Mortgage rates today: 30-year 7.32%, 15-year 6.68% (October 22, 2026)
Average mortgage rates for the week of October 22, 2026: 30-year fixed 7.32%, 15-year fixed 6.68% (Freddie Mac). Weekly chart, last 8 weeks, and what moves rates. Updated every Thursday.
The short answer
For the week of October 22, 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.32% and the average 15-year fixed rate was 6.68%, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. The 30-year is down from 7.40% the week before and up from 6.19% a year earlier. These are national averages for borrowers with strong credit and 20% down.
This week's average mortgage rates
| Loan | Average rate | Week before | A year ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed | 7.32% | 7.40% | 6.19% |
| 15-year fixed | 6.68% | 6.71% |
Freddie Mac surveys lenders every week and publishes the averages on Thursday. The figures describe borrowers with strong credit and 20% down on a conventional, conforming loan, so your own quote can be higher or lower. The 15-year averaged 0.64 percentage points below the 30-year this week.
Mortgage rates over the last 12 months
In 2026 so far, the 30-year average ranged from a low of 5.98% (week of Feb 26, 2026) to a high of 7.40% (week of Oct 8, 2026).
Weekly rates, last 8 weeks
| Week of | 30-year fixed | 15-year fixed |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 22, 2026 | 7.32% | 6.68% |
| Oct 15, 2026 | 7.40% | 6.71% |
| Oct 8, 2026 | 7.40% | 6.73% |
| Oct 1, 2026 | 7.28% | 6.60% |
| Sep 24, 2026 | 7.03% | 6.42% |
| Sep 17, 2026 | 6.95% | 6.26% |
| Sep 10, 2026 | 6.76% | 6.09% |
| Sep 3, 2026 | 6.71% | 6.04% |
What moves mortgage rates
Fixed mortgage rates track the 10-year Treasury yield more closely than the Federal Reserve's policy rate. Investors who buy mortgage bonds compare them with Treasuries, so when the 10-year yield rises on inflation or growth news, mortgage rates usually follow within days. The Fed matters through expectations: the September 16, 2026 rate increase to a 3.75% to 4.00% target range came as 30-year rates were already climbing. Why mortgage rates follow the 10-year Treasury and the 2026 Fed meeting schedule explain more.
How to get a lower rate than the average
- Raise your credit score before you apply. Pricing steps up at lower scores. Credit score minimums by loan type.
- Put more down. A lower loan-to-value ratio usually gets a lower rate and less mortgage insurance.
- Compare at least three Loan Estimates on the same day, and compare APRs, not just rates.
- Consider points only if you will keep the loan past the break-even month. How mortgage points work.
- Lock when you have a contract. How a rate lock works.
Frequently asked questions
What are mortgage rates today?
For the week of October 22, 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.32% and the average 15-year fixed rate was 6.68%, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. The 30-year is down from 7.40% the week before and up from 6.19% a year earlier. These are national averages for borrowers with strong credit and 20% down.
How often do mortgage rates change?
Lenders reprice daily, sometimes several times a day. Freddie Mac's survey is a weekly average published on Thursdays, which is why this page updates once a week.
Why is my quote higher than the average?
The survey average assumes strong credit and 20% down on a conforming conventional loan. Lower credit scores, smaller down payments, cash-out refinances, investment properties and jumbo loans usually price higher.
Does the Fed set mortgage rates?
No. The Fed sets the federal funds rate for overnight bank lending. Fixed mortgage rates move mainly with the 10-year Treasury yield and investor demand for mortgage bonds.
Are 15-year mortgage rates lower than 30-year rates?
Yes, almost always. For the week of October 22, 2026, the 15-year averaged 6.68% versus 7.32% for the 30-year (Freddie Mac). The payment is higher because the loan is paid off in half the time.