Introduction

On May 20, 2026, mortgage rates are showing subtle shifts that could influence your homebuying or refinancing decisions. Credit unions like Potlatch No 1 Financial now offer the lowest 15-year fixed purchase rate at 5.25%, while Zillow’s jumbo 30-year fixed rate climbs to 6.621%, reflecting a modest increase this week. Inflation expectations remain steady with a slight rise in the 10-year breakeven inflation rate to 2.49% according to FRED data. These small movements suggest it’s time to pause and consider your options carefully. Here’s what you need to know before locking in a rate, because even a quarter-point difference can impact your monthly payment and long-term costs.

New Purchase - FHA 15 yrs Fixed

Lender
2026-05-20
(Current Day)
2026-05-13
(7 Days Ago)
2026-05-05
(15 Days Ago)
2026-04-20
(30 Days Ago)
2026-04-05
(45 Days Ago)
2026-03-21
(60 Days Ago)
2026-02-19
(90 Days Ago)
2025-11-21
(180 Days Ago)
5.63%
5.25%
-37.5 bps
5.25%
-37.5 bps
5.00%
-62.5 bps
5.25%
-37.5 bps
5.00%
-62.5 bps
4.88%
-75 bps
5.13%
-50 bps
5.50%
5.25%
-25 bps
5.25%
-25 bps
5.25%
-25 bps
5.13%
-37.5 bps
5.13%
-37.5 bps
4.88%
-62.5 bps
5.00%
-50 bps
5.25%
4.88%
-37.5 bps
4.88%
-37.5 bps
4.75%
-50 bps
4.99%
-26 bps
4.88%
-37.5 bps
4.63%
-62.5 bps
4.63%
-62.5 bps
5.75%
5.50%
-25 bps
5.50%
-25 bps
5.38%
-37.5 bps
5.38%
-37.5 bps
5.13%
-62.5 bps
5.00%
-75 bps
5.13%
-62.5 bps
5.63%
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.25%
-37.5 bps
5.63%

New Purchase - FHA 30 yrs Fixed

Lender
2026-05-20
(Current Day)
2026-05-13
(7 Days Ago)
2026-05-05
(15 Days Ago)
2026-04-20
(30 Days Ago)
2026-04-05
(45 Days Ago)
2026-03-21
(60 Days Ago)
2026-02-19
(90 Days Ago)
2025-11-21
(180 Days Ago)
5.63%
5.63%
5.63%
5.75%
+12.5 bps
5.75%
+12.5 bps
5.13%
-50 bps
5.13%
-50 bps
5.38%
-25 bps
5.75%
5.75%
5.75%
6.00%
+25 bps
5.63%
-12.5 bps
5.63%
-12.5 bps
5.63%
-12.5 bps
5.63%
-12.5 bps
6.13%
5.75%
-37.5 bps
5.88%
-25 bps
5.63%
-50 bps
5.88%
-25 bps
5.63%
-50 bps
5.38%
-75 bps
5.75%
-37.5 bps
6.00%
5.75%
-25 bps
5.88%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-50 bps
5.88%
-12.5 bps
5.63%
-37.5 bps
5.75%
-25 bps
5.63%
-37.5 bps
5.75%
5.50%
-25 bps
5.49%
-26 bps
5.38%
-37.5 bps
5.49%
-26 bps
5.38%
-37.5 bps
5.25%
-50 bps
5.25%
-50 bps
5.63%
5.38%
-25 bps
5.38%
-25 bps
5.13%
-50 bps
5.38%
-25 bps
5.25%
-37.5 bps
5.00%
-62.5 bps
5.25%
-37.5 bps
5.88%
5.49%
-38.5 bps
5.38%
-50 bps
5.25%
-62.5 bps
5.63%
-25 bps
5.38%
-50 bps
5.13%
-75 bps
5.25%
-62.5 bps
6.38%
6.13%
-25 bps
6.13%
-25 bps
6.00%
-37.5 bps
6.13%
-25 bps
5.88%
-50 bps
5.63%
-75 bps
5.88%
-50 bps
5.99%
5.88%
-11.5 bps
5.88%
-11.5 bps
5.88%
-11.5 bps
5.88%
-11.5 bps
5.63%
-36.5 bps
5.75%
-24 bps
5.63%
-36.5 bps

AVADIAN CREDIT UNION

As of May 20, 2026, the 30-Year FHA Fixed Purchase mortgage rate remains steady at 5.625%, unchanged from one week ago but down by 12.5 basis points compared to 30 days prior. This slight decrease in yield spreads has modestly reduced the cost of borrowing for first-time buyers relying on FHA loans. Stability over the past week provides predictability for members planning new home purchases, especially those prioritizing fixed-rate security amid market fluctuations. Given the current rate environment, members should evaluate fixed-rate options carefully to lock in consistent payments. Additionally, considering refinancing may be advantageous if projected savings exceed associated costs, particularly for those with older, higher-rate loans. For details, visit https://www.avadiancu.com/Rates/Mortgage-Rates.

COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION OF FLORIDA CREDIT UNION

As of May 20, 2026, the FHA 30-Year Fixed Purchase mortgage rate remains steady at 5.75%, unchanged from one week ago but down by 25 basis points compared to 30 days prior. This decline in yield spreads reduces the cost of borrowing for first-time buyers and those seeking government-backed financing, improving affordability relative to last month. Stability over the past week suggests limited short-term volatility in fixed-rate options. Members considering home purchase financing can benefit from locking in these competitive rates now to avoid potential future increases. Evaluating fixed-rate mortgages is advisable for those prioritizing predictable monthly payments and long-term financial planning. For details, visit https://www.ccuflorida.org/home/rates/mortgage.

ENT CREDIT UNION

On May 20, 2026, FHA 15-Year Fixed Purchase loans carry the lowest rate at 5.625%, rising by 37.5 basis points compared to last week and 62.5 basis points over the past 30 days. Similarly, the FHA 30-Year Fixed Purchase rate increased by 37.5 basis points week-over-week, now at 6.125%, marking a 50 basis point rise in the last month. These upward shifts in yield spreads indicate a higher cost of borrowing for buyers seeking government-backed options, notably impacting first-time homebuyers reliant on FHA programs. Members should consider that shorter-term fixed loans like the FHA 15-year option offer lower rates despite recent increases, while longer terms entail higher interest expenses. Given these trends, evaluating fixed-rate products may provide stability amid rising rates; refinancing strategies should be assessed carefully to ensure potential savings outweigh associated costs.

JSC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

As of May 20, 2026, the 30-year FHA Fixed Purchase mortgage rate stands at 6.0%, marking a notable increase of 25 basis points compared to last week and a rise of 50 basis points over the past 30 days. This upward movement reflects tightening yield spreads, which may elevate the overall cost of borrowing for first-time homebuyers relying on government-backed loans. Members considering new purchases should weigh these higher rates against their long-term affordability goals. Given this trend, borrowers seeking rate stability might evaluate fixed-rate options carefully, while those with existing FHA loans could assess whether refinancing remains advantageous as costs shift. Maintaining a data-driven approach to mortgage strategy is advisable amid these rate fluctuations. For details, visit https://www.wellbyfinancial.com/loan/home-loans/#Rates.

MOUNTAIN AMERICA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

As of May 20, 2026, 15-year FHA fixed purchase rates have risen by 25 basis points to 5.50%, marking the lowest rate among today's FHA options and reflecting a moderate increase in borrowing costs for shorter-term government-backed loans. Meanwhile, the 30-year FHA fixed purchase rate climbed by 25 basis points over the past week and 37.5 basis points compared to 30 days ago, now at 5.75%. These upward shifts signal tighter yield spreads affecting long-term affordability, particularly for first-time buyers relying on FHA financing.
Members prioritizing payment stability may find evaluating fixed-rate products beneficial despite recent increases; those considering longer terms should assess refinancing strategies carefully as incremental rate changes impact cumulative interest expenses. Given these trends, members are advised to analyze their mortgage timeline and cost sensitivity when deciding between available FHA terms.

PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

On May 20, 2026, the 30-year Fixed FHA Purchase Loan rate rose to 5.625%, marking an increase of 25 basis points compared to one week ago and 50 basis points higher than 30 days prior. This upward movement reflects a tightening in yield spreads and a modest rise in the overall cost of borrowing for government-backed purchase loans. For first-time homebuyers relying on FHA financing, these rate changes translate into higher monthly payments and potentially increased qualification thresholds. Members should consider the impact of these adjustments on their long-term affordability, especially if stability is a priority. Evaluating fixed-rate options remains prudent given current volatility; additionally, prospective buyers might reassess timing or loan structures to optimize borrowing costs. For details, visit https://www.penfed.org/mortgage/mortgage-rates?_ga=GA1.1.113342144.1749209030&mcid=44478617903031329443022793571867311851

POTLATCH NO. 1 FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

As of May 20, 2026, mortgage rates for Purchase Fixed loans have increased notably. The 15-Year Fixed purchase rate stands at 5.25%, up by 37.5 basis points compared to one week ago and 50 basis points over the past 30 days. This represents the lowest rate currently available among today’s offerings. Meanwhile, the 30-Year Fixed purchase rate is at 5.875%, rising by 38.5 basis points in the last week and 62.5 basis points since 30 days prior.
These increases reflect higher borrowing costs, impacting affordability especially for first-time buyers seeking longer-term stability or shorter-term commitments. Members should carefully evaluate whether locking in a fixed-rate mortgage aligns with their financial plans given current upward trends. Considering refinancing may be prudent if future rate declines improve yield spreads sufficiently to offset refinancing expenses.

