Multiple mortgage refinance rates moved up today, causing some homeowners to wonder if it’s too late to refinance. We saw increases in the average rates for 10-year fixed, 15-year fixed and 30-year fixed refinances. With rates expected to rise throughout 2022, now might be a good time to act on a refinance. But make sure to first think about your personal goals and circumstances, and compare offers to find a lender who can best meet your needs.
30-year fixed-rate refinance
For 30-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 3.68%, an increase of 17 basis points from what we saw one week ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) A 30-year fixed refinance will typically have lower monthly payments than a 15-year or 10-year refinance. This makes 30-year refinances good for people who are having difficulties making their monthly payments or simply want a bit more breathing room. Be aware, though, that interest rates will typically be higher compared to a 15-year or 10-year refinance, and you’ll pay off your loan at a slower rate.
15-year fixed-rate refinance
The average rate for a 15-year fixed refinance loan is currently 3.00%, an increase of 19 basis points compared to one week ago. With a 15-year fixed refinance, you’ll have a larger monthly payment than a 30-year loan. On the other hand, you’ll save money on interest, since you’ll pay off the loan sooner. Interest rates for a 15-year refinance also tend to be lower than that of a 30-year refinance, so you’ll save even more in the long run.
10-year fixed-rate refinance
The average 10-year fixed refinance rate right now is 2.99%, an increase of 16 basis points from what we saw the previous week. You’ll pay more every month with a ten-year fixed refinance compared to a 30-year or 15-year refinance — but you’ll also have a lower interest rate. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your house much faster and save on interest in the long run. However, you should analyze your budget and current financial situation to make sure you’ll be able to afford the higher monthly payment.
Where rates are headed
We started 2022 with low refinance rates, but there’s been an uptick recently due to two major factors: inflation and economic growth. That said, rates can always rise and fall for many reasons. The spread of omicron, for instance, kept rates low throughout December and the start of the new year. Overall, rates are expected to go up this year, particularly with the Federal Reserve’s decision to reduce its bond purchases.
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 across the US:
Average refinance interest rates
| Product | Rate | Last week | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed refi | 3.68% | 3.51% | +0.17 |
| 15-year fixed refi | 3.00% | 2.81% | +0.19 |
| 10-year fixed refi | 2.99% | 2.83% | +0.16 |
Rates as of Jan. 24, 2022.
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. Market conditions aren’t the only factor in interest rates; your particular application and credit history will also play a large role.
Generally, you’ll want a high credit score, low credit utilization ratio, and a history of making consistent and on-time payments in order to 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. Also remember to account for potential fees and closing costs.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, a lot of lenders have been stricter with who they approve for a loan. If you have a low credit score or a poor credit history, you might have trouble getting a refinance at the lowest interest rates.
One way to get the best refinance rates is to strengthen your borrower application. If you haven’t already, try to improve your credit by monitoring your credit reports, using credit responsibly, and managing your finances carefully. Also be sure to compare offer from multiple lenders in order to get the best rate.
When to consider a mortgage refinance
Generally, it’s a good idea to refinance if you can get a lower interest rate than that your current interest rate, or if you need to change your loan term. While interest rates have been low in the past few months, you should look at more than just the market interest rates when deciding if a refinance is right for you.
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. And don’t forget about fees and closing costs, which can add up.
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 can be a great move if you get a good rate or can pay off your loan sooner — but consider carefully whether it’s the right choice for you.
