Mortgage rates today — April 24, 2026

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.32% today, April 24, 2026. Rates have eased down from a recent high near 6.50% over the past few weeks, offering some relief to spring homebuyers navigating a market shaped by geopolitical uncertainty and persistent inflation. Your actual rate will depend on your credit profile, down payment, and loan type — but today's figures give you a solid benchmark to work with.

Today's mortgage rates — April 24, 2026

Based on current industry data, here are today's average interest rates across key loan types:

These are national averages — your actual rate depends on your credit score, down payment, loan amount, and lender.

You can also track current mortgage rates to see how today's figures compare to recent movement.

What's moving mortgage rates today

Mortgage rates don't move in isolation. They're closely tied to the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, which responds in real time to economic data, Federal Reserve signals, and global events. Right now, a few forces are pulling rates in different directions.

Geopolitical uncertainty. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has introduced volatility into oil markets and, by extension, into inflation expectations. As peace talk outcomes remain uncertain day to day, bond markets are reacting with elevated volatility — and where bonds go, mortgage rates tend to follow. Recent industry commentary notes that rate movement has been limited to a narrow range this week, but the risk of a jump remains elevated depending on news flow.

Inflation running above target. The most recent Consumer Price Index report showed inflation at 3.3% year over year as of March 2026 — the fastest pace since April 2024. That reading keeps the Federal Reserve cautious. The Fed does not set mortgage rates directly, but its benchmark rate decisions influence the borrowing costs that ripple through the mortgage market. With inflation still above the Fed's 2% target, aggressive rate cuts are not expected in the near term.

A spring market that's still moving. Despite the rate environment, purchase applications and pending home sales have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, according to industry data. Inventory is rising in many markets, giving homebuyers more options than they had at the start of the year. For buyers who have been on the sidelines, the combination of more homes available and rates off their recent peak may make this a worthwhile moment to act. Understanding what determines mortgage rates can help you anticipate how these forces might evolve.

How today's rate affects your monthly payment

Small movements in interest rates have a larger impact than most homebuyers expect. At today's 30-year fixed rate of 6.32%, the principal and interest payment on a $350,000 loan is approximately $2,174 per month.

Compare that to the 2026 low of around 6.09% reached earlier this year — at that rate, the monthly payment on the same loan would be roughly $2,121. That's a difference of about $53 per month, or more than $600 per year.

Example is for illustrative purposes only. Actual payment amounts depend on your credit score, down payment, loan amount, lender fees, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.

Use a mortgage calculator to run the numbers for your specific home price and down payment.

What the 15-year fixed rate means for total interest

The 15-year fixed rate sits at 5.58% today — meaningfully lower than the 30-year at 6.32%, but with higher monthly payments given the shorter repayment timeline.

On a $350,000 loan, a 15-year mortgage at 5.58% carries a monthly principal and interest payment of approximately $2,870 — about $696 more per month than the 30-year. The tradeoff is total interest paid over the life of the loan, which is dramatically lower on the shorter term.

Example is for illustrative purposes only. Your actual payment and total interest will vary based on loan amount, rate, lender fees, and other factors.

Whether the 15-year is right for you depends on your monthly cash flow, how long you plan to stay in the home, and your broader financial goals.

Should you lock your rate today?

A rate lock guarantees your interest rate for a set period — typically 30, 45, or 60 days — protecting you from increases between application and closing. With rates showing day-to-day volatility driven by geopolitical news flow, many buyers who are under contract are weighing this decision carefully.

There's no universal right answer. Locking now means you're protected if rates climb. Waiting means you benefit if rates fall further — but also absorb the risk if they don't.

Many lenders offer float-down options that allow you to lock a rate and then move to a lower rate should it drop materially before closing. If this flexibility matters to you, ask your lender whether a float-down is available and what conditions trigger it.

If you're close to closing and today's rate works for your budget, locking provides certainty. If you're earlier in the process and have flexibility, it may be worth discussing timing with your loan officer. Read more about should I lock my mortgage rate today before making the call.

