Mortgage Rates USA Update - October 2026 *Last Updated: October 13, 2026 - 10:30 AM EST* Mortgage rates in the USA are changing every day in 2026. If you are planning to buy a home or refinance your home loan this week, you must know today's live rates. Here is the latest live update for mortgage rates today in USA. Mortgage Rates Today - Live Rates (October 13, 2026) Loan Type Average Rate Today Yesterday Change APR **30-Year Fixed** **6.92%** 6.95% -0.03% ↓ 7.05% **15-Year Fixed** **6.15%** 6.18% -0.03% ↓ 6.32% **20-Year Fixed** **6.65%** 6.68% -0.03% ↓ 6.81% **FHA 30-Year** **6.75%** 6.78% -0.03% ↓ 7.45% **VA 30-Year** **6.45%** 6.48% -0.03% ↓ 6.85% **Jumbo 30-Year** **7.15%** 7.18% -0.03% ↓ 7.30% **5/1 ARM** **6.35%** 6.40% -0.05% ↓ 7.10% _Source: Freddie Mac, Mortgage Bankers Association - Rates as of today morning._ *Today's Trend:* Rates are slightly down today due to Federal Reserve meeting news. Mortgage Rates by Credit Score in USA 2026 Your credit score decides your final rate. Here is average rate by credit score: - *Excellent (760+):* 6.45% - 6.75% - Best rate - *Good (700-759):* 6.92% - 7.25% - *Fair (650-699):* 7.35% - 7.90% - *Poor (Below 650):* 8.10% - 9.50% (FHA loan recommended) If your score is above 760, you can save $300 per month compared to low credit. Mortgage Rates by State Today - October 13, 2026 Rates are different in each state: - *Texas:* 6.88% (30-Year Fixed) - Slightly lower due to competition - *California:* 7.05% - High due to high home prices - *Florida:* 6.95% - *New York:* 7.10% - *Illinois:* 6.90% - *Arizona:* 6.85% Texas has one of the lowest mortgage rates today. 30-Year vs 15-Year - Which is Better in 2026? *30-Year Fixed:* Monthly Payment: Low Total Interest Paid: High ($180,000 extra on $300k loan) Best For: First-time buyers, low monthly budget *15-Year Fixed:* Monthly Payment: High (40% more than 30-year) Total Interest Paid: Low - Save $130,000 Best For: If you can afford high payment, you save huge interest. Example: For $300,000 loan: - 30-Year at 6.92% = $1,985/month - 15-Year at 6.15% = $2,565/month but you save $128,000 in interest. How to Get Lowest Mortgage Rate Today? 5 Tips *1. Improve Credit Score to 760+* Pay your credit cards before applying. Even 20 points can save 0.25% rate. *2. Make 20% Down Payment* If you pay 20% down, you avoid PMI ($150/month saving) and get lower rate. *3. Compare 3 Lenders Minimum* Don't go with first bank. Compare Bank of America vs Wells Fargo vs Local Credit Union. Credit unions often give 0.20% lower rate. *4. Buy Discount Points* You can pay 1% of loan amount ($3,000 on $300k) to reduce rate by 0.25%. Good if you stay long term. *5. Lock Your Rate Today* Rates change daily. If you like today's rate at 6.92%, ask lender to lock it for 45 days. Lock fee is usually $0-$500. Should You Buy Now or Wait? Expert Prediction for 2026 Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates in December 2026. Many experts predict rates will go down to *6.25% - 6.50%* by early 2027. - If you need home now -> Buy now and refinance later when rates drop. - If you can wait 6 months -> Wait till early 2027, you may get 0.50% lower rate. How Much House Can You Afford in 2026? Simple formula: Your monthly housing payment should not be more than 28% of your monthly income. If your family income is $6,000/month, you can afford payment up to $1,680. At 6.92% rate, that means home price around $285,000 with 10% down. Final Verdict Today's mortgage rate at *6.92% for 30-year fixed* is a good time to lock if you are ready. Rates are down 0.03% from yesterday, which is a positive sign. Compare at least 3 lenders in Texas to get best deal. Always check official rates at Freddie Mac (freddiemac.com) and http://Bankrate.com before final decision. *FAQ* *Q1. What is the 30-year mortgage rate today in USA?* Ans: As of October 13, 2026, average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.92% according to Freddie Mac. *Q2. Will mortgage rates go down in 2026?* Ans: Experts predict rates may drop to 6.25% by early 2027 if Fed cuts rates in December 2026. *Q3. What credit score needed for best mortgage rate?* Ans: 760+ credit score gives you best mortgage rate. Below 650, you will pay much higher rate. *Disclaimer:* Mortgage rates change hourly. This article is for information purpose only as of October 13, 2026. Rates mentioned are national averages. Your actual rate depends on credit score, location, and lender. We are not a mortgage lender. Please contact a licensed lender for official quote. This is not financial advice.