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Best Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Rates for April 2024

by admin
24 Aprile 2024
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Best Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Rates for April 2024
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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.


A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.


A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.


A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.


A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.


A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a revolving credit line that you can borrow from to reach personal financial goals, such as consolidating high-interest debt funding home improvement projects. You’ll first need at least a 15% to 20% ownership stake per mezzo di your home to tap into that equity. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you could risk foreclosure if you’campione not able to pay your debt. 

HELOCs and home equity loans are both good options for homeowners per mezzo di need of cash, with more affordable interest rates than personal loans credit cards. Unlike fixed-rate home equity loans, HELOCs nearly always have a variable rate, so your interest rate will change alongside market fluctuations.

I’ve spoken with experts about how these lines of credit work and where to find the best rates. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a HELOC is the right fit for you.

This week’s HELOC rates

Here are the average rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit as of April 24, 2024.

Loan type This week’s rate Last week’s rate Difference
$30,000 HELOC 9.10% 9.07% +0.03
10-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.77% None
15-year, $30,000 home equity loan 8.77% 8.76% +0.01
Note: These rates are averages determined by a survey conducted by Bankrate of the culmine 10 banks per mezzo di the culmine 10 US markets. 

Current HELOC rates and trends

Since 2022, HELOC rates have risen substantially per mezzo di response to a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Average HELOC rates are around 9%, according to from CNET’s sister site Bankrate. 

The Fed appears to be at the end of its rate-hike cycle, but homeowners will have to wait for lower HELOC rates. The central bank isn’t likely to start cutting interest rates until later this summer, and HELOC rates should remain steady per mezzo di the meantime.

“As rates start to decline this year, variable-rate products like HELOCs become more attractive as borrowers will be able to benefit from the rate of decreases without the need to refinance,” said Matthew Sanford, administrative vice president of mortgage lending at Skyla Federal Credit Union.

HELOC rates for April 2024

Lender APR Introductory APR Loan amount HELOC terms Max LTV
US Bank 8.95% to 13.1% N/A $15,000 – $750,000, up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period 80%
TD Bank 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included) N/A From $25,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Connexus Credit Union From 8.74% 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025 $5,000 – $200,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period Not specified
Spring EQ Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $50,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
KeyBank From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included) N/A From $10,000 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 90%
Third Federal 7.49% N/A $10,000 – $200,000 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 80%
PNC Fill out application for personalized rates N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period 89.90%
Frost 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $8,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Regions 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included) N/A $10,000 – $500,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 95%
Citizens From 8.5% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A From $5,000 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period 80%
BMO Harris From 8.34% (0.50% autopay discount included) 6.99% for first six months From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 80%
Flagstar 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included) N/A $10,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 89.99%
Truist 10.1% to 16% N/A From $10,000 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 85%
Figure From 7.75% N/A $15,000 – $400,000 Five, 10, 15 30 years 95%
PenFed Credit Union From 8.625% N/A $25,000 – $1 million 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period 90%
Note: Annual percentage rates as of April 3, 2024. APRs may change daily weekly. Your APR will depend factors such as your credit score, income, loan term and whether you enroll per mezzo di autopay other lender-specific requirements.

Best HELOC lenders for April 2024

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank

Good for nationwide availability

U.S. Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 47 states, with the option of interest-only HELOCs for qualified borrowers. You also have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC through an online application, by phone by visiting a U.S. Bank branch per mezzo di person.

  • APR: 8.95% to 13.1%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties per mezzo di California)
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, unspecified repayment period
  • Fees: There are voto negativo closing costs HELOCs from U.S. Bank, but you’ll be charged an early closure fee of 1% of the line amount ($500 max) if you close your HELOC within 30 months of opening. HELOC borrowers may be charged an annual fee of up to $75, which can be waived with a U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account.
  • Perks: You have the option to lock all part of your outstanding HELOC balance into a fixed-rate option during your draw period.
TD Bank

TD Bank

Good price transparency

TD Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states, with the option for interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs.

