What are today's mortgage interest rates: March 17, 2026?

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March 17, 2026 / 9:34 AM EDT / CBS News
At the same time, rates here aren't nearly as high as they were during large parts of 2023 and 2024, and they're still better than where they sat around this same point in 2025.

Those improvements could be enough to justify taking purchase or refinance action now, even if rates aren't ideal.

Waiting in this unpredictable climate, however, could risk paying more or potentially even being priced out of the market altogether.

So it's important to thoroughly understand your options right now.

That begins with knowing where mortgage interest rates stand right now, as of March 17, 2026.

Start by seeing how low your current mortgage rate offers are here .

What are today's mortgage interest rates?

The average mortgage interest rate on a 30-year mortgage is 6.12% as of March 17, 2026, according to Zillow .

The median mortgage purchase rate on a 15-year alternative is now 5.62%.

Both are higher than what borrowers could have secured around this time in February , illustrating the importance of taking action when rates are affordable, not perfect.

Learn more about your mortgage rate lock options now .

What are today's mortgage refinance rates?

The average mortgage purchase interest rate on a 30-year term is currently 6.12%, while it's 5.62% for a 15-year option.

The median refinance rate on a 30-year term, meanwhile, is now 6.72%, and it's 5.65% for a 15-year option.

But with the potential for rates to change here again this week, perhaps significantly, borrowers may want to consider taking prompt action now – or risk having to wait for the mortgage rate cycle to start anew to generate new, more affordable options worth considering again.