Who has the best refinance rates? 2022 Lender rankings
Who has the best refinance rates?
To find the lowest refinance rates, we analyzed data on every refinance loan from the biggest lenders in 2020 (the most recent data available).1
The companies with the best 30–year refi rates on average are shown below.
Just remember, rates are different for each borrower. So you’ll have to compare a few different lenders to find your best deal. Your lowest refinance rate may or may not come from one of the companies listed here.
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The 10 lenders with the best refinance rates
Using data from 2020 – the most recent numbers available – the 10 lenders with the lowest refinance rates on average are:
- Freedom Mortgage
- American Financial Network
- Better Mortgage
- Navy Federal Credit Union*
- Veterans United*
- loanDepot
- Homepoint
- Quicken Loans
- Citibank
- Bank of America
*Only available to military members, veterans, and select military-adjacent groups.
A note on current refinance rates
To find the lenders with the best refinance rates, we looked at loan–level data filed in 2020.
Keep in mind that mortgage interest rates hit record lows in 2020 and early 2021. Today’s mortgage refinance rates may be higher, as most experts expect rates to continue rising in 2022 and beyond.
The rates you’re quoted today are likely to be different than what you see below.
Still, these average rates provide a helpful way to compare lenders side by side so you know where to start looking.
The lowest refinance rates, ranked
Among the 40 biggest mortgage lenders in 2022, these 25 had the best mortgage refinance rates on average:
| Lender | Average 30-Yr Refinance Rate |
| Freedom Mortgage* | 2.87% |
| American Financial Network | 2.98% |
| Better Mortgage | 3.00% |
| Navy Federal Credit Union* | 3.01% |
| Veterans United* | 3.01% |
| loanDepot | 3.02% |
| Homepoint | 3.04% |
| Quicken Loans | 3.05% |
| Citibank | 3.05% |
| Bank of America | 3.06% |
| CrossCountry Mortgage | 3.06% |
| NewRez | 3.08% |
| American Pacific | 3.10% |
| New American Funding | 3.12% |
| CMG Financial | 3.13% |
| Stearns Lending | 3.14% |
| Primary Residential Mortgage | 3.14% |
| Caliber Home Loans | 3.15% |
| Guild Mortgage Co. | 3.15% |
| Sierra Pacific Mortgage | 3.17% |
| Finance of America | 3.18% |
| Paramount Residential Mortgage Group | 3.18% |
| Bay Equity LLC | 3.18% |
| Guaranteed Rate | 3.19% |
| Prosperity Home Mortgage | 3.19% |
*These lenders predominantly issue VA loans, which come with lower rates than other loan types. This skews their rates lower. Additionally, they may only serve eligible veterans, service members, and military-affiliated persons.
As this table indicates, refinance rates vary a lot from lender to lender. But they also vary by borrower.
For example, Freedom Mortgage has the lowest refinance rates of any lender in our study – at least on average. But its rates for individual borrowers ranged from just 1.75% to over 5%. So some homeowners got much lower refi rates than others.
In addition, rates change constantly based on how busy a lender is and what type of borrower it prefers. For instance, some might only want high–credit homeowners while others might be more lenient.
The point is, you have to find a lender offering low rates for your situation, at the time you’re looking. This will take some shopping around.
Prepare to fill out refinance applications with at least 3–5 lenders and compare the loans you‘re offered to find the very best deal.
Refinance closing costs
Don’t forget: Opting for a lender with the lowest refinance rate doesn’t mean it will be least expensive overall.
You also have to factor in lender fees and closing costs, which typically cost around 2–5% of your new loan amount.
Refinance closing costs include the lender’s own fees as well as a new home appraisal and other third–party fees, just like when you bought your home. For example, you’ll pay:
- Mortgage origination fee
- Underwriting fee
- Credit reporting fee
- Discount points to lower your rate (optional)
- Home appraisal (you can skip this with a Streamline Refinance)
- Title and escrow fees
- Prepaid taxes and homeowners insurance
- Mortgage insurance or guarantee fee (if applicable)
Fortunately, closing costs can often be rolled into your loan when you refinance.
If the lender agrees, they can add the amount to your principal borrowed or increase the interest rate charged to offset closing costs.
Who has the lowest refinance fees?
The table below shows how much each lender charged in total refinance closing costs in 2020, as a percentage of their average loan amount.
