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Compare today’s refinance rates

On Monday, March 18, 2024, the national average 30-year fixed refinance APR is 6.92%. The average 15-year fixed refinance APR is 6.50%, according to Bankrate's ... latest survey of the nation's largest refinance lenders.

Mortgage refinance news

Refinancing isn’t as popular now as it was during the run of record-low interest rates in 2020 and 2021, but more homeowners might opt to if rates retreat this year. Many economists expect 30-year mortgage rates to decline in 2024, possibly ending the year below 6 percent. If that happens, homeowners with rates above 7 percent should consider refinancing.

For now, some homeowners are refinancing anyway, mostly via cash-out refinances, which replaces your existing mortgage with a new, bigger loan including the balance of the first plus a portion of your home’s equity as cash.

How will mortgage refinance rates change in the short term? See Bankrate’s expert rate trend predictions.
 

Today’s mortgage and refinance interest rates

Product Interest Rate APR
30-Year Fixed Rate 6.87% 6.92%
20-Year Fixed Rate 6.73% 6.78%
15-Year Fixed Rate 6.42% 6.50%
10-Year Fixed Rate 6.30% 6.38%
5-1 ARM 6.25% 7.68%
10-1 ARM 6.96% 7.86%
30-Year Fixed Rate FHA 6.76% 6.81%
30-Year Fixed Rate VA 7.52% 7.55%
30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo 6.91% 6.96%

Rates as of Monday, March 18, 2024 at 6:30 AM

 

 

How to refinance your mortgage

  1. Check your credit score: Refinances typically require a credit score of at least 620, but a better credit score will help you secure a better rate and make your refi even more cost-effective. You can check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
  2. Choose a refinance type: Many borrowers opt for a rate-and-term refinance, which changes the interest rate, term or both on their original loan. This isn’t the only way to refinance a mortgage, however.
  3. Calculate the breakeven timeline: A refi usually comes with upfront costs at the closing, just like an initial mortgage. Bankrate's refinance breakeven calculator can help you figure out when you’ll start realizing savings.
  4. Compare refinance rates: Explore refinance offers from at least three mortgage lenders and keep an eye on rates while you comparison-shop — this can help you decide when to lock in a rate.
  5. Organize your paperwork: Among the requirements, your lender will want to review tax returns, pay stubs and other proof of income, as well as documentation about any assets such as savings.
  6. Prepare for closing: While your new loan is processing, don't open new credit accounts or make other large purchases. Doing so can derail your application.

Learn more: What is mortgage refinancing and how does it work?

How to get the best refinance rate

If you compare loan offers from a few mortgage lenders, you’ll have a better chance of landing a competitive rate. Here's how:

  • Nail down your goals. This will help you decide what term – 30 years, 15 years or something else – is best for you. If your aim is to more quickly pay down your loan, for instance, a shorter term might make more sense.
  • Shop around. Get rate quotes from at least three mortgage lenders, ideally on the same day so you have an accurate basis for comparison. Lenders determine your interest rate based on your credit score, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and other factors.
  • Compare the interest rate and APR. The interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) reflect the cost of the loan. The interest rate is the cost to borrow the funds, while the APR includes the interest rate and other costs such as the origination fee and any points
  • Consider the lender’s ratings and your experience. Aside from the numbers, evaluate lenders for convenience and responsiveness. Take a look at what other borrowers have had to say about the lender, too.

Learn more: How to get the best refinance rate

Lender compare

Compare mortgage lenders side by side

Mortgage rates and fees can vary widely across lenders. To help you find the right one for your needs, use this tool to compare lenders based on a variety of factors. Bankrate has reviewed and partners with these lenders, and the two lenders shown first have the highest combined Bankrate Score and customer ratings. You can use the drop downs to explore beyond these lenders and find the best option for you.

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Garden State Home Loans

NMLS: 473163

State License: MB-473163

3.6

Rating: 3.6 stars out of 5
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Rating: 4.98 stars out of 5

5.0

562reviews

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Homefinity

NMLS: 2289

State License: 4965

4.5

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
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Recent Customer Reviews

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Rating: 4.94 stars out of 5

4.9

1061reviews

Pros and cons of refinancing

Pros of mortgage refinance

  • You can lock in a lower rate, which can reduce your monthly payments and total interest paid.
  • If your home’s value has increased, you might be able to stop paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI0.
  • If you need money for renovations, a cash-out refi offers relatively cheap capital. It can make your monthly payments more expensive, but home improvements tend to boost your home’s value.

Cons of mortgage refinance

  • Refinance closing costs can equal 2 percent to 5 percent of the amount of the mortgage.
  • If you refinance from a 30-year loan to another 30-year loan, you’ll extend your repayment period.

Learn more: When should you refinance your mortgage?

Mortgage refinance FAQ

Written by: Jeff Ostrowski, Senior Mortgage Reporter for Bankrate

Jeff Ostrowski covers mortgages and the housing market. Before joining Bankrate in 2020, he wrote about real estate and the economy for the Palm Beach Post and the South Florida Business Journal.

Read more from Jeff Ostrowski

Reviewed by: Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst for Bankrate

Greg McBride, CFA, is Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Analyst, for Bankrate.com. He leads a team responsible for researching financial products, providing analysis, and advice on personal finance to a vast consumer audience.

Read more from Greg McBride