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Big 5 Bank Mortgage Rates
Rates updated:
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| Provider | 5 Year variable | 5 Year fixed | 3 Year fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
Best market rate | 3.35% Prime -1.10% | 4.04% | 4.09% |
4.53% Prime 0.08% | 4.51% | 4.29% | |
4.09% Prime -0.36% | 4.59% | 4.74% | |
3.65% Prime -0.80% | 4.29% | 4.39% | |
3.95% Prime -0.50% | 4.49% | 4.64% | |
4.00% Prime -0.45% | 4.94% | 4.79% |
Big 5 Banks: Frequently asked questions
Which bank in Canada has the lowest mortgage rate?
No single bank consistently offers the lowest mortgage rate in Canada. The Big 5 banks often run different pricing, special offers, and promotions depending on the mortgage term, whether the rate is fixed or variable, and the borrower's profile. It’s also important to keep in mind that the best mortgage rates in Canada aren’t always offered by the biggest banks. Right now, the lowest available 5-year fixed rate is 4.04%, and the lowest available 5-year variable rate is 3.35%, which may come from outside the major banks. Consult our rate table above to compare current bank mortgage rates and see how they stack up against the best available market rates.
Are bank mortgage rates going down?
While mortgage rates have already fallen considerably from their peak in 2023 - early 2024, further declines in 2026 now look less likely. The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% on March 18, 2026, marking its third straight hold, which has kept the prime rate steady at 4.45%. As a result, variable mortgage rates have stayed stable for now, with the lowest available 5-year variable rate still at 3.35%. Fixed rates are a different story. They have started moving higher as bond yields increased in February and March, and the lowest insured 5-year fixed rate is now at 4.09%, up from 3.79% in February. Until the war in Iran comes to a resolution, and oil prices stop putting pressure on inflation, bond yields are unlikely to materially decline, and fixed mortgage rates are more likely to stay near current levels.
Can a mortgage broker get a better rate than a bank?
Yes, often they can. Mortgage brokers have access to rates from multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions and monoline lenders, so they may be able to find a lower rate than what a single bank is offering. A broker can also be useful if your application is less straightforward. For example, if you have a lower credit score, freelance or self-employed income, or a more complex financial situation, a broker may be able to connect you with lenders that are more flexible.
Is TD or RBC better for a mortgage?
It depends on what you’re looking for in a lender. Both TD and RBC are major mortgage lenders in Canada, but the best option for you will come down to more than just rate. It’s worth comparing factors like fixed versus variable options, prepayment privileges, penalties, portability, and how each lender handles your income and credit profile.
Which bank has lower fees for mortgages, RBC or TD?
Neither bank is consistently cheaper across every mortgage scenario. For both RBC and TD, the highest costs usually occur if you break your mortgage before the term is up, including a prepayment penalty, discharge fee, and costs tied to refinancing or switching lenders. If you’re a more set-it-and-forget-it borrower who does not expect to break your mortgage early, the rate difference between RBC and TD will usually matter more than the fees. But if you want more flexibility to make large lump-sum payments or increase your regular payments, you should compare the full mortgage terms.
Is a CIBC fixed rate better than a variable?
Not always; the better option depends on your risk tolerance and how much payment stability matters to you. A fixed-rate mortgage can be a better fit if you want stable payments and more certainty over your term, while a variable-rate mortgage may appeal more if you’re comfortable with some fluctuation in your monthly payments and want the chance to benefit from potential savings if rates fall. The key is to compare the full mortgage terms, not just choose based on fixed versus variable alone.
Why do different banks offer different mortgage rates?
Each lender sets its own pricing based on a mix of factors, like operating costs, risk appetite, business strategy, and the type of borrower or mortgage they want to attract. Rates can also vary by term, whether the mortgage is fixed or variable, the size of your down payment, and whether the mortgage is insured or uninsured. That’s why one bank may be more competitive on a 5-year variable rate, while another may offer a stronger fixed rate or better pricing for renewals. Banks may also offer discounted rates to certain borrowers based on their credit profile, income type, or existing relationship with the lender.
Which bank has the best mortgage rates in Canada?
