Current Mortgage Refinance Rates in Canada
Editor's Note: On March 18, 2026, the Bank of Canada announced it was holding its overnight rate at 2.25%. The rate hold means variable mortgage rates will remain at or near their current levels until at least April 29, when the Bank makes its next overnight rate decision. For more insight, read NerdWallet's analysis of the Bank's latest rate hold.
Mortgage refinance rate update: March 2026
Refinancing your mortgage in March might be slightly more appealing than it was in February.
Thanks to steadily declining bond yields last month, fixed mortgage rates ticked down a few basis points at a handful of lenders. But you’re still likely to pay at least 4% for a fixed-rate refinance.
Fixed refinance rates could be volatile due to hostilities in the Middle East. If investors start snapping up government bonds as a safer alternative to the stock market, bond yields could decrease, allowing lenders to further improve their fixed-rate refinance offers.
But if bond yields rise due to concerns around oil prices and inflation — and there’s already evidence that this is the case — we could see higher fixed refinance rates.
Variable refinance rates should be stable in March. It depends on how the Bank of Canada’s next overnight rate decision, scheduled for March 18, plays out.
A rate cut would lower variable renewal rates, but the Bank is widely expected to hold the overnight rate at 2.25%. Variable renewal rates are likely to hover around their current levels — generally 3.85% or higher — until the Bank adjusts the overnight rate one way or the other.
Best mortgage rates in Canada
Compare offers from Canada’s top mortgage lenders and brokers.
Why are mortgage refinance rates higher?
There are various theories around why mortgage refinance rates are typically higher than purchase mortgage rates.
One is that lenders assume greater risk when they extend homeowners more credit over a longer period of time. If you refinance your mortgage, borrow against your home equity and opt for a longer amortization period, for example, it adds extra time during which you might fail to make good on your mortgage payments.
Another possible explanation is that refinances can result in lower profits for lenders. Let’s say you agree to a five-year fixed rate mortgage at 5% but are able to refinance at 3% after two years. The result is three years of savings for you, but three years of reduced earnings for your lender. Charging a higher rate on your refinance mitigates these losses. (Hefty prepayment penalties help, too.)
How to get the best mortgage refinance rate
Refinancing a mortgage requires applying for a new home loan. To be approved, the lender will put your finances under the microscope again. Before offering you the best refinance rate, your lender will want to see:
Debt service ratios well below the limits laid out by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and other mortgage insurance providers. These limits include a gross debt service ratio of 39% and a total debt service ratio of 44%
The highest credit score you can manage. A score of 700 or higher, for example, will demonstrate creditworthiness to lenders.
On-time mortgage payments since becoming a homeowner. Missed mortgage payments are the reddest of flags.
Your current lender may not approve a refinance if your credit score has decreased or you’re experiencing debt issues. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are plenty of B lenders that specialize in bad credit mortgages where you may be able to get refinanced.
Other mortgage refinance costs to consider
With all things mortgage-related, there’s more to think about than just the interest rate you’re offered. That’s especially true when it comes to refinancing, where other costs can include:
Prepayment penalties. Refinancing before the end of your mortgage term means breaking your mortgage contract, paying off your loan in full ahead of time and paying what can be a hefty penalty. How much you pay will depend on your interest rate type and how your lender calculates your penalty amount.
A home appraisal. Your lender will use a professional appraisal to determine your home’s value before deciding how much you can borrow against it.
Legal fees. As with your original mortgage, a real estate lawyer will be required to facilitate the transaction.
Mortgage discharge fees. You may have to pay to discharge your mortgage if you refinance with a new lender.
An opportunity to lock in at a lower rate will always sound enticing, but the benefits have to be weighed against the total cost to ensure you’re making the right long-term decision for your household.
Frequently asked questions
What are current interest rates for refinancing?
What are current interest rates for refinancing?
As of March 2026, some mortgage brokerages are offering variable refinance rates for less than 4% while fixed refinance rates are generally 4% or higher.
Should I refinance to save 1% on my mortgage rate?
Should I refinance to save 1% on my mortgage rate?
Shaving 1% off of your mortgage rate will reduce the interest you pay over the rest of your term. Whether you save money overall will depend on how much your prepayment penalties, legal fees and home appraisal cost you.
Connect with Homewise to get a refinance rate quote that's personalized to you.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Clay Jarvis
Clay Jarvis
Clay Jarvis