What factors are considered in 15-year mortgage rates?

Mortgage lenders set 15-year interest rates based on a number of factors, including your individual credit profile, income, debt and savings — the same factors that impact rates for any type of mortgage. Generally, the stronger your credit and financials, the lower the rate you’ll get. Mortgage rates are also influenced by outside forces, including Federal Reserve decisions and inflation.

What are the requirements for a 15-year mortgage?

There can be more strict requirements for a 15-year mortgage versus a 30-year one. For the former, your lender has to make sure you can afford the larger monthly payments, and usually that means having a higher income and a lower DTI ratio. You’ll need to meet the lender’s minimum credit score and down payment requirements as well. These vary based on loan type.

Does a 15-year mortgage have a lower interest rate?

Yes — compared to longer-term mortgages, 15-year mortgages usually come with a lower interest rate. This accounts for the lower level of risk the lender takes on extending a loan over 15 years instead of 20 or 30, among other factors.

What factors are considered in 15-year mortgage rates?

Mortgage lenders set 15-year interest rates based on a number of factors, including your individual credit profile, income, debt and savings — the same factors that impact rates for any type of mortgage. Generally, the stronger your credit and financials, the lower the rate you’ll get. Mortgage rates are also influenced by outside forces, including Federal Reserve decisions and inflation.

What are the requirements for a 15-year mortgage?

There can be more strict requirements for a 15-year mortgage versus a 30-year one. For the former, your lender has to make sure you can afford the larger monthly payments, and usually that means having a higher income and a lower DTI ratio. You’ll need to meet the lender’s minimum credit score and down payment requirements as well. These vary based on loan type.

Does a 15-year mortgage have a lower interest rate?

Yes — compared to longer-term mortgages, 15-year mortgages usually come with a lower interest rate. This accounts for the lower level of risk the lender takes on extending a loan over 15 years instead of 20 or 30, among other factors.

Compare Current 15-Year Mortgage Rates

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Showing results for: Single-family home, 15 year fixed mortgages with all points options.

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Sage Home Loans 15 Year Fixed

NMLS #3304 | State Lic: RM.850026.000

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.123%
APRAPR: 5.447%
Points: 1.67
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,806
Upfront costs: $7,3728 year cost: $122,502
Points: 1.67
Upfront costs: $7,372
8-year cost: $122,502
Customer score

Optimum First Mortgage 15 Year Fixed

NMLS #240415 | State Lic: RM.804405.000

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.123%
APRAPR: 5.491%
Points: 1.805
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,806
Upfront costs: $8,3498 year cost: $123,478
Points: 1.805
Upfront costs: $8,349
8-year cost: $123,478
Customer score

Aimloan 15 Year Fixed

NMLS #2890 | State Lic: RM.850089.000

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.250%
APRAPR: 5.531%
Points: 1.533
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,830
Upfront costs: $6,3918 year cost: $124,586
Points: 1.533
Upfront costs: $6,391
8-year cost: $124,586
Customer score

First Federal Bank 15 Year Fixed

NMLS #408902

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.250%
APRAPR: 5.582%
Points: 1.797
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,830
Upfront costs: $7,5208 year cost: $125,715
Points: 1.797
Upfront costs: $7,520
8-year cost: $125,715
Customer score

Tomo Mortgage 15 Year Fixed

NMLS #2059741 | State Lic: RM.804811.000

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.250%
APRAPR: 5.619%
Points: 1.78
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,836
Upfront costs: $7,9658 year cost: $125,790
Points: 1.78
Upfront costs: $7,965
8-year cost: $125,790
Customer score

Mutual of Omaha Mortgage 15 Year Fixed

NMLS # 1025894

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.250%
APRAPR: 5.620%
Points: 1.744
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,830
Upfront costs: $8,3778 year cost: $126,572
Points: 1.744
Upfront costs: $8,377
8-year cost: $126,572
Customer score

Mcglone Mortgage Group 15 Year Fixed

NMLS #3232

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.250%
APRAPR: 5.625%
Points: 1.875
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,830
Upfront costs: $8,4958 year cost: $126,690
Points: 1.875
Upfront costs: $8,495
8-year cost: $126,690
Customer score

