Interest rates vary hugely by loan type, credit score, and term, and they change frequently. The figures below are illustrative reference ranges as of mid-September 2026 for the mortgage figure (Freddie Mac, verified) — other loan-type averages should be confirmed against a current lender survey before you rely on them for a real financial decision.
Average Interest Rates by Loan Type (confirm current rates — figures below are reference ranges, not live quotes)
| Loan Type | Illustrative Average | Illustrative Range | Typical Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed mortgage | 6.76% (Freddie Mac PMMS, week of Sept. 10, 2026) | 5.75-7.25% | 30 years |
| 15-year fixed mortgage | confirm current — historically runs below the 30-year rate | 5.25-6.50% | 15 years |
| 5/1 ARM mortgage | confirm current | 5.50-6.75% | 5 years fixed, then adjustable |
| FHA mortgage | confirm current | 5.75-7.00% | 30 years |
| VA mortgage | confirm current | 5.50-6.75% | 30 years |
| Jumbo mortgage ($806,500+ in most areas, 2026 conforming limit) | confirm current | 6.00-7.50% | 30 years |
| HELOC | Prime (6.75% as of Sept. 2026) plus lender margin | 6.25-9.50% | 10-year draw, 20-year repay |
| Home equity loan | confirm current | 7.00-11.00% | 5-30 years |
| Auto loan (new car) | confirm current | 4.50-12.00% | 3-7 years |
| Auto loan (used car) | confirm current | 5.50-15.00% | 3-6 years |
| Federal student loan (undergrad) | confirm current year’s rate — set annually by Congress based on the 10-year Treasury auction | Fixed | 10-25 years |
| Federal student loan (grad) | confirm current year’s rate | Fixed | 10-25 years |
| Federal PLUS loan (parent) | confirm current year’s rate | Fixed | 10-25 years |
| Private student loan | confirm current | Variable: 4.50-14% | 5-20 years |
| Personal loan | confirm current | 7.00-36.00% | 2-7 years |
| Credit card | confirm current — see WalletHub/Fed G.19 average credit card rate | 16.00-29.99% | Revolving |
| Credit card (store) | confirm current | 25.00-32.00% | Revolving |
| 401(k) loan | Prime + roughly 1% (≈7.75% as of Sept. 2026) | To yourself | 1-5 years |
| Payday loan | 300%+ APR (varies by state law) | 300-600%+ APR | 2 weeks |
| Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) | 0-36% | 0% or 24-36% | 4-48 payments |
Every figure above except the 30-year mortgage rate and the Prime-based HELOC/401(k) loan estimate is an illustrative planning range, not a verified live rate — loan pricing depends heavily on your credit profile, lender, and the day you apply. Confirm current numbers directly with lenders or at the Federal Reserve’s G.19 consumer credit release before making a decision.
Interest Rates by Credit Score
The tables below illustrate how credit score affects pricing using representative rate spreads. They are not live quotes — confirm current numbers with lenders.
Mortgage Rate Impact by Credit Score (30-Year Fixed, Illustrative)
| Credit Score | Rate vs. Best Tier | Monthly Payment ($336K, illustrative) | Total Interest (30 yr, illustrative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760-850 | Best available tier | $2,027 (at 6.05%) | $394,706 |
| 700-759 | +0.20-0.25 pts | $2,078 (at 6.27%) | $412,086 |
| 680-699 | +0.40 pts | $2,120 (at 6.45%) | $427,156 |
| 660-679 | +0.60 pts | $2,168 (at 6.66%) | $444,561 |
| 640-659 | +1.00 pts | $2,268 (at 7.09%) | $480,486 |
| 620-639 | +1.55 pts | $2,398 (at 7.64%) | $527,230 |
Illustrative payment figures assume the stated rate on a $336,000, 30-year fixed loan. The rate values themselves are reference points to illustrate the credit-score gap, not live market quotes — add or subtract from the current 30-year average (6.76% as of Sept. 2026) to estimate your own tier.
Illustrative gap: In this example, a 620 score costs roughly $132,500 more in total interest than a 760 score on the same mortgage — the exact dollar gap moves with the prevailing rate level.
Auto Loan Rate Impact by Credit Score (New Car, 60-Month Term, Illustrative)
| Credit Tier | Illustrative Rate Spread | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 750+ (Super prime) | Lowest available tier | Confirm current rate with lender |
| 700-749 (Prime) | +1-2 pts vs. super prime | Confirm current rate with lender |
| 650-699 (Near prime) | +3-4 pts vs. super prime | Confirm current rate with lender |
| 600-649 (Subprime) | +6-8 pts vs. super prime | Confirm current rate with lender |
| 500-599 (Deep subprime) | +10+ pts vs. super prime | Confirm current rate with lender |
Personal Loan Rate Impact by Credit Score (Illustrative)
| Credit Tier | Illustrative Rate Spread | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 760+ | Lowest available tier | Confirm current rate with lender |
| 720-759 | +2-3 pts | Confirm current rate with lender |
| 680-719 | +6-7 pts | Confirm current rate with lender |
| 640-679 | +12-13 pts | Confirm current rate with lender |
| 580-639 | +19-20 pts | Confirm current rate with lender |
Historical Context: Where Rates Have Been
| Loan Type | 2019 | 2021 (Low Point) | 2023 (High) | 2026 (as of Sept. — confirm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year mortgage | 3.94% | 2.65% | 7.79% | 6.76% |
| Federal funds rate (target range) | 1.50-1.75% | 0.00-0.25% | 5.25-5.50% | 3.50-3.75% |
| Prime rate | 4.75-5.00% | 3.25% | 8.50% | 6.75% |
Federal funds rate and prime rate figures for 2026 verified as of September 16, 2026 — the FOMC met that same day, so confirm the current range at federalreserve.gov. Mortgage figure per Freddie Mac PMMS, week of September 10, 2026. Auto loan, credit card, and personal loan historical averages have been removed from this table pending re-verification against a live lender survey.
How to Get the Best Interest Rate
| Strategy | Potential Savings | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Improve credit score to 760+ | Meaningful savings across most loan types | 6-12 months |
| Shop multiple lenders (3-5 quotes) | Often worth 0.25-1.0 percentage points | 1-2 weeks |
| Choose shorter loan terms | Typically a lower rate in exchange for a higher payment | Higher monthly payment |
| Make larger down payment (20%+) | Avoid PMI on mortgages + often a lower rate | Requires more cash |
| Consider credit unions | Often competitive vs. large banks | Join a CU |
| Pay discount points on mortgage | Roughly 0.25 percentage point reduction per point, cost varies by lender | Confirm point cost with lender |
| Use autopay (personal/student loans) | Some lenders offer a small rate discount | 2 minutes to set up |
| Negotiate with current lender | Possible rate match or retention offer | One phone call |
| Refinance when rates drop | Savings depend on the rate decrease and closing costs | Closing costs apply |
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For context on how these rates compare to high-yield savings accounts, see savings accounts guide. The Federal Reserve’s rate decisions drive changes in deposit rates — see Federal Reserve explained for how this works. For money market account rate averages, see national average money market rates.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy