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Compare today's mortgage rates

Compare Today’s Mortgage Rates | Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Rates are current as of March 31, 2026 2:04 PM EDT

National average mortgage rates:
30-Year Fixed

APR 6.36%

0.01% 1w
15-Year Fixed

APR 5.75%

-0.10% 1w
5-Year ARM

APR 6.45%

-0.12% 1w
11 ResultsShowing rates for: Purchase, Good (720-739), $500,000, 30-year fixed, Single-family, Primary residence
License information
11 Results for: Purchase, Good (720-739), $500,000, 30-year fixed, Single-family, Primary residence.
Tomo

NMLS#2059741

APR

6.06%

APR

6.06%

Interest rate

5.88%

Est. mo. payment

$2,367/mo

Total fees

$7,928

GET MY RATE
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The Nerdy headline

Tomo, established in 2020, is an online-only lender with a focus on digital efficiency and purchase loans. We’re impressed with its customizable mortgage rate tool. Average rates are on the low side, too. However, you won’t find home equity products. Mortgages are available in 34 states and counting.

Home loans overall

NerdWallet rating

5.0

What we like
  • Online rate tool is user-friendly and customizable.
  • Average interest rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Accepts borrowers with credit scores below 600.
What we don't like
  • Mortgages not available in all states.
  • No renovation or home equity loans.
  • No mobile app.
Simplist

NMLS#1764611

APR

6.08%

APR

6.08%

Interest rate

5.99%

Est. mo. payment

$2,396/mo

Total fees

$3,920

GET MY RATE
Hide details

The Nerdy headline

Simplist is an online marketplace of mortgage lenders; human guidance is optional. You’ll make payments to a loan servicer, not to Simplist. Loans are not available in every state.

Home loans overall

NerdWallet rating

4.5

What we like
  • Loan origination process can be completed online.
  • Offers government-backed FHA and VA loans.
  • Offers module that compares mortgage rates among other lenders.
What we don't like
  • Offers loans in many states and Washington, D.C., but not nationwide.
  • Does not offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Next Door Lending LLC

NMLS#1880338

APR

6.33%

APR

6.33%

Interest rate

6.25%

Est. mo. payment

$2,463/mo

Total fees

$3,200

GET MY RATE

Next Door Lending is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NerdWallet

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The Nerdy headline

Next Door Lending, a mortgage broker, offers expert assistance shopping for and closing a loan, as well as specialty loans at competitive rates. Mortgages are not available in every state.

What we like
  • Offers a variety of loan types, including first-time buyer programs and loans for self-employed borrowers.
  • Real-time rate quotes available while working with a broker.
  • Responsive customer service.
  • Competitive pricing often available, especially for non-traditional borrowers.
What we don't like
  • Does not publish interest rates online.
  • No mortgage mobile app.
  • Loans are not available in every state.
Real Genius

NMLS#2389303

APR

6.39%

APR

6.39%

Interest rate

6.38%

Est. mo. payment

$2,496/mo

Total fees

$451

GET MY RATE
Hide details

The Nerdy headline

Real Genius is a smart pick for a do-it-yourself online quote. We’re impressed with its "no fine print” approach and options to sort and customize APR and fees. However, Real Genius does not have a mobile app and doesn’t currently prioritize home equity lending.

Home loans overall

NerdWallet rating

5.0

What we like
  • Easy and transparent online rate quote tool.
  • May accept borrowers with low credit scores.
  • Closes loans in an average of 30 days (faster than industry average).
What we don't like
  • Federal data isn’t available for us to objectively compare this lender with others.
  • Home equity loans and HELOCs aren’t a priority.
  • Not currently lending in U.S. territories.
Sage Home Loans

NMLS#3304

APR

6.41%

APR

6.41%

Interest rate

6.38%

Est. mo. payment

$2,496/mo

Total fees

$1,470

GET MY RATE
Hide details

The Nerdy headline

Sage Home Loans stands out for speed and convenience, though it lacks a mobile app and doesn’t serve New York borrowers.

Home loans overall

NerdWallet rating

4.5

What we like
  • Sample rates are easy to browse online.
  • Quick, convenient pre-qualification process.
  • Average time to close is just under 20 days, faster than industry standard.
What we don't like
  • Home loans aren’t available in New York.
  • No mobile app or online chat, despite focus on mortgage tech.
  • Online pre-qualification requires sharing contact info.
Central Bank

NMLS#407985

APR

6.42%

APR

6.42%

Interest rate

6.38%

Est. mo. payment

$2,496/mo

Total fees

$1,990

GET MY RATE
Hide details

The Nerdy headline

Midwest-rooted Central Bank offers an online application, which you can track via mobile app. But you’ll have to contact the bank for mortgage rates.