Third Federal Savings and Loan 15 Year Fixed

NMLS #449401

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.290%
APRAPR: 5.663%
Points: 2
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,837
Upfront costs: $8,4358 year cost: $127,597
Points: 2
Upfront costs: $8,435
8-year cost: $127,597
Customer score

The Central Trust Bank 15 Year Fixed

NMLS #407985

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.375%
APRAPR: 5.700%
Points: 1.518
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,853
Upfront costs: $7,3338 year cost: $128,554
Points: 1.518
Upfront costs: $7,333
8-year cost: $128,554
Customer score

Alliant Credit Union 15 Year Fixed

NMLS #197185

RateRate as of 8/21/26: 5.375%
APRAPR: 5.700%
Points: 1.815
Monthly paymentMonthly payment: $2,853
Upfront costs: $7,3398 year cost: $128,560
Points: 1.815
Upfront costs: $7,339
8-year cost: $128,560
Customer score

Showing 10 of 10

About our Mortgage Rate Tables: The above mortgage loan information is provided to, or obtained by, Bankrate. Some lenders provide their mortgage loan terms to Bankrate for advertising purposes and Bankrate receives compensation from those advertisers (our “Advertisers”). Other lenders' terms are gathered by Bankrate through its own research of available mortgage loan terms and that information is displayed in our rate table for applicable criteria. In the above table, an Advertiser listing can be identified and distinguished from other listings because it includes a “Next” button that can be used to click-through to the Advertiser's own website or a phone number for the Advertiser.

Availability of Advertised Terms: Each Advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its own advertised terms. Bankrate cannot guaranty the accuracy or availability of any loan term shown above. However, Bankrate attempts to verify the accuracy and availability of the advertised terms through its quality assurance process and requires Advertisers to agree to our Terms and Conditions and to adhere to our Quality Control Program. Click here for rate criteria by loan product.

Loan Terms for Bankrate.com Customers: Advertisers may have different loan terms on their own website from those advertised through Bankrate.com. To receive the Bankrate.com rate, you must identify yourself to the Advertiser as a Bankrate.com customer. This will typically be done by phone so you should look for the Advertisers phone number when you click-through to their website. In addition, credit unions may require membership.

Loans Above $832,750 May Have Different Loan Terms: If you are seeking a loan for more than $832,750, lenders in certain locations may be able to provide terms that are different from those shown in the table above. You should confirm your terms with the lender for your requested loan amount.

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Table of contents

Current 15-year mortgage rate trends
How to compare current 15-year mortgage rates
Should you get a 15-year mortgage?
Refinancing into a 15-year mortgage
15-year mortgage FAQs
Additional resources

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12 min read

Current 15-year mortgage rate trends

Much like 30-year rates, 15-year mortgage rates retreated in late 2025 — but even so, no one expects them to return to the record lows seen during the pandemic. So if you're confident you want to buy, you might not want to keep waiting around for lower rates.

Current 15-year mortgage rates compared to other loan types

One major advantage of a 15-year mortgage is its lower interest rate. Compared to a 30-year loan, a 15-year mortgage can carry an interest rate that’s about three-quarters of a percentage point lower. In fact, 15-year loans are some of the cheapest you’ll find. That’s the upside. The downside? The shorter repayment schedule means your monthly payment will be higher, because you're repaying the same amount over less time.

Even if the total amount you’re interested in borrowing would be the same for a 15- or 30-year mortgage, you might have an easier time qualifying for the longer-term loan because its monthly payments are smaller and more manageable.

	15-year fixed-rate mortgage	30-year fixed-rate mortgage
Loan amount	$400,000	$400,000
Interest rate	5.47%	6.16%
Monthly mortgage payment (principal and interest)	$3,262	$2,440
Interest total over life of loan	$187,155	$478,221
Total cost of loan	$587,155	$878,221

Note: These mortgage interest rates are as of Jan. 8, 2026. The figures do not include homeowners insurance, property taxes or other costs that might be included with your monthly mortgage payment.

If you can handle the higher monthly payment, you might find a 15-year mortgage a more attractive option than a longer-term loan.

A 15-year loan might also be a good option if you're hoping to retire mortgage-free. Locking in the shorter duration of a 15-year mortgage now, especially if you’re in your 40s or 50s, potentially allows you to pay it off by the time you plan to stop working.

