Today's mortgage rates open week at near-record lows | Sept. 20, 2021
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Check out the mortgage rates for Sept. 20, 2021, which are a mixed bag from last Friday. (iStock)
Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage rates have held steady for two terms and risen for two others since last Friday.
- 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.875%, up from 2.750%, +0.125
- 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.500%, unchanged
- 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.125%, up from 2.000%, +0.125
- 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, unchanged
Rates last updated on Sept. 20, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.
What this means: Whether homebuyers choose a longer or shorter repayment term for their mortgage, they have the opportunity to reap interest savings. While rates rose slightly for 30-year and 15-year terms since last Friday, rates are still holding near record lows. And at just 2%, 10-year terms continue to represent a bargain, especially for buyers who want to pay off their home loan so they can head into retirement mortgage-free.
To find the best mortgage rate, start by using Credible, which can show you current mortgage and refinance rates:
Browse rates from multiple lenders so you can make an informed decision about your home loan.
Credible, a personal finance marketplace, has 4,500 Trustpilot reviews with an average star rating of 4.7 (out of a possible 5.0).
Looking at today’s mortgage refinance rates
While rates for a 30-year refinance have risen slightly since last Friday, they still represent a bargain for homeowners looking to save on interest while lowering their monthly payment. Rates for this term have held below 3% for 54 days. If you’re considering refinancing an existing home, check out what refinance rates look like:
- 30-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.875%, up from 2.750%, +0.125
- 20-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.500%, unchanged
- 15-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.125%, up from 2.000%, +0.125
- 10-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.000%, unchanged
Rates last updated on Sept. 20, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.
A site like Credible can be a big help when you’re ready to compare mortgage refinance loans. Credible lets you see prequalified rates for conventional mortgages from multiple lenders all within a few minutes. Visit Credible today to get started.
Credible has earned a 4.7 star rating (out of a possible 5.0) on Trustpilot and more than 4,500 reviews from customers who have safely compared prequalified rates.
How to get low mortgage rates
Mortgage and refinance rates are affected by many economic factors, like unemployment numbers and inflation. But your personal financial history will also determine the rates you’re offered.
If you want to get the lowest possible monthly mortgage payment, taking the following steps can help you secure a lower rate on your home loan:
- Improving your credit score
- Paying down debt
- Making a bigger down payment
It’s also a good idea to compare rates from different lenders to find the best rate for your financial goals. According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers can save $1,500 on average over the life of their loan by shopping for just one additional rate quote — and an average of $3,000 by comparing five rate quotes.
Credible can help you compare current rates from multiple mortgage lenders at once in just a few minutes. Are you looking to refinance an existing home? Use Credible’s online tools to compare rates and get prequalified today.
Current mortgage rates
Average mortgage interest rates have been historically low all year, holding well below 3% for more than five months. Today’s average mortgage rate is just 2.375%.
Current 30-year mortgage rates
The current interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.875%. This is up from last Friday. Thirty years is the most common repayment term for mortgages because 30-year mortgages typically give you a lower monthly payment. But they also typically come with higher interest rates, meaning you’ll ultimately pay more in interest over the life of the loan.
Current 20-year mortgage rates
The current interest rate for a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.500%. This is the same as last Friday. Shortening your repayment term by just 10 years can mean you’ll get a lower interest rate — and pay less in total interest over the life of the loan.
Current 15-year mortgage rates
The current interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.125%. This is up from last Friday. Fifteen-year mortgages are the second most-common mortgage term. A 15-year mortgage may help you get a lower rate than a 30-year term — and pay less interest over the life of the loan — while keeping monthly payments manageable.
Current 10-year mortgage rates
The current interest rate for a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.000%. This is the same as last Friday. Although less common than 30-year and 15-year mortgages, a 10-year fixed rate mortgage typically gives you lower interest rates and lifetime interest costs, but a higher monthly mortgage payment.
You can explore your mortgage options in minutes by visiting Credible to compare current rates from various lenders who offer mortgage refinancing as well as home loans. Check out Credible and get prequalified today, and take a look at today’s refinance rates through the link below.
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Rates last updated on Sept. 20, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.
How Credible mortgage rates are calculated
Changing economic conditions, central bank policy decisions, investor sentiment, and other factors influence the movement of mortgage rates. Credible average mortgage rates and mortgage refinance rates are calculated based on information provided by partner lenders who pay compensation to Credible.
The rates assume a borrower has a 740 credit score and is borrowing a conventional loan for a single-family home that will be their primary residence. The rates also assume no (or very low) discount points and a down payment of 20%.
Credible mortgage rates will only give you an idea of current average rates. The rate you receive can vary based on a number of factors.
How mortgage rates have changed
Today, mortgage rates are up compared to this time last week.
- 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.875%, up from 2.750% last week, +0.125
- 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.500%, up from 2.375% last week, +0.125
- 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.125%, up from 2.000% last week, +0.125
- 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, the same as last week
Rates last updated on Sept. 20, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.
These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.
If you’re trying to find the right rate for your home mortgage or looking to refinance an existing home, consider using Credible. You can use Credible's free online tool to easily compare multiple lenders and see prequalified rates in just a few minutes.
With more than 4,500 reviews, Credible maintains an "excellent" Trustpilot score.
Fixed vs. adjustable-rate mortgages: How they affect interest costs
Mortgage interest rates can be fixed (meaning they remain the same for the life of your loan) or variable (the rate can change after an initial period). The type of mortgage you choose will affect your interest rate.
Interest rates for fixed-rate mortgages tend to be higher than the initial interest rate for adjustable rate mortgages, or ARMs. But they don’t change, so you’ll know at the beginning of your loan exactly how much interest you’ll pay over the life of your mortgage.
Initial interest rates for ARMs are typically lower than fixed-rate mortgages. But after the end of an introductory period, your interest rate will change — and it could increase significantly. Introductory periods can vary from several months to a year or a few years. After the introductory period, your interest rate will be based on an index your lender specifies. ARMs may or may not cap how much your interest rate can increase.
It’s common for homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages to refinance into fixed-rate loans when their introductory period is about to end.
Looking to lower your home insurance rate?
A home insurance policy can help cover unexpected costs you may incur during home ownership, such as structural damage and destruction or stolen personal property. Coverage can vary widely among insurers, so it’s wise to shop around and compare policy quotes.
Credible is partnered with a home insurance broker. If you're looking for a better rate on home insurance and are considering switching providers, consider using an online broker. You can compare quotes from top-rated insurance carriers in your area — it's fast, easy, and the whole process can be completed entirely online.
Have a finance-related question, but don't know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at moneyexpert@credible.com and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.
As a Credible authority on mortgages and personal finance, Chris Jennings has covered topics that include mortgage loans, mortgage refinancing, and more. He’s been an editor and editorial assistant in the online personal finance space for four years. His work has been featured by MSN, AOL, Yahoo Finance, and more.