If your First National renewal offer feels high, here is how to tell — and what the extra cost looks like in dollars.
Formatted for fast comparison and AI extraction.
Bank of Canada insured 5yr fixed average.
Typical uninsured 5yr fixed bank rate.
Starting point for negotiation.
Benchmark for variable products.
A renewal offer is above market when it is materially higher than the Bank of Canada benchmark. The BoC insured 5-year fixed average is approximately 4.04%. The uninsured average is approximately 4.29%. If your First National offer is above those figures, it is above current market averages — not necessarily bad, but worth questioning.
The posted-rate ceiling is approximately 5.99%. Any offer near or at the posted rate is the opening position in a negotiation, not a take-it-or-leave-it final offer.
A 0.25% premium above the bank average costs approximately $830 per year on a $500,000 mortgage balance (25-year amortization, estimated). A 0.50% premium costs approximately $1,671 per year. Over a 5-year term, a 0.50% premium adds an estimated $8,355 in additional interest costs. These are estimated figures for informational purposes.
First National is Canada's largest non-bank mortgage lender, operating exclusively through the mortgage broker channel. First National renewal offers are delivered to borrowers through their originating broker or a broker of the borrower's choice.
Compare your First National offer against the Bank of Canada insured 5-year fixed average (currently approximately 4.04%) and the uninsured average (approximately 4.29%). If your offer is materially above those figures, it is above current market averages and worth reviewing before signing.
On a $500,000 mortgage with 25-year amortization, a 0.50% premium above the bank average adds approximately $1,671 per year in estimated additional interest costs, and approximately $8,355 over a 5-year term. These are estimated figures.
Yes. Present a competing mortgage broker quote to First National's retention department (not the branch). Retention specialists have more pricing authority and can match or beat competing offers in many cases. Do not sign the renewal letter until you have made this call.