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FHA loan rates
On Saturday, May 08, 2021, according to Bankrate’s latest survey of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders, the average 30-year FHA purchase rate is 2.870% with an APR of 3.730%. The average 30-year FHA refinance rate is 2.810% with an APR of 3.680%.
Bankrate has offers for FHA mortgage and refinances from top partners that are well below the national average. Compare, apply, and start saving today.
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Today’s FHA loan rates
By Dhara Singh
The table below brings together a comprehensive national survey of mortgage lenders to help you know what are the most competitive FHA loan rates. This interest rate table is updated daily to give you the most current rates when choosing an FHA mortgage home loan.
| Product | Interest Rate | APR |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Year FHA Rate | 2.870% | 3.730% |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate | 3.070% | 3.290% |
| 20-Year Fixed Rate | 2.960% | 3.150% |
| 15-Year Fixed Rate | 2.350% | 2.650% |
| 10/1 ARM Rate | 3.500% | 4.150% |
| 7/1 ARM Rate | 3.210% | 3.890% |
| 5/1 ARM Rate | 3.190% | 4.020% |
| 30-Year VA Rate | 2.690% | 2.870% |
| 30-Year Fixed Jumbo Rate | 3.090% | 3.190% |
| 15-Year Fixed Jumbo Rate | 2.350% | 2.420% |
| 7/1 ARM Jumbo Rate | 3.400% | 3.880% |
| 5/1 ARM Jumbo Rate | 3.260% | 3.940% |
Rates as of May 8th, 2021 at 6:30 AM
What is an FHA loan?
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are government-backed mortgages for single-family and multifamily homes.
FHA-backed loans typically have lower income and credit score requirements than conventional mortgages. FHA loans also only require a minimum 3.5 percent down payment, which is helpful for buyers who don’t have a lot of funds saved for a big lump sum payment. These are two reasons FHA loans are so popular among first-time homebuyers, people on tight budgets and folks who have lower credit scores.
FHA loans do require FHA mortgage insurance for homebuyers who put down less than 20 percent. All FHA borrowers must pay two insurance premiums: the upfront mortgage insurance premium (1.75 percent of the base loan amount) and an annual mortgage insurance premium. The annual premium is based on loan terms, loan amount and the loan-to-value ratio. Keep these extra costs in mind when you’re budgeting for a home.
Who is an FHA loan for?
An FHA loan can be a viable path to homeownership for many types of buyers. Here we’ll look at two scenarios where FHA loans might make sense.
Borrowers with a sub-620 credit score
Most lenders call for a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans, whereas FHA loans have looser requirements. Homebuyers can have a score as low as 500 and still be eligible for an FHA loan. However, lower scores also mean higher down payments. Here’s what FHA requires:
- 580 credit score to qualify for a 3.5 percent down payment
- 500 to 579 credit score must have a minimum 10 percent down payment
One caveat: Since the coronavirus pandemic began, FHA lenders have proven less willing to approve loans for borrowers with the lowest credit scores.
Borrowers with a low down payment
Many of today’s buyers, especially when purchasing their first home, find saving for a down payment challenging. As housing costs rise and people are saddled with student loan debt, many folks need a loan with low down payment requirements.
FHA loans require only 3.5 percent down (if you have a minimum 580 credit score). This is good news for folks who would otherwise be required to make a larger upfront payment.
FHA loan requirements
FHA loans vary by loan term, rate type and use:
- 30- or 15-year term
- Fixed- or adjustable-rate
- Purchase, rehab or refinance
An FHA loan can be used to buy or fix up a property or refinance an existing mortgage. You can obtain a loan for either a 15-year or 30-year term. While a 15-year loan allows you to pay off your mortgage off sooner and comes with a lower interest rate, you’ll make higher monthly payments. A 30-year loan, on the other hand, has a higher interest rate but lower monthly payments spread out over a longer term.
FHA loans can also differ in terms of how the interest rate is structured. With a fixed-rate FHA loan, the interest rate stays the same for the duration of the repayment period (unless you refinance later to a lower rate). With an FHA adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the interest rate can increase or decrease after a certain period of time and at predetermined intervals. This type of loan generally comes with a lower interest rate upfront.
FHA loan requirements
- Steady employment history
- Ability to pay
- Financial soundness
- Residency
Do FHA loans have lower interest rates?
FHA loans do not typically have lower rates overall compared to conventional loans, although you might see lower interest rates advertised. For example, you might see a lower interest rate on an FHA loan compared to the interest rate on a conventional loan, but the FHA loan’s annual percentage rate, or APR, is higher. APR includes all of the fees associated with the loan.
| FHA Loan | 30-Year Fixed Loan | |
|---|---|---|
| House price | $300,000 | $300,000 |
| Loan amount | $294,750 | $289,500 |
| Interest rate | 2.91% | 3.07% |
| Principal + interest | $1,228 | $1,231 |
| Mortgage insurance | $205 | $121 |
| Total monthly payment | $1,433 | $1,352 |
As you dive deeper into the homebuying process, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each loan option. Here are the pros and cons of FHA loans.
Advantages of FHA loans
- Low down-payment requirements
- Friendly to first-time homebuyers (includes those who have not owned a home for at least three years)
- Financing for mobile homes and factory-built homes
- May accommodate people who own the land where the home will be located and those who live in a mobile home park
- Can lock in a low rate without a large down payment
Disadvantages of FHA loans
- Borrower required to pay two types of mortgage insurance: upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and an annual premium
- Require that the house meet certain standards, which decreases buying options
Best FHA mortgage lenders
The majority of mortgage lenders offer FHA loans. Here are some of the best FHA mortgage lenders today:
For more information on FHA loans:
- Everything to know about FHA loans: Learn how FHA loans work and how to qualify
- How to find the best FHA lender: Follow these tips to find the right lender for you
- FHA mortgage insurance guide: Weigh the pros and cons of mortgage insurance
- Using a FHA mortgage to buy and repair a home: Get tips for using an FHA loan to remodel
- Bankrate's best FHA lenders
| Loan Type | Purchase Rates | Refinance Rates |
|---|---|---|
| The table above links out to loan-specific content to help you learn more about rates by loan type. | ||
| 30-Year Loan | 30-Year Mortgage Rates | 30-Year Refinance Rates |
| 20-Year Loan | 20-Year Mortgage Rates | 20-Year Refinance Rates |
| 15-Year Loan | 15-Year Mortgage Rates | 15-Year Refinance Rates |
| 10-Year Loan | 10-Year Mortgage Rates | 10-Year Refinance Rates |
| FHA Loan | FHA Mortgage Rates | FHA Refinance Rates |
| 30-Year FHA Loan | 30-Year FHA Loan Rates | 30-Year FHA Refinance Rates |
| VA Loan | VA Mortgage Rates | VA Refinance Rates |
| ARM Loan | ARM Mortgage Rates | ARM Refinance Rates |
| 5/1 ARM | 5/1 ARM Rates | 5/1 Refinance Rates |
| 7/1 ARM | 7/1 ARM Rates | 7/1 Refinance Rates |
| 10/1 ARM | 10/1 ARM Rates | 10/1 Refinance Rates |
| Jumbo Loan | Jumbo Mortgage Rates | Jumbo Refinance Rates |
| 30-Year Jumbo Loan | 30-Year Jumbo Loan Rates | 30-Year Jumbo Refinance Rates |