It also shows how much each lender would likely charge on a $250,000 refinance loan, to give you a better benchmark for comparison.
| Lender | Median Refinance Loan Costs, 2020 (as % of Average Loan Size) | Example: Upfront Cost for a $250,000 Refinance Loan |
| Supreme Lending | 0.38% | $957 |
| Citibank | 0.56% | $1,398 |
| PNC | 0.57% | $1,416 |
| Veterans United* | 0.66% | $1,661 |
| Better Mortgage | 0.69% | $1,736 |
| Chase | 0.76% | $1,894 |
| Guaranteed Rate | 0.79% | $1,987 |
| Wells Fargo | 0.95% | $2,378 |
| US Bank | 0.95% | $2,380 |
| loanDepot | 0.96% | $2,404 |
| Bank of America | 0.97% | $2,423 |
| Flagstar Bank | 0.98% | $2,446 |
| USAA | 0.98% | $2,449 |
| American Pacific | 0.98% | $2,451 |
| Homepoint | 1.01% | $2,516 |
| Finance of America | 1.01% | $2,527 |
| Northpointe Bank | 1.03% | $2,580 |
| Sierra Pacific Mortgage | 1.03% | $2,581 |
| Prosperity Home Mortgage | 1.03% | $2,582 |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | 1.08% | $2,702 |
| CrossCountry Mortgage | 1.09% | $2,717 |
| NewRez | 1.09% | $2,726 |
| Fairway Independent | 1.11% | $2,784 |
| Bay Equity LLC | 1.12% | $2,795 |
| Caliber Home Loans | 1.13% | $2,823 |
*Only available to eligible veterans, service members, and military-affiliated persons
How much should you care about closing costs? That depends.
If you’re planning to keep the loan for decades, you likely want the lowest interest rate possible. This will save you more money over the life of the loan, and slightly higher closing costs might not matter as much.
But if you’re only going to keep the new mortgage a few years before moving or refinancing again, then lower closing costs might be more important. In that case, a few thousand dollars of extra upfront fees can really eat into your savings.
Your loan officer can help you crunch the numbers. Or, you can use a refinance calculator to model your potential refi savings versus closing costs.
Finding your best refinance rate
Be aware that the actual interest rate and fees you pay will vary. And the lenders we ranked may not necessarily offer you the best rate for your needs.
The lowest refinance rate you can get will depend on:
- Your credit score and credit report
- Your home’s value
- How much home equity you have
- Your income and employment
- Your existing loan–to–value ratio (LTV)
- Your debt–to–income ratio (DTI)
Typically, the lowest refinance rates go to borrowers with good credit, plenty of home equity, and low debt levels.
Keep in mind that the lender advertising the lowest rates won’t necessarily be your least expensive option. First off, rates are personal. And second off, it may have higher closing costs to offset those low rates.
That’s why it’s important to do your own homework and compare personalized rates before choosing a refinance lender.
5 tips to get a lower refinance rate
Want to score the lowest refinance interest rate possible? There are several steps you can take to improve your chances:
- Get your credit rating and debt-to-income ratio in good shape. Working to improve your credit score and pay off existing debts can earn you a lower refinance rate and big savings in the long run
- Shop around among several different lenders. It pays to request rate quotes from at least 3–5 mortgage lenders so that you can better compare rates, terms, and fees
- Factor in closing costs. Again, choosing a low–rate loan won’t necessarily get you the best deal. You should also compare annual percentage rate (APR), estimated closing costs, and monthly payments on each loan offer you receive
- Read your Loan Estimates carefully. When you apply with a lender, you’ll get a Loan Estimate which provides a thorough breakdown of the costs that come with your refinance loan. Be sure to compare your Estimates line by line and dollar for dollar
- Consider purchasing discount points. You may be able to buy down your interest rate using points. Every point you purchase costs 1 percent of your loan amount. Typically, buying one point will lower your interest rate by about 0.25%
Finally, when refinancing your current home or investment real estate, remember to keep your goals in mind when choosing a lender.
Mortgage refinancing strategies
If all you want is a lower interest rate and monthly mortgage payment, then the choice is simple.
But if your refinance goals are more complex, you might have to be more careful when selecting a lender.
For instance, say your current loan is an FHA loan. You may want to refinance into a conventional loan to remove mortgage insurance premiums – but you have to find a new lender that will approve you for conventional financing.
If you want to take cash–out when you refinance, you’ll notice that cash–out refinance rates are a little higher than standard rates. In this case, you want to be extra careful to find a lower mortgage rate and maximize your savings.
There are other reasons to refinance, too.
- You might switch from an adjustable–rate mortgage to a safer, fixed–rate mortgage
- You might switch from a 30–year mortgage to a shorter–term loan to pay off your current home faster
Whatever your reason for refinancing, find a lender that can help you understand your loan options and meet your goals as well as offering a low rate.
The right choice depends on your financial situation and your refinance options.
Today’s mortgage rates and refinance rates
Whether you’re a first–time home buyer or a homeowner refinancing their existing loan, mortgage interest rates affect the size of your monthly mortgage payment and the cost of borrowing.
Your loan type is important, too.For instance, 15–year mortgages have lower rates than 30–year mortgages. VA loans have lower rates than FHA loans. And adjustable–rate mortgages typically have lower rates than fixed–rate mortgages – but only at the outset.
