Current Rates

Current Mortgage Rates: Today's Averages by Loan Type

See the latest national average rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages, ARM, jumbo, FHA, and VA loans, and understand the context behind today's numbers.

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30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most common home loan, offering a stable payment over three decades. According to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.67% for the week ending August 13, 2026, down slightly from 6.69% the prior week.

Other sources report similar but not identical figures. Bankrate's national average was 6.81% (APR 6.88%) as of August 12, 2026, while NerdWallet, citing Zillow data, reported an average of 6.60% (APR 6.61%) as of August 31, 2026. Differences reflect variations in methodology, date, and whether the quoted number is an interest rate or an APR that includes fees.

Lender-specific advertised rates can differ from national averages. For example, New American Funding advertised a 30-year fixed rate of 6.625% (APR 6.740%) as of August 25, 2026, for borrowers with at least a 740 FICO score and a 60% loan-to-value ratio. Rocket Mortgage advertised 6.75% (APR 7.027%) as of August 18, 2026, for a $350,000 loan.

  • Freddie Mac weekly average: 6.67% (August 13, 2026)
  • Bankrate national average: 6.81% (APR 6.88%, August 12, 2026)
  • NerdWallet/Zillow average: 6.60% (APR 6.61%, August 31, 2026)
  • Lender-specific rates can vary based on credit score, LTV, and fees.

Sources: Freddie Mac, Bankrate, NerdWallet, New American Funding, Rocket Mortgage

15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage offers lower interest rates than the 30-year fixed, but higher monthly payments because the loan is repaid in half the time. Freddie Mac reported a national average of 5.96% for the week of August 13, 2026, down from 6.01% the previous week.

Bankrate's average was higher at 6.19% (APR 6.28%) as of August 12, 2026, while NerdWallet reported an even lower 5.97% (APR 5.99%) as of August 31, 2026. Lender-specific rates again differ: New American Funding advertised 6.125% (APR 6.316%), Rocket Mortgage 5.875% (APR 6.35%), and Wells Fargo also 5.875% (APR 6.128%), though Wells Fargo's exact date is not specified.

According to NerdWallet, the 15-year fixed rate is 41 basis points higher than it was a year ago, reflecting a rising rate environment.

  • Freddie Mac weekly average: 5.96% (August 13, 2026)
  • Bankrate national average: 6.19% (APR 6.28%, August 12, 2026)
  • NerdWallet/Zillow average: 5.97% (APR 5.99%, August 31, 2026)
  • Lender-specific rates can be lower, but may include fees or require strong credit.

Sources: Freddie Mac, Bankrate, NerdWallet, New American Funding, Rocket Mortgage, Wells Fargo

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Rates

Adjustable-rate mortgages typically start with a fixed period, then adjust periodically based on market indexes. The most common ARM is the 5/1, which fixes the rate for five years and adjusts annually thereafter.

Bankrate reported a national average 5/1 ARM APR of 6.34% as of August 12, 2026. Freddie Mac does not report a national average for ARMs in the data provided, so lender-specific and aggregator quotes are the best available reference. ARM values depend heavily on the initial fixed period, the index to which the loan is tied, and its margin.

ARMs can be attractive for borrowers who expect to sell or refinance before the adjustable period begins, but they carry the risk of higher payments after the fixed term.

  • Bankrate reported a 5/1 ARM average APR of 6.34% (August 12, 2026).
  • No authoritative national average was available from the sources gathered.
  • ARM rates can change based on the underlying index and margin.

Sources: Bankrate

Jumbo Mortgage Rates

Jumbo loans exceed the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, making them harder to sell on the secondary market, which can affect their rates.

Rocket Mortgage, however, offered a 30-year fixed jumbo rate of 6.75% (APR 7.027%) for a $1.1 million loan as of August 18, 2026. That rate is identical to its conforming 30-year quote, but jumbo rates can also be higher or lower than conforming rates depending on the lender and market conditions.

When shopping for a jumbo loan, it's important to compare offers from multiple lenders because pricing differences can be larger than for conforming loans.

  • No national average was available from authoritative sources.
  • Rocket Mortgage advertised a 30-year fixed jumbo rate of 6.75% (APR 7.027%).
  • Jumbo rates can vary by lender and may deviate from conforming averages.

Sources: Rocket Mortgage

FHA and VA Loan Rates

FHA and VA loans are government-backed and often feature lower down payments, but their interest rates can differ from conventional loans.

Lender-specific examples: New American Funding advertised an FHA 30-year fixed rate of 6.250% (APR 7.287%) and a VA 30-year fixed rate of 6.250% (APR 6.681%) as of August 25, 2026, both assuming a 740 FICO score. Wells Fargo advertised a 30-year fixed VA rate of 6.125% (APR 6.328%) on an unspecified date.

FHA and VA loans have unique costs, such as mortgage insurance premiums or funding fees, which are not fully reflected in the advertised interest rate. APRs are often higher because they include these fees.

  • No national averages for FHA or VA loans were available from authoritative sources.
  • New American Funding: FHA 30-year fixed 6.250% (APR 7.287%), VA 30-year fixed 6.250% (APR 6.681%).
  • Wells Fargo: VA 30-year fixed 6.125% (APR 6.328%).
  • FHA and VA loans include additional costs that affect the APR.

Sources: New American Funding, Wells Fargo

Historical Rate Context

Current rates remain elevated relative to recent history, and have risen over the past year. Freddie Mac data show the 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.58% in August 2025, while the 15-year rate averaged 5.71%. This means the 30-year rate is about 9 basis points higher now, and the 15-year rate is about 25 basis points higher.

NerdWallet noted that the 15-year rate is 41 basis points higher than one year ago, based on Zillow data. These different figures reflect different sources and timing, but both point to a rising trend.

Understanding the historical context can help borrowers gauge whether today's rates are favorable relative to recent years, though future movements are always uncertain.

  • Freddie Mac: 30-year fixed was 6.58% in August 2025 vs. 6.67% now.
  • Freddie Mac: 15-year fixed was 5.71% in August 2025 vs. 5.96% now.
  • NerdWallet: 15-year rate is 41 basis points higher than a year ago.
  • Rates have risen over the past year.

Sources: Freddie Mac, NerdWallet

Factors Influencing Today's Rates

Mortgage rates are influenced by a range of economic factors, including inflation, the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, the bond market, and the supply of and demand for mortgage-backed securities. Lender supply and operational costs also play a role.

Individual borrower factors matter just as much. As seen in the lender-specific examples, rates often assume a high credit score (740 or higher) and a certain loan-to-value ratio. Borrowers with lower scores or higher LTVs may receive higher rates.

Rates also differ by loan type and whether they are sold on the secondary market. Government-backed loans like FHA and VA have different pricing structures than conventional loans, and jumbo loans are not as liquid.

It's essential to compare multiple offers to get the best rate for your specific situation.

  • Economic conditions such as inflation and Fed policy.
  • Bond market and mortgage-backed securities demand.
  • Borrower credit score and loan-to-value ratio.
  • Loan type and whether it is conforming, jumbo, or government-backed.
  • Lender-specific pricing and closing costs.

Sources: New American Funding, Wells Fargo, Rocket Mortgage

Frequently asked questions

How often are mortgage rates updated?

National averages like the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey are typically updated weekly, while lender-specific rates can change daily or even more frequently. The rates in this article were gathered from sources published between August 12 and August 31, 2026, so they represent a point-in-time snapshot.

Sources: Freddie Mac, Bankrate
What is the difference between the 30-year and 15-year fixed rate?

The main difference is the loan term: 30-year loans spread payments over 30 years, resulting in lower monthly payments but a higher interest rate. 15-year loans are paid off in half the time, come with higher monthly payments, but carry a lower interest rate and total interest cost. As of mid-August 2026, Freddie Mac reported the 30-year fixed at 6.67% and the 15-year fixed at 5.96%.

Sources: Freddie Mac
Why do mortgage rates change daily?

Mortgage rates move with market conditions, especially changes in Treasury yields and investor demand for mortgage-backed securities. Lender rates also reflect their own operational and pricing considerations. National averages are updated weekly, but individual lender rates can shift daily based on these factors.

Sources: Freddie Mac, Bankrate
How do current rates compare to last year?

Current rates are higher than they were a year ago. Freddie Mac data show the 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.58% in August 2025 compared to 6.67% now, and the 15-year fixed was 5.71% compared to 5.96%. NerdWallet reported a similar increase for the 15-year fixed, which it says is 41 basis points higher than a year ago.

Sources: Freddie Mac, NerdWallet
What are the best current rates for my credit score?

The best rates are usually reserved for borrowers with excellent credit, often defined as a FICO score of 740 or higher. For example, New American Funding's advertised rates assumed a 740 FICO score and a 60% LTV. If your credit score is lower, you may be offered a higher rate. To find the best rate for your situation, compare quotes from multiple lenders, as rates can vary.

Sources: New American Funding, Bankrate

Sources

  1. Mortgage Rates — Freddie Mac
  2. Mortgage Rates Today — New American Funding
  3. Compare current mortgage rates for today — Bankrate
  4. Current mortgage rates — Wells Fargo
  5. 15-Year Mortgage Rates: Compare Today’s Rates - NerdWallet — NerdWallet
  6. Current mortgage rates: 30‑ & 20‑year fixed, FHA, VA & ... — Rocket Mortgage