Home Equity Line of Credit Rates As Low As 5.95%
Based on offered rates for home equity lines of credit of at least $100,000 offered to LendingTree customers in September 2026. Excludes offers of fixed-rate terms.
Compare your best HELOC rate offers today on LendingTree — when banks compete, you win.
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Average HELOC rates offered on LendingTree
| Loan amount | Average APR
Based on offered rates for home equity lines of credit for the respective loan amounts offered to LendingTree customers in September 2026 versus the previous month. Excludes offers of fixed terms.
|
|---|---|
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 8.96% (+0.05 percentage points) |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 8.91% (+0.17 percentage points) |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 8.85% (+0.15 percentage points) |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 8.43% (+0.10 percentage points) |
| $150,000+ | 7.72% (+0.07 percentage points) |
- HELOC rates are typically variable, which means your monthly payments can fluctuate. Shopping around can help you find the best deal.
-
You’ll know you’re getting a good HELOC rate if it’s below or on par with the average, which is currently 8.47%.
Based on offered rates for home equity lines of credit of any loan amount and loan term offered to LendingTree customers in September 2026. Excludes offers of fixed terms.
- HELOC rates are generally lower than home equity loan, credit card and personal loan rates.
How much will my HELOC payment be?
Your HELOC rate and monthly payments will depend on various factors, including your credit line amount, loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.
Average 30-year HELOC monthly payments offered on LendingTree
| Loan amount | Monthly payment | APR as low as
Home equity rates disclaimer: Rates are calculated based on conditional offers for both home equity loans and home equity lines of credit with 30-year repayment periods presented to consumers nationwide by LendingTree’s network partners in the past 30 days for each loan amount. Rates and other loan terms are subject to lender approval and not guaranteed. Not all consumers may qualify. See LendingTree’s Terms of Use for more details.
|
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $166.16 | 8.19% |
| $50,000 | $332.32 | 6.88% |
| $100,000 | $664.63 | 6.99% |
| $150,000 | $985.39 | 7.25% |
Your HELOC monthly payment also depends on whether you’re making interest-only payments or full payments.
For example, if you borrow $100,000, interest-only payments during the 10-year draw period would be about $607 a month, while a full payment during the 20-year repayment period would be more than $1,100.
But if you make payments on both interest and principal during the entire 30-year period, your monthly payment would be $792 and wouldn’t change once your draw period ends.
Disclaimer
HELOC rate trends in 2026: Insights from LendingTree experts
Rates are expected to remain steady or potentially decrease slightly in the near term.
For homeowners, that means it could be a good time to consider a HELOC, especially if it fits in with your overall financial goals.
APR vs. interest rate
LendingTree’s expert insights: This summer may be a good time to get a HELOC
The average HELOC rate offered to LendingTree customers on a $100,000 home equity line of credit was 8.07% in September 2026, which is slightly higher than last month and the 7.94% average in September 2025.
This shows how HELOC rates today are slowly rising compared to the same time last year, as noted by LendingTree’s in-house expert, Matt Schulz:
The Fed just raised rates for the first time in years, and another increase may be coming. That likely means higher HELOC rates.
The good news is that borrowers aren’t powerless. Shopping around and comparing several lenders can help keep their rate as low as possible.
What factors affect my HELOC rate?
HELOC lenders may calculate your HELOC interest rate slightly differently, but the same general factors will apply:
A fixed vs. variable rate
Most HELOCs have variable interest rates that can change over time. The margin your lender charges and economic factors can impact your rate.
Your LTV ratio
Your LTV ratio can affect your HELOC rate. Borrowing less of your home’s value is likely to help you get you a lower HELOC rate.
Your credit score
Borrowers with an 800 credit score or higher tend to receive the lowest HELOC rates. However, some lenders will allow a minimum 620 score.
Your DTI ratio
Your DTI ratio measures gross monthly income versus monthly debt. Lenders usually allow a 43% to 50% max DTI ratio. A lower DTI ratio can help you get a better HELOC rate.
Tip: All HELOCs come with a “ceiling,” which sets a limit on how high your rate can rise at any time during the loan term.
Average HELOC rates by credit band
Homeowners with an 800 credit score or higher often get the best home equity line of credit rates, but many lenders only require a minimum 620 score to qualify for a HELOC.
