30-year mortgage rates dip back below 3% | Oct. 1, 2021

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Check out the mortgage rates for Oct. 1, 2021, which are mixed from yesterday. (iStock)

Based on data compiled by Credible, two key mortgage rates dipped down since yesterday, and two others remained unchanged. 

  • 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.990%, down from 3.000%, -0.010
  • 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.750%, unchanged
  • 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.250%, unchanged
  • 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.125%, down from 2.250%, -0.125

Rates last updated on Oct. 1, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

What this means: Day-to-day fluctuations in mortgage interest rates are normal, but this week has been particularly volatile. While 20-year interest rates held steady through the week, 30-year rates — the most common mortgage term — bumped to 3% for two days before falling today. This volatility could be a sign of the rising rates experts have predicted are on the way. Homebuyers may soon run out of time to lock in one of these historic low interest rates.

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

Today’s mortgage refinance rates have remained largely unchanged since yesterday, with the exception of 30-year rates, which fell. If you’re considering refinancing an existing home, check out what refinance rates look like:

  • 30-year fixed refinance rates: 2.990%, down from 3.000%, -0.010
  • 20-year fixed refinance rates: 2.750%, unchanged
  • 15-year fixed refinance rates: 2.250%, unchanged
  • 10-year fixed refinance rates: 2.125%, down from 2.250%, -0.125

Rates last updated on Oct. 1, 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.

What is a good mortgage rate? 

Many factors influence the mortgage rate a lender may offer you. But generally, a good mortgage rate is one that’s the lowest you can qualify for based on your individual factors, such as credit history, income, other debts, down payment amount, and more. 

A rate that’s good for your financial situation should result in a monthly mortgage payment that you can manage, while leaving plenty of room in your monthly budget to put toward savings, investments, and an emergency fund. And a good rate should be competitive with average rates in the geographic area where you’re looking to buy.

Once you’ve chosen the home loan type that works for you, you can compare multiple lenders to truly find the best rates.

Current mortgage rates

The average interest rate across all terms fell today, sliding to 2.529%.

Current 30-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.990%. This is down from yesterday. 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 2.750%. This is the same as yesterday. 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 2.250%. This is the same as yesterday. 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 2.125%. This is down from yesterday. 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.

Thousands of Trustpilot reviewers rate Credible "excellent."

Rates last updated on Oct. 1, 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 a mixed bag compared to this time last week.

  • 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.990%, down from 3.000% last week, -0.010
  • 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.750%, up from 2.625% last week, +0.125
  • 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.250%, up from 2.125% last week, +0.125
  • 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.125%, the same as last week

Rates last updated on Oct. 1, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

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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.

Factors that influence mortgage rates (and are out of your control)

Many factors influence the interest rate a lender may offer you. Some — such as your credit score — are in your control. But others you have no ability to affect, such as …

  • The economy — During financial downturns, the Fed may lower interest rates to try to stimulate the economy. And when the economy is doing well, interest rates can rise.
  • Inflation Interest rates tend to move with inflation. When the overall cost of goods and services increases, interest rates are also likely to rise.
  • The Federal Reserve The Fed may choose to lower interest rates to stimulate a struggling economy, or raise rates in an attempt to put the brakes on inflation.
  • Macro employment trends When many people are out of work, as they were during the months of pandemic lockdown, mortgage rates may fall. As employment increases, interest rates typically also increase.

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 has a partnership with a home insurance broker. You can compare free home insurance quotes through Credible's partner here. 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.