Mortgage Points Calculator
Is it worth paying for discount points? Enter the rate with and without points and how long you plan to keep the loan. You get the cost of the points, the monthly savings, the break-even month and your net gain or loss.
Each discount point usually lowers the rate by about 0.125 to 0.25 percentage points.
One point normally costs 1% of the loan amount.
Until you sell, refinance or pay it off.
How to use the Mortgage Points Calculator
- Enter the loan amount and term.
- Enter the rate without points and the lower rate the lender offers with points.
- Enter how many points you would buy and the cost per point (normally 1% of the loan).
- Set how long you expect to keep the loan before selling or refinancing.
- Compare the break-even month with your plans: if you will keep the loan longer, points likely pay off.
How the mortgage points break-even is calculated
Discount points are prepaid interest: you pay a fee at closing (usually 1% of the loan per point) in exchange for a lower interest rate. Buying points pays off only if you keep the loan long enough for the monthly savings to cover that upfront cost.
Break-even (months) = Cost of points ÷ Monthly payment savings
Example: 2 points on a $400,000 loan cost $8,000. They lower the rate from 7% to 6.5% on a 30-year loan, cutting the payment from $2,661.21 to $2,528.27, a saving of $132.94 a month. Break-even = $8,000 ÷ $132.94 ≈ 60.2 months, just over 5 years.
The calculator also shows a second break-even that counts the lower balance you build at the lower rate. If you sell or refinance, that extra principal paid down is money you keep, so the true break-even comes slightly sooner.
Example: points on a $400,000, 30-year loan at 7%
| Points | New rate | Cost | Monthly savings | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6.75% | $4,000 | $66.82 | 59.9 months |
| 2 | 6.5% | $8,000 | $132.94 | 60.2 months |
| 3 | 6.25% | $12,000 | $198.34 | 60.5 months |
Rate reductions per point vary by lender and market; ask for a Loan Estimate with and without points. Points on a home purchase may be tax-deductible in some countries; this calculator does not include taxes or the return you could earn by investing the money instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mortgage point?
A discount point is an upfront fee paid at closing to lower your interest rate. One point usually costs 1% of the loan amount, so one point on a $400,000 loan costs $4,000. How much each point lowers the rate depends on the lender, often around 0.125 to 0.25 percentage points.
How do I calculate the break-even on mortgage points?
Divide the cost of the points by the monthly payment savings. If 2 points cost $8,000 and lower the payment by $132.94 a month, the break-even is $8,000 ÷ $132.94 ≈ 60.2 months, or just over 5 years.
When are mortgage points worth it?
Points are usually worth it when you will keep the loan well past the break-even point and have cash to spare after the down payment and reserves. If you might sell or refinance within a few years, skipping points is usually better.
What is the difference between discount points and origination points?
Discount points buy a lower rate. Origination points are a lender fee for processing the loan and do not lower the rate. Only discount points belong in this break-even calculation.
Are mortgage points tax-deductible?
In the US, discount points on a loan to buy your main home can often be deducted as mortgage interest, either in the year paid or over the life of the loan, if you itemize. Rules differ for refinances and by country, so check with a tax professional.
Why are there two break-even figures?
The simple break-even only compares the payment savings with the cost. At a lower rate more of each payment goes to principal, so your balance is lower too. Counting that difference gives a slightly earlier break-even, which matters if you sell or refinance.
Is my information sent anywhere?
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser.