Daily interest rates, Treasury yields, CD rates & savings APY — March 2026
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Calculate Your Payment →Mortgage rates remain a central focus for homebuyers, refinancers, and real estate investors in 2026. As of March 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.67%, while the 15-year fixed rate is 5.92%. These rates reflect the broader interest rate environment shaped by Federal Reserve policy, inflation data, and bond market movements.
Mortgage rates are primarily influenced by the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note, currently at 4.21%. When Treasury yields rise, mortgage rates tend to follow. The spread between the 10-year Treasury and 30-year mortgage rates typically ranges from 1.5% to 2.0%, though this can widen during periods of economic uncertainty.
The Federal Reserve's federal funds rate (currently targeting 4.25 - 4.50) doesn't directly set mortgage rates, but it influences the overall cost of borrowing across the economy. When the Fed raises or lowers its benchmark rate, it sends ripple effects through bond markets that eventually impact mortgage pricing.
Other key factors include:
Securing the lowest possible rate requires preparation. Start by checking your credit score — borrowers with scores above 760 typically qualify for the best rates, while those below 680 may pay 0.5% to 1.5% more. Next, compare offers from at least three to five lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rate shopping within a 14-day window counts as a single credit inquiry.
Consider whether buying discount points makes sense for your situation. One point (1% of the loan amount) typically lowers your rate by about 0.25%. This pays off if you plan to keep the loan for at least 4-5 years. Use our mortgage calculator to run the numbers for your specific situation.
The choice between a 30-year and 15-year mortgage depends on your financial goals. A 15-year mortgage at 5.92% offers a lower rate and dramatically less total interest, but requires higher monthly payments. For example, on a $400,000 loan, the 30-year payment at 6.67% is approximately $2,573/month, while the 15-year payment at 5.92% is about $3,358/month.
Refinancing generally makes financial sense when you can reduce your rate by at least 0.75% and plan to stay in the home long enough to recoup closing costs. If your current mortgage rate is above 7.42%, today's rates could offer meaningful savings. Use our loan calculator to estimate your potential savings from refinancing.
Most economists and housing analysts expect mortgage rates to remain in the 6% to 7% range through 2026, with the possibility of gradual decreases if the Federal Reserve continues its rate-cutting cycle. The pace of any rate cuts will depend heavily on inflation trends and employment data. Homebuyers waiting for significantly lower rates may face rising home prices that offset any savings from lower rates.
The best strategy for most buyers is to focus on what they can control: improving credit scores, saving for larger down payments, and shopping multiple lenders for the best available rate. Use our house affordability calculator to determine how much home you can comfortably afford at today's rates.
High-yield savings accounts are offering competitive rates of up to 4.85% APY from top online banks, far exceeding the national average of around 0.45%. Certificate of deposit (CD) rates vary by term: 6-month CDs offer up to 4.6% APY, 1-year CDs reach 4.5% APY, and 5-year CDs provide 4.1% APY.
For savers, the key decision is whether to lock in current CD rates or maintain liquidity in a high-yield savings account. A CD laddering strategy — splitting your savings across multiple CD terms — can help balance yield and accessibility. Use our compound interest calculator to project your savings growth at current rates.