Learn more: Compare current mortgage rates for today

National mortgage rates by loan type

As you consider options for financing a home purchase or refinancing your existing mortgage, use the APRs in the table below as a guide. The lower your APR, the lower the overall cost of the loan. In addition to considering the cost, consider your long-term financial and housing goals.

Product	Interest Rate	APR
30-Year Fixed Rate	6.72%	6.78%
15-Year Fixed Rate	6.09%	6.19%
30-Year Fixed Rate FHA	6.32%	6.37%
30-Year Fixed Rate VA	6.34%	6.39%
30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo	6.82%	6.86%
3/1 ARM Rate	5.78%	6.49%
7/1 ARM Rate	6.37%	6.55%

Rates as of Friday, August 21, 2026 at 6:30 AM

Product	Interest Rate	APR
30-Year Fixed Rate	6.88%	6.94%
15-Year Fixed Rate	6.31%	6.41%
30-Year Fixed Rate FHA	6.27%	6.33%
30-Year Fixed Rate VA	6.15%	6.18%
30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo	6.74%	6.78%
3/1 ARM Rate	6.27%	6.65%
7/1 ARM Rate	6.99%	6.80%

Rates as of Friday, August 21, 2026 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 current 15-year mortgage rates

For the best chance of getting the lowest possible mortgage rate, compare loan offers from more than one lender. You might even consider working with a mortgage broker. Here’s how to shop around effectively:

Get preapproved:

Get rate quotes from at least three mortgage lenders — ideally on the same day, as rates change often. Lenders determine your interest rate based on your credit score, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and other factors, including the size of your down payment. Generally, borrowers with a credit score of 740 and up, a substantial down payment — 20 percent is ideal, but not required — and a DTI ratio of no more than 43 percent score the most attractive offers.
Compare the interest rate and APR:

The interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) reflect the total cost of the loan. The interest rate is the cost to borrow the funds, while the APR includes the interest rate as well as other costs, such as the origination fee and any points. When comparing rate offers, the APR is a more complete picture of the loan's all-in cost.
Consider the lender’s ratings and your experience:

Aside from the numbers, evaluate other factors, such as convenience and the lender’s responsiveness. Take a look at what other borrowers have had to say about the lender online, too.

Learn more: How to get the best mortgage rate

Should you get a 15-year mortgage?

There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s important to consider these two key questions:

Can you afford the higher monthly mortgage payments?

For many borrowers, fitting a 30-year mortgage payment into their monthly budget is already a stretch. If that’s the case for you, it might be better to stick with the longer mortgage term, even if you don’t plan to stay in the home the full 30 years.
How comfortable are you with debt?

If you prefer paying down the mortgage more quickly, then check out 15-year term options. But if you’re comfortable with the concept of debt as a financial tool, it might make more sense to go with a 30-year loan.

You’ll also want to consider both the benefits and drawbacks of a 15-year mortgage so you can see how one might fit your financial goals:

Pros

Build equity faster: You’ll pay down your balance much more quickly with a 15-year loan, compared to a 30-year option. That may make it easier to borrow against your home or take on other loans in the future.
Pay less interest: Rates on 15-year loans are typically lower than rates on 30-year loans. What’s more, you’ll also pay less interest over the life of the loan, since the life of the loan is shorter.
Pay more toward the loan principal: With a 30-year mortgage, only a fraction of your early payments go toward repaying the loan principal. A 15-year loan speeds up that process.

Cons

Higher monthly payments: A shorter loan will have higher payments than a longer loan for the same amount. If you’re struggling to qualify, a 15-year mortgage will only increase the challenge.
Opportunity cost: A mortgage is typically relatively “cheap” debt, even at today's rates. If you spend more money on your mortgage, you'll have less money to save — or to invest, which may earn you a better return.
Potential loss of tax breaks: Paying less in mortgage interest may mean losing the tax breaks sometimes associated with it. Many Americans no longer benefit from the mortgage interest deduction, but if you do, consider the tax implications.

Ask the Experts

Is a 15-year mortgage right for me?

Phil Crescenzo Jr.