You can apply for a TD Bank home equity loan HELOC online, by phone by visiting a branch per mezzo di person. The online application includes a calculator that will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow based your personal information. You can also see a full breakdown of rates, fees and monthly payments by entering some basic information online. Voto negativo credit check is required for this service.

  • APR: 8.34% (0.25% TD checking account discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99%
  • Loan amount: From $25,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs for HELOCs exist only loan amounts greater than $500,000, but you will have to pay a $99 origination fee at closing regardless of your loan amount. There is also an annual fee of $50 HELOCs for lines over $50,000. You will be charged an early termination fee — 2% of the outstanding balance — if you close your HELOC within 24 months of opening.
  • Perks: You will receive a 0.25% rate discount if you set up a TD personal checking account.
Connexus Credit Union

Connexus Credit Union

Flexible credit union eligibility

Connexus Credit Union offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Texas). This credit union also offers an interest-only HELOC.

Since Connexus is a credit union, its products are available only to its members. But membership eligibility is aperto to most people: You ( a family member) just need to be a member of a one of Connexus’ groups, reside per mezzo di one of the communities counties Connexus’ list become a member of the Connexus Association with a $5 donation to its nonprofit.

To apply for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, you can fill out a three-step application online. You won’t be able to see a personalized rate without a credit check.

  • APR: From 8.74%
  • Introductory APR: 5.99% until Oct. 1, 2024, 6.49% until Apr. 1, 2025
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $200,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for a home equity loan HELOC with Connexus, but closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000 depending the loan terms and property location.
  • Additional requirements: Must be a member of the credit union.
  • Perks: Introductory rate for the first six months of your loan term.
Spring EQ

Spring EQ

Good online application user experience

Spring EQ operates per mezzo di 38 states and offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. While Spring EQ doesn’t display rates without an application, it does advertise a maximum LTV ratio of 90% for home equity loans. It doesn’t clarify whether the same maximum LTV ratio is applicable to HELOCs.

The loan application process is transparent and easy to understand. Customers can see an extensive breakdown of their loan options without needing to undergo a credit check provide their Social Security number.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90% for home equity loans, not specified for HELOCs
  • Loan amount: $50,000 to $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Loans may be subject to an origination fee of $995 and an annual fee of $99 per mezzo di some states.
  • Additional requirements: Borrowers must have a credit score of 680 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% less.
  • Perks: Spring EQ offers a high maximum loan-to-value ratio.
KeyBank

KeyBank

Wide range of product offerings

KeyBank offers home equity loans to customers per mezzo di 15 states and HELOCs to customers per mezzo di 44 states. Aside from a tenore HELOC, KeyBank also offers interest-only and rate-lock options.

The KeyBank application allows you to apply for multiple products at one time. If you’campione not sure whether KeyBank loans are available per mezzo di your , the application will tell you once you your ZIP code. If you’campione an existing KeyBank customer, you’ll have the option to skim through the application and import your personal information from your account.

  • APR: From 11.5% (0.25% KeyBank client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 15-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: KeyBank HELOCs appena che with an annual fee of $50, but voto negativo closing costs unless your closing is performed by a closing agent. Per mezzo di that case, a closing fee could be up to $400.
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for clients who have eligible checking and savings accounts with KeyBank.
Third Federal Savings & Loan

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Good for long repayment period

Third Federal Savings & Loan offers HELOCs per mezzo di 26 states and home equity loans per mezzo di eight states. If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Third Federal website. Both applications are included the same page along with multiple rate and term options, allowing you to assess what will be best for you.

  • APR: 7.49%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $200,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: Third Federal doesn’t require you to pay an origination fee closing costs, and the annual $65 fee is waived your first year.
  • Perks: If you find a different lender that offers a lower interest rate, Third Federal says it will incontro the rate pay you $1,000 if it can’t.
PNC Bank

PNC Bank

Good option for fixed-rate HELOCs

PNC Bank operates per mezzo di 44 states. While PNC doesn’t offer home equity loans, it does offer both variable-rate and fixed-rate HELOCs. PNC HELOCs are also good for their long repayment periods: 30 years. A long repayment period generally means lower monthly payments (but more interest paid per mezzo di the long run). PNC also gives you the option to lock per mezzo di a specific rate all a portion of your HELOC balance, but you must pay a $100 fee every time you do so.

