Mortgage Rates Today August 19, 2026: Current 30-Year & Refinance Rates
Mortgage rates today remain an important consideration for U.S. homebuyers and homeowners considering a refinance. Mortgage rates can change frequently, and the rate available to an individual borrower can differ from published national averages.
For August 19, 2026, Bankrate reports a national average of 6.67% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.80% for a 30-year fixed refinance mortgage.
These are national averages and are not guaranteed offers for every borrower. A lender may offer a different rate depending on credit history, loan amount, down payment, property and other loan characteristics.
Mortgage Rates Today: August 19, 2026
| Rate Category | Rate | Source / Date |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed Mortgage | 6.67% | Bankrate national average, Aug. 19, 2026 |
| 30-Year Fixed Refinance | 6.80% | Bankrate national average, Aug. 19, 2026 |
| 30-Year Fixed Mortgage | 6.67% | Freddie Mac PMMS, Aug. 13, 2026 |
| 15-Year Fixed Mortgage | 5.96% | Freddie Mac PMMS, Aug. 13, 2026 |
Important: The Bankrate figures are national averages for August 19, while the Freddie Mac figures are from its weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey for August 13. They should not be treated as identical rate measures.
What Is a Mortgage Rate?
A mortgage rate is the interest rate charged by a lender on a home loan. It affects the interest portion of the borrower's payments and therefore influences the overall cost of borrowing.
Mortgage loans can have fixed or adjustable interest rates. A fixed-rate mortgage generally keeps the stated interest rate unchanged according to the loan terms, while an adjustable-rate mortgage can change according to its contractual terms.
30-Year Mortgage Rate Today
According to Bankrate's national-average data for August 19, 2026, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.67%.
Freddie Mac's latest weekly PMMS reading available on that date was also 6.67%, published for August 13, 2026.
The two figures happen to be the same on these dates, but the underlying surveys and methodologies are different.
30-Year Refinance Rate Today
Bankrate reports a national average of 6.80% for a 30-year fixed refinance mortgage on August 19, 2026.
A refinance replaces an existing mortgage with a new mortgage. Whether refinancing is financially beneficial depends on the new rate, existing loan rate, closing costs, remaining balance, remaining term and how long the borrower expects to keep the new loan.
Latest Freddie Mac 15-Year Mortgage Rate
Freddie Mac's latest weekly PMMS data available before August 19 showed a 5.96% average for a 15-year fixed mortgage on August 13, 2026.
This is not a live August 19 daily rate. Freddie Mac publishes its PMMS results weekly, normally on Thursdays.
Why Mortgage Rates Change
Mortgage rates are influenced by conditions in financial markets and the broader economy. Factors that can affect mortgage pricing include:
- Inflation expectations
- Economic data
- U.S. Treasury yields
- Federal Reserve monetary policy expectations
- Demand for mortgage-backed securities
- Overall financial-market conditions
- Borrower credit characteristics
- Loan-to-value ratio
- Loan type and term
Does the Federal Reserve Directly Set Mortgage Rates?
The Federal Reserve does not directly set the rate a lender charges for a 30-year fixed mortgage.
Mortgage rates are influenced by broader market conditions, including movements in longer-term interest rates and mortgage-backed securities. Federal Reserve policy can influence financial-market expectations and therefore indirectly affect mortgage rates.
Why Your Mortgage Rate May Be Different
A published national average is not the same as an individual loan quote.
Lenders can consider factors including credit history, loan amount, down payment, property type, occupancy, loan term and other characteristics when determining the terms offered to a borrower.
Discount points and lender fees can also affect the overall cost of a mortgage.
What Borrowers Should Compare
- Interest rate
- Annual percentage rate
- Loan term
- Closing costs
- Discount points
- Monthly payment
- Total interest cost
- Fixed or adjustable rate
- Other lender fees and conditions
Mortgage Rates Today: Key Facts
| Date | August 19, 2026 |
| Bankrate 30-Year Fixed | 6.67% |
| Bankrate 30-Year Fixed Refinance | 6.80% |
| Freddie Mac 30-Year Fixed | 6.67% on August 13 |
| Freddie Mac 15-Year Fixed | 5.96% on August 13 |
| Market | United States |
Mortgage Rates Today: Conclusion
On August 19, 2026, Bankrate's national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.67%, while its 30-year fixed refinance average was 6.80%.
The latest Freddie Mac weekly benchmark available on that date showed a 30-year fixed rate of 6.67% and a 15-year fixed rate of 5.96% for August 13, 2026.
These figures are different types of market averages and are not guaranteed individual loan offers. Borrowers should compare current quotes from multiple lenders and consider the interest rate, APR, fees, points and total loan cost.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not mortgage, financial or investment advice. Mortgage rates change frequently. National averages are not guaranteed individual offers. Verify the latest rate and loan terms directly with the lender before making a borrowing decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are mortgage rates today?
On August 19, 2026, Bankrate reported a national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 6.67%.
What is the 30-year mortgage rate today?
Bankrate's national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.67% on August 19, 2026.
What is the 30-year refinance rate today?
Bankrate reported a national average 30-year fixed refinance rate of 6.80% on August 19, 2026.
What was Freddie Mac's latest mortgage rate?
Freddie Mac's latest weekly PMMS reading available on August 19 was for August 13, 2026. It showed an average 30-year fixed rate of 6.67% and a 15-year fixed rate of 5.96%.
Will every borrower get the published mortgage rate?
No. Published rates are averages or advertised rates. A borrower's actual rate can vary according to credit, loan characteristics, down payment, property and lender.
Does the Federal Reserve set mortgage rates?
No. The Federal Reserve does not directly set the 30-year mortgage rate. Mortgage pricing is influenced by broader financial-market conditions and other factors.
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