There isn’t one bank that always has the best mortgage rate in Canada. The best rate can vary depending on whether you’re comparing a fixed or variable mortgage, the term length, and your borrower profile. It’s also important to remember that the lowest mortgage rates in Canada are not always offered by the big banks. In many cases, better rates may be available through brokers or non-bank lenders. That’s why the best approach is to compare bank offers side by side and use our table above to see how they stack up against the best available market rates.
How to negotiate better mortgage rates with Big 5 banks?
Start by shopping around and comparing offers from different lenders. If you can show a competing rate or pre-approval to your bank, you’ll have more leverage to ask them to match or beat the offer. A strong credit score, stable income, and a solid down payment can also improve your negotiating position. Keep in mind that the lowest rate is not the only thing worth negotiating. You can also ask about prepayment privileges, penalties, cashback offers, and other mortgage features that affect the total cost of borrowing. Even if a bank does not move much on rate, it may be willing to improve the overall deal.
Do you get better mortgage rates with your bank?
Not necessarily. While your bank may offer loyalty discounts or special pricing when you renew or refinance, that offer is not always the lowest rate available in the marketplace. Banks often begin with a higher “posted” rate than what some borrowers can actually qualify for, so comparing offers from other lenders — or working with a mortgage broker — can help you find a better deal.
Comparing bank mortgage rates
Jamie David, Sr. Director of Marketing and Mortgages
Key Takeaways
- Big 5 banks may be the most familiar mortgage lenders, but they do not always have the lowest rates available.
- The rate a bank advertises is often just a starting point, and some borrowers may be able to negotiate a better offer.
- Mortgage brokers can compare rates from multiple lenders at once, which may help you find a lower rate than a single bank can offer.
- A lower rate does not always mean a better mortgage deal if it comes with higher penalties, fewer prepayment privileges, or less flexibility.
RBC, TD, CIBC, Scotiabank, and BMO mortgage rates compared
Getting a mortgage is a major financial commitment, so it’s worth taking the time to compare your options carefully. For many Canadians, the Big 5 banks are the first place they’ll look when starting their mortgage search. CMHC reports that the big banks accounted for 59% of originated mortgages in Canada in 2025, showing how dominant they remain in the market. Below, we look at how mortgage rates from Canada’s biggest banks compare today.
What are TD Bank’s mortgage rates?
As of April 1, 2026, TD Bank is offering 4.09% for a 5-year variable mortgage, 4.59% for a 5-year fixed mortgage, and 4.74% for a 3-year fixed mortgage. For real-time updates, consult the table above to compare TD’s rates with other Big 5 banks and the best available market rate.
What are Scotiabank’s mortgage rates today?
As of April 1, 2026, Scotiabank is offering 4.00% for a 5-year variable mortgage, 4.94% for a 5-year fixed mortgage, and 4.79% for a 3-year fixed mortgage. For real-time updates, consult the table above to see how Scotiabank’s rates compare with other major banks.
What is RBC’s mortgage rate?
As of April 1, 2026, RBC is offering 3.65% for a 5-year variable mortgage, 4.29% for a 5-year fixed mortgage, and 4.39% for a 3-year fixed mortgage. For real-time updates, consult the table above to compare RBC’s rates with other Big 5 lenders.
What is CIBC’s mortgage rate?
As of April 1, 2026, CIBC is offering 3.95% for a 5-year variable mortgage, 4.29% for a 5-year fixed mortgage, and 4.49% for a 3-year fixed mortgage. For real-time updates, consult the table above to see how CIBC’s rates stack up against other banks.
What are the current mortgage rates at BMO?
As of April 1, 2026, BMO is offering 4.53% for a 5-year variable mortgage, 4.51% for a 5-year fixed mortgage, and 4.29% for a 3-year fixed mortgage. For real-time updates, consult the table above to compare BMO’s rates with other Big 5 banks and the best available market rate.
Why are broker mortgage rates often lower than bank rates?
Once you’ve compared mortgage rates across the Big 5 banks, the next step is understanding how those offers stack up against the rest of the market. In many cases, broker mortgage rates are lower than bank rates for a few key reasons:
- A bank can only offer its own mortgage rates, whereas brokers widen your options by comparing rates across multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions, trust companies and other non-bank lenders, which can improve your chances of finding a lower rate.
- Brokers may have access to volume-based pricing. Because they bring lenders a high volume of business, some brokers may be able to pass along discounted rates to borrowers.
