Home equity line of credit (HELOC) rates for May 2022

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money.

Bankrate's ranking of the best HELOCs can help you start your search by evaluating interest rates, terms and fees across a variety of lenders. The resources below can also help you learn more about the process of tapping your home equity and deciding whether a HELOC is right for you.

The Bankrate guide to home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)

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 Aug. 4, 2021. 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.

Summary: HELOCs in 2022

Best home equity line of credit (HELOC) rates in May 2022

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

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.

What is a good HELOC rate?

Home equity line of credit rates are determined by your financial situation and your credit score. If you have good credit, your HELOC rate could be around 3 percent to 5 percent. If you have below-average credit, you'll likely fall within the 9 percent to 10 percent range.

The average HELOC rate, as of Dec. 15, 2021, is 4.27 percent. Generally speaking, any rate below the average would be considered a good HELOC rate.

Who is HELOC best for?

Because you have the ability to draw only what you need from a HELOC over 10 to 15 years, it’s best for people who need access to funds over a number of years — for a series of home improvement projects, for example — and who are comfortable using their homes as collateral.

How do I qualify for 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 of 85 percent or less, a credit score of 620 or higher and a debt-to-income ratio below 43 percent to approve you for a home equity line of credit.

What are today's current HELOC rates?

How does the coronavirus affect HELOCs?

HELOCs have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interest rates plunged, and as a result, many banks became overwhelmed by new applications. Now may be a good time to get a HELOC or lock in a fixed rate if you have the option, but economic uncertainty and the influx of potential borrowers have also caused some banks to tighten eligibility requirements and even suspend HELOC applications altogether. If you've been thinking about getting a HELOC, it may be worthwhile to send in your application now as home equity lending picks back up.

If you have a HELOC and you're having trouble making payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contact your lender; many lenders have extended hardship relief options.

Common uses of a HELOC

Pros and cons of HELOCs

HELOCs offer a combination of relatively low interest rates and the flexibility to borrow what you need when you need it. If you need money over a staggered period, 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.

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.

HELOC vs. cash-out refinance

A 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 adds a loan to your current mortgage.

A HELOC may be a better option for you if:

• You want more flexibility.
• You already have a good mortgage rate.
• You plan to use your HELOC only for tax-deductible home improvement projects.

A cash-out refinance may be a better option for you if:

How to apply for a HELOC

With most HELOC lenders, you can generally get the application process started in just a few minutes online. You’ll simply enter some personal and financial information, such as your name, address, salary, desired loan amount and estimated credit score.

To apply for a HELOC, start with these steps:

1. Check your credit score. The higher your credit score, the better your rates and the more likely you are to be approved. If you have a credit score in the mid-600s or below, work to pay off existing debt and make timely payments on your credit cards to improve your score.
2. Shop around. To make sure you're getting the best rate and terms possible, research a few lenders and take advantage of any prequalification offers available
3. Gather your application materials. Many lenders will ask for your Social Security number, salary, employment information and estimated home value. Now is also a good time to collect details about your home's outstanding mortgage balance. After you apply, lenders should reach out within a few days, although some online lenders offer same-day approval.
4. Complete the verification process. Once you've accepted a loan offer, you'll have to provide verification documents, which may include pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns. You may also have to get an appraisal on your home. At this time, lenders will perform a hard credit check, which will temporarily ding your credit score.
5. Receive funds. The time between offer acceptance and funds disbursement varies by lender, but some may make HELOC funds available in as little as one week. From there, you can use your funds as needed and begin making payments.

Best HELOC lenders in May 2022

How to find the best HELOC rates

FAQs about home equity lines of credit

Is a HELOC a good idea?

A HELOC can be a good idea if used for home improvement projects that increase the value of your home. Because a HELOC lets you take out what you need when you need it, it’s best for ongoing projects or expenses.

A HELOC is not a good idea if you don't have a steady income or a financial plan to pay off the loan. Since you use your home as collateral, if you fail to make the payments in full and on time, you risk losing your home.

Are HELOC rates fixed?

Like credit cards, HELOCs typically have variable interest rates, meaning the rate you initially receive may rise or fall during your draw and repayment periods. However, some lenders have begun offering options to convert all or part of your variable-rate HELOC into a fixed-rate HELOC, sometimes for an additional fee.

Is a HELOC tax deductible?

Interest paid on a HELOC is tax deductible as long as it’s used to “buy, build or substantially improve the taxpayer’s home that secures the loan,” according to the IRS. Interest is capped at $750,000 on home loans (combined mortgage and HELOC or home equity loan). So if you had a $600,000 mortgage and a $300,000 HELOC for home improvements on a house worth $1.2 million, you could only deduct the interest on the first $750,000 of the $900,000 you borrowed.

If you are using a HELOC for any purpose other than home improvement (such as starting a business or consolidating high-interest debt), you cannot deduct interest under the tax law.

Which is better: A HELOC or a home equity loan?

Choosing between a HELOC and a home equity loan comes down to your financial situation, needs and priorities.

A HELOC usually has a longer repayment period and allows you to take only the money you need, when you need it, so it's best for people who have ongoing expenses or those who prefer to pay back debt at their own pace.

A home equity loan, on the other hand, offers more predictability in terms of monthly payments, since you'll receive a large sum of money upfront and pay it back in monthly installments with a fixed interest rate. Home equity loans are usually best for people who need a lump sum right away and want a predictable monthly payment.

Will a HELOC hurt my credit score?

Due to the fact that HELOCs are revolving lines of credit, they can impact, and even hurt, your credit. When you apply, typically the lender will run a hard inquiry to assess your creditworthiness, and that can have a small impact on your credit score. While a hard inquiry may cause your credit score to drop a few points, you should be able to recover those points if you make timely payments on your HELOC balance.

That said, a HELOC will more significantly hurt your credit score if you fail to make on-time payments or if you miss payments altogether. You also run the risk of losing your home, since a HELOC uses it as collateral.

Methodology

Home equity lenders reviewed by Bankrate

Other home equity tips

• A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, has an adjustable rate of interest attached to paying it off, which means that your payments can fluctuate based on the federal funds rate. Think about a home loan if the idea of an adjustable rate unnerves you.
• Know your loan-to-value, or LTV, ratio. This is how much you owe vrsus how much the home is worth. Many people are in trouble now because their homes dropped in value. You don't want to be stuck owing more than your house is worth.
• Figure out what the loan is for and how long you'll need the money to help decide which kind of loan you need. Home equity loans are better for single lump sum expenses while home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, are best for prolonged expenses, like college tuition.