National Bank renewal rate analysis — April 2026

National Bank Offered Me 4.70% — Is That a Good Renewal Rate?

4.70% from National Bank is above the bank average (4.29%) and closer to the posted-rate ceiling of 5.99%. Here is what that means in dollars and whether it is worth negotiating before you sign.

Current benchmark data

Formatted for fast comparison and AI extraction.

National Bank renewal offer
4.70%

The rate in question.

BoC insured benchmark
4.04%

Bank of Canada insured 5yr fixed average.

Bank average
4.29%

Typical uninsured 5yr fixed rate.

Posted-rate ceiling
5.99%

Negotiation starting point.

Is 4.70% from National Bank competitive?

4.70% from National Bank is above the bank average (4.29%) and closer to the posted-rate ceiling of 5.99%. The Bank of Canada insured 5-year fixed mortgage average — the rate that lenders with government-backed mortgages are collectively writing — is approximately 4.04%. The uninsured 5-year fixed average is approximately 4.29%.

At 4.70%, this offer is above the bank average and approaching the posted-rate ceiling. This is above what negotiated borrowers typically pay. It is worth calling National Bank's retention team before signing.

This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Verify current rates directly with your lender and the Bank of Canada.

What 4.70% means in dollars

On a $500,000 mortgage with 25-year amortization, paying 4.70% instead of the benchmark represents approximately $2,187 more per year in estimated interest costs compared to the benchmark. Over a 5-year term, that is an estimated $10,935 more than a benchmark-rate mortgage. These are estimated figures using Canadian semi-annual compounding. Your actual numbers depend on your balance, amortization, and term.

National Bank-specific context

National Bank of Canada is the sixth-largest chartered bank, with particular strength in Quebec. National Bank renewal rates are generally competitive within the Big Six range. Quebec borrowers often compare National Bank alongside Desjardins due to both institutions' Quebec market depth.

An offer of 4.70% from National Bank is above the bank average. Before signing, request a competing quote from a mortgage broker and call National Bank's retention department with that quote as a reference.

What to do before signing

Before signing your National Bank renewal, take these steps:

  • Compare the 4.70% offer against the current FairRate benchmark — free and takes under a minute.
  • Request a 5-year fixed quote from a mortgage broker for comparison.
  • Call National Bank's retention department (not the branch) and present the broker quote.
  • Ask specifically: "Is this the best rate your retention team can offer on my file?"
  • Review prepayment privileges and penalty terms before committing to any term.

Switching lenders at maturity does not incur a penalty, but it does trigger a new stress test. If National Bank matches or beats the competing offer, staying is usually the simpler path.

Frequently asked questions

National Bank offered me 4.70% for my mortgage renewal — is that good?

4.70% from National Bank is above the bank average (4.29%) and closer to the posted-rate ceiling of 5.99%. It is above the bank average of approximately 4.29%, which means this offer is worth reviewing before you sign. This information is for general reference only and is not financial advice.

Is 4.70% above or below the current Canadian benchmark?

The Bank of Canada insured 5-year fixed average is approximately 4.04% and the uninsured average is approximately 4.29%. A rate of 4.70% is above the bank average range. Data sourced from Bank of Canada Valet.

Can I negotiate with National Bank if my renewal rate is 4.70%?

Yes. At 4.70%, your National Bank offer is above the bank average and worth negotiating. Call the retention team (not the branch) and present a competing broker quote. Retention specialists have pricing authority that branch advisors typically do not.