9 Best Home Equity Loans of April 2023

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• eClosing allows customers to close electronically, greatly speeding the process

• Cash-Out Refinance

• Utilize your home equity with America’s #1 lender

• eClosing allows customers to close electronically, greatly speeding the process

• A+ rating with the BBB

• Eliminate high-interest credit card debt

• Pay for college tuition or buy a vacation home

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• Fastest way to turn home equity into cash

• Flexible terms, redraw up to 100%, borrow up to $400K

• Approval in 5 minutes. Funding in as few as 5 days.

• Use to consolidate debt or finance your next project

• 100% digital app & online appraisal

• Good/Excellent credit

• Rated Excellent on TrustPilot

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• Best for HELOC flexibility

• No closing costs, application fees, or appraisal fees

• Low interest-only payments for the draw period

• Flexibility to lock in variable-rate HELOC into a fixed-rate loan

• Introductory rate as low as 7.49% APR for the first 12 months

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• Rates as low as 3.740% APR (30 year HELOC)

• Make your home improvements that add value to your home

• Get cash for a large purchase

• Pay for college

• Consolidate debt

• When banks compete, you win!

Home equity loans are a popular way to get money for home improvements, education expenses or consolidate debt. This type of loan typically offers homeowners lower interest rates than most credit cards and can be repaid in fixed monthly payments.

Read on to see which banks are offering the best home equity loan options and some great ways to tap into your home equity.

Our Top Picks for Best Home Equity Loans of 2023

• Discover– Best for Low Fees

• Connexus Credit Union – Best Introductory Rates

• Flagstar – Best for Large HELOCs

• Regions Bank – Best Flexible Repayment Terms

• Truist – Best Fixed-Rate HELOC

• Figure – Best for Quick Approvals

• U.S. Bank – Best for Borrowers with Good Credit

• Citizens Bank – Best for Customer Experience

• Navy Federal Credit Union – Best for Military and Veterans

Boost your credit score before cashing in on your Home Equity

If a low credit score is holding you back from using your equity to access funds, consider reaching out to a Credit Repair company today. Click on your state below to learn more.

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Best Home Equity Loan Company Reviews

Pros

• No origination, appraisal or application fees or mortgage taxes due at closing

• CT, MN, NC, NY, OK and TX residents are exempt from early payment penalties

• Full online application process

Cons

• Prepayment penalty of up to $500 applicable for 36 months after closing

• No information regarding discounts

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

6.49%-13.99%

Loan amounts

$35,000-$300,000

Terms

10 to 30 years

Approval time

1-2 weeks

Why we chose this company: Discover makes our top home equity loans list because its fees are lower than most competitors’.

Online bank Discover makes our list for its low fees — unlike most banks, it doesn’t charge any application, origination or appraisal fees. It also doesn’t require an upfront cash payment at closing.

Discover’s home equity loans have fixed interest rates that range from 6.49% to 10.99% for first liens, and from 7.74% to 13.99% for second liens. You can borrow between $35,000 and $300,000 and choose a repayment term between 10 and 30 years.

Eligibility requirements

With Discover, you can check if you qualify for a home equity loan by providing some basic information before you formally apply. To qualify, you should have a credit score of at least 620 and sufficient equity — usually between 10% to 20% — in your home.

As with most loans, the amount you can borrow will depend on your creditworthiness. Only borrowers with a credit score over 700 may qualify for loans over $150,000 and lower rates.

Once you’re ready to submit your application, you’ll be assigned a banker who will help you throughout the process. In addition, Discover’s eClosing features let you review, sign and submit closing documents online.

Pros

• HELOC introductory rates start at 4.50% for six months

• No annual fee

• 15-year draw period available

Cons

• A credit union membership is required

• Closing costs can range from $175 to $2,000

• Home equity loans not available in MD, TX, HI and AK

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

6.99% – 15.90%

Loan Amount

From $5,000

Terms

5 to 15 years

Approval Time

Not disclosed

Why we chose this company: Connexus Credit Union offers the best home equity loan introductory rates, with rates starting as low as 4.50%.

Connexus Credit Union stands out for its low six-month introductory rates, which start at 4.50% for its home equity lines of credit (HELOC)

Connexus offers three different home equity products: home equity loans, HELOCs and interest-only HELOCs. Its home equity loans have fixed interest rates, starting at 7.99% and repayment terms of up to 15 years.

