Best HELOC interest rates of November 2023
Updated 3:12 p.m. UTC Nov. 6, 2023
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The best home equity line of credit (HELOC) rates are low compared to the national average, with lenders offering additional perks like introductory annual percentage rates (APRs), rate discounts and the option to convert from a variable-rate to a fixed-rate HELOC. Here are our top picks for the best HELOC rates available.
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Bank of America
: Best overall
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Connexus Credit Union
: Best for low introductory rates
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Flagstar
: Best for closing discounts
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PenFed
: Best for discounted closing costs
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Truist
: Best for quick closings
Best HELOC rates
Compare the best HELOC rates
Methodology
Our expert writers and editors have reviewed and researched popular lenders to help you find the best HELOC. Out of all the lenders considered, the five that made our list excelled in areas across the following categories (with weightings): loan details (20%), loan cost (40%), eligibility and accessibility (20%) and customer experience (20%).
Within each major category, we considered several characteristics, including APR, maximum combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio and whether the lender offers a promotional introductory rate. We also evaluated each provider’s customer support options, borrower perks and more.
Why some lenders didn’t make the cut
Of all the HELOC lenders that we reviewed, only a fraction made the cut. The lenders that didn’t have high enough scores to be included received lower ratings mostly due to a lack of transparency around eligibility details.
How to get the best HELOC rate
To get the best possible HELOC rate, you’ll generally need a:
- Significant amount of home equity
- Good to excellent credit score
- Low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
Your lender may also consider other factors when determining the rate you qualify for, like your income, assets and employment.
HELOC alternatives
If a HELOC doesn’t sound like the right option for you, a home equity loan or personal loan could be a good alternative. Both home equity loans and personal loans come with fixed interest rates, meaning you’ll have predictable payments over the life of your loan.
But there are some downsides too. For instance, you might end up with a higher interest rate than you would with a HELOC, and you’ll need to know exactly how much you wanted to borrow before applying for either type of loan. Do your due diligence to determine the best option for your situation.
A HELOC is a flexible way to borrow against your hard-earned home equity. You can use a HELOC for everything from home improvements and college tuition to debt consolidation and emergency costs. You don’t necessarily need to borrow against it, either. But certain lenders may have minimum draw amounts, requiring you to borrow a specific amount.
A HELOC can be a good idea if you need a more flexible financing option — like to cover the cost of an ongoing home improvement project. Since HELOCs allow for access to credit over a period of time and can be used as needed, they could be a smart choice.
“HELOCs can be a great option for homeowners,” says Shmuel Shayowitz, president and chief lending officer at Approved Funding. “In today’s market, many have built up sizable equity in their homes and have low-rate first mortgages. A HELOC allows them to tap into that equity.”
HELOCs normally have variable interest rates. However, some lenders let you convert a portion or all of your balance into a fixed-rate loan once the draw period is over. If the stability of a fixed rate and monthly payment is important to you, make sure to look for a lender who offers the option to convert a HELOC from a variable rate to a fixed rate.
HELOC rates typically increase when The Fed hikes rates, which has happened six times in 2022 alone. As of May 4, average HELOC rates currently sit at 8%. So if you have a HELOC below that rate, you’re likely getting a good deal. Just keep in mind that to qualify for the best HELOC rate, you’ll need to have good to excellent credit.
It might be possible to negotiate your rate on an existing HELOC, depending on the lender. If you’re interested in this option, contact your lender directly and ask. Certain lenders may be open to negotiating, while other lenders may not.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.