That said, banks can still be competitive. If you bring a lower market rate to your bank, it may be willing to match it or improve its offer. Rather than treating banks and brokers as opposing options, the better approach is to compare both side by side and choose the mortgage that best fits your needs.
Compare current mortgage rates across the Big 5 Banks and top Canadian lenders. Take 2 minutes to answer a few questions and discover the lowest rates available to you.
What is the difference between a posted rate and a discounted rate?
When comparing bank mortgage rates, it’s important to know that the rate advertised publicly is usually the bank’s posted rate. This is the standard rate a lender promotes, but it is not always the rate every borrower will receive. In many cases, banks may offer a lower, discounted rate to qualified borrowers, especially when they are trying to win or retain your business.
Here’s what to keep in mind when comparing posted and discounted rates:
- Posted rates are often just a starting point. The rate a bank advertises publicly may be higher than the rate it is actually willing to offer.
- Your borrower profile affects the rate you may qualify for. Factors like your credit score, income, down payment, mortgage type, and whether your mortgage is insured or uninsured can all influence pricing.
- Negotiation can make a difference. If you bring a competing offer from another lender, your bank may be willing to match it or improve its pricing.
- Mortgage brokers can help you compare offers. Because brokers shop rates across multiple lenders, they can help show whether your bank’s offer is truly competitive.
- The lowest rate is not the only thing that matters. A discounted mortgage should still be compared based on penalties, prepayment privileges, portability, and overall flexibility.
WATCH: March 18, 2026, Bank of Canada announcement
How does the Bank of Canada rate affect my mortgage rate?
On March 18, 2026, the Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% for the third time in a row, keeping lenders’ prime rates unchanged. That means variable mortgage rates remain stable for now, with the best available 5-year variable rates still at 3.35%.
Fixed mortgage rates are not directly set by the Bank of Canada. Instead, they are influenced by bond yields, which have been rising as markets rethink the pace of future rate cuts. That has already pushed fixed-rate pricing higher, with the best insured 5-year fixed rate now at 4.09% — above its February level of 3.79%.
How to compare mortgage options from different banks
When comparing mortgage options from banks, it’s easy to focus only on the interest rate. But the best mortgage offer is not always the one with the lowest headline rate. To make a fair comparison, you’ll also want to look at the type of rate, whether the mortgage is insured or uninsured, the features included, and how much flexibility you’ll have if your plans change.
- Fixed and variable options: One of the first things to compare is whether the mortgage is fixed or variable. A fixed-rate mortgage offers more payment stability, while a variable-rate mortgage can start out lower but may change over time if lenders adjust their prime rates. The better option depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and how comfortable you are with payment changes.
- Insured vs. uninsured mortgages: It’s also important to know whether you’re comparing an insured or uninsured mortgage. Insured mortgages, which usually apply when the down payment is less than 20%, often come with lower rates because they carry less risk for the lender. Uninsured mortgages may have slightly higher rates, so make sure you’re comparing similar mortgage types when looking at offers.
- Mortgage features beyond rate: The rate matters, but it is only one part of the deal. It’s also worth comparing features like portability, payment flexibility, refinance options, and whether the mortgage comes with cashback. In some cases, a mortgage with a slightly higher rate may still be the better choice if it offers perks or terms that better fit your needs.
- Penalties and prepayment privileges: Before choosing a mortgage, make sure you understand what it could cost to make changes later. Prepayment privileges determine how much extra you can pay down each year without penalty, while mortgage penalties can apply if you break your term early, refinance, or switch lenders. These costs can make a big difference, especially if you expect your plans to change before your mortgage term ends.
Comparing mortgage rates with Ratehub.ca
Whether you're considering using a bank or broker, a variable or fixed mortgage rate, or a one to a 10-year term, we can help. Our tools find the best mortgage rates for every category and type of lender, personalized to you. Our goal at Ratehub.ca is to give Canadians the best mortgage experience from online search to close. This means offering Canadians the mortgage tools, information and articles to educate themselves, allowing them to get personalized rate quotes from multiple lenders to compare rates instantly and providing them with the best online application and offline customer service to close their mortgage all in one place.
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Jamie David, Director of Marketing and Head of Mortgages
Jamie has 15+ years of business and marketing experience. She contributes her mortgage expertise to The Globe and Mail and authors Ratehub’s mortgage and homebuying guides. read full bio