The minimum loan amount is $5,000, but borrowers can access up to 90% of their home’s equity, depending on their credit history and loan-to-value ratio (LTV).

Interest rates for both HELOC products range from 6.99% to 15.90%. However, borrowers with good credit may apply for an introductory rate of 4.50% for six months.

Both HELOC options have a $5,000 minimum loan amount and a 15-year repayment term. In addition, Connexus offers a 15-year drawing period, which is longer than the typical 10-year period most competitors offer.

Although Connexus doesn’t charge annual fees, borrowers are responsible for closing costs which can range from $175 to $2,000 depending on the property location, loan terms and the amount borrowed.

Eligibility requirements

Like most banks and credit unions, Connexus considers your credit worthiness and history along with your loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios to determine your eligibility for a home equity loan. Connexus does not disclose the minimum credit score required.

In addition to the typical eligibility requirements, you have to become a member of Connexus in order to apply for a home equity loan or any of its products. To join you must make a one-time donation of $5 to the Connexus Association or be a member of an affiliated company or community.

Do note that Connexus’ home equity loan products are not available in Maryland, Texas, Hawaii and Alaska.

Pros

• Line amounts of up to $1 million

• 0.50% rate discount with AutoPay

• 1 to 4-unit properties and modular homes are eligible

Cons

• $75 annual fee after first year

• Not available in Texas, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands

• HELOANs are only available in states with a branch office

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

8.49% – 21.00%

Loan Amount

$10,000 – $1,000,000

Terms

10-year draw period, 20-year repayment

Approval Time

Not disclosed

Why we chose this company: Flagstar offers lines of credit of up to $1 million, which makes it the best option for large HELOC loans.

Flagstar’s home equity line of credit is available for amounts ranging between $10,000 to $1 million and variable interest rates starting at 7.99% up to 21.00%

A 0.25% interest rate discount is available for customers that set up AutoPay from a Flagstar deposit account. In addition, it offers a 10-year drawing period and a 20-year repayment term.

Flagstar also offers home equity loans, though only in the states where it has physical branches — that is, California, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. Its home equity loan interest rates start at 8.04% with repayment terms of 10, 15 and 20 years.

Flagstar doesn’t charge closing costs (which typically include appraisal, title, notary and recording fees) as long as you maintain the HELOC open for at least 36 months. However, customers are responsible for paying government taxes and fees at closing and a $75 annual fee after the first year.

Eligibility requirements

Flagstar HELOC is available for primary residences, including 1-to-4 unit residential homes and modular homes.

A combined loan-to value of 80% or lower is recommended. Flagstar will also consider your credit qualifications, lien position, loan amount and the type of property.

As of this writing, Flagstar HELOC is not available in Texas, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Pros

• Rates starting at 6.375% APR with auto-pay

• HELOC can be converted into a fixed-rate loan

• Rate discount of 0.25% to 50% when you enroll in auto-pay

• No closing costs

Cons

• Property tied to the loan must be in a state with a Regions retail branch

• Branches only in AL, AK, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN, and TX

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

From 6.125% with AutoPay or 6.375% to 14.00%

Loan Amounts

$10,000 – $250,000

Terms

7 to 20-year terms

Approval time

Not disclosed

Why we chose this company: Regions Bank made our cut as the bank with the most flexible repayment terms because it offers term lengths from seven to 20 years.

Regions Bank offers fixed-rate home equity loans with no closing costs and APR rates of 6.375% or 6.125% for borrowers who enroll in auto-pay. Loan amounts range from $10,000 to $250,000 with 7, 10, 15, or 20-year repayment terms.

In addition to home equity loans, Regions Bank offers home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). These start at $10,000 and go up to $500,000, with a 10-year draw and 20-year repayment period. HELOCs have adjustable rates between 8.25% and 15.125% APR.

Regions Bank covers full closing costs for credit lines of $250,000 or less. If your line of credit exceeds $250,000, Regions Bank will contribute up to $500. However, if a line of credit is terminated within the first 24 months of the opening date, the bank will transfer these costs to the borrower. Closing costs may range from $150 to $2,000.

Region’s website suggests the lender will not accept loan-to-value (LTV) ratios higher than 89% for first and second mortgages for primary residences, and 75% for secondary residences.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for its home equity products, your property must be located in a state where Regions has a branch. The bank currently has physical branches in 15 states: Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas and Alabama.

Pros

• Multiple fixed-rate repayment options may be available

• Covers appraisal fee

• Flexible repayment options

Cons

• Only offers HELOC

• Prepayment penalty for terminating a line of credit within 36 months

• $15 service fee

• $50 annual fee for residents in AL, FL, GA, IN, KY. NJ and OH

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

8.65%-18.00% (or state maximum)

Loan Amounts

From $5,000

Terms

5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 years

Approval Time

Within one business day

Why we chose this company: Truist is our choice for the best fixed-rate HELOC because borrowers can choose fixed rate and fixed repayment terms of between five and 20 years.

Truist offers home equity lines of credit with three repayment options: interest-only, fixed and variable-rate repayments with zero-cost closing options.

Truist variable rates range from 8.65% to 15.25% APR, although it varies by state. For instance, the maximum APR for properties in North Carolina is 16%. However, you may qualify for a 12-month introductory rate of 6.99%.

The minimum amount you can request for HELOCs is $5,000; the maximum will depend on your creditworthiness and how much equity you have available.

Fixed-rate HELOCs have repayment terms of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years and may be subject to a $15 set up fee. Variable-rate lines of credit, on the other hand, have a 10-year draw period and a 20-year repayment period.

Truist covers closing costs for lines of up to $500,000, although this may result in higher interest rates. Prepayment penalties on lines of credit may also apply if the account is closed within three years of opening. This means you’ll have to pay back any origination or closing costs covered by Truist, which can go all the way up to $10,000.

Eligibility requirements

Like other banks, Truist looks at your income, credit score, employment and both debt-to-income and loan-to-value ratios when determining your eligibility. The bank will also conduct an employment verification and ask you for information on financial debts and assets.

Pros

• 100% online application can be approved in 5 minutes

• 0.25% rate reduction with AutoPay

• No prepayment penalty

Cons

• HELOC not available in DE, HI, KY, MD, NY, SC, TX, UT and WV

• Origination fee of up to 4.99% of your initial draw, depending on state

• Minimum loan amount $15,000, higher than some competitors

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

6.10% – 14.74% (with AutoPay discount)

Loan Amount

$15,000 – $400,000

Terms

5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 years

Approval Time

5 minutes

Why we chose this company: Figure offers a completely online application process, quick approval times and funding in as little as five days.

Figure is a financial technology company with headquarters in New York and San Francisco, California. It offers home equity lines of credit, refinancing and home loans through a partnership with Homebridge.

This fintech company stands out for its online application process which lets customers check their rate, apply and know if they’ve been approved within minutes. The process includes an eNotary who confirms customers’ identity and reviews mortgage applications and documents electronically. In addition, loans can be funded within five days after approval.

Figure’s loan amounts for HELOCs range from $15,000 to $400,000 with fixed interest rates starting at 6.35% to 14.99%.

However, you could qualify for an APR discount of 0.25% if you enroll in AutoPay, meaning you could get rates as low as low as 6.10%. In addition, you can choose loan terms of five, 10, 15 and 30 years.

Figure doesn’t charge maintenance fees, account opening fees or prepayment penalties. It does, however, charge a one-time origination fee of up to 4.99% of the initial draw. This fee can vary depending on your property location and credit experience. It can also be amortized in the payment schedule.

Eligibility requirements

Figure’s HELOC is available for single family residences, townhouses, planned urban developments, condos, investment/secondary properties and vacation homes as long as the applicant’s name appears in the county records as the property owner.

The minimum credit score required is 620 for primary residences and 680 for investment or non-owner occupied properties. Figure also considers factors such as your combined loan-to-value ratio (from 70% up to 95%, depending on your FICO score), employment status and income.

Do note that Figure is currently not available in nine states: Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, South Carolina, Texas, Utat and West Virginia.

Pros

• No closing costs, although initial escrow-related costs may apply

• Interest rate will never exceed 18% APR, subject to applicable state law

• 0.50% interest rate discount with automatic payment option

Cons

• $90 annual fee may apply after the first year

• Early closure fee of 1% or up to $500 applicable during the first 30 months

• Home equity loans not available in NY, HI, LA, OK and RI if property is held in a trust

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

From 7.25% (HELOAN) 8.20% – 12.80% (HELOC)

Loan amounts

$15,000-$750,000

Terms

10 to 30 years

Approval time

Not disclosed

Why we chose this company: U.S. Bank has the best home equity loan for borrowers with good credit because it offers highly competitive rates for customers with scores of 730 or more.

