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Best home equity line of credit (HELOC) rates for March 2024

Updated March 19, 2024

What are today's average HELOC rates?

LOAN TYPE AVERAGE RATE AVERAGE RATE RANGE
HELOC 8.98% 8.51% – 10.22%

To conduct the National Average survey, Bankrate obtains rate information from the 10 largest banks and thrifts in 10 large U.S. markets. The rates shown above are calculated using a loan or line amount of $30,000, with a FICO score of 700 and a combined loan-to-value ratio of 80 percent.

Note: The above APRs are current as of March 13, 2024. The exact APR you might qualify for depends on your credit score and other factors, such as whether you're an existing customer or enroll in auto-payments.

National HELOC interest rate trends

HELOC rates still lower than they’ve been in months

The average rate on a home equity line of credit (HELOC) was holding below 9 percent at 8.98 percent as of March 13, according to Bankrate’s survey of large lenders. Last week was the first time HELOCs have retreated under 9 percent since August 2023.

HELOCs come with variable interest rates, which change based on the prime rate, in turn tied to Federal Reserve policy. At its Jan. 31 meeting, the Fed announced it would maintain its current target rate in order to further rein in inflation. The central bank meets again in mid-March.

HELOC rates can also change because one or more home equity lenders markets an especially generous rate. That’s one reason why it often pays to search around for HELOC offers, at least for a lower introductory rate.

The share of equity-rich properties in the U.S. (those with 50 percent equity or more) fell in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to ATTOM. Still, the average homeowner gained about $25,000 in equity in 2023, according to ICE.

Even as rates are high, HELOCs are still more attractively priced compared to unsecured personal loans, which averaged a rate of 12.10 percent this week. If you’re looking to finance a renovation and have equity to tap, a line of credit could be less expensive than a home improvement loan. It’d also save you from a cash-out refinance, which could mean giving up a low rate on your mortgage in exchange for a new one.

A line of credit isn’t the only way to leverage your home’s equity. Another option: home equity loans, or second mortgages, which come with fixed interest rates. As of March 13, the 10-year, $30,000 home equity loan rate held at 8.8 percent, according to Bankrate’s survey, the same as the previous week. The 15-year home equity loan rate dipped a little — from 8.78 percent to 8.77 percent.

How to get the best HELOC rate

When shopping for a HELOC, look for a competitive interest rate, repayment terms that meet your needs and minimal fees. Loan details presented here are current as of the publication date. Check the lenders’ websites for more current information. The top lenders listed below are selected based on factors such as APR, loan amounts, fees, credit requirements and broad availability.

Before you start shopping for a HELOC, make sure you meet lenders’ requirements. Then, take some time to improve your credit score. If you carry a big credit card balance, pay it down. If your auto loan note is almost done, you might pay it off a month or two early. You might also make a few additional mortgage payments to increase your home equity.
 
Once everything is in order, shop around. To find the best HELOC rate, compare multiple lenders — a rule of thumb is to get quotes from at least three. Remember, the rate is important, but it’s not the only factor you should consider. Competing HELOC rates are likely to be close, so be sure to also scrutinize fees and terms to get a sense of the APR, and make sure you’re not comparing apples to oranges.

Best home equity line of credit (HELOC) rates in March 2024

LOAN TYPE CREDIT LINE AMOUNT TERM PERIOD CURRENT APR
Starting at $5,000 15 years 5.99%
Up to $500,000 10-year draw, 20-year repay 6.99%
$15,000–$1 million 10-year draw, 20-year repay 6.99%
$10,000–$500,000 30 years 6.99%
$10,000–$200,000 30 years 7.49%
$25,000-$150,000 10-year draw period and 20-year repayment term for HELOC (5-year to 20-year repayment term for fixed-rate HELOC) 7.74%
Starting at $25,000 Not Specified 8.34%
$20,000–$400,000 Up to 30 years 8.40%

Note: The above APRs are current as of February 14, 2024. The exact APR you might qualify for depends on your credit score and other factors, such as whether you're an existing customer or enroll in auto-payments.

Connexus Credit Union logo
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
3.5
Bankrate Score
Lender
Connexus
Interest Rates
5.99% APR (Special introductory rate)
Approval Time
within 30 days of applying
Max LTV Ratio
Not specified
Minimum Credit Score
640
Available Term Lengths
15-year draw period with a15-year repayment term
Line of Credit Amount
Starting at $5,000
Fees
Depending on loan terms and property location, closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000.

Bethpage Federal Credit Union logo
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Lender
Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Interest Rates
6.99% APR
Approval Time
Not specified
Max LTV Ratio
Not specified
Minimum Credit Score
Not specified
Available Term Lengths
10-year draw period with a 20-year repayment period
Line of Credit Amount
Up to $1,000,000
Fees
If you close your HELOC within 36 months, you'll need to repay the closing costs you would've paid. Hazard insurance and flood insurance may be required.

Bank of America  logo
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
3.5
Bankrate Score
Lender
Bank of America
Interest Rates
Starting at 6.99% APR
Approval time
5-7 weeks
Max LTV Ratio
85%
Minimum Credit Score
Unavailable
Available Term Lengths
10-year draw period with a 20-year repayment period
Line of Credit Amount
Starting at $15,000 to $1,000,000
Fees
Early closure fee of $450, plus taxes and fees, apply to accounts closed within 36 months

Comerica Logo
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4
Bankrate Score
Lender
Comerica Bank
Interest Rates
Starting at 6.99% APR (special introductory rate)
Approval Time
N/A
Max LTV Ratio
80%
Minimum Credit Score
N/A
Available Term Lengths
30 years
Line of Credit Amount
$10,000-$500,000
Fees
Comerica’s fees vary by state. In California, there’s an early termination fee of 2 percent of credit limit with a maximum fee of $500 if account is closed within the first three years. There’s also an $80 annual fee (waived the first year) for California customers.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Bankrate Score
Lender
Third Federal Savings
Interest Rates
7.49%
Approval Time
Not Specified
Max LTV Ratio
Not specified
Minimum Credit Score
Not specified
Available Term Lengths
30 years
Line of Credit Amount
$10,000 to $200,000
Fees
You don’t need to worry about application or origination fees with either home equity loan type from Third Federal, and you can pay off your debt early without a penalty. The only charge you’ll need to pay is a $65 annual fee, which is waived in the first year.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Bankrate Score
Lender
BMO Harris Bank
Interest Rates
7.74%
Approval Time
Not Specified
Max LTV Ratio
Not specified
Minimum Credit Score
700
Available Term Lengths
10-year draw period and 20-year repayment term for HELOC (5-year to 20-year repayment term for fixed-rate HELOC)
Line of Credit Amount
$25,000-$150,000
Fees
MO Harris Bank advertises both home equity loans and HELOCs with no application fees and low-to-no closing costs. If you close your account within three years, the bank might charge a fee to recoup closing costs, though. Additionally, the variable-rate HELOC comes with a $75 annual fee during the draw period, and there’s a $75 fee every time you convert a part of your balance to a fixed-rate after closing.

TD Bank logo
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Bankrate Score
Lender
TD Bank
Interest Rates
8.34%
Approval Time
2.5 days
Max LTV Ratio
90%
Minimum Credit Score
660
Available Term Lengths
Not specified
Line of Credit Amount
Starting at $25,000
Fees
There’s a $50 annual fee on loans over $50,000 and a $99 origination fee. The 2% termination fee (max $450) applies if you pay the line of credit off and close it within 24 months. You will also have to pay closing costs on lines over $500,000.

Rating: 3.3 stars out of 5
3.3
Bankrate Score
Lender
Guaranteed Rate
Interest Rates
8.40%
Approval Time
5-10 minutes
Max LTV Ratio
90%-95%
Minimum Credit Score
620
Available Term Lengths
Two-year to five-year draw period, up to 30-year repayment period
Line of Credit Amount
$20,000-$400,000 (Minimum of $25,001 in Alaska)
Fees
Guaranteed Rate charges a 1.99% origination fee for a HELOC. This charge is deducted from the line of credit, however; you don’t need to bring any money to closing.

Methodology

To determine this best HELOC rates list, we surveyed over 30 lenders offering home equity lines of credit. The top HELOC rates displayed here may be special introductory rates, and represent the lowest advertised APR (annual percentage rate) based on a borrower with a credit score of 700 or higher and a combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio of 80 percent obtaining a 30-year, $30,000 home equity line of credit.

Note that the lenders listed here are based solely on their offering the lowest APR, and are not necessarily the best overall HELOC lenders Bankrate has scored. Learn more about Bankrate’s lender review methodology.

