Both 15-year fixed and 30-year fixed refinances saw their mean rates climb this week. The average rate on 10-year fixed refinance also saw an increase.

At the start of the pandemic, refinance rates hit a historic low. But in early 2022, the Federal Reserve began hiking interest rates in an effort to curb high inflation. While the Fed doesn’t directly set mortgage rates, its series of rate hikes has led to an increased cost of borrowing among most consumer loan products, including mortgages and refinances.

After hitting pause on its rate hiking campaign in June, the Fed voted once again to bump up its benchmark short-term interest rate, the federal funds rate, by 25-basis points (or 0.25%) at its July 26 Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

About these rates: Like CNET, Bankrate is owned by Red Ventures. This tool features partner rates from lenders that you can use when comparing multiple refinance rates.

A higher federal funds rate could result in a slight increase in mortgage rates, according to Krieg Tidemann, assistant professor of economics at Niagara University.

But if inflation continues to decline and the Fed is able to hold rates steady — and eventually cut them in 2024 — mortgage rates should see some relief. But, a return of rates in the 2% to 3% range is unlikely. Unless you purchased a house within the past year, it’s unlikely you can save money by refinancing to a mortgage with a lower rate.

Regardless of where rates are headed, homeowners shouldn’t focus on timing the market, and should instead decide if refinancing makes sense for their financial situation. As long as you can get a lower interest rate than your current one, refinancing will likely save you money. Do the math to see if it makes sense for your current finances and goals. If you decide to refinance, make sure you compare rates, fees and the annual percentage rate (or APR, which shows the total cost of borrowing) from different lenders to find the best deal.

30-year fixed-rate refinance

The current average interest rate for a 30-year refinance is 7.76%, an increase of 10 basis points from what we saw one week ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) Refinancing to a 30-year fixed loan from a shorter loan term can lower your monthly payments. Because of this, a 30-year refinance can be a good idea if you’re having trouble making your monthly payments. Be aware, though, that interest rates will typically be higher compared to a 10- or 15-year refinance, and you’ll pay off your loan at a slower rate.

15-year fixed-rate refinance

The current average interest rate for 15-year refinances is 6.89%, an increase of 6 basis points compared to one week ago. Refinancing to a 15-year fixed loan from a 30-year fixed loan will likely raise your monthly payment. But you’ll save more money over time, because you’re paying off your loan quicker. You’ll also typically get lower interest rates compared to a 30-year loan. This can help you save even more in the long run.

10-year fixed-rate refinance

The current average interest rate for a 10-year refinance is 6.88%, an increase of 6 basis points compared to one week ago. You’ll pay more every month with a 10-year fixed refinance compared to a 15- or 30-year refinance — but you’ll also have a lower interest rate. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your house much faster and save on interest in the long run. However, you should analyze your budget and current financial situation to make sure you’ll be able to afford the higher monthly payment.

Where rates are headed

Mortgage rates hit a 20-year high in late 2022, but now the macroeconomic environment is changing again. Rates dropped significantly in January before climbing back up in February. Since the start of the summer, mortgage rates have been fluctuating between 6.5% and 7%.

Mortgage rates move up and down on a daily basis in response to a variety of economic factors, including inflation, employment and the outlook for the economy more broadly.

The most recent Consumer Price Index shows annual inflation was at 3.0% for the 12-month period ended in June, down sharply from May’s 4.0% figure.

“Barring some radical change in the trajectory of inflation or a recession, it seems unlikely that the Fed will further increase interest rates after July. This means that mortgage rates are likely at or near their peak,” Tidemann said.

Mortgage rates are unlikely to decrease dramatically any time soon, but positive signaling from the Fed and cooling inflation may ease some of the upward pressure on them.

We track refinance rate trends using information collected by Bankrate. Here’s a table with the average refinance rates supplied by lenders nationwide:

Average refinance interest rates

Rates as of Sept. 8, 2023.

How to find the best refinance rate

It’s important to understand that the rates advertised online often require specific conditions for eligibility. Your interest rate will be influenced by market conditions as well as your specific credit history, financial profile and application.

Having a high credit score, a low credit utilization ratio and a history of consistent and on-time payments will generally help you get the best interest rates. You can get a good feel for average interest rates online, but make sure to speak with a mortgage professional in order to see the specific rates you qualify for. To get the best refinance rates, you’ll first want to make your application as strong as possible. The best way to improve your credit ratings is to get your finances in order, use credit responsibly and monitor your credit regularly. Don’t forget to speak with multiple lenders and shop around.

Refinancing can be a great move if you get a good rate or can pay off your loan sooner — but consider carefully whether it’s the right choice for you at the moment.

When should I refinance?

Generally, it’s a good idea to refinance if you can get a lower interest rate than your current interest rate, or if you need to change your loan term. When deciding whether to refinance, be sure to take into account other factors besides market interest rates, including how long you plan to stay in your current home, the length of your loan term and the amount of your monthly payment. And don’t forget about fees and closing costs, which can add up.

As interest rates increased throughout 2022, the pool of refinancing applicants contracted. If you bought your house when interest rates were lower than they are today, there may not be a financial benefit in refinancing your mortgage.