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Purchase Mortgage Loan

PMI Explained: What Private Mortgage Insurance Costs and How to Remove It

Quick answer

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) protects the lender on conventional loans with less than 20% down. It usually costs 0.3% to 1.5% of the loan amount per year, added to your monthly payment, depending on credit score and down payment. You can ask to cancel PMI at 80% loan-to-value, and it ends automatically at 78%.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

How much is PMI per month?

Loan amount0.5% PMI1.0% PMI
$200,000$83/mo$167/mo
$300,000$125/mo$250/mo
$400,000$167/mo$333/mo

How to get rid of PMI

  • Make extra principal payments to reach 80% LTV sooner.
  • Request a new appraisal if your home value has risen.
  • Refinance once you have 20% equity.
  • Wait for automatic termination at 78% of the original value.

Frequently asked questions

The federal deduction for mortgage insurance premiums has expired and been revived at times. Check current IRS rules or a tax professional.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.