U.S. Bank offers home equity loans and HELOCs without closing costs. Home equity loan rates start at 7.25% APR for 15-year terms and at 7.30% for 10-year repayment periods, while HELOC variable rates begin at 8.20% APR and go up to 12.80% APR (although this may vary with Prime Rate).

Home equity loans feature fixed rates and a repayment term of up to 30 years. Loan amounts start at $15,000 and go up to $750,000 or up to 70% of your home equity.

While HELOCs feature variable rates, you have the option to convert a portion or the total amount of your balance to a fixed rate during the initial draw period, which is 10 years. During that time, minimum monthly payments are either 1% or 2% of the balance, but qualifying borrowers may have the option to make interest-only payments.

Lines of credit have an annual fee of $90, which you can waive for the first year by opening a U.S. Bank Platinum checking account. You may borrow from your line of credit by visiting a local branch, using checks, ATMs or with a Visa Access Card.

Eligibility requirements

You’ll need a credit score of 730 and a U.S. Bank checking or saving account to get the best APR rates and set up automatic payments.

Pros

• No appraisal fees or closing costs

• 0.25% off with AutoPay if using a Citizens Checking account

• Choose full or interest-only payments during 10-year draw period

Cons

• Only for properties in CT, DC, DE, FL, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA or VT

• $50 annual fee after the first year on standard HELOCs

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

7.25% to 21.00%

Loan Amounts

$10,000-$200,000+

Terms

10 to 15 years

Approval time

Not disclosed

Why we chose this company: We chose Citizens Bank as the best for customer experience because it has consistently good reviews from customers and received high rankings from third-party consumer research companies.

Citizens Bank offers two home equity products: a standard home equity line of credit and their Citizens GoalBuilder HELOC.

Both products have a 10-year borrowing period and a 15-year repayment term and variable interest rates starting at 7.25% and going up to 21.00%. Clients who enroll in automatic monthly payments from a Citizens Bank checking account can get a 0.25% rate discount.

The main difference between both HELOC products is the minimum and maximum amount you can borrow. The standard HELOC has a $17,500 borrowing minimum, while the Citizens GoalBuilder HELOC offers credit limits from $5,000 to $25,000.

Another difference is that clients with a GoalBuilder HELOC don’t have to pay annual fees, whereas those with a standard HELOC pay $50 after the first year.

In addition to offering competitive HELOC products, Citizens Bank stands out for providing an outstanding customer experience. In 2022, it ranked seventh in J.D. Power’s U.S. Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study, obtaining 648 points out of 1,000. The study considered overall customer satisfaction based on factors such as customer interaction, communications and new customer orientation.

Eligibility requirements

Citizens Bank does not disclose its credit requirements for home equity products. All products are subject to approval based on credit score, LTV and DTI ratios.

Eligible properties include owner-occupied 1- to 4-family properties or condominiums. Investment properties (non-owner occupied), co-ops, mobile homes, manufactured homes or properties on sale are ineligible. Additionally, property or flood insurance may be required.

Pros

• No application, origination or annual fees

• Borrows up to 100% of your home equity for HELOANS and up to 95% for HELOCs

• Longer 20-year draw period for HELOCs

Cons

• Loans of less than $25,000 have a 1.00% rate increase

• Membership limited to the military and their families

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

From 6.640% (HELOAN) 8.00% – 18.00% (HELOC)

Loan Amount

$10,000 – $500,000

Terms

5 to 20 years

Approval Time

Not disclosed

Why we chose this company: Navy Federal Credit Union offers the best home equity loans for military and veterans, with offerings that include loans with no application or origination fees and HELOCs with longer drawing periods than most competitors.

Navy Federal offers both fixed-rate equity loans and home equity lines of credit for loan amounts of $10,000 up to $500,000. In the case of equity loans, Navy Federal lets you borrow up to 100% of your home’s equity at a starting fixed-rate interest of 6.64%. You can also choose repayment terms of five, 10, 15 and 20 years.

However, with a HELOC you can borrow up to 95% of your home’s equity at a variable rate of 8.00% up to 18%. Navy Federal offers a longer than average 20-year drawing period, in comparison to the typical 10-year term most competitors offer. During this period you can borrow against your home’s equity as needed. You then get a 20-year repayment period.

Navy Federal doesn’t cover closing costs, these can range from $300 to $2,000 for loans of up to $250,000. In addition, Navy Federal doesn’t disclose whether borrowers can choose to make interest-only payments during the drawing periods.