PNC doesn’t show its rates online. You must fill out an application to see personalized rates, but the site is user-friendly. Customers can estimate their home equity with an easy-to-use calculator.

  • APR: Fill out application for personalized rates
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.9% for first liens, 85% for second liens
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 30-year repayment period
  • Fees: $50 annual fee (except per mezzo di Texas). $100 fee every time you convert your HELOC into a fixed-rate option.
  • Perks: Borrowers can receive a 0.25% discount when they set up and maintain automatic payments from a qualifying PNC checking account.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank

Good option for Texas borrowers

Headquartered per mezzo di San Antonio, Frost Bank’s products are available only to Texas residents. It offers home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC the Frost Bank website, but first you’ll need to create an account. According to the bank, the application will take you only about 15 minutes. If you’campione not located per mezzo di Texas, you won’t be able to apply.

  • APR: 9.15% to 18% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: Starting from $8,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: None
  • Additional requirements: Borrower must per mezzo di Texas.
  • Perks: If you set up automatic payments from a Frost Bank checking savings account, you’ll be eligible for a 0.25% rate discount.
Regions Bank

Regions Bank

Good for autopay discounts

Regions Bank serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 15 states. HELOC offerings include a rate-lock option for customers who want it.

You can apply for a Regions home equity loan HELOC online, per mezzo di person over the phone. You have to create an account with Regions to apply, though you can use the bank’s rate calculator to estimate your rate and payment amount beforehand.

  • APR: 9% to 15.875% (Regions client discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $500,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Closing costs between $150 and $2,000. Regions will pay these costs if the HELOC amount is $250,000 less.
  • Perks: For home equity loans and HELOCs, Regions offers rate discounts between 0.25% and 0.5% to those who opt into automatic payments from a Regions checking account.
Citizens

Citizens

Good option for low loan amounts

Citizens offers tenore and interest-only HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 19 states. The bank doesn’t offer home equity loans. Citizens’ loan amount is $5,000, which may be a draw for customers who aren’t looking to borrow a large amount of money.

You can apply for a HELOC the Citizens website, but you also have the option to speak to a loan specialist the phone. You need to sign up with a phone number and email to access the application.

  • APR: From 8.50% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 80%
  • Loan amount: From $5,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 15-year repayment period
  • Fees: Citizens won’t require any application fees closing costs, but you will have to pay a $50 annual fee (waived the first year of your draw period).
  • Perks: 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who enroll per mezzo di autopay from a Citizens checking account. Per mezzo di states where Citizens doesn’t offer checking accounts, consumers can get the same discount with automatic payments set up from any checking account.
BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank

Good introductory APR

BMO Harris (a subsidiary of the Canadian financial services company Bank of Montreal) has products and services available per mezzo di 48 states (all but New York and Texas). BMO Harris offers home equity loans and three variations of a HELOC.

You can apply for a home equity loan HELOC online per mezzo di person. You can get personalized rates without a credit check, but you’ll have to speak with a representative the phone.

  • APR: From 8.34% (0.5% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: 6.99% for the first six months
  • Max LTV ratio: Not specified
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: There is voto negativo application fee for home equity loans HELOCs with BMO Harris. Per mezzo di addition, BMO Harris will pay closing costs for loans secured by an owner-occupied one-to-four-family residence. Borrowers will have to pay a $75 annual fee.
  • Additional requirements: The credit score required is 650 to 680.
  • Perks: If you set up autopay from a BMO Harris checking account, you’ll be eligible to receive a 0.5% rate discount.
Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Bank

Good customer support

Flagstar Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs per mezzo di 49 states (all but Texas) — but check your specific ZIP code for availability.

Flagstar doesn’t have a full online application, only a form where you can submit your information to be contacted by a representative. You can get a custom rate based a soft credit check and some additional information. Flagstar’s tedious application process may be frustrating, but the lender does offer several customer support options, including 24-hour loan support over the phone.

  • APR: 9.49% to 21% (0.25% autopay discount included)
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 89.99% lower
  • Loan amount: $10,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: HELOCs with Flagstar require an additional $75 fee, but it is waived the first year. To avoid closing fees, you’ll have to keep your HELOC aperto for at least 36 months.
  • Perks: There is a 0.25% rate discount for borrowers who have monthly automatic payments set up from a Flagstar bank deposit account.
Truist

Truist

A good fast funding option

Truist offers tenore, interest-only and rate-lock HELOCs to borrowers per mezzo di 15 states, primarily per mezzo di the Southeast. Truist doesn’t offer home equity loans.

You can apply for a HELOC Truist’s website. You won’t be required to sign up for an account, but if you already have one with Truist, you’ll be able to auto-fill your application. Truist advertises that the turnaround time from application to closing averages 30 to 35 days, one of the fastest times among its peers (not including newer, nontraditional startup companies like Figure).

  • APR: 10.1% to 16%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 85%
  • Loan amount: From $10,000
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: When closing, the borrower will have the option to pay closing costs themselves advance them (have Truist pay them). If you choose the latter, you won’t have to reimburse Truist for the closing costs if you keep your account aperto for at least three years. There is a $50 annual fee per mezzo di some states.
  • Perks: Truist says the average closing time is 30 to 35 days.
Figure

Figure

Lump-sum HELOC offering

Figure uses a unique combination of technology and banking to provide customers per mezzo di 41 states with HELOCs. Though officially called a HELOC, Figure’s HELOC has characteristics of both a traditional HELOC and a home equity loan. Borrowers withdraw the full line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination. Once you repay the initial balance at a fixed rate, you will be able to make additional draws over a specified period.

Figure says it will deliver funds per mezzo di as little as five days. The application is entirely online and takes about five minutes to complete, according to Figure.

  • APR: From 7.75%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 95%
  • Loan amount: $15,000 – $400,000
  • Terms: Five, 10, 15, 30 years
  • Fees: A HELOC with Figure has voto negativo closing costs, but the borrower will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw, depending the state and the borrower’s credit profile. You may also have to pay a recording fee if your county requires it.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 640
  • Perks: Borrowers may receive a rate discount of up to 0.75%; 0.5% for opting into a credit union membership and 0.25% for enrolling per mezzo di autopay.
PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

Good option for borrowers outside the continental US

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (widely known as PenFed) offers HELOCs per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. PenFed is a credit union so its products are available only to members, but you can easily become a member by opening a PenFed savings account and funding it with at least $5.

With PenFed, you can choose between a tenore, interest-only rate-lock HELOC. PenFed doesn’t offer home equity loans. To apply for a HELOC with PenFed, you’ll have to request a callback over the phone. This feature may be a major drawback for customers who prefer online services and applications.

  • APR: Starting from 8.625%
  • Introductory APR: N/A
  • Max LTV ratio: 90%
  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $1 million
  • Terms: 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period
  • Fees: Annual fee of $99 unless you have $99 per mezzo di interest during the preceding year. PenFed will pay most closing costs, but for credit lines greater than $500,000, the borrower will likely be responsible for closing costs.
  • Additional requirements: Minimo credit score of 660 and maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%.
  • Perks: PenFed serves borrowers per mezzo di all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. The credit union has flexible membership requirements.

What is a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card, but that’s secured by your home. You’ll be able to access funds from your HELOC as you need them, instead of taking out a set amount at the onset, like with a home equity loan. There’s usually a withdrawal amount based the total amount of your credit line. 

A HELOC is considered a second mortgage. It’s a loan taken out against your home while your original mortgage is still being paid .

HELOCs are commonly used for home improvements, such as adding solar panels, as well as debt consolidation and other large expenses. There are voto negativo restrictions how you use the money from a

HELOC, but there’s always a risk per mezzo di taking debt that’s tied to your home.HELOCs typically have variable-rate APRs, meaning your interest rate adjusts over time based the benchmark US prime rate. The prime rate is the essenza rate corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest US banks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

How does a HELOC work?

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against the percentage of your home that you’ve fully paid . Since your home serves as collateral for the loan, it’s important to have a repayment plan per mezzo di place so you don’t lose your property. 

HELOCs are typically divided into two periods: a draw period and a repayment period. During the draw period (often 10 years), you can take funds from your HELOC up to the amount of your credit line. With interest-only HELOCs, you’campione required to make monthly payments toward the accrued interest, not the principal, during the draw period. 

Once the draw period is over, you can voto negativo longer withdraw money, and you’ll enter the repayment period, where you begin paying back both principal and interest. While terms may vary by lender, the draw period typically lasts five to 10 years, while the repayment period usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Who qualifies for a HELOC? 

To qualify for a HELOC you’campione typically required to meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least 15% to 20% equity built up per mezzo di your home: Home equity is the amount of home you own, based how much you’ve paid toward your mortgage. Subtract what you owe your mortgage and other loans from the current appraised value of your house to figure out your home equity number.
  • Have adequate, verifiable income and stable employment: Proof of income is a tenore requirement to qualify for a HELOC. Check your lender’s website to see what forms and paperwork you will need to submit along with your application. 
  • Have a credit score of 620: Lenders use your credit score to determine the likelihood that you’ll repay the loan time. Having a strong credit score — at least 700 — will help you qualify for a lower interest rate and more amenable loan terms. 
  • Have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% less: Divide your total monthly debts by your gross monthly income to get your DTI. Like your credit score, your DTI helps lenders determine your capacity to make consistent payments toward your loan. Some lenders prefer a DTI of 36% less. 

Pros

  • HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than other financing options like personal loans credit cards.

  • You can withdraw funds anytime during the draw period and only have to pay for the amount of money you use, plus interest.

  • HELOCs have very few restrictions what the money can be used for.

  • Lenders often offer discounted rates for an introductory rate period.

Cons

  • Because HELOCs are secured by your house, you could lose your home if you default your debt.

  • HELOCs can have a withdrawal amount.

  • The interest rate is variable, so your rate and monthly payment could increase unexpectedly.

  • HELOCs could appena che with annual fees, application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs, depending the lender.

How to apply for a HELOC

Before applying for a HELOC, make sure you qualify for the loan amount you need and that you meet basic requirements: at least 15% to 20% equity per mezzo di your home, a good credit score and a low combined loan-to-value ratise no (the ratio of all of your outstanding mortgage balances compared to the market value of your property). Given there are other financing options available by leveraging your home equity, such as a home equity loan a cash-out refinance, make sure a HELOC is the right type of loan for your situation.

How to determine your LTV ratio

Your lender will calculate the amount of equity per mezzo di your home to determine your loan-to-value ratio, which expresses how much you still owe your home’s mortgage compared to its current appraised value. Generally, your LTV should be less than 80% and voto negativo higher than 90% to qualify. Having a high LTV tells a lender you may be a risky borrower.

Here‘s the basic motto:

  1. To calculate the equity per mezzo di your home: up your outstanding mortgage balance and subtract it from your home’s appraised value. For example, if your home is currently worth $500,000 and you have $400,000 left to pay your mortgage, then you have $100,000 of equity per mezzo di your home. 
  1. To determine your loan-to-value ratio: Divide your current mortgage balance by your home’s appraised value. If you owe $400,000 a $500,000 home, the calculation would be: 

$400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] / $500,000 [current appraised value] = 0.80

Then multiply that answer by 100 to get your LTV ratio expressed as a percent. Per mezzo di this example, you have an 80% LTV ratio.

How to determine your HELOC credit limit

Most lenders will let you borrow per mezzo di the neighborhood of 75% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe your primary mortgage. To determine whether you’ll that threshold, you can use the below motto, which assumes a lender will allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home equity:

$500,000 [current appraised value] X 0.85 [maximum equity percentage you can borrow] – $400,000 [outstanding mortgage balance] = $25,000 [what the lender will let you borrow]

Reach out to lenders 

It’s important to interview multiple lenders when you want to use your home equity for financing. The more banks and lenders you contact, the better your chances of finding more favorable rates and fees overall. You can start with the lender bank that issued your first mortgage, since they’ve already approved you for one loan and you have an existing relationship. You might also rates from online lenders.

