance rate right now is 2.43%, unmoved from last week. A 10-year refinance will typically feature the highest monthly payment of all refinance terms, but the lowest 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. But you should confirm that you can afford a higher monthly payment by evaluating your budget and overall financial situation.
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 supplied by lenders nationwide:
Average refinance interest rates
| Product | Rate | A week ago | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed refi | 3.13% | 3.15% | -0.02 |
| 15-year fixed refi | 2.42% | 2.43% | -0.01 |
| 10-year fixed refi | 2.43% | 2.43% | N/C |
Rates as of May 27, 2021.
How to shop for refinance rates
When searching for refinance rates online, it’s important to remember that your specific financial situation will influence the rate you’re offered. Though current market conditions will be a factor, your particular interest rate will depend largely on your application and credit history.
Having a high credit score, low credit utilization ratio, and a history of consistent and on-time payments will generally help you 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. And don’t forget about fees and closing costs which may cost a hefty amount upfront.
You should also know that many lenders have had stricter requirements when it comes to approving loans in the past few months. This means that if you don’t have great credit ratings, you might not be able to take advantage of lowered interest rates — or qualify for a refinance in the first place.
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 to consider a mortgage refinance
In order for a refinance to make sense, you’ll generally want to get a lower interest rate than your current rate. Aside from interest rates, changing your loan term is another reason to refinance. 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. Also keep in mind that closing costs and other fees may require an upfront investment.
Note that some lenders have tightened their requirements since the beginning of the pandemic. If you don’t have a solid credit score, you may not qualify for the best rate.Refinancing at a lower interest rate can save you money in the long run and help you pay off your loan sooner. But a careful cost-benefit analysis is necessary to confirm that doing so makes sense.