While bad credit HELOCs do exist, it’s important to consider whether you can afford the more expensive monthly payments that come with higher interest rates.
| Credit score | Average APR
Based on offered rates for home equity lines of credit of of any offered to LendingTree customers in September 2026. Excludes offers of fixed terms.
| LendingTree expert tips |
|---|---|---|
| 800+ | 7.80% | A HELOC may be a good option for you now. You’ll most likely get rate offers well below the average market rate. |
| 740 – 799 | 8.03% | A HELOC may be a good option for you now. You’ll most likely get rate offers under the average market rate. |
| 670 – 739 | 9.01% | A HELOC could be a decent option for you. You’ll probably get above-average rate offers if you apply now, but rates have fallen considerably since earlier in the year. Still, you may get better rate quotes by taking time to improve your credit score. |
| 580 – 669 | 10.50% | A HELOC may not be a better option for you than a cash-out refinance. Cash-out refinance rates are lower than HELOC rates, so if you can cover refinance closing costs, a refi will likely cost you less each month. |
Join the LendingTree app to get your free credit score and personalized credit recommendations.
HELOC rates compared to other ways to access funds
Disclaimer
Rates aren’t the only factors to consider when choosing a loan to fund your needs. LendingTree experts recommend different loans for different purposes:
- A home equity loan may be better for borrowers who want to fund a single purchase and prefer fixed monthly payments.
- A cash-out refinance can be a good fit for those looking to secure a lower mortgage rate and access a cash lump sum.
- A personal loan may work well if you don’t want to tie additional debt to your home.
Learn more about HELOC pros and cons.
HELOCs vs. alternative loan options
If you’re still on the fence, here’s a breakdown of each option:
| Cash-out refinance | HELOC | Home equity loan | Personal loan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest rate type | Fixed or adjustable | Usually variable | Usually fixed | Usually fixed |
| Rate competitiveness | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Monthly payments | Stable, unless you choose an adjustable-rate loan | Will fluctuate | Stable | Stable |
| Typical loan terms | Up to 30 years | Five- to 10-year draw period and 10- to 20-year repayment | Five to 30 years | Two to five years |
| Mortgage type | First mortgage | Second mortgage | Second mortgage | N/A |
You’ll typically pay HELOC closing costs ranging from 2% to 5% of your credit line amount, though the fees will ultimately vary from lender to lender. Some of these expenses include:
- Appraisal fee. Some HELOC lenders require a home appraisal to verify your home’s value. Appraisal costs vary by location and property type (such as single-family or multifamily) but typically range from $350 to $800.
- Origination fee. This fee covers the cost of processing your loan application. It’s typically a flat fee or a percentage of your loan amount, such as 1%.
- Early termination penalty. Closing your account prematurely may result in early termination charges, typically ranging from $200 to $500. Some lenders may base the fee on your loan or credit line amount, typically charging 2% to 5%.
Why you can trust LendingTree with your HELOC
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How to get a HELOC
Step 1. Make sure a HELOC is the right move for you
HELOCs are best when you need large amounts of cash on an ongoing basis, like when paying for home improvement projects or medical bills.
If you’re unsure what option is best for you, compare different loan alternatives, including a cash-out refinance or home equity loan.
But whatever you choose, be sure you have a plan to repay your loan.
Read more about HELOC pros and cons.
Step 2. Gather documents
You’ll need to provide lenders with documentation about your home and finances, including your income and employment information, and any other debt you’re carrying.
Learn more about current HELOC requirements.
Step 3. Apply to HELOC lenders
Use LendingTree to apply with a few lenders and compare what they offer in terms of rates, fees, maximum loan amounts and repayment periods.
Credit-scoring bureaus will likely treat your multiple HELOC applications as a single inquiry, as long as you submit all of the applications within a 45-day window.
Review LendingTree picks for the best HELOC lenders.
Step 4. Compare offers
Take a critical look at the offers on your plate. Consider total costs, the draw period and repayment period lengths and any minimums and maximums.
Step 5. Close on your HELOC
If everything looks good and a home equity line of credit is the right move, you’re ready to close on your HELOC. Make sure you can cover the closing costs, which can run up to 5% of the credit line amount.