The 15-Year Mortgage: Pros and Cons

With a 15-year mortgage you'll own your home much faster and pay less interest. Higher monthly payments are the trade-off.

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Updated · 3 min read
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Written by Kate Wood
Lead Writer/Spokesperson
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Reviewed by Michelle Blackford
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Edited by Beth Buczynski
Lead Assigning Editor

A 15-year mortgage is the dream home loan for buyers who can afford higher monthly payments and want to pay off their mortgage in half the usual time. A 15-year timeline can save thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in interest.

To make a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage work, you’ll need a reliable income and enough money left after your monthly payment to cover expenses, savings and emergencies.

Mortgage loans from our partners

NBKC - PURCHASE logo
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on NBKC

NBKC

4.5

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NBKC - PURCHASE logo

4.5

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620

Min. down payment 
3%

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on NBKC

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
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on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.5

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New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.5

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500

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3.5%

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on New American Funding

GO Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
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on GO Mortgage

GO Mortgage

4.0

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GO Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

4.0

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Min. credit score 
620

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3%

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on GO Mortgage

Mortgage loans from our partners

NBKC - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on NBKC

NBKC

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
NBKC - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
3%

Check Rate

on NBKC

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
500

Min. down payment 
3.5%

Check Rate

on New American Funding

GO Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on GO Mortgage

GO Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
GO Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
3%

Check Rate

on GO Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
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on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

4.5

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Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

4.5

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Min. credit score 
580

Min. down payment 
3.5%

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on Rocket Mortgage

Veterans United - PURCHASE logo
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Veterans United