SCHOOLSFIRST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

As of May 20, 2026, FHA fixed-rate purchase loans show a notable uptick. The 15-year FHA fixed rate rose by 25 basis points to 5.75%, marking the lowest overall rate available today. Similarly, the 30-year FHA fixed rate increased by 25 basis points to 6.375%. Compared to 30 days ago, both terms have climbed approximately 37 basis points, reflecting a tightening in borrowing costs over the past month.
These increases impact borrowers differently: shorter-term FHA loan applicants face higher monthly payments despite typically lower rates, while longer-term buyers must consider increased cumulative interest expense at today's elevated yields. First-time homebuyers relying on FHA programs should weigh these shifts carefully against budget constraints.
Given this environment, members should evaluate fixed-rate options for payment stability and consider refinancing only if potential savings exceed associated fees. For details, visit https://www.schoolsfirstfcu.org/rates/mortgage-purchase/.

WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION

As of May 20, 2026, mortgage rates for Washington State Employees show an uptick in fixed-rate purchase loans. The 15-Year Fixed Rate stands at 5.625%, rising by 12.5 basis points compared to last week and the same increase over the past 30 days, indicating a modest rise in borrowing costs for shorter-term loans. The 30-Year Fixed Rate is at 5.99%, up 11.5 basis points week-over-week and month-over-month, reflecting a similar upward trend in long-term financing costs.
These rate increases affect members planning home purchases by slightly elevating monthly payments and overall interest expenses, particularly impacting first-time buyers prioritizing manageable terms. Borrowers valuing payment stability should consider fixed-rate options amid these yield spreads. Given current movements, evaluate your mortgage strategy carefully; refinancing may be beneficial if potential savings exceed associated costs.

Zillow National Average

As of May 20, 2026, mortgage rates are generally up, with the 15-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo at 6.347%, increasing by 9 basis points from yesterday. The 30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo has also risen to 6.621%, marking a 7 basis point increase in just one day. Over the past week, the 30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo showed a more significant rise of 32 basis points, indicating a shift in borrowing costs for homeowners considering these loan options. With both products experiencing upward movements, borrowers may want to evaluate their financing strategies as costs of borrowing are trending higher.

Federal Reserve Economic Trends

As of May 20, 2026, inflation expectations are reflected in the Breakeven Inflation Rates, with the 10-Year rate steady at 2.490%, indicating stable long-term inflation outlooks. Meanwhile, mortgage rates have varied significantly; the 30-Year FHA Average Rate stands at 6.307%, while the lowest recorded mortgage rate is for the 15-Year Average Rates, which is currently at 0.000%. Over the past week, the most notable increase was in the Mortgage 30Yr Jumbo Average Rates, rising by 0.18 points, impacting borrowers' cost of financing. Overall, potential homebuyers should consider current rates and changes over time to make informed borrowing decisions as market conditions evolve.

LendMesh

Every mortgage journey is unique, and so is every buyer’s story. Maybe you’re navigating the process for the first time, or maybe you’re a seasoned homeowner looking for a smarter refinance. Either way, LendMesh is here for you. We’re proud to partner with institutions big and small, from household-name banks to community credit unions who know your local market inside and out. Our expert-written guides and side-by-side comparisons mean you always have the information you need, without the hassle or guesswork. Want to see what’s out there? Visit our Mortgage Loans page: https://www.lendmesh.com/loans/mortgage_loans . At LendMesh, homebuying doesn’t have to be complicated—it can even be inspiring.

Conclusion

As rates inch higher across most categories, including a notable 0.38% increase on the 30-year fixed FHA loan at Potlatch No 1 Financial, buyers and refinancers should weigh timing against affordability carefully. Locking in today’s lowest rates, like the 5.25% on a 15-year fixed purchase loan, can save thousands over time compared to waiting for uncertain drops. For homeowners, even modest increases add up, raising monthly payments by tens of dollars and adding hundreds or thousands in interest over decades. My recommendation is to review your financial goals and budget realistically; if you plan to stay put for several years, securing a stable rate now may provide peace of mind and protect your buying power from future inflation surprises highlighted by recent FRED data shifts.