Amerisave Logo
Amerisave Logo
USDA REFINANCE

Lower the payment on your rural home with a USDA refinance.

  • checkmark iconStreamline your USDA refinance
  • checkmark iconLower your monthly payment
  • checkmark iconClose in as little as 30 days
Get Started
Product Image
KEY BENEFITS

Why choose AmeriSave for a USDA refinance?

Smarter technology. Real numbers.
Quick And Easy

Smarter technology. Real numbers.

  • Get Personalized Loan Options
    Get Personalized Loan Options

    See your best loan options with technology that analyzes your finances in real time.

  • Flexible Loans And Terms
    Flexible Loans And Terms

    Pick the right loan and term that helps you achieve your unique homeownership goals.

  • Close Your Loan Quickly
    Close Your Loan Quickly

    Get approved and funded quickly, so you can enjoy your new financial freedom.

How It Works

Refinance your USDA loan with minimal paperwork.

USDA offers two refinance paths for existing USDA borrowers; Streamlined Assist for speed, Standard for flexibility.

Step 1
Step 1

Confirm You Have A USDA Loan

USDA refinances are only available to existing USDA borrowers in good standing for at least the past 12 months.

Step 2
Step 2

Get Your New USDA Rate

The new loan stays USDA-backed, preserving the program's lower mortgage insurance premium (MIP) cost. Apply online for your personalized refinance options.

Step 3
Step 3

Close Fast (Streamlined Assist)

Streamlined Assist requires no appraisal and minimal documentation, allowing many borrowers to close in 2 to 3 weeks.

Step 4
Step 4

Enjoy Your New Lower Payment

Streamlined Assist requires at least $50 per month in savings after fees, so you'll see a real payment reduction.

$0
OUT OF POCKET (CLOSING COSTS FINANCEABLE)

Roll your closing costs into the loan.

USDA allows you to roll your closing costs into the new loan when the appraised value supports it, meaning true zero-out-of-pocket refinancing for many qualifying borrowers.

Smart Uses

When A USDA Refinance Makes Sense

USDA refinance options are narrower than conventional or FHA; but for the right borrower, the savings can be meaningful and the process simple.

Lower Your USDA Loan Rate

Lower Your USDA Loan Rate

If rates have dropped since you closed, the Streamlined Assist refinance captures the savings with minimal hassle and no appraisal.

Reduce Your Monthly Payment

Reduce Your Monthly Payment

Even without changing your rate dramatically, refinancing can reset your term and lower your payment; useful when monthly cash flow matters most.

Skip The Appraisal Stress

Skip The Appraisal Stress

If your home value is uncertain or you'd rather not pay for an appraisal, the Streamlined Assist path avoids both.

Move From A Higher-Cost USDA Loan

Move From A Higher-Cost USDA Loan

USDA borrowers who closed when rates were higher can refinance into today's pricing while keeping the program's low MIP cost advantages.

Eligibility

USDA Refinance Requirements

USDA refinance underwriting depends on the path you choose; Streamlined Assist is the lightest touch in the mortgage industry.

Existing USDA Loan In Good Standing
Existing USDA Loan In Good Standing

Current USDA loan with at least twelve months of on-time payments. No late payments in the past six months on most programs.

Income Within Current USDA Limits
Income Within Current USDA Limits

Household income at the time of refinance must still be within the program's income limits; even if it was when you originally bought.

Owner-Occupied Primary Residence
Owner-Occupied Primary Residence

Home must remain your primary residence. The borrower(s) on the new loan must be on the existing loan, or qualify for an assumption.

Minimum Payment Savings (Streamlined Assist)
Minimum Payment Savings (Streamlined Assist)

Streamlined Assist requires at least $50 per month in payment savings after fees. The Standard path uses a broader net tangible benefit test.

Mortgage Refinance Options

USDA Streamlined Assist vs. USDA Standard refinance

USDA offers two refinance paths for existing USDA borrowers; one prioritizes simplicity, the other allows more flexibility on terms.

USDA Streamlined Assist
Existing Loan Must Be USDA
Yes; only current USDA borrowers qualify
Appraisal Required
No appraisal required on most cases
Credit Check
Limited; focused on recent payment history
Income Re-Verification
Required, but with reduced documentation
Payment Savings Required
Yes; minimum savings of $50 per month after fees
Term Options
30-year fixed only
Best For
USDA borrowers who simply want a lower rate with minimal paperwork
USDA Standard Refinance
Existing Loan Must Be USDA
Yes; only current USDA borrowers qualify
Appraisal Required
Appraisal typically required
Credit Check
Full credit review with current scores pulled
Income Re-Verification
Full income documentation
Payment Savings Required
Net tangible benefit required, more flexible definition
Term Options
30-year fixed; some lenders offer other terms
Best For
USDA borrowers who need flexibility on terms or who don't meet streamline criteria
The Honest Take

Pros And Cons of A USDA Refinance

USDA refinances keep the same low-cost program structure; but they're only available to existing USDA borrowers, and the term flexibility is limited.

What Works In Your Favor

Streamlined Process For Most Borrowers

The Streamlined Assist path requires limited documentation, no appraisal in most cases, and minimal credit review.

Keep USDA's Lower MIP Cost

USDA's guarantee fee and annual fee are lower than FHA MIP. A USDA refinance preserves that cost advantage.

Below-Market Rates Available

Because the loan stays USDA-backed, you continue to access government-supported pricing that often beats conventional refinances.

Closing Costs Can Roll Into The Loan

USDA allows financing the closing costs into the new loan when the appraised value supports it; true zero out of pocket.

Same Income Flexibility

USDA's underwriting tolerance for modest-income borrowers carries over to the refinance, which helps when other programs would say no.

What To Weigh Carefully

Only Existing USDA Borrowers Qualify

If your current mortgage is conventional or FHA, USDA refinance is not an option; you'd need a brand-new USDA purchase scenario.

Property Must Still Be Owner-Occupied

Investment properties and second homes don't qualify. The home must remain your primary residence.

Limited Term Flexibility

Most USDA refinances are 30-year fixed only. Borrowers wanting a 15-year term may need to look at conventional alternatives.

Required Payment Savings On Streamline

Streamlined Assist requires at least $50 per month in savings after fees. Borrowers with very small rate improvements won't qualify.

Guarantee Fees Still Apply

Both the upfront guarantee fee and the annual fee continue on the new loan; though they're lower than FHA's MIP.

Frequently Asked Questions

A USDA refinance replaces an old USDA-backed mortgage with a new USDA loan. This is usually done to get a lower interest rate, lower monthly payments, or change the loan term for homeowners in eligible rural and suburban areas. Continue Reading...

To qualify for a USDA refinance, your current loan must be a USDA-guaranteed home loan that you’ve had for at least 12 months, and you must be current on your payments. The USDA requires a refinanced loan to have a financial benefit that lowers your monthly mortgage payment by at least $50. Your income must still be within the allowable limit for your area. If your property is in a rural area that is no longer eligible for the USDA loan program, it is still eligible for USDA refinancing.

An AmeriSave Loan Expert can help you review your qualifications, including checking your credit score to help determine your low, customized rate. We’ll guide you in collecting any necessary documentation, such as previous mortgage statements.