For homeowners evaluating a refinance, check refinance rates to see whether today's figures improve your position. Use a refinance calculator to estimate your break-even timeline.

How to get the best mortgage rate this spring

The national average is a starting point — not your rate. Several factors directly affect where you land relative to that figure.

Credit score. This is the single most influential factor. Homebuyers with scores above 740 typically qualify for the lowest available rates. If your score is in the 680–720 range, you can still qualify for a conventional loan, but your rate will be higher. Taking time to pay down revolving debt or address any errors on your credit report before applying can move the needle.

Down payment. A down payment of 20% or more eliminates private mortgage insurance (PMI) and signals lower risk to lenders, which translates to a better rate. Smaller down payments are absolutely viable — there are conventional loan options available with as little as 3% down — but the rate trade-off is real.

Loan type. Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans all carry different rate structures. VA loans, available to eligible service members and veterans, often carry rates below the conventional market. Understanding how to shop around for mortgage rates across loan types can surface meaningful savings.

Lender comparison. Rates vary across lenders even for identical borrower profiles. Getting multiple loan estimates — a standardized document that makes rate and fee comparisons straightforward — is one of the most effective things a homebuyer can do. Better's fully online process makes it easy to check your rate and review a loan estimate without sitting through a lengthy appointment. If rates move, you can revisit.

When you're ready to move, get pre-approved to understand your true buying power before you start making offers. A pre-approval letter also strengthens your position when sellers are comparing multiple bids.

FAQ

What are mortgage rates today, April 24, 2026?

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.32% today. The 15-year fixed rate is 5.58%, and the 5/1 ARM is averaging approximately 6.05%. These are national averages — your rate will vary based on your credit profile, down payment, loan amount, and lender.

Are mortgage rates going up or down this week?

Rates have trended lower over the past few weeks after touching a recent high near 6.50%. Movement this week has been limited to a narrow range, with geopolitical news flow — particularly updates on Middle East peace talks — creating day-to-day volatility. The direction in the short term is uncertain.

Should I lock my mortgage rate now or wait?

This depends on your closing timeline and risk tolerance. Locking protects you if rates rise; waiting allows you to benefit if rates drop further. If you're within 30–60 days of closing and today's rate fits your budget, locking is worth serious consideration. Ask your lender about why mortgage rates are moving and whether a float-down option is available.

How much does a 0.25% difference in mortgage rate change my monthly payment?

On a $350,000 30-year fixed mortgage, a 0.25% difference in rate equals roughly $52–$55 per month in principal and interest. Over 30 years, that adds up to approximately $18,000–$20,000 in total interest. This example is for illustrative purposes only.

What is the best mortgage rate I can get right now with a 720 credit score?

A 720 score is a solid starting point. You'll likely qualify for conventional loan rates, though the most competitive pricing is typically reserved for borrowers at 740 and above. Your rate will also depend on your down payment, debt-to-income ratio, and the specific lender. Getting pre-approved is the most reliable way to see your actual rate.

Why are mortgage rates so volatile in 2026?

Several forces are in play. Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, limiting the central bank's room to cut rates. Simultaneously, geopolitical developments in the Middle East are creating unpredictable swings in oil prices and bond markets. When bond market volatility rises, mortgage rate volatility tends to follow.

Is a 5/1 ARM a good idea if I'm planning to sell in five years?

A 5/1 ARM offers a fixed rate for the first five years before adjusting annually. If you're confident you'll sell before the initial period ends, an ARM can be a reasonable option — particularly if the introductory rate is meaningfully lower than the current 30-year fixed. Right now, however, ARM rates are close to 30-year fixed rates, which reduces the traditional cost advantage. Compare options carefully before deciding.

Ready to see your actual rate?

Today's average gives you context. Your personalized rate — based on your credit, down payment, and loan details — is what actually matters. Better's fully online process means you can check it in minutes, with no credit impact and no pressure.