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2026-09-14T00:00:00|6.968|0.023|6.274|0.035|6.725|-0.009|6.623|0.032||

Updated

FHA Mortgage Rates: Today's Best Rates

Current FHA loan rates updated daily. Government-insured mortgages with low down payments starting at 3.5% — ideal for first-time buyers and borrowers with lower credit scores.

Today's FHA Rate

6.725

Daily · Optimal Blue

Today's FHA Loan Rates

30-Year FHA (Daily)

Optimal Blue OBMMI via FRED

Daily Change

vs. previous business day

What Is an FHA Loan?

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Because the government insures the loan against default, lenders can offer more flexible qualification requirements, including lower credit scores and smaller down payments than conventional mortgages.

Today's FHA rate is , compared to ____ for a conventional 30-year fixed loan.

FHA Loan Requirements at a Glance

3.5%
Minimum Down Payment
With 580+ credit score
580
Minimum Credit Score
500–579 with 10% down
43%
Max DTI Ratio
Higher with compensating factors

FHA vs. Conventional: Which Is Better?

FHA loans are designed for borrowers who may not qualify for conventional financing. They can be especially useful for buyers with limited savings, lower credit scores, or first-time homebuyer needs. Mortgage insurance and long-term costs should still be compared carefully.

Pros and Cons of FHA Loans

Advantages

  • Down payment as low as 3.5%
  • Credit scores as low as 580 for qualifying borrowers
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Gift funds may be allowed for the entire down payment
  • Seller contributions may help with closing costs
  • Available for purchases and refinances

Considerations

  • Mortgage insurance premium may be required
  • Upfront MIP may be added to the loan
  • Annual MIP may last for the life of the loan
  • FHA loan limits vary by county
  • Property must meet FHA appraisal standards
  • Primary residence only

FHA Mortgage Insurance Explained

FHA loans generally include an upfront mortgage insurance premium and an annual mortgage insurance premium paid monthly. The exact cost and duration depend on the loan amount, term, and down payment.

How to Get the Best FHA Rate

Improve your credit profile, reduce outstanding debt, increase your down payment where possible, and compare offers from multiple FHA-approved lenders.

FHA Loan FAQ

What is today's FHA mortgage rate?

Today's FHA mortgage rate is 6.43% from Optimal Blue daily data. Your actual rate depends on credit score, down payment, lender, and loan amount.

What credit score do I need for an FHA loan?

You need a minimum 580 credit score for the 3.5% down payment option. Scores between 500-579 require 10% down. Most lenders prefer 620+ for the best rates and easier approval.

How much is FHA mortgage insurance?

FHA requires an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan amount (usually rolled into the loan) plus an annual premium of 0.55% paid monthly. On a $300,000 loan, that's about $5,250 upfront and $138/month.

Can I remove FHA mortgage insurance?

If you put less than 10% down, MIP lasts for the life of the loan. The only way to remove it is to refinance into a conventional loan once you have 20% equity. With 10%+ down, MIP drops off after 11 years.

Are FHA rates lower than conventional rates?

FHA rates are often similar to or slightly below conventional rates. Today's FHA rate is 6.43% vs. 6.65% for conventional. However, total cost may be higher due to mandatory mortgage insurance.

What are FHA loan limits?

For 2025, the FHA floor limit is $524,225 for most areas and the ceiling is $1,209,750 for high-cost counties. Limits vary by county — check HUD's website for your area's specific limit.

Is an FHA loan only for first-time buyers?

No. While FHA loans are popular with first-time buyers, any borrower can use them for a primary residence. You can even use FHA for a second home purchase if you've outgrown your current one, though you can only have one FHA loan at a time in most cases.

FRED-sourced data

Updated daily

No personal info required

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