Higher-priced mortgage loan
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Definition
A higher-priced mortgage loan is a federal category of mortgages whose APR is higher than a benchmark rate called the Average Prime Offer Rate. It is a pricing-category label, not a finding that a loan is illegal.
In plain English
Federal mortgage rules have a category for loans whose APR sits above a market benchmark. Official consumer material calls that category a higher-priced mortgage loan. The current spread test is omitted here because it changes. This page names the category. It does not publish HOEPA triggers or give advice about any one offer.
Technical definition
CFPB’s key-terms heading defines a higher-priced mortgage loan as one with an APR higher than the Average Prime Offer Rate. That official heading is PRIMARY. Regulation Z is supporting context. Numeric thresholds are omitted.
Why it matters
Research notes sometimes say higher-rate credit when they mean this official category. The page uses the official name.
Related terms
Sources reviewed
12 CFR Part 1026
Source reviewedSeptember 6, 2026
Mortgage key terms
Source reviewedSeptember 4, 2026
Important note
Do not publish the current APOR spread test or HOEPA triggers.
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