Vice President, Southeast Division, Nation One Mortgage Corporation

I strongly recommend a 15-year fixed mortgage if the payment is affordable, as the amount of equity gained per payment is very substantial. Even with higher rates, the mortgage is much shorter, with much less interest, and it’s a great way to tackle equity with every payment made.

Jeff Ostrowski

Writer and Housing Market Analyst

I can answer that question only by asking one of my own: How do you feel about debt? If you view it as a burden and you’re counting down the years to your mortgage-burning party, then absolutely opt for the 15-year loan over a 30-year mortgage. You might even consider a 10-year loan. With either, you’ll get a lower rate and you’ll pay far less in interest over the life of the mortgage. On the other hand, if you view mortgage debt as a tool, and part of your overall portfolio, then maybe the 30-year loan makes more sense. The rationale goes like this: You can use the long-term loan to leverage your home for investments. By extending your payoff date and lowering your monthly payment, you’ll have more cash to direct to retirement accounts and other investments. Either answer can be right — but the first step is to identify which debt camp you fall in.

Refinancing into a 15-year mortgage

If you have a 30-year mortgage and feel comfortable spending more on your monthly payment, refinancing into a 15-year loan with a lower rate could save you thousands in interest. Bankrate’s 15-year vs. 30-year calculator can help you make the decision.

Keep in mind that rates have shifted dramatically over the past few years. If you bought your home in 2021 and scored a rate below 4 percent — or even 3 percent — today’s rates are going to look a lot more daunting.

In general, 15-year mortgages have higher monthly payments due to the shorter term — but, depending on the balance of your current loan and how much lower you can cut your rate, your monthly payment might not increase much, or even at all.

Whichever type of refinance you pursue, shop around for rates and compare offers, including lender fees.

Learn more: How to refinance your mortgage

FAQ

Mortgage lenders set 15-year interest rates based on a number of factors, including your individual credit profile, income, debt and savings — the same factors that impact rates for any type of mortgage. Generally, the stronger your credit and financials, the lower the rate you’ll get. Mortgage rates are also influenced by outside forces, including Federal Reserve decisions and inflation.
There can be more strict requirements for a 15-year mortgage versus a 30-year one. For the former, your lender has to make sure you can afford the larger monthly payments, and usually that means having a higher income and a lower DTI ratio. You’ll need to meet the lender’s minimum credit score and down payment requirements as well. These vary based on loan type.
Yes — compared to longer-term mortgages, 15-year mortgages usually come with a lower interest rate. This accounts for the lower level of risk the lender takes on extending a loan over 15 years instead of 20 or 30, among other factors.

Additional resources for getting a 15-year mortgage

Bankrate's mortgage calculator

Use our free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments.

How to get a mortgage

Curious about how to get a mortgage? Follow these 10 steps to get a home loan and make homeownership possible.

Choosing a mortgage lender

Scoring the best loan means choosing the best mortgage lender. Follow these steps to find a lender that works best for you.

Best mortgage lenders

Here are the best mortgage lenders based on affordability, availability and borrower experience.

Meet our Bankrate experts

Written by

Andrew Dehan Andrew Dehan

Former Senior Writer, Home Lending

Compare current 15-year mortgage rates

National average mortgage rates over time

Today's national 15-year mortgage rate trends

Don't be like the 87% of buyers who overpay

15-year mortgage rates today

How Bankrate works

How Bankrate works

Compare home equity offers

Get rates based on your information

Review your options

Current 15-year mortgage rate trends

Current 15-year mortgage rates compared to other loan types

National mortgage rates by loan type

How Bankrate collects mortgage rates

How to compare current 15-year mortgage rates

Get preapproved:

Compare the interest rate and APR:

Consider the lender’s ratings and your experience:

Should you get a 15-year mortgage?

Can you afford the higher monthly mortgage payments?

How comfortable are you with debt?

Pros

Cons

Is a 15-year mortgage right for me?

Refinancing into a 15-year mortgage

FAQ

What factors are considered in 15-year mortgage rates?

What are the requirements for a 15-year mortgage?

Does a 15-year mortgage have a lower interest rate?

Additional resources for getting a 15-year mortgage

Meet our Bankrate experts

Mortgage rates in other states