You found a better rate. Maybe you’re moving. Or consolidating debt. On the surface, breaking your mortgage might look like a smart move. But before you pull the trigger, take a closer look at the penalty. In many cases, it can eat up most of the savings or potentially worse.

This guide explains how prepayment penalties work, why they differ between lenders, and how to know whether refinancing early is actually worth it.

What Is a Prepayment Penalty?

A prepayment penalty is the cost your lender charges if you end your mortgage term early. It’s their way of recovering lost interest.

In Canada, the penalty is usually whichever is higher:

1. Three months’ interest
2. The Interest Rate Differential (IRD)

If you have a variable-rate mortgage, you’ll typically be charged three months of interest. If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, lenders often apply the IRD, which is usually higher.

How Three Months’ Interest Works

This is the simpler of the two. You multiply your mortgage balance by your interest rate, divide by 12, and then multiply by 3.

Example:

• Mortgage balance: $400,000
• Interest rate: 4.50%

($400,000 × 4.50%) ÷ 12 × 3 = $4,500 penalty

This formula applies to most variable-rate mortgages and some fixed-rate mortgages if the IRD ends up lower.

Understanding the Interest Rate Differential (IRD)

The IRD is the more complex and potentially more expensive penalty.

There are variations to how individual lenders calculate IRD. Here’s a simple example to illustrate the concept:The IRD formula measures how much more interest you’re paying compared to what the lender could earn by lending that money today. The larger the difference between your current rate and today’s posted rate for the remaining term, the bigger the penalty.

Example:

• Balance: $400,000
• Fixed rate: 4.80%
• Time left: 2 years
• Lender’s current 2-year posted rate: 3.00%

(4.80% – 3.00%) × 2 years × $400,000 = $14,400 penalty

That’s more than triple the cost of the three-month interest formula.

Why Penalties Vary So Much

The biggest reason for the variation is how lenders calculate IRD. Some banks use their inflated posted rates in the formula, which increases the penalty. Others, like many monoline lenders (non-bank lenders who work with mortgage brokers), use discounted rates that better reflect the market.

As a result, two homeowners with similar mortgages can face very different costs, depending on which lender they chose.

When Breaking Your Mortgage Makes Sense

Let’s say you want to refinance to a lower rate. Here’s how to do the math.

Scenario:

• Balance: $400,000
• Current rate: 4.80%
• Remaining term: 3 years
• Available new rate: 3.50%
• Penalty: $12,000
• Interest savings at new rate: $16,200 over 3 years

In this case, you come out ahead by $4,200 after covering the penalty.

But if the numbers were reversed…say the penalty was $16,200 and the savings only $12,000, you’d be locking in a loss.

How to Lower the Penalty or Avoid It

There are ways to reduce the impact of a prepayment charge:

Ask for details upfront Before signing a mortgage, ask how the lender calculates penalties. Make sure you understand the math.

Choose lenders carefully Monoline lenders often use fairer IRD formulas than the big banks.

Consider variable rates They usually come with smaller penalties, just three months’ interest.

Explore blend-and-extend options Some lenders will let you blend your current rate with a new one and avoid breaking the mortgage entirely.

Use your porting option If you’re moving homes, some lenders allow you to transfer your mortgage to a new property without a penalty.

Time your break strategically As your maturity date gets closer, the IRD penalty often shrinks. Waiting a few months can make a big difference.

The Bottom Line

A lower rate or better opportunity can be tempting. But breaking your mortgage isn’t always a financial win. The penalty can erase much of the benefit if you’re not careful.

Before making a decision, calculate both the penalty and the long-term savings. If you’re not sure, work with a mortgage broker who can run the numbers and help you choose the best path forward.

By the team at Breaking Bank

There’s no shortage of mortgage advice out there. From online forums to coffee shop conversations, everyone seems to have an opinion. Some of it’s helpful. A lot of it? Not so much.

The truth is, the mortgage world has changed—especially in Canada. Rules, products, and opportunities evolve, but a lot of the advice being passed around hasn’t kept up.

So let’s slow it down and clear up five of the most common myths heard from homeowners and buyers alike—because sometimes, knowing what’s not true can be just as powerful as knowing what is.

Myth #1: You Need 20% Down to Buy a Home

This one stops a lot of buyers before they even get started.

Yes, putting 20% down eliminates the need for mortgage default insurance, but it’s not a requirement—especially for first-time buyers. In Canada, if the home is under $500,000, you can get in with just 5% down. For homes between $500,000 and $1,499,999, the minimum down payment is tiered: 5% on the first $500K, and 10% on the remainder.

The result? You don’t need to hit that 20% mark to make homeownership a reality. And while you will pay mortgage insurance with less than 20% down, it’s often a worthwhile trade-off if it means entering the market sooner or keeping cash on hand for emergencies, renovations, or investments.

Myth #2: Your Bank Is the Best Place to Get a Mortgage

It might feel easier to “just go with your bank,” especially if that’s who you’ve always dealt with. But here’s the thing: your bank can only offer their rates, terms, and products. That’s it.