Home loans overall

NerdWallet rating

4.0

What we like
  • Among the best when it comes to online convenience.
  • Offers a full selection of mortgage types and products, including jumbo, home equity, and government loans.
  • Claims to offer preapproval within 24 hours of loan application.
What we don't like
  • You'll have to complete a loan application to see mortgage interest rates.
  • Bank branch locations limited to the Midwest.
  • Does not offer home equity lines of credit.
First Federal Bank

NMLS#408902

APR

6.50%

APR

6.50%

Interest rate

6.49%

Est. mo. payment

$2,526/mo

Total fees

$279

GET MY RATE
Hide details

The Nerdy headline

First Federal Bank stands out for its exceptionally low interest rates and its emphasis on government loans. Most likely to appeal to borrowers shopping for low rates and fees.

Home loans overall

NerdWallet rating

5.0

What we like
  • Strong experience in FHA and VA lending.
  • Average mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Minimum credit score requirement of 580 for some loans, which is lower than some competitors.
What we don't like
  • No mobile app.
  • Home equity lending is not a priority.
  • Does not offer renovation loans, but does offer construction loans.
Farmers Bank of Kansas City

NMLS#613839

APR

6.52%

APR

6.52%

Interest rate

6.50%

Est. mo. payment

$2,529/mo

Total fees

$743

GET MY RATE
Hide details

The Nerdy headline

Farmers Bank of Kansas City lets you browse rates and apply online, but branches are Kansas-only. Get discounts by using the bank’s partner real estate network.

Home loans overall

NerdWallet rating

4.5

What we like
  • Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
  • Offers home equity loans and lines of credit.
  • Mortgage origination fees are on the low side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
What we don't like
  • Doesn’t offer government-backed FHA or USDA loans, or adjustable-rate mortgages.
  • Home renovation loans are not available.
  • Mortgage rates are on the high side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

See more options

About these rates: The lenders whose rates appear on this table are NerdWallet's advertising partners. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a lender's site. The terms advertised here are not offers and do not bind any lender. The rates shown here are retrieved via the Mortech rate engine and are subject to change. These rates do not include taxes, fees, and insurance. Your actual rate and loan terms will be determined by the partner's assessment of your creditworthiness and other factors. Any potential savings figures are estimates based on the information provided by you and our advertising partners.

Today's mortgage rates | Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Last updated 2:04 PM EDT
On Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2026, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell one basis point to 6.36% APR, compared to yesterday.
The average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell six basis points to 5.75% APR. The average rate on a 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage held steady at 6.45% APR.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate is one basis point higher than one week ago and 18 basis points lower than one year ago.
A basis point is one hundredth of a percent, or 0.01%. We describe mortgage rates’ ups and downs in basis points because they simplify comparisons.
NerdWallet’s rates are expressed as an annual percentage rate, or APR, and our mortgage rates data comes from Zillow.
sparkle

Our Nerdy take on the news

March 31, 2026: Even if we could wave a magic wand and completely resolve the war in Iran, it's unlikely that mortgage rates (or anything else, really) would snap right back to normal. To be honest, given time, where rates are now could end up looking like a good place for mortgage borrowers to be. The outlook for inflation is especially poor, and that could put even more upward pressure on mortgage rates.
Kate Wood
Kate Wood's profile picture
March 31, 2026: Employers generally pull back on hiring well before they begin laying people off, but hiring has been in the tank for well over a year now. With the added impact of an energy shock and war, companies are facing even greater uncertainty as well as immediate tangible effects, like higher costs of living for workers and customers. If their input costs rise, they may be forced to reckon with tough decisions such as raising prices or reducing hours and workforce.    
Elizabeth Renter
Elizabeth Renter's profile picture

What Moves Mortgage Rates? Factors at Play & How to Shop

Kate Wood
Holden Lewis
+1
Kate Wood
+2
Written by 

Kate Wood

,  Reviewed by 

Holden Lewis

,  Edited by 

Johanna Arnone

Written by 

Kate Wood

 and 
2 others
Last updated 03/31/2026
Mortgage rates change all the time, as lenders adjust their offers up or down depending on what's happening in the world. Shifts in the economy, changes in markets, and big events like national elections are reflected in rates' movements.
Mortgage lenders take that big stuff into account in order to set base rates that are competitive but still earn them some profit. They adjust that base rate up or down for individual borrowers depending on how risky they seem.
For example, if you have a solid credit score, pay your bills on time and keep your debt manageable, a lender will probably see you as a safer borrower. You'd be more likely to get a lower interest rate than a borrower with shakier finances.
Here's a breakdown of lenders' main considerations when determining what mortgage rate you'll be offered. Some are specific to you, others are more macro level.

Factors you can change

Wallet with a gold credit card.

Your credit score

Mortgage lenders use credit score as a stand-in for risk. Higher credit scores are seen as safer, and are generally rewarded with lower interest rate offers.

A green bank that has a coin slot at the top where a hand is depositing a coin.

Your down payment

Paying a larger percentage of the home's price upfront reduces the amount you're borrowing. A bigger down payment may help you score a lower interest rate.

Magnifying glass over a notebook

Your loan type

What kind of mortgage you're applying for influences the rate you're offered. For example, jumbo loans tend to have higher interest rates.

Paper documents wrapped with a ribbon that has a checkmark on it.

How you'll use the home

A mortgage for a primary residence will usually have a lower interest rate than a home loan for a second home or an investment property.

Forces you can't control

Green paycheck.

The U.S. economy

Stock market trends, the rate of inflation and the job market can all put pressure on mortgage interest rates. Events like elections can influence rates, too.

Cash and coins.

The global economy

What's happening around the world affects U.S. markets, which can then push mortgage rates higher or lower.

A green bank.

The Federal Reserve

Decisions by the nation's central bank to raise or cut interest rates for short-term borrowing can ripple out to rates on longer-term loans, including mortgages.

Couple of hands typing on a laptop.

The housing market

A hot housing market can make it harder to find lower mortgage rates. When lenders have plenty of business, there's less incentive to compete for buyers.

How to compare today's mortgage rates

Here's a breakdown of what you're looking at when you view mortgage interest rate offers.
APR: APR stands for annual percentage rate. It includes the interest rate plus other loan costs, like fees. Because it covers more than just the rate, APR gives a better idea of the total cost of the mortgage.
Interest rate: This is the mortgage rate that the lender is offering. If you haven't entered details like your approximate credit score, location or down payment savings, the rate shown is just a sample. Sample rates are based on borrower characteristics chosen by the lender, so they may not match what you would be offered.
Est. mo. payment: The estimated monthly payment is how much principal and interest you would pay for the loan each month.
Total fees: These are the additional, one-time costs of getting a home loan. They can include lender fees, as well as other closing costs like the appraisal fee or title insurance. This number can also include discount points, which are units of prepaid interest. Points are optional — and pricey — but they lower the interest rate. Including discount points in the rate offer can make a lender's interest rates appear lower, but points will be reflected in the APR.

How to see personalized mortgage rates

Mortgage rates like the ones you see on this page are sample rates. The national average displayed here is the average of rates from multiple lenders, which are provided to NerdWallet by Zillow. That lets you know where mortgage rates stand today, but it doesn't show you the exact rate you'd be offered.
The same goes for rates you see advertised by individual lenders. Lenders use a set of sample borrower characteristics — like credit score, location and down payment amount — to generate the rates they show on their websites.
To see more personalized rates, you'll need to provide some basic information about you and your homebuying plans.
Credit score: Use the drop-down to choose your estimated credit score. Not sure what your score is? Check it for free with NerdWallet.
ZIP code: Enter the location where you're hoping to buy.
Purchase price: Put the amount you hope to spend on a home. Still figuring it out? Our affordability calculator can help you determine your homebuying budget.
Down payment: Enter your estimated down payment as a dollar amount or a percentage, and the other field will automatically adjust up or down. The default entry is 20%, but you don't have to make a 20% down payment. In 2025, the typical down payment for first-time home buyers was 10%, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Loan term: How long your mortgage will last. In this case, the default is 30 years, and almost all mortgages in the U.S. are 30-year loans.