Send per mezzo di your application 

Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather all of your financial documentation to verify you can pay back the HELOC. You’ll need proof of income and employment, and per mezzo di some cases, you may need to pay for a new home appraisal to assess the current market value of your property. 

After all your financial paperwork is submitted, the final step is to close the loan, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending the lender.

Tips for comparing multiple HELOC offers

The offers you receive will vary from lender to lender, but the more you know about the specific ins and outs of those offers, the better your chances of saving money and interest. There are a few major factors to consider when deciding which HELOC offer to go with. 

Introductory rate period

Since HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, your interest rate will go up and mongoloide over time. Be aware of what the prime rate is and know that you’ll be paying a markup that interest rate. 

Per mezzo di the beginning, most HELOCs appena che with a lower introductory rate period, but the length of those initial rates will differ by lender, and you want to find the longest one possible. The longer you have a lower interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. There are also some lenders who allow you to your interest rate for a portion of the loan, which offers a more predictable payment.

Rate cap

Ask about your maximum HELOC interest rate cap. HELOCs have lifetime interest rate caps, so even if the prime rate rises and surpasses your rate cap, your HELOC rate won’t increase any further. If you have an existing HELOC, you can attempt to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. 

“Ask your current HELOC lender if they will the interest rate your outstanding balance,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, CNET’s sister site. “Some lenders offer this, many do not. But it is worth asking the question.”

Minimo withdrawals

Some lenders require withdrawals regardless of your total line of credit. You don’t want to get stuck making interest payments funds you don’t actually need if that amount is less than the mandatory withdrawal amount set by your lender. It’s also important to know when your draw period ends so you can afford the larger principal-plus-interest payments once you enter your repayment period.

Alternatives to a HELOC

  • Home equity loans are another type of home equity financing. With a home equity loan, you take out a one-time loan with a set amount, loan term and interest rate, then pay it back per mezzo di monthly installments. A home equity loan works like a personal loan except it is secured by your home, just like a HELOC. 
  • Cash-out refinances are also a common way to tap into your home equity for cash, but they work differently than a HELOC home equity loan. While a HELOC home equity loan acts as a second mortgage your home, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. With a cash-out refi, you’ll take out a mortgage with a larger loan amount than your current one, use it to pay your existing mortgage and pocket the difference as cash. 
  • Personal loans are a good option if you want to avoid putting your home up as collateral. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Methodology

We evaluated a range of lenders based factors such as interest rates, APRs and fees, how long the draw and repayment periods are, and what types and variety of loans are offered. We also took into account factors that impact the user experience such as how easy it is to apply for a loan online and whether physical lender locations exist.

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FAQs

A good HELOC rate is considered anything at below the national average. As of April, average HELOC interest rates are around 9%. 

Some lenders advertise even lower interest rates, but those rates are typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit and an LTV ratio below 80% (often close to 60% 70%). Getting a better rate could depend your financial situation, including your credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and how much equity you have per mezzo di your house.

HELOCs can be useful for large expenses, like home renovations, medical emergencies college tuition. They’campione particularly good for ongoing expenses because you’ll only need to pay back what you spend during the draw period.

A HELOC can be a good option if you have expenses coming up that you need cash to cover. If you’campione unsure how much money you’ll need and don’t need all the funds upfront, a HELOC gives you plenty of flexibility. An added advantage is that current HELOC rates are comparatively lower than other types of financing, like personal loans credit cards. But if you’campione unsure you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loan, a HELOC isn’t worth the risk of losing your home.

While HELOCs are variable-rate revolving lines of credit, home equity loans are fixed-rate installment loans. With a home equity loan, you get a sum of money when you take out the loan and pay it back (with interest) per mezzo di fixed monthly payments. 

 

With a HELOC, you can draw from a line of credit as much as you want, whenever you want during the draw period and pay it back with interest during the repayment period. Your monthly payment will depend how much you draw and the current interest rate your HELOC. 

 

The interest rates you’ll get for either loan are determined by your credit score, home equity, where you , your property’s value and other factors.

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