A mortgage broker isn’t tied to one institution. They work with multiple lenders—including banks, credit unions, and independent mortgage companies—to find the product that fits your specific goals and circumstances. That matters a lot if you’re self-employed, have less-than-perfect credit, or just want a better deal.

More options = more negotiating power, better structure, and a greater chance of finding a mortgage that actually aligns with your life.

Myth #3: The Lowest Rate Is Always the Best Deal

We’ve all seen the ads. “Lowest mortgage rate in Canada!” Sounds great—until you read the fine print.

Some of the lowest-rate mortgages out there come with significant limitations: strict penalties if you break the term early, zero prepayment privileges, or clauses that make it difficult to move or refinance. And in real life, those things matter.

What if you need to break your mortgage to access equity? Or sell unexpectedly? Or refinance to consolidate debt?

The best mortgage isn’t just about the rate—it’s about flexibility, protection, and long-term cost. A slightly higher rate on a mortgage that fits your life could save you far more in the end than a “no-frills” option with hidden landmines.

Myth #4: You Have to Wait Until Your Term Is Up to Refinance

Many people think they’re locked in until their term ends. That’s not true.

You can refinance a mortgage before the term is over. Yes, there may be a penalty—but in some cases, it’s more than worth it. For example, if you’re carrying high-interest debt, funding a major renovation, or need to tap into your home equity for a business or investment, the potential savings or returns may easily outweigh the cost of breaking the mortgage.

The key is running the numbers. A good mortgage advisor will help you calculate whether it makes sense now—or if it’s better to wait.

Myth #5: Renewing with Your Current Lender Is the Easiest—and Smartest—Move

When your mortgage comes up for renewal, it’s tempting to take the path of least resistance. Your current lender sends a renewal notice, and all you have to do is sign.

But here’s what many people don’t realize: lenders often reserve their best rates and promotions for new customers, not existing ones. In fact, renewing without shopping around could mean paying more than you need to—sometimes for the next five years.

Renewal time is a golden opportunity to review your situation, compare options, and even adjust your mortgage strategy. You’ve got leverage, and you should use it.

The Bottom Line

There’s a lot of noise out there. And while mortgage advice might be well-intentioned, it’s not always accurate—or right for your situation.

Getting clarity means asking better questions, exploring your options, and working with someone who looks beyond just rate. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing to unlock equity, or preparing for renewal, having the right information (and the right support) can make a huge difference in your financial future.

Because in the mortgage world, the right strategy is worth more than the right guess.

Written by the team at Breaking Bank

Are You Betting on Stability or Flexibility?

In 2025, choosing between a fixed or variable mortgage isn’t just about preference—it’s about risk, timing, and how much uncertainty you can stomach.

After two years of wild rate swings, inflation surprises, and mixed signals from the Bank of Canada, borrowers are stepping into a murkier landscape. The cost of choosing wrong could mean hundreds of dollars a month—or tens of thousands over the life of your mortgage.

This article breaks down what’s changed, what to watch for, and how to make the right move for your financial goals.

Where Rates Sit in Mid-2025

Let’s ground this in the current numbers (as of June 2025):

• Bank of Canada policy rate: 2.75%
• Prime rate: ~4.95%

Variable Rates:

• Insured: ~4.04% to 4.30%
• Conventional: ~4.30% to 4.79%

5-Year Fixed Rates:

• Insured: 4.04% (BC only) to 4.24%
• Conventional: 4.36% to 4.59%

The gap between fixed and variable has narrowed—but two more expected BoC rate cuts could shift the math again before year-end.

Choose Based on Strategy, Not Guesswork

There’s no universally “right” answer. The better question is—what fits your situation, timeline, and tolerance for uncertainty?

Go Variable If…

• You believe rates will keep falling through 2025–2026
• You can handle some payment fluctuation
• You might break your mortgage early (e.g., sell, refinance, relocate)

Go Fixed If…

• You want budget certainty and payment predictability
• You think inflation might flare back up
• You’re staying put for the full term

Fixed vs Variable: What It Actually Costs

Let’s compare a $400,000 mortgage over a 25-year amortization.

5-Year Fixed at 4.59%

• Monthly payment: $2,234
• Total interest (5 years): $85,743

5-Year Variable at 4.30%

• Monthly payment: $2,169
• Total interest (5 years): $80,190

Monthly savings: $65 Total 5-year savings: $3,900

These figures assume rates stay flat for the full 5-year term. If the Bank of Canada cuts rates further—as many economists expect—the savings from going variable could increase significantly.

The Hidden Factor: Breaking Your Mortgage

Here’s where many borrowers get blindsided.

Roughly 6 in 10 Canadians don’t keep their mortgage for the full 5-year term. Life happens—jobs change, families grow, plans evolve.

Fixed-rate penalties are notoriously hard to predict. They’re based on the Interest Rate Differential (IRD), which compares your original rate to the lender’s current rate for the remaining term. Depending on timing and your lender, these penalties can range from a few thousand to over $20,000.

Variable-rate penalties, by contrast, are simple: 3 months’ interest.

• On a $400,000 mortgage at 4.30%, that’s about $4,300.

If there’s even a chance you’ll need to exit early, that penalty difference could easily erase any “savings” from locking into a fixed rate.

