Current Mortgage Refinance Rates in Canada
Mortgage refinance rate update: March 2026
Refinancing in the current rate environment was already challenging before the Iran war started. Now it’s even more expensive.
Rising oil prices due to the war have triggered fears of inflation and sent government bond yields through the roof. Lenders use bond yields to set mortgage rates, and many have responded to the jump in yields by increasing their three- and five-year fixed refinance rates.
Where fixed rates land is anybody’s guess. If oil prices keep climbing, yields will, too. And they’ll take fixed refinance rates with them.
Variable refinance rates, on the other hand, remain stable after the Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% on March 18. Variables should stay at their current levels until at least April 29,, when the Bank is scheduled to make its next overnight rate decision.
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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 well over 4%.
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.
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Clay Jarvis
Clay Jarvis
Clay Jarvis