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Mortgage Points Calculator

Decide whether buying mortgage discount points is worth it: upfront cost, monthly savings and the break-even month.

For information and education only — not financial advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter; check important decisions with a qualified professional.

How to use

  1. 1Enter the loan amount, the rate without points and the term.
  2. 2Enter the number of points and how much each lowers the rate.

How it's calculated

Cost = points × 1% of the loan. Break-even = cost ÷ monthly payment savings. Each point typically lowers the rate by about 0.25 percentage points, but offers vary.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mortgage point?

A fee of 1% of the loan amount paid at closing to lower your interest rate.

When are points worth buying?

When you'll keep the loan longer than the break-even period — without refinancing or selling first.

Are points tax deductible?

Often, for a primary-residence purchase in the US, if you itemize. Check IRS rules or ask a tax professional.