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Compare current mortgage rates for today
Written by
- • Mortgages
- • Mortgage refinancing
Edited by
Reviewed by
- • Personal Finance
- • Economy
Edited by
Reviewed by
- • Personal Finance
- • Economy
Advertiser Disclosure
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers.
Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or when you click on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. However, this compensation in no way affects Bankrate’s news coverage, recommendations or advice as we adhere to strict editorial guidelines.
Our advertisers do not compensate us for favorable reviews or recommendations. Our site has comprehensive free listings and information for a variety of financial services from mortgages to banking to insurance, but we don’t include every product in the marketplace. In addition, though we strive to make our listings as current as possible, check with the individual providers for the latest information.
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Written by
- • Mortgages
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- • Personal Finance
- • Economy
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On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.34%. The average 15-year fixed mortgage APR is 5.72%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.34%. The average 15-year fixed mortgage APR is 5.72%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.
Top offers on Bankrate vs. national average interest rates
Hover for more
APRs not included. For our most recent APR information, please visit our
How our rates are calculated
- National rate and APR averages: Displayed as daily and weekly averages, these rates and APRs are primarily collected from the five largest banks and thrifts across hundreds of markets in the U.S.
- “Top offers”: Displayed daily and weekly, these are an average of the rates listed first on our rate tables as advertised by our partners. The averages shown are based on the loan type and term selected.
You can compare national average mortgage rates to top offers to see how much you could save when shopping on Bankrate. Learn more about how we collect, display and report mortgage rates.
For the week of December 14th, top offers on Bankrate are X% lower than the national average. On a $340,000 30-year loan, this translates to $XXX in annual savings.
For today, Thursday, December 18, 2025, the current average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate is 6.27 percent. If you're looking to refinance your current mortgage, today's current average 30-year fixed refinance interest rate is 6.52 percent. Meanwhile, today's average 15-year refinance interest rate is 5.90 percent. Whether you need a mortgage now or plan to get one in the next year or two, it’s crucial to compare offers. Bankrate can connect you with current offers on various types of loans, often well below the national average. We display the lender’s interest rate, APR (rate plus costs) and estimated monthly payment to help you more easily find the best mortgage for your needs.
Weekly national mortgage interest rate trends
Current mortgage rates
| 30 year fixed | 6.29% | |
| 15 year fixed | 5.64% | |
| 10 year fixed | 5.65% | |
| 5/1 ARM | 5.54% |
For today, Thursday, December 18, 2025, the current average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate is 6.27%. If you're looking to refinance your current mortgage, today's current average 30-year fixed refinance interest rate is 6.52%. Meanwhile, today's average 15-year refinance interest rate is 5.90%. Whether you need a mortgage now or plan to get one in the next year or two, it’s crucial to compare offers. Bankrate can connect you with current offers on various types of loans, often well below the national average. We display the lender’s interest rate, APR (rate plus costs) and estimated monthly payment to help you more easily find the best mortgage for your needs.
Mortgage rate news this week - Dec. 18, 2025
Rates dip, inflation report delivers a pleasant surprise
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell to 6.30% this week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey.
This survey followed the Federal Reserve’s quarter-point rate cut on Dec. 10. Meanwhile, mortgage rates fell by just 4 basis points compared to the previous week: another reminder that the central bank doesn’t dictate mortgage rates.
“There are many factors that influence mortgage rates. It is never a one-to-one relationship” with the federal funds rate, says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors.
Meanwhile, the Labor Department said Thursday that inflation had retreated to 2.7%. Economists had forecasted the consumer price index (CPI) to come in at 3%, and lower-than-expected inflation could allow mortgage rates to fall. However, that hopeful sign was tempered by the reality that a federal government shutdown skewed the collection and reporting of inflation data over the past two months.
“Despite the promising movement on inflation last month, today’s report represents one data point, and we are going to need to see a few more months of CPI data to understand whether inflation is moving in the right direction,” says Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, a listing service in the mid-Atlantic region. “Inflation is going to be an important factor to watch in the 2026 housing market. If inflation ticks back up, it could create headwinds to market activity. Higher inflation generally means higher mortgage rates. Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and concern about inflation is a key reason the central bank has signaled a pause in rate cuts, which could hold mortgage rates from moving lower or even lead to an increase in rates.”
Jobs are the other big factor in mortgage rates, and a slowing labor market has created some downward pressure. However, most housing economists don’t expect rates to drop significantly. The new consensus is that rates will stay above 6% in the coming months.
Bankrate's Mortgage Rate Variability Index
The Mortgage Rate Variability Index reads 5 out of 10 as of Dec. 15, 2025, 2 points higher than last week. Our index ranks variability from a low of 1 to a high of 10, with lower readings reflecting more consistency in loan offers.
What does that mean for you as a borrower? When the variability index shows a middle-of-the-road reading, as it does now, you might not find meaningful differences in lender offers – but you should still shop around for the best mortgage deal you can get.
As of last week, the average 30-year mortgage rate in Bankrate’s weekly survey was 6.34%. The average rate has stayed below 6.5% since August, and housing economists expect rates to stay in that range for at least the rest of the year.
Learn more about Bankrate's Mortgage Rate Variability Index.
Experts think rates will be unchanged this week
"Despite the recent drop in the federal funds rate, there are few economic forces afoot to help bring down the yield on the 10-year, making a near-term decline in mortgage rates unlikely." Dec. 17
"Despite the recent drop in the federal funds rate, there are few economic forces afoot to help bring down the yield on the 10-year, making a near-term decline in mortgage rates unlikely." Dec. 17
"While I've seen numerous signs that should point to lower rates, we have been incredibly rangebound. The labor market is definitely challenged, and inflation is coming down. I see lower rates on the horizon, but that horizon is next year." Dec. 17
"While I've seen numerous signs that should point to lower rates, we have been incredibly rangebound. The labor market is definitely challenged, and inflation is coming down. I see lower rates on the horizon, but that horizon is next year." Dec. 17
"Bonds have sustained a modest rally, and mortgage rates have moved down just a bit. As we are headed into Christmas, I expect any moves in the next two weeks to be modest unless there is a blowout economic report." Dec. 17
"Bonds have sustained a modest rally, and mortgage rates have moved down just a bit. As we are headed into Christmas, I expect any moves in the next two weeks to be modest unless there is a blowout economic report." Dec. 17
Learn more: Weekly mortgage rate trend predictions
| Product | Interest Rate | APR |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed Rate | 6.27% | 6.34% |
| 20-Year Fixed Rate | 6.12% | 6.23% |
| 15-Year Fixed Rate | 5.62% | 5.72% |
| 10-Year Fixed Rate | 5.44% | 5.52% |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate FHA | 6.09% | 6.13% |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate VA | 6.53% | 6.55% |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo | 6.40% | 6.44% |
Rates as of Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 6:30 AM
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Bankrate’s mortgage rates include national rate and APR averages; Bankrate Monitor (BRM) National Index rate averages; and “top offers”:
- National rate and APR averages: Displayed as daily and weekly averages, these rates and APRs are primarily collected from the 5 largest banks and thrifts across hundreds of markets in the U.S.
- Bankrate Monitor (BRM) National Index rate averages: Reported weekly, this long-standing survey collects rates from banks and thrifts across hundreds of markets in the U.S.
- “Top offers”: Displayed daily and weekly, these are an average of the rates listed first on our rate tables as advertised by our partners. The averages shown are based on the loan type and term selected.
You can compare national average mortgage rates to top offers to see how much you could save when shopping on Bankrate.
Learn more about how we collect, display and report mortgage rates.
| Product | Interest Rate | APR |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed Rate | 6.52% | 6.60% |
| 20-Year Fixed Rate | 6.26% | 6.38% |
| 15-Year Fixed Rate | 5.90% | 5.99% |
| 10-Year Fixed Rate | 5.74% | 5.83% |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate FHA | 6.72% | 6.75% |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate VA | 6.41% | 6.44% |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo | 6.52% | 6.56% |
Rates as of Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 6:30 AM
-
Bankrate’s mortgage rates include national rate and APR averages; Bankrate Monitor (BRM) National Index rate averages; and “top offers”:
- National rate and APR averages: Displayed as daily and weekly averages, these rates and APRs are primarily collected from the 5 largest banks and thrifts across hundreds of markets in the U.S.
