Compare 30-year mortgage rates today

Mortgage and refinance interest rates vary based on loan term, type and other factors.

It’s important to understand which factors influence mortgage rates — and which ones are within your control — before making a decision. 

• Your income, debt and credit score: Lenders give their best rates to borrowers who pose the least amount of risk. That means individuals with stable incomes, low debt-to-income (DTI) ratios and high credit scores. Improving your credit score before you apply for a mortgage can lead to lower overall costs.
• Your down payment: A larger down payment means you'll need to borrow less, leading to a smaller overall loan. For a lender, this means you have more skin in the game and pose less risk, which will likely lead to a lower rate offer.
• Your loan type: Generally, well-qualified buyers with a low DTI can find competitive rates regardless of the kind of loan they have — but each loan type has its own pricing structure and level of risk. Rates for 15-year mortgages are typically lower than those on 30-year loans.

• The 10-year Treasury bond yield: Thirty-year mortgage rates directly correspond to movement in the 10-year Treasury bond yield. As investors buy the 10-year Treasury bond — often to hedge against economic uncertainty — it drives down the yield, taking the 30-year rate with it.
• The spread: Mortgage rates don't exactly match the 10-year yield. There's what's called a “spread” between the two. This spread is typically around 2% to 3% on top of the 10-year yield. It’s not stagnant, though; it grows and contracts as lenders price in perceived risk.
• Federal Reserve decisions: The Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, but their decisions can have a trickle-down effect. Mortgage lenders pay close attention to what the Fed says and does, and may respond by raising or lowering rates after Fed decisions.
• The global economy: Global trade issues, from conflicts to tariffs, can impact the decisions investors make. If this leads to buying or selling Treasury bonds, it will move mortgage rates.

Shopping for a mortgage is very important because not all lenders offer the same rates and fees at the same time. In fact, 87% of conventional mortgage borrowers in 2022–2024 paid above the most competitive rate available, according to Bankrate’s Hidden Home Tax Research. By just looking at one lender’s offer, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

A good rule of thumb is to get rate quotes from at least three different lenders. Make sure to get these quotes around the same time, using the same criteria, as mortgage rates can fluctuate throughout the day. Compare not only the interest rate, but the fees you’ll be charged. 

Some lenders may offer a lower rate, but you’ll have to pay upfront fees, also known as mortgage points, to get it. That could be worthwhile if you stay in the mortgage long-term. But, if you plan to refinance or sell in the next five to 10 years, make sure to calculate the break-even point on those upfront costs.

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

• Get preapproved: Get rate quotes from at least three mortgage lenders, ideally on the same day so you have the most accurate basis for comparison. 
• Compare both the interest rate and APR: The interest rate is the cost of borrowing, while the APR includes the interest rate as well as any applicable fees. This makes the APR a more complete picture of the cost of the loan.
• 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 said about the lender, too.

Thirty-year mortgages can come in a few different flavors, depending on your needs and eligibility. Here are some examples:

• 30-year conventional mortgage: This by far the most common mortgage type. A “conventional” loan just means that it isn’t backed by a government entity. Typically, these loans require a minimum credit score of 620 and a 3% to 5% down payment.

• 30-year government-backed mortgage: FHA, VA and USDA loans are insured by the government, which encourages lenders to offer them to certain borrowers. Oftentimes, these loans come with lower interest rates, but they each have their own unique set of fees and qualifications.

• 30-year jumbo loans: A jumbo loan is a loan that exceeds the FHFA’s loan limits for an area ($832,750 for most parts of the U.S. as of 2026). That means that these loans are used to fund high-end property, and as such, come with higher financial requirements.

There are a couple alternatives to the typical 30-year fixed-rate mortgage that people often choose:

Frequently asked questions