If you've come into some extra cash — maybe from a bonus, inheritance, or home sale — you might be thinking about putting it toward your mortgage. Smart move! But when it comes to reducing what you owe or what you pay each month, you’ve got a few different paths to choose from: make a lump sum payment, do a mortgage recast, or refinance your loan.
Each option can impact your mortgage differently, so it’s worth understanding how they compare.
Lump Sum Mortgage Payment
A lump sum payment is a one-time payment you make toward your mortgage principal, in addition to your regular monthly payments.
What it does:
• Reduces your total loan balance
• Lowers the amount of interest you’ll pay over time
• Shortens the life of your loan (but keeps your monthly payment the same)
Making a lump sum payment helps shorten the term of your loan and can save you thousands in interest, especially if you’re early in your mortgage. However, it doesn’t give you any immediate monthly relief.
Mortgage Recast
A mortgage recast also involves a lump sum payment, but with one important difference: your lender recalculates your monthly payment based on your new, lower principal.
What it does:
• Reduces your loan balance and your monthly payment
• Keeps your interest rate and loan term the same
• Involves a small, one-time processing fee (usually a few hundred dollars)
• Avoids the closing costs and paperwork of refinancing
Recasting is great if you want to lower your monthly payment without refinancing, and you plan to stay in your home for a while.
Refinance
Refinancing your mortgage means replacing your current loan with a new one — often with a lower interest rate, a different loan term, or both.
What it does:
• Lets you lower your interest rate, change your loan term, or both
• Can reduce your monthly payment
• Involves closing costs and a full application process (similar to when you first got your mortgage)
• Gives you the option to take cash out if you have built up equity.
Refinancing is a great option if interest rates have dropped, you want to change the terms of your loan, or you want to access home equity.
Which Is Right For You?
Consider your goals to help you decide:
• If your goal is to pay off your mortgage faster, your best option is a lump sum payment
• If your goal is to lower your monthly payment without a full refinance, your best option is a mortgage recast
• If your goal is to take advantage of lower interest rates, your best option is a refinance
• If your goal is to change your loan term (i.e. 30-year to 15-year), your best option is a refinance
• If your goal is to avoid paperwork and closing costs, your best option is a mortgage recast or a lump sum payment
A Few Things To Keep In Mind
• Not all mortgages are eligible for recasts — government-backed loans like FHA and VA typically don’t allow it
• You need to request a recast — it doesn’t happen automatically when you make a large payment
• If you plan to move soon, a lump sum might make more sense than recasting since you won’t benefit much from lower payments
• Refinancing depends on credit, home value, and current interest rates
• Lump sum payments won’t change your monthly payment unless you recast or refinance
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about putting extra funds toward your mortgage, the best option depends on what you want to achieve — whether it’s lowering your monthly bills, saving on interest, or becoming mortgage-free sooner. Talk to your lender to understand your options, and what makes the most sense for your financial goals.
BCU’s Certified Financial Coaches provide free, one-on-one guidance throughout every part of your financial journey. Schedule time with a Financial Coach to talk through whether a lump sum mortgage payment, recast, or refinance is right for you.
Interested in refinancing with BCU? Learn more.
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