HELOC rates today: current averages & how to get the best rate
HELOC rates are variable and tied to the prime rate (currently 6.75%) plus a lender margin. As of June 2026, the national average HELOC rate is about 7.47% APR, with the lowest rates going to borrowers with 740+ credit and a low combined loan-to-value. Shop at least three lenders to find your best rate.
Key takeaways
- HELOC rates are variable: prime rate (6.75%) plus a lender margin set by your credit and equity.
- The national average HELOC rate is about 7.47% APR as of June 2026 (Bankrate).
- The lowest rates go to borrowers with 740+ credit, low debt-to-income, and a combined loan-to-value near or below 80%.
- Most HELOCs let you pay interest-only during the draw period; payments rise in the repayment period.
- Comparing at least three lenders is the most reliable way to lower your rate — multiple checks in a short window usually count as one inquiry.
- King of HELOC matches you with competing lenders from one form, with no impact to your credit to check.
Current HELOC rates
Updated June 2026 ·HELOC market snapshot
| Metric | Value | As of | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. prime rate | 6.75% | June 2026 (unchanged since Dec 11, 2025) | Federal Reserve H.15 |
| National average HELOC rate | 7.47% | June 17, 2026 | Bankrate |
| HELOC rate range (market) | ~6% – 18% | June 2026 | Bankrate |
| Typical maximum CLTV | 80% – 90% (up to 95% select lenders) | June 2026 | NerdWallet |
| Typical minimum credit score | 620 – 680+ (740+ for the best rate) | June 2026 | Experian |
Typical HELOC rates by credit score
| Credit band | Typical APR | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 760+ (Excellent) | ~7.0% – 8.0% | Lowest tier; best pricing and highest CLTV. |
| 720 – 759 (Very good) | ~7.5% – 8.75% | Near-prime pricing at most lenders. |
| 680 – 719 (Good) | ~8.25% – 10.0% | Qualifies widely; rate premium begins. |
| 640 – 679 (Fair) | ~9.5% – 12.0% | Fewer lenders; lower max CLTV likely. |
| 620 – 639 (Below avg.) | ~11.0% – 15.0% | Limited options; expect stricter terms. |
Representative ranges anchored to the ~7.47% national average plus typical risk-based pricing — illustrative, not a lender survey or an offer. Your actual rate depends on your lender, credit, combined loan-to-value, and market conditions.
Estimated interest-only payment by line size
| HELOC balance | Est. monthly payment | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $156/mo | Interest-only at 7.47% APR |
| $50,000 | $311/mo | Interest-only at 7.47% APR |
| $75,000 | $467/mo | Interest-only at 7.47% APR |
| $100,000 | $623/mo | Interest-only at 7.47% APR |
| $150,000 | $934/mo | Interest-only at 7.47% APR |
| $200,000 | $1,245/mo | Interest-only at 7.47% APR |
Interest-only estimate during the draw period (balance × APR ÷ 12) at the current national average. Payments rise in the repayment period once principal is included. Try the HELOC payment calculator with your own rate.
HELOC rate trends & outlook
HELOC rates move with the prime rate, which has held at 6.75% since December 2025. When the Federal Reserve cuts the federal funds rate, prime — and most HELOC rates — fall with it; when it holds, HELOC rates stay flat. The spread you pay over prime is set by your credit, equity, and loan size, which is why two borrowers can see very different rates on the same day. For a deeper look, see HELOC rate trends and how HELOC rates are set.
"Don't anchor to the headline average. The number that decides your payment is your margin over prime — and that's negotiable. Tightening your credit and CLTV before you apply, then making three lenders compete, moves the rate more than waiting on the Fed."
— Angelo Orru Neto, CFP® professional
Compare featured HELOC lenders
A sample of lenders below; rates are variable and change frequently, with details compiled from public lender disclosures as of June 2026. See the full ranked list on our best HELOC lenders roundup.
- No annual fee
- HELOCs available for second homes
- Must draw large share at closing / short draw period (three years)
- Origination fee (up to 4.99%, capped)
- 6-month introductory rate below prime
- No origination fee or annual fee; fixed-rate option available
- Doesn't publish average closing time
- Application not available via mobile app
- Fixed-rate conversion option
- No origination fee; no required initial draw
- $75 annual fee (unless waived) and early-repayment fee
- Not available in DE, SC, or TX; branch closing often required
Get matched · multiple lenders, one form
See your real HELOC rate
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What affects your HELOC rate
- Prime rate. The benchmark your variable rate is built on (6.75% as of June 2026).
- Credit score. 740+ earns the lowest margin; rates climb as scores fall. See credit score for a HELOC.
- Combined loan-to-value. Lower CLTV (more equity) means a lower rate and higher limit. See how much you can borrow.
- Debt-to-income. Most lenders want 43% or less. See HELOC debt-to-income ratio.
- Line size & lender. Larger lines and existing-customer discounts can lower your rate.
HELOC vs. the alternatives
| Option | Rate type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| HELOC | Variable (fixed-rate lock option) | Flexible, ongoing access to equity |
| Home equity loan | Fixed | A one-time lump sum with set payments |
| Cash-out refinance | Fixed (replaces 1st mortgage) | Tapping equity while resetting your mortgage |
| Personal loan | Fixed (unsecured) | Smaller needs without using your home |
How we source these rates (methodology)
The market snapshot above is compiled from public sources (Federal Reserve H.15, Bankrate, NerdWallet) with an "as of" date and source link on every figure, and is human-reviewed before any value changes. The by-credit-band ranges are representative — anchored to the national average plus typical risk-based pricing — and the payment figures are arithmetic on the stated rate, not offers. We refresh these monthly. King of HELOC is not a lender and does not set these rates.
How we make money. King of HELOC is a marketing and lead-generation service, not a lender. We may be compensated by lending partners when you're matched with them. That compensation can influence which partners appear and in what order, but it never affects our editorial standards or the rate data on this page. All lines are subject to credit approval, income verification, and property valuation. A HELOC is secured by your home; rates are variable and may rise.
Frequently asked questions
What are current HELOC rates?
HELOC rates are variable and tied to the prime rate (currently 6.75%) plus a lender margin. As of June 2026, the average HELOC APR is about 7.47%, with market rates ranging from roughly 6% to 18%. The lowest rates go to borrowers with 740+ credit and a low combined loan-to-value.
How are HELOC rates determined?
Most HELOC rates equal the prime rate plus a margin the lender sets based on your credit score, combined loan-to-value, debt-to-income, and loan size. Because prime moves with the federal funds rate, your HELOC rate can change over the life of the line.
What credit score gets the best HELOC rate?
A score of 740 or higher typically unlocks the lowest HELOC rates. Most lenders will approve scores around 620–680, but the rate premium grows as your score falls. Lowering your debt-to-income and combined loan-to-value also helps you qualify for better pricing.
Are HELOC rates fixed or variable?
Most HELOCs carry a variable rate that moves with the prime rate, so your payment can rise or fall over time. Some lenders let you lock all or part of your balance at a fixed rate for predictability, usually at a slightly higher starting rate.
Will HELOC rates go down in 2026?
HELOC rates track the prime rate, which has held at 6.75% since December 2025. If the Federal Reserve cuts the federal funds rate, prime — and most HELOC rates — would fall with it; if it holds or raises, HELOC rates stay flat or rise. We refresh these figures monthly.
How can I get the lowest HELOC rate?
Raise your credit score toward 740+, lower your combined loan-to-value, reduce your debt-to-income below 43%, and compare at least three lenders. Existing-customer and autopay discounts can shave the rate further. See our guide on how to get the best HELOC rate.