Eligibility requirements

Note that you must be either a duty member of the armed forces, a retiree, a veteran or an immediate military family member in order to qualify for a Navy Federal loan. Their clients include members of the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, National Guard, Coast Guard and Space Force. It also applies to DoD reservists, DoD officer candidates and Delayed Entry Program enlisters.

Like most institutions, Navy Federal will evaluate your credit history, your combined loan-to-value ratio, loan amount and property type to determine your eligibility and interest rate.

Other home equity loan companies we considered

Some companies we evaluated, while solid contenders, didn’t make it to the top of our list.

Nevertheless, they might have features and products that are suited to your particular circumstances.

PNC

Pros

• Offers HELOC and fixed and variable rate options

• Minimum draw amount in Texas is $4,000

• Potential home renovation tax benefits when renovating for medical purposes or installing energy efficient equipment

Cons

• $100 transfer fee each time borrowers opt for a fixed rate

• In Texas, only applicants with primary residences and LTVs under 80% are eligible

PNC offers fixed rate home equity lines of credit for balances of $5,000 or more and a 0.25% rate discount when you enroll in autopay. However, interest rates aren’t readily displayed on its website and it charges an annual fee of $50. In addition, its home equity products are not available in Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, South Dakota, Alaska and Hawaii.

PenFed

Pros

• Loan amounts from $25,000 up to $1,000,000

• Covers most closing costs

• Annual fee waived if you pay $99 in interest over 12 months

Cons

• Only offers HELOCs

• Does not offer lines of credit for certain types of properties

• Properties must be fully livable and have no safety issues to be eligible

PenFed only offers home equity lines of credit with a 10-year draw period and a 20-year repayment period. Loan amounts range from $25,000 to $500,000 while interest rates start at 8.125%. However, to apply you need to become a credit union member and a minimum credit score of 680. It also charges an annual fee during the draw period, unless you pay $99 in interest every year.

Bank of America

Pros

• No fees for converting a variable rate loan to a fixed rate

• 0.25% rate discount if you enroll in AutoPay using a BofA checking or savings account

• Up to 1.50% rate discount for initial withdrawals (0.10% for every $10,000)

Cons

• Only offers HELOCs

• Can’t open more than three fixed-rate loans at the same time

• Maximum APR is not disclosed

Bank of America is another contender that offers home equity lines of credit and fixed rate loan options. In addition, it features introductory rates and multiple rate discounts, such as 0.25% if you enroll in autopay and up to 0.625% for customers with a Preferred Rewards account. However, it doesn’t offer home equity loans nor does it readily disclose the maximum APR customers could pay.

KeyBank

Pros

• 0.25% rate discount with KeyBank checking or savings account

• Borrow up to 90% of your home’s value

• Flexible payment options including principal and interest, interest-only or fixed

Cons

• Doesn’t openly disclose APRs for their home equity loans

• Only services 15 states: AK, CO, CT, ID, IN, MA, ME, MI, NY, OH, OR, PA, UT, VT and WA

KeyBank offers both home equity loans and lines of credit of up to 80% of your home’s value. Home equity loans are available from $25,000 to $500,000, whereas the minimum loan amount for its HELOCs is $10,000. Like most banks, KeyBank also offers a 0.25% rate discount. However, its products are only available in 15 states.

BMO Harris Bank

Pros

• 6-month introductory rates at 5.99%

• 0.50% AutoPay rate discount

• Fixed-rate options for HELOCs

Cons

• $75 fee each time you convert HELOC from a variable to a fixed rate

• Not all transactions are eligible for remote closing

• $75 annual fee each year during the draw period

BMO Harris Bank offers both home equity loans and HELOC, which are available for customers with a minimum credit score of 700 or between 650 and 680, respectively. While BMO Harris home equity line of credit rates are competitive, ranging from 7.74% to 9.69%, it mainly operates in only eight states: Arizona, Illinois, Florida, Kansas, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Frost

Pros

• No application or annual fee charges

• 0.25% rate discount with automatic payment

• Competitive APR rates for HELOANs, starting at 5.24%

• No prepayment penalty for HELOC

Cons

• Available in Texas only

Frost Bank features competitive home equity loan and HELOC products, with terms up to 20 years. Home equity loans and HELOCs are available starting from $2,000 and $8,000, respectively. Frost’s main drawback is that it’s only available in Texas, however if you live in this state it may be an option worth considering.

