Biweekly Mortgage Payments in 2026: The Free Hack That Saves $28,000
See your exact savings with our [Biweekly Mortgage Calculator](/calculators/finance/biweekly-mortgage-calculator).
How Biweekly Payments Work
Instead of 12 monthly payments, you make 26 half-payments per year.
26 half-payments = 13 full payments per year instead of 12.
That one extra payment per year goes entirely to principal — and it compounds dramatically over 30 years.
The Savings by Loan Amount (7% Rate)
| Loan Amount | Monthly Payment | Interest Saved | Years Cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $1,331 | $18,600 | 3.5 years |
| $300,000 | $1,996 | $27,900 | 4.0 years |
| $400,000 | $2,661 | $37,200 | 4.2 years |
| $500,000 | $3,327 | $46,500 | 4.4 years |
How to Set Up Biweekly Payments
Option 1: Use your bank or lender's biweekly program
Many lenders offer this — sometimes free, sometimes a $200-300 setup fee. Avoid setup fees if possible.
Option 2: DIY (Free)
Divide your monthly payment by 12 and add that amount to every monthly payment as extra principal.
Example: $1,996/month payment. Add $166/month extra = equivalent of 13 payments per year. Same savings, zero fees.
Option 3: One Extra Payment Per Year
Every January make one full extra payment directed to principal. Same mathematical effect, easiest to track.
Biweekly + PMI Removal
Biweekly payments also accelerate reaching 20% equity, removing PMI faster. On a $300,000 home with 10% down, biweekly payments remove PMI 14-18 months earlier — saving an additional $2,500-$5,000 in PMI premiums.
Use our [PMI Removal Calculator](/calculators/finance/pmi-removal-calculator) to see your combined savings.
Related Tools
- [Mortgage Calculator](/calculators/finance/mortgage-calculator) — Full payment breakdown
- [Mortgage Refinance Calculator](/calculators/finance/mortgage-refinance-calculator) — Combine with a refinance?
- [Home Sale Proceeds Calculator](/calculators/finance/home-sale-proceeds-calculator) — Equity built by payoff time