About MortgageBreak

What We Do

MortgageBreak is a free online calculator that helps Canadian homeowners estimate the cost of breaking their mortgage and evaluate refinancing opportunities. We provide transparent calculations based on Bank of Canada data and industry-standard formulas.

How It Works

Our calculator uses historical posted rates from the Bank of Canada to estimate your mortgage break penalty. The calculation considers:

  • Three months interest penalty (minimum for all mortgages)
  • Interest Rate Differential (IRD) for fixed-rate mortgages
  • Your original mortgage terms and current balance
  • Time elapsed since mortgage origination
  • Refinance fees and new mortgage parameters

Understanding Penalties

When you break a fixed-rate mortgage, lenders typically charge the greater of:

  • Three Months Interest: Your balance multiplied by your rate divided by four
  • Interest Rate Differential (IRD): The difference between your rate and the current comparable rate, applied to your remaining balance and term

Variable-rate mortgages typically only incur the three months interest penalty.

Why Refinance?

Homeowners consider breaking their mortgage for several reasons:

  • Interest rates have dropped significantly since origination
  • Need to access home equity for renovations or debt consolidation
  • Want to switch from variable to fixed rates (or vice versa)
  • Moving to a new property
  • Changing lenders for better terms or service

Important Disclaimers

This calculator provides estimates only. Actual mortgage break penalties can vary significantly between lenders due to different calculation methods, posted rate histories, and contract terms. Some lenders use different posted rates, apply discounts differently, or have minimum penalty amounts. Always confirm penalty calculations directly with your lender before making any decisions.

Data Sources

Our calculator uses historical posted mortgage rates published by the Bank of Canada. This data is publicly available and represents the average rates offered by major Canadian chartered banks. We update our rate data periodically to ensure accuracy.

Contact & Support

For questions about mortgage refinancing or to speak with a licensed mortgage professional, please use the contact form after calculating your results.