Unison

Pros

• Lets you convert up to 17.5% of your home equity into cash

• Single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums are eligible

• Doesn’t impact credit worthiness nor charges interest rates

• No payments for 30 years or until you sell your home

Cons

• Five-year restriction period, where Unison won’t share in the losses of your home’s value, if you sell

• May affect your eligibility for refinancing your mortgage

• Must pay back the co-investment plus four times the percentage invested after 30 years

Unison is a home equity loan alternative that offers home co-investing. Basically, the company lets you borrow up to 17.5% of your home value in cash in return for a share of your home’s future value. Although you don’t have to pay them back up to 30 years or until you sell your house, this alternative has several potential drawbacks. For instance, you may not be able to refinance your home, and if you don’t sell your home you must pay back the original co-investment plus four times the percentage invested.

Home Equity Loans Guide

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit are some of the most popular ways to finance home renovations. Both home equity loans and HELOCs may be tax-deductible when funds are used for home renovations.

Read our comprehensive guide to learn about how to get a home equity loan, the different options available, how they work and key factors to consider when choosing a home equity loan.

What is a home equity loan?

A home equity loan (HEL or HELOANS) is a fixed-term loan that uses the equity you’ve accumulated in your home as collateral. Often called a second mortgage, home equity loans let borrowers obtain a lump-sum payment that can be used for major home renovations, consolidating debts or paying for college tuition. This type of loan offers the option of paying it back in equal installments.

The loan amount depends on several factors, including your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), standard loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV). Typically, home equity loans are for 80% to 90% of the property’s appraised value. Loan terms include a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly loan payments for up to 30 years.

Home equity loans can have lower interest rates than credit cards or personal loans if you have a good credit score, but it puts you at risk of losing your home if you were unable to make payments. Do note that the first mortgage remains as the primary loan on a property if it still carries a balance.

What is home equity?

Home equity refers to the difference between your mortgage balance (what you owe) and the current market value of your home. For instance, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $175,000 of your mortgage, then your home equity is $125,000.

Your equity can increase over time as you pay down the principal and if the value of your property goes up. It can also decrease if your home value drops.

How does a home equity loan work?

Home equity loans work as a second mortgage, allowing you to take out a loan against your property’s value. As with your primary mortgage, your home is at risk of foreclosure if you can’t make payments.

Home equity loans provide a one-time lump sum amount at a fixed interest rate. The maximum amount you’re allowed to take depends on the value of your property and your credit history. Banks, credit unions and online lenders all offer home equity loans.

Home equity loan pros and cons

Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether a home equity loan is the best option for you.

Pros

• You get a fixed interest rate

• Predictable payments for the life of the loan

• Money can be used for any purpose (debt consolidation, paying for tuition, etc)

• Interest may be tax-deductible, if the loan is used for home improvement

Cons

• Must use your home as collateral

• You’ll have a second mortgage if you’re still paying the primary mortgage

• You may have to pay closing costs, depending on the lender

• You need significant equity on your home, typically between 15% and 20%

How to calculate a home equity loan

To calculate your equity, you need to determine the current market value of your home. In most cases, a certified real estate appraiser can help you obtain an official valuation.

Once you have your home’s value at hand, you just need to deduct your remaining mortgage balance (if you have one) from the current market value of your home.

For instance, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $175,000 of your mortgage, then your home equity is $125,000. The result is your equity, and it gives you a rough idea of how much you may be able to borrow.

If you’ve already paid your mortgage, then your equity is the full value of your home. (For a more in-depth explanation on how home equity works and how to calculate it, check out our article How Much Equity Do I Have in My Home.)

Closing costs for home equity loans

Just like with primary mortgages, home equity lenders may charge closing costs. These can range anywhere from 2% to 5% of your loan total. Lenders may also charge fees for loan origination, appraisals, title search and attorneys.

However, many lenders don’t charge some of these fees and may even be willing to waive closing costs altogether, on the condition that you won’t pay off the loan before a certain period of time (typically three years). If you close the loan ahead of time, you must then pay back all the costs the lender covered.

Some lenders may also offer somewhat higher interest rates in exchange of reducing or covering closing costs or fees.

Home equity loan requirements

When determining if you qualify for a home equity loan, lenders will typically check if you meet the following requirements:

• At least an 80% loan-to-value ratio, or the equivalent of 20% equity

• A low debt-to-income ratio, preferably under 43%

• A minimum credit score of 620 or higher

• Own a qualifying home, such a single family home, townhouse or condo

• Be employed, self-employed or retired and have a steady income

• Supporting documentation, such as pay stubs, tax returns and W2s

How to get a home equity loan

When looking for a home equity loan, consider the following steps.

1. Get a professional appraisal

A professional appraisal will give you an accurate idea of how much your home is currently worth in the market. This will let you determine whether you have enough equity to apply for a HELOAN.

Keep in mind that lenders typically require you to have at least 15% to 20% of equity in your home.

2. Check minimum credit score requirements and your credit report

While some lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for home equity loans, many may have higher minimums. As with most loans, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate. Borrowers with credit scores of 740 or higher will get the best rates.

You should also check your credit report and look for any discrepancies on your personal information, associated credit accounts or public records. If you find mistakes on your credit report, make sure to correct them before applying for a loan.

3. Calculate how much you can borrow with a home equity loan

Most lenders require you to have a loan-to value ratio (LTV) of 80% or less to qualify for a home equity loan.

This ratio takes into account the equity you have in your home and is an often-used measure of risk for lenders. The lower the LTV, the less of a risk you present to lenders.

To calculate your LTV, you need to divide your mortgage’s outstanding balance by your home’s current market value and turn that into a percentage.

Let’s say your current mortgage loan balance is $175,000 and that your home is appraised at $250,000. This means you have a loan-to-value ratio of 70% and 30% equity.

Because most lenders require you to keep at least 20% of equity in the home, you would only be able to borrow against 10% of your equity — in this case, $25,000. (The home’s current value ($250,000) by 10%, gives you the amount you’ll be eligible to borrow).

Another (simpler) way to calculate how much you can borrow is to multiply your home’s current value by 80% and subtract what you still owe from the total.

4. Compare the costs involved between lenders

Regardless of which option you choose, make sure you understand all the costs associated with the loan or line of credit. If it’s a variable or adjustable-rate loan, know that your monthly payments will fluctuate with interest rates.

While mortgage rates remain low, your monthly payments will be low. However, those interest rates may start to go up at some point, which means your monthly payments will also increase.

Check whether you need to cover closing costs and if there are any additional fees you need to be aware of. For instance, many banks agree to cover closing costs, on the condition that if you pay off your loan in full earlier than expected — in most cases, within three years — some closing costs must be reimbursed. Other banks may also charge account annual fees and processing fees for setting a fixed rate plan.

Current home equity loan rates

Home equity loan interest rates are typically on par with mortgage loan rates. HELOC interest rates, on the other hand, are variable and can be somewhat higher depending on the bank and the prime rate.

Current home equity loan interest rates range from 5.24% to 18.00% among the banks we reviewed. HELOC interest rates range from 6.99% up to 21%. However, we can expect to see climbing interest rates as the Federal Reserve announces further rate increases.

Check out our reviews for the best home equity loans to see what rates banks are currently offering.

Alternatives to home equity loans

Aside from home equity loans, there are several ways to tap into your home’s equity: home equity lines of credit (HELOC), cash-out refinance loans and home co-investing.

Most of these loan options require equity in your home, but they all have different characteristics and qualification requirements.

Home equity lines of credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a credit line that gives borrowers access to a certain amount of funds based on the accumulated equity in their home. This type of line of credit is a cross between a mortgage and a credit card, letting you tap into your home equity when needed.

Funds can be withdrawn at any time during a draw period — during this time, you can choose to pay only interest or make payments to the principal as well. Draw periods often last about 10 years and are followed by a 20-year repayment period. You can pay the borrowed amount plus interest during repayment as either a lump sum or in installments.

Although most HELOCs feature variable interest rates, some lenders offer the option of converting them to a fixed rate. HELOC interest rates generally range between 3.57% to 21%. While these are typically higher than home equity loan rates, they’re still considerably lower than the best credit card rates, which can range between 13% and 29.99%.

HELOCs can offer a safety net for homeowners who need funds for home improvements or during an emergency, such as being temporarily unemployed.

However, as with any loan secured with collateral, they also carry a significant risk. Both home equity loans and lines of credit use your residence as collateral and, if you were to fall behind on your payments, there is a chance you could lose your home.

If that seems like too big of a risk to take, getting a home improvement loan or personal loan could be a better alternative than a HELOC. Just keep in mind that personal loans meant for home renovations aren’t tax-deductible while home equity loans and HELOCs often are if used for home improvements.

If you feel a home improvement loan is the better option for you, check out our guide on how to get a home improvement loan.

Cash-out refinance

A cash-out refinance replaces your old mortgage with a new one for a larger amount than the current balance. The difference between the old mortgage and the new one is paid out to you in cash.

Cash-out refinances typically have more favorable terms than traditional refinance loans, and you can then use the cash for home improvements, college tuition, debt consolidation or just about any other purpose. With this option, you would still have only one mortgage, but the loan application process could take longer and there may be additional fees and closing costs.

Home co-investing

Home co-investing is a home equity loan alternative that lets you tap into your home equity without borrowing against it. Instead of acquiring new debt, a home co-investment company (Unison is one example) or investor offers you money in exchange for a portion of your home equity and the option to share in future profits if your home’s value increases over time. They will also share in the losses, if your home decreases in value.

Home co-investing typically involves more lenient conditions than home equity loans and cash-out refinances. For instance, it typically doesn’t impact your credit score and does not require monthly payments. Home co-investing is also interest free.

However, note that eventually you’ll have to either buy the investor out or sell your home at the end of the agreement term. At which point, you have to pay the original investment amount and a percentage of your home’s increased value.

Home equity loan vs HELOC

When deciding between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit, keep in mind these key differences:

Latest News About Home Equity Loans

• Experts forecast that the home market will probably decline and that Your Home May Lose Value in 2023. Should You Worry? Find out what economists expect and what this could mean for you.

• A home equity line of credit can be a great alternative to tap into your home equity. But when is it a good idea? Find out the Pros and Cons of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and whether it is the right option for you.

• Qualifying for a home equity loan with bad credit is not easy, yet not entirely impossible. There are some steps that might help you increase your chances of approval. Read on to learn more about How To Get A Home Equity Loan With Bad Credit.

• According to a report, the average home equity in the U.S. hit a record high of $300,000. Find out what this could mean for you.

Best Home Equity Loans FAQ

What is equity in a home?

Home equity represents the value of your property minus any outstanding mortgage balance. For instance, if your home is appraised for $250,000 and you still owe $95,000 on your mortgage, you have an equity of $155,000.

Basically, the equity in your home is the amount you would receive if you sold your home at its appraised value and paid off your outstanding mortgage balance, without counting any closing costs.

How do home equity loans work?

Home equity loans let you borrow money against your home’s equity. If approved, you get a lump sum upfront, which can be used to consolidate debts or cover expenses like home repairs and tuition fees.

What bank has the best home equity loan?

Discover is among the banks with the best home equity loans, it offers low interest rates ranging from 6.49% to 13.99% and charges zero fees for loan origination, appraisals and closing costs. Other options include Connexus Credit Union, Regions Bank and U.S. Bank. Check out our best home equity loans reviews to read more about home equity products, rates and loan terms.

How long does it take to get a home equity loan?

Timing can vary greatly depending on the home equity lender. In most cases, it can take between two and four weeks to close the loan, whereas funding may take a few days after closing.

Factors such as how quickly you hand in the necessary documents, how long it takes to get your home appraised and whether there are any issues during the underwriting process typically affect approval times.

What are the rates for home equity loans?

As of April 2023, current home equity loans interest rates range between 5.24% up to 18.00%, whereas home equity lines of credit (HELOC) rates range from 6.99% all the way to 21%. Keep in mind rates may vary depending on factors such as the institution, your creditworthiness and loan amount.

How We Chose The Best Home Equity Loans

To narrow down our list of best home equity loans, we vetted each mortgage lender by evaluating them on the following criteria:

• Loan features: We evaluated the types of loans offered, minimum and maximum loan amount, interest rates, loan terms and credit score requirements for each lender.

• Price transparency: We preferred lenders that openly disclose loan costs, discounts, fees and other charges on their website.

• Application process: We checked eligibility requirements and approval times. In addition, we compared application and evaluation fees, and whether application services were available online, by phone and/or in person.

• Reputation and customer satisfaction: We looked into two main data sources: J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study and complaint data as reported by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Summary of Money’s Best Home Equity Loans of April 2023

• Discover– Best for Low Fees

• Connexus Credit Union – Best Introductory Rates

• Flagstar – Best for Large HELOCs

• Regions Bank – Best Flexible Repayment Terms

• Truist – Best Fixed-Rate HELOC

• Figure – Best for Quick Approvals

• U.S. Bank – Best for Borrowers with Good Credit

• Citizens Bank – Best for Customer Experience

• Navy Federal Credit Union – Best for Military and Veterans

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