Today's FHA Mortgage Rates

Borrowers who have a low credit score or can't afford a large down payment may want to consider an FHA loan. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these mortgages have a lower minimum down payment and more lenient credit requirements.

FHA mortgage rates vary by lender, so it's best to shop around to find the best mortgage lenders based on your financial profile. Here are the current FHA mortgage rates.

What is an FHA loan?

An FHA loan is a government-backed loan that helps those who may not afford or qualify for a conventional mortgage. These tend to have lower income and credit score requirements -- lenders may accept applications for FICO® scores as low as 580. Plus, FHA loans allow borrowers to pay as little as 3.5% down depending on their creditworthiness. Additionally, part or all of a borrower's down payment can come from generous family, friends, employers, or charities in the form of a down payment gift.

Borrowers will need to pay for FHA mortgage insurance regardless of their down payment amount. This entails paying both an up-front premium and a monthly premium. The up-front premium is 1.75% of the base loan amount. The monthly premium is based on factors such as your loan amount and terms.

You'll also want to decide which mortgage term is best for you. FHA loans can be repaid over 15 or 30 years. Both terms come with fixed rates, so your interest rate and thus your monthly payment will never change.

How to find the best FHA mortgage rates

To get the best mortgage rates for an FHA loan, you'll need to shop lenders that are approved by the Federal Housing Administration. These are the only lenders that offer FHA loans.

There are some important steps you should take before applying for a mortgage. These include figuring out how much house you can afford and making sure you meet lenders' requirements.

Next you should get quotes from a variety of lenders, as their interest rates and fees may vary. Find ones that offer prequalification, since that won't have an effect on your credit score. FHA mortgage insurance premiums are generally the same no matter who you go with.

Once you have your quotes, be sure to compare the APRs. The APR will reflect both the interest rate and any fees you'll pay.

Refinancing an FHA mortgage

Have an FHA mortgage you're looking to refinance? Check out our guide to learn more on FHA refinancing.

Is an FHA mortgage right for me?

FHA loans tend to be the best fit for homebuyers who can't qualify for a traditional mortgage. This could be because they were turned down due to their credit profile or because they can't afford a higher down payment.

If your credit score is around 620 or lower, you may still be able to qualify for an FHA loan. Your rate will depend on your credit profile.

If you have a lower income, an FHA loan is a great option. You only need to put together a down payment of 3.5%. Lenders may also be more flexible when it comes to factors such as your debt-to-income ratio, which helps lenders determine whether you can take on an extra loan payment.

However, you will need to pay two types of mortgage insurance premiums. That could increase the overall amount of your home loan. If you have a high credit score and can afford a large down payment, it might be best to consider other types of mortgages to avoid paying these premiums.