- Bankrate Monitor (BRM) National Index rate averages: Reported weekly, this long-standing survey collects rates from banks and thrifts across hundreds of markets in the U.S.
- “Top offers”: Displayed daily and weekly, these are an average of the rates listed first on our rate tables as advertised by our partners. The averages shown are based on the loan type and term selected.
You can compare national average mortgage rates to top offers to see how much you could save when shopping on Bankrate.
Learn more about how we collect, display and report mortgage rates.
How to compare mortgage rates
The rates you see advertised here might not match the rate you're offered due to factors like your credit score, down payment and more. Still, getting the best rate can make a big difference in your monthly budget, and potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. It’s been proven: Shopping with multiple lenders can save you up to $1,200 a year.
Factors that determine your mortgage rate
Your mortgage rate depends on a number of factors, including your individual credit profile and what’s happening in the broader economy. These variables include:
- Your credit and finances: The better your credit score and higher your income compared to your debt, the better interest rate you’ll get.
- Loan size and type: The size of your loan, down payment and the type of loan all affect your mortgage rate.
- Location: Rates vary based on where the property is located.
- Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer: Many first-time homebuyer loan programs offer lower-rate mortgages.
- Economic factors: Broadly, mortgage rates are impacted by forces like the Federal Reserve, inflation and investor appetite.
- The lender you work with: Lenders set rates based on many factors, including their own supply and demand.
- Mortgage points: Also known as discount points, these additional fees reduce your interest rate. Decide whether they're worth it with our guide to mortgage points.
How does the Federal Reserve affect mortgage rates?
Like any other financial product, mortgage costs may fluctuate with economic events, including Federal Reserve decisions. The central bank doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its policies set the tone for what banks and other lenders charge for loans.
How to refinance your current mortgage
The process of refinancing your mortgage isn’t much different from when you applied for your original mortgage, though it typically costs less and takes less time. Borrowers choose to refinance for many reasons — a lower rate, cashing out equity, removing a co-borrower and more. When you're ready to refi, compare refinance rates and do the math with our refinance calculator.
Next steps to getting a mortgage
Before you start applying for a mortgage, here are some mortgage resources to prepare you for the process:
How to improve your credit score to get a mortgage
The higher your score, the better your approval chances, and the lower the interest rate.
How to save for a down payment
Saving the big chunk of cash you'll need upfront can be tough. These tactics help.
How to choose a mortgage lender
Getting a good loan starts with choosing the right lender.
Income requirements to qualify for a mortgage
Your income helps determine how much you can borrow.
Mortgage FAQ
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A mortgage is a loan from a bank or other financial institution that helps a borrower purchase a home. The collateral for the mortgage is the home itself. That means if the borrower doesn’t make monthly payments to the lender and defaults on the loan, the lender can sell the home and recoup its money. A mortgage loan is typically a long-term debt taken out for 30, 20 or 15 years. Over this time (known as the loan’s “term”), you’ll repay both the amount you borrowed as well as the interest charged for the loan.
Learn more: What is a mortgage?
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A mortgage rate lock guarantees (with a few exceptions) that the interest rate offered to you will remain available for a set period of time. With a lock, you won’t have to worry if market rates go up between the time you find a home, submit an offer and close. Most lenders offer a 30- to 45-day rate lock free of charge. Often, you’ll need to pay a fee to extend the lock period. Some lenders also offer a “float down” option, which allows you to lower your locked rate if prevailing rates fall — though you’ll likely have to pay a fee for this perk, too.
Learn more: What is a mortgage rate lock? -
The closing costs on a mortgage encompass all of the fees associated with the loan, including the lender’s charges, typically an origination fee often equal to 1 percent of the loan principal and optional points. Closing costs also include third-party fees like the cost of an appraisal and title insurance. All together, these usually run anywhere from 2 percent to 5 percent of the amount you’re borrowing, above and beyond your down payment.
Learn more: Mortgage closing costs -
Depending on your needs, the best mortgage lenders are often the ones that offer the most competitive rates and fees, stellar customer service and convenience.
Learn more: Best mortgage lenders in 2025
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