When does it make sense to pay points?

Points are a one-time fee that a borrower pays to lower the interest rate. Points are defined as a percentage of your loan amount, with one point being equal to one percent of your loan. For example, if you borrow $200,000, one point would be equal to $2,000. Paying one point will generally reduce your interest rate by approximately .25%. An alternative to paying points is to receive a "credit" from the lender in exchange for a higher interest rate. Whereas points are added to your closing costs, a credit is used to reduce your closing costs. Once again, you can receive a credit of approximately one point by raising your interest rate .25%. Whether you choose to pay points or receive a credit, this amount will be applied to your closing costs when your loan funds.