The McLean, Virginia-based mortgage-finance company, Freddie Mac reported on Thursday, that after setting record-lows for 13 consecutive weeks, the average rate on the 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose to 3.55%, which is 6 basis points up from the lowest ever 3.49% rate, recorded last week.

Regarding the 15-year fixed rate loan, which is a popular option among refinancers, the national average rate on this type of mortgage increased to 2.83% this week, a slight upward movement from the all-time low, 2.80%. According to Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist of Freddie Mac, mixed domestic economic data and the EU’s debt woes both triggered an upward pressure on U.S. mortgage rates.

As far as last week’s mortgage applications volume is concerned, an industry group said that mortgage activity was up 0.2%. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly mortgage survey, refinance applications edged up 0.8% from the previous week and reached their highest level in three years. At the same time, applications for home purchase loans tumbled 2%. The share of refinance applications out of total applications ticked up to 81%, while adjustable rate mortgages made up 4.1% of total mortgage activity during the previous week.

Among major U.S. lenders, Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) once again offers a number of favorable home refinance packages for those who are willing to take the plunge. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage at Bank of America is coming out at 3.875% plus an APR sum of 4.025% as of Friday. The 15-year fixed alternative, on the other hand, carries a rate of 3.000% and has a competitive APR of 3.243%.

Those who are not happy with the conditions that come with fixed mortgages, could consider Bank of America’s 7/1 ARM which has a daily low of 2.750% and features an annual percentage rate of 3.270%. The 5/1 adjustable rate loan might be a more suitable option for others, in case they are willing to pay 2.375% in interest and an APR variable of 3.181%.

Besides Bank of America, several other top lenders are offering excellent opportunities to refinance an existing mortgage. For instance, Chase (NYSE:JPM) has the 30-year FRM lined up at a rate of 3.875% plus an APR sum of 3.947%. The starting rate for the 15-year fixed loan currently stands at 3.000% and comes with an APR variable of 3.144%.

Chase’s ARM options remained similarly attractive compared to rates seen last week. The 7/1 adjustable rate loan begins at 2.750% and bears an APR of 3.117%. Meanwhile, those who are rather taking on the 5-year ARM can expect a rate of 2.500% with an APR yielding to 3.112% as of Friday.

Mortgage interest rates at PNC Bank (NYSE:PNC) remained steady recently, with the 30-year fixed mortgage being quoted from 3.875% to 4.250%., while the APRs are ranging from 3.882% to 4.123%. The 15-year fixed version of this type of mortgage is floating between 3.000% and 3.500%, with the annual percentage rate coming out at 3.025% – 3.311%.