A number of important mortgage refinance rates ticked up today. Both 15-year fixed and 30-year fixed refinances saw their mean rates go higher. In addition, the average rate on 10-year fixed refinance sank.
Though refinance rates do fluctuate slightly on a daily basis, homeowners can expect to see rates rise over the course of this year. In recent months, rates have been trending up from historic lows seen during the pandemic, and are now closer to 2018 rate levels. That means if you’re looking to shave dollars and interest off your current monthly mortgage payments, these could be the lowest rates of 2022. Make sure to think about your goals and circumstances, and compare offers to find a lender who can meet your needs.
30-year fixed-rate refinance
The current average interest rate for a 30-year refinance is 5.53%, an increase of 9 basis points compared to one week ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) One reason to refinance to a 30-year fixed loan from a shorter loan term is to lower your monthly payment. Because of this, a 30-year refinance can be a good idea if you’re having trouble making your monthly payments. In exchange for the lower monthly payments though, rates for a 30-year refinance will typically be higher than 15-year and 10-year refinance rates. You’ll also pay off your loan slower.
15-year fixed-rate refinance
For 15-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 4.83%, an increase of 7 basis points over last week. Refinancing to a 15-year fixed loan from a 30-year fixed loan will likely raise your monthly payment. But you’ll save more money over time, because you’re paying off your loan quicker. 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 4.81%, a decrease of 1 basis points over last week. A 10-year refinance will typically feature the highest monthly payment of all refinance terms, but the lowest interest rate. A 10-year refinance can be a good deal, since paying off your house sooner will help you save on interest in the long run. Just be sure to carefully consider your budget and current financial situation to make sure that you can afford a higher monthly payment.
Where rates are headed
At the start of the pandemic, refinance rates dropped to historic lows, but now interest rates are hovering around pre-pandemic levels. The Federal Reserve recently raised rates for the first time since 2018 and plans to increase them multiple times in 2022. Given this policy, along with strong economic growth and inflation, which reached its highest in four decades, rates are expected to keep going up this year. While there have been some temporary dips in interest rates, it’s impossible to predict when another drop might occur. That means it’s a good idea to try to take advantage of refinancing now and lock in a decent rate.
We track refinance rate trends using information collected by Bankrate, which is owned by CNET’s parent company. Here’s a table with the average refinance rates provided by lenders across the country:
Average refinance interest rates
| Product | Rate | Last week | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed refi | 5.53% | 5.44% | +0.09 |
| 15-year fixed refi | 4.83% | 4.76% | +0.07 |
| 10-year fixed refi | 4.81% | 4.82% | -0.01 |
Rates as of May 11, 2022.
How to shop for refinance rates
When looking for refinance rates, know that your specific rate may differ from those advertised online. Though current market conditions will be a factor, your particular interest rate will depend largely on your application and credit history.
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. Researching interest rates online is always a good idea, but you’ll need to connect with a mortgage professional to get your exact refinance rate. Also remember to account for potential fees and closing costs.
It’s also worth noting that in recent months, lenders have been stricter with their requirements. As such, you may not qualify for a refinance — or a low rate — if you don’t have a solid credit rating.
Before applying for a refinance, you should make your application as strong as possible in order to get the best rates available. If you haven’t already, try to improve your credit by monitoring your credit reports, using credit responsibly, and managing your finances carefully. You should also shop around with multiple lenders and compare offers to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
When should I refinance?
Most people refinance because the market interest rates are lower than their current rates or because they want to change their loan term. It’s true that in the past year, interest rates have been at a historic low. But when deciding whether to refinance, be sure to take into account other factors besides market interest rates.
Make sure to consider your goals and financial situation, including how long you plan to stay in your current home. It’s helpful to have a specific goal for a refinance — such as decreasing your monthly payment or adjusting the term of your loan. 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.
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