The Fine Print Matters—A Lot

Rate isn’t the only thing that matters. In many cases, the structure of your mortgage—and the fine print—can impact your long-term finances more than a quarter point in interest.

Here are a few features to look for:

• Portability: If you lock into a fixed-rate mortgage, make sure it’s portable, especially across provinces. Without portability, moving could trigger massive break penalties—even if you’re buying another home.
• Prepayment Privileges: Can you make extra payments without penalty? Some lenders allow lump-sum payments or double-up options, helping you pay off your mortgage faster.
• Blend and Extend Options: Can you refinance into a new term without triggering a penalty if rates drop?

A great mortgage broker doesn’t just hunt for the lowest rate—they help you navigate these options and make sure your mortgage fits your life, not just your spreadsheet.

Where the Wind Is Blowing

Big bank economists are still forecasting two more BoC cuts by the end of 2025, potentially bringing variable rates closer to the 4.00% mark by early 2026. That gives variable-rate borrowers a potential tailwind—if they’re willing to ride it out.

Fixed rates, on the other hand, are expected to hold relatively steady, since they follow bond yields more than central bank decisions.

Translation:

• Variable has room to fall.
• Fixed is likely near its short-term floor.

2025 Reality Check: What’s Right for You?

• Fixed: Best if you’re risk-averse and want predictability.
• Variable: Better if you’re planning ahead, value flexibility, or expect rates to drop.
• Structure > Rate: The “cheapest rate” isn’t always the smartest choice.

Consider the Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds

For borrowers torn between stability and flexibility, a hybrid mortgage could offer the perfect middle ground. This structure splits your mortgage into two portions—typically 50/50 fixed and variable—allowing you to lock in part of your loan for predictability while still taking advantage of potential rate drops on the variable side. It’s a strategic hedge: if rates fall, your variable portion benefits; if they rise, your fixed side cushions the impact. Hybrid mortgages also offer more psychological comfort, helping borrowers sleep at night without fully committing to either extreme. It’s a smart option for those who want balance without placing all their chips on one rate bet.

Bottom Line: In today’s market, the mortgage with the right features—portability, prepayment flexibility, manageable penalties—can save you more than a 0.50% rate cut ever could.

Before you sign, talk to a mortgage pro who understands the fine print and can match you with a mortgage that actually fits your plans.

Written by the team at Breaking Banks

Let’s be real. You’ve probably told yourself some version of this:

“The market feels risky right now. I’ll wait until things settle.” “Rates are too high. I’ll jump in when they drop.” “Prices are up. I missed the window—maybe next year.”

The problem? That window you’re waiting for—where everything is calm, cheap, and certain—doesn’t exist. It’s a mirage. And the longer you chase it, the further behind you fall.

In investing, hesitation is often more dangerous than volatility.

The Illusion of Perfect Timing

Market timing sounds great in theory: buy low, sell high, make bank. But in real life? It rarely plays out that clean.

Even the pros—with armies of analysts and AI tools—miss the mark. So what chance does the average investor have while scrolling headlines and watching rate announcements?

Let’s put numbers on it. A Fidelity study showed that missing just the 10 best days in the market over 20 years can cut your returns in half. And those “best days”? They usually happen when things feel the worst—right after crashes, corrections, or full-blown panic.

That’s the trap. Most people get scared, pull out, and miss the rebound. They think they’re avoiding risk, but what they’re really doing is locking in loss.

Why Time in the Market Wins

There’s a better way—and it doesn’t require a crystal ball. It just requires consistency.

It’s called Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA), and it’s as unsexy as it is effective.

Here’s how it works:

• You invest a set amount of money on a regular schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).
• You buy more when prices are low, less when they’re high.
• Over time, this averages out your cost per unit and reduces the impact of short-term volatility.

More importantly, it removes emotion from the process. No more second-guessing. No more reacting to headlines. Just steady, methodical action that compounds quietly in the background.

And yes—it works in up markets, down markets, sideways markets. Because you’re not trying to beat the market. You’re just staying in it long enough to win.

Behavioral Finance Backs This Up

This isn’t just opinion—it’s behavioral science.

Study after study shows that people who try to time the market underperform the market. Why? Because emotion hijacks logic. Fear during dips. FOMO during rallies. The brain treats financial loss like physical pain. So we react, even when we shouldn’t.

That’s why automation and discipline are your best friends. Remove decision-making from the process, and you remove the biggest threat to your returns: yourself.

The Real Cost of Waiting

There’s a hidden danger in doing nothing. Every month you delay, your cash sits still while inflation moves forward. Your purchasing power erodes. And the opportunity cost quietly stacks up.

Waiting for “the right time” to invest is like waiting for the perfect moment to have a kid, start a business, or buy your first property. It always feels like a big leap. But the longer you put it off, the harder it gets to catch up.

Bottom Line

You don’t need to guess right. You need to show up consistently.

Forget timing the market. That’s a gambler’s game. Instead, play the long game. Pick a date, set your investment schedule, and stick to it—whether the market is booming, busting, or somewhere in between.

Because the truth is this: The market rewards participation, not perfection.

By the Marketing team at Breaking Bank