Does a lower mortgage rate matter? Savings example

Whether you're looking at sample rates on lenders' websites or comparing personalized rates here, you'll notice that interest rates vary. This is one reason why it's important to shop around to get the best mortgage rate when you're looking for a lender. Borrowers who compare at least two lenders could save as much as $600 per year — and comparing at least four lenders bumps that savings to up to $1,200 annually — according to research from Freddie Mac.
Fractions of a percentage might not seem like they'd make a big difference, but you aren't just shaving a few bucks off your monthly mortgage payment. You're also lowering the total amount of interest you'll pay over the life of the loan. The longer you own the home, the more that savings will add up.
Here's an example: Say one lender is offering you a 7% fixed APR on a 30-year mortgage for $360,000, while another is offering 6.75% for the same loan. Let's compare.
Principal and interest on a $360K 30-year loan at 7%
Monthly … $2,395
12 months ….. $28,741
5 years ……… $143,705
Principal and interest on a $360K 30-year loan at 6.75%
Monthly … $2,335
12 months …... $28,019
5 years ………. $140,097
Savings with 25-basis-point lower rate
$60 per month
$722 per year
$3,608 after five years
You get where this is going — over the life of the loan, you'd pay almost $22,000 less interest in the lower rate scenario.
And this example uses a difference of just a quarter of a percentage point. If you've got a range of offers from a few lenders, you may find there's a substantial difference between the highest and lowest quote. If you can knock your interest rate down half a percentage point, you're keeping more money in your pocket.

How to compare mortgage lenders

💰Determine your budget: Before you start looking at lenders, you need to know what you can spend. Figure out how much house you can afford to create your home shopping budget.
🔎 Research lenders: Browse lenders online and check out their sample interest rates. If you can, personalize the rates by entering details like your down payment savings and where you live.
✅ Get preapprovals: Apply for mortgage preapproval from at least three lenders. Preapproval doesn't affect your credit score, plus it's helpful for home shopping.
📊 Compare Loan Estimates: Within three business days, each lender that preapproves you will send you a Loan Estimate. You'll be able to compare rate offers and lender fees side by side.
Don't want to do all that work? A mortgage broker can do the research, presenting you with loan options that fit your needs. They'll continue to work with you throughout the homebuying process, too, interacting with the lender and other parties in the transaction to keep things running smoothly.
If you'd prefer to be more hands on, that's fine, too. You can make an informed choice by asking brokers about their fees and services and weighing those costs and benefits against researching lenders on your own.
» MORE: How to choose a mortgage lender

Frequently asked questions

  • What is included in a mortgage payment?

    The interest rate is what the lender charges for borrowing the money, expressed as a percentage. The APR, or annual percentage rate, is a measure that's supposed to more accurately reflect the cost of borrowing.
    APR includes fees and discount points that you'd pay at closing, as well as ongoing costs, on top of the interest rate. That's why APR is usually higher than the interest rate.

  • Are mortgage rates expected to drop?

    Mortgage rates are constantly on the move, though sometimes those moves are barely visible — just a few basis points up or down. After falling to their lowest point since September 2022 in February, average 30-year mortgage rates spiked upward in March as the Iran war stoked inflation fears. As the conflict drags on, it looks like mortgage rates will be higher in April.
    This is undoubtedly frustrating some would-be borrowers asking when mortgage rates will be 3% again, as they were in 2020 and 2021. But it's important to understand not just that it was cheaper to borrow back then, but also why rates went so low. The Federal Reserve took extraordinary measures — including cutting the federal funds rate to near zero and buying billions of dollars in mortgage-backed securities — to try to avert an economic crisis brought on by the pandemic. This wasn't the normal ups and downs of the market, it was a serious outlier.
    It’s smart to keep track of mortgage rate trends so you can nail down your budget, but home buyers shouldn’t feel pressure to time the market. Mortgage rates can't be predicted with complete accuracy — and if you're waiting for rates to hit a certain number, you could miss out on your perfect home.

  • What is a mortgage rate lock?

    Mortgage rates not only vary from day to day, but hour to hour. In order to know what interest rate you'll pay, you need the rate you're offered to stop changing. A mortgage rate lock is the lender's guarantee that you'll pay the agreed-upon interest rate if you close by a certain date. Your locked rate won't change, no matter what happens to interest rates in the meantime.
    It's a good idea to lock the rate when you're approved for a mortgage with an interest rate that you're comfortable with. Consult with your loan officer or mortgage broker on the timing of the rate lock. Ideally, your rate lock would extend a few days after the expected closing date, so you'll get the agreed-upon rate even if the closing is delayed a few days.