What is a home equity line of credit, or HELOC?

HELOC is a variable-rate home equity product that works like a credit card — you have access to a credit line that you can draw from and pay back as needed. HELOC rates are tied to a benchmark interest rate. As the prime rate moves up or down, so does your HELOC rate. Payments vary depending on the interest rate and how much money you have used.
 
 

How does a HELOC work?

With a HELOC, you’re given a line of credit that’s available for a set time frame (known as the draw period), usually up to 10 years. While most HELOCs have an interest-only draw period, you can make both interest and principal payments to pay off the line of credit faster.

When the line of credit’s draw period expires, you enter the repayment period, which can last up to 20 years. You’ll pay back the outstanding balance that you borrowed, as well as any interest owed. A lender may allow you to renew the credit line.

How do I qualify for a HELOC?

In addition to estimating your home equity, lenders look at your credit history, credit score, income and other debts. Most lenders require a combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) of 85 percent or less, a credit score of 620 or higher and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio below 43 percent to approve you for a home equity line of credit.

Pros and cons of HELOCs

HELOCs combine relatively low interest rates with the flexibility to borrow what you need when you need it. If you need money over an unpredictable period of time, a line of credit is ideal. However, there are always risks when you take out a loan, especially one that's secured by your home. Here are some of the key considerations for getting a HELOC.

PROS

  • Checkmark

    Lets you tap home equity without disturbing the primary mortgage (nice if you’ve locked in a low rate).

  • Checkmark

    Typically lower upfront costs than home equity loans.

  • Checkmark

    Lower interest rates than with credit cards.

  • Checkmark

    Usually low or no closing costs.

  • Checkmark

    Interest charged only on the amount of money you use.

CONS

  • Close X

    Lenders may require minimum draws.

  • Close X

    Interest rates can adjust upward or downward.

  • Close X

    Lenders may charge a variety of fees, including annual fees, application fees, cancellation fees or early closure fees.

  • Close X

    Late or missed payments can damage your credit and put your home at risk.

HELOC vs. home equity loan

While HELOCs and home equity loans are similar in some ways, they have a few distinct differences. These are some of the key factors you should consider when deciding between a HELOC and a home equity loan.

HELOCS HOME EQUITY LOANS
Interest Rates Variable Fixed
APRs Slightly lower Slightly higher
Funds disbursement Line of credit Lump sum
Repayment terms First 5-10 years: Interest-only payments Last 10-20 years: interest and principal 10-30 years of fixed payments
Best for Ongoing home improvement projects, college tuition payments, medical expenses Debt consolidation, large home improvement projects, major purchases

Other alternatives to a HELOC

A HELOC is not the right choice for every borrower. Depending on what you need the money for, one of these alternative options may be a better fit:

HELOC vs. cash-out refinance

cash-out refinance replaces your current home mortgage with a larger home loan. The difference between the original mortgage and the new loan is disbursed to you in a lump sum. The main difference between a cash-out refinance and a HELOC is that a cash-out refinance requires you to replace your current mortgage, while a HELOC leaves your current mortgage intact; it adds an additional debt to your finances.

HELOC vs. reverse mortgage

With a reverse mortgage, you receive an advance on your home equity that you don't have to repay until you leave the home. However, these often come with many fees, and variable interest accrues continuously on the money you receive. These are also only available to older homeowners (62 or older for a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, the most popular reverse mortgage product, or 55 and older for some proprietary reverse mortgages).

HELOC vs. personal loan

Personal loans may have higher interest rates than home equity loans, but they don't use your home as collateral. Like a home equity loan, they have fixed interest rates and disburse money in a lump sum.

FAQs about home equity lines of credit

Home equity lenders reviewed by Bankrate

Why trust Bankrate?

At Bankrate, our mission is to empower you to make smarter financial decisions. We’ve been comparing and surveying financial institutions for more than 40 years to help you find the right products for your situation. Our award-winning editorial team follows strict guidelines to ensure our content is not influenced by advertisers. Additionally, our content is thoroughly reported and vigorously edited to ensure accuracy.

When shopping for a HELOC, look for a competitive interest rate, repayment terms that meet your needs and minimal fees. Loan details presented here are current as of the publication date. Check the lenders’ websites for more current information. The top lenders listed below are selected based on factors such as APR, loan amounts, fees, credit requirements and broad availability.