Can I get a HELOC with a 620 credit score?

Some lenders accept scores as low as 620, but you will typically face stricter equity requirements, a lower credit limit, and a higher interest rate than borrowers with scores in the 700s.

Does applying for a HELOC hurt your credit score?

A HELOC application usually triggers a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. Shopping multiple lenders within a short window (often 14–45 days) generally counts as a single inquiry under most scoring models.

What is the fastest way to raise my score before applying for a HELOC?

Paying down revolving balances to lower your credit utilization ratio often produces the fastest measurable improvement. Disputing inaccurate items on your credit report and avoiding new credit applications also help.