So consider all your options carefully before deciding on a refinance loan. You might see bigger savings with a different loan type than the one you currently have.
Current mortgage refinance rates*
| Conventional 30-year fixed rate | % (% APR) |
| Conventional 15-year fixed rate | % (% APR) |
| FHA loan 30-year fixed rate | % (% APR) |
| FHA loan 15-year fixed rate | % (% APR) |
| VA loan 30-year fixed rate | % (% APR) |
| VA loan 15-year fixed rate | % (% APR) |
*Current rates according to The Mortgage Reports’ lender network. Rates are for sample purposes only; your own rate will be different. See our mortgage rate assumptions here
Refinance rates FAQ
The best lender for refinancing will vary depending on your circumstances and budget. Overall, you should find a lender that offers the lowest combination of interest rate, fees, closing costs, and total loan costs. Don’t just look at banks, either. Online lenders, credit unions, and mortgage brokers can all offer good deals for many borrowers.
Your objective and personal finances will determine this. “But in most cases where only the interest rate is being changed, the rate should be at least 0.50 percent lower than your current rate,” recommends Guy Silas, branch manager for Embrace Home Loans.
Dropping your mortgage rate by 1 percent will usually create enough savings to make a refinance worthwhile, explains Silas. “The true test, assuming only a rate reduction is the objective as opposed to shortening the term, is how quickly you can recover the transaction costs in your monthly savings,” he says. This is known as the break–even point. You typically want your savings to break even with your upfront costs to make refinancing truly worth it.
Saving any amount of money is usually worth it. But it depends on the total cost of your loan. “There is little point in saving $100 per month if you have $10,000 in closing costs. You need to make sure you’re working with a lender that will evaluate your entire situation and provide good, solid advice here,” suggests David Ratti, branch manager for Envoy Mortgage.
Refinancing may not make financial sense if you’re very far into the loan term or if you’re not certain you’re going to remain in the home more than two years after refinancing, according to Jane Hammond, a mortgage loan officer with Compass Mortgage LLC. “Every situation is unique. So you need your loan officer to clearly indicate how quickly you will benefit from the cost of the refinance,” she says.
A mortgage refinance typically costs 2 to 5 percent of your total borrowed amount. So for a $250,000 refinance loan, closing costs are likely to be around $5,000–$10,000.
No. However, you need a minimum amount of home equity. For instance, conforming loans typically require at least 3 percent equity to refinance – meaning your loan balance is no more than 97 percent of your home’s appraised value. If you refinance with at least 20 percent equity, you can often eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments.
Refinance rates hit record lows in 2020 and 2021 during the Covid pandemic. But they shot up quickly at the start of 2022 and experts do not expect rates to return to those record lows any time soon. In a rising arte environment, its doubly important to shop around for lenders offering a better deal on your refinance loan.
The best loan product varies based on your goals. If you want to tap your home equity, a cash–out refinance might be best. If you want to shorten your loan term, consider a 15–year mortgage. If you simply want a lower rate and monthly payment, consider a plain vanilla 30–year refinance loan. For homeowners who currently have FHA, VA, and USDA loans, the answer is a little easier. A Streamline Refinance is often best, as this program offers reduced paperwork and typically has lower closing costs.
Compare rates from several different lenders to make a more informed decision. “Keep in mind that an advertised rate is designed to generate a phone call. Not everyone gets the same rate, either,” cautions Ratti. “Every lender is required to provide a Loan Estimate, which should help you compare apples to apples.”
You are not required to refinance with your current mortgage lender. However, it may be smart to start your search by requesting a refinance rate quote from your current lender, who may be able to beat loan rates, terms, and costs quoted by competitors.
While the Federal Reserve doesn’t set refinance rates, it does affect them indirectly. As the country’s central bank, lenders adjust rates depending on the decisions and actions taken by the Fed.
Yes, private mortgage insurance premiums can be removed when you refinance your conventional loan. However, it’s generally removed automatically when you’ve reached 22 percent home equity, which is the same as 78 percent loan–to–value ratio. However if you’re paying mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) on an FHA loan, you’ll need to refinance to another loan type to remove mortgage insurance.
What are current mortgage rates?
Today’s refinance rates are still sitting near historic lows.
But remember, the rate you’re offered could be higher or lower than average depending on your credit, home equity, and finances.
Check personalized rates from a few different lenders to find the best refinance rate for your situation.
1Rate and fee data were sourced from self-reported loan data that all mortgage lenders are required to file each year under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Averages include all 30-year refinance loans reported by each lender for the previous year. Your own rate and loan costs will vary.
2Top 40 lenders for 2020 sourced from S&P Global, HousingWire, and Scotsman Guide.
The information contained on The Mortgage Reports website is for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement for products offered by Full Beaker. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the policy or position of Full Beaker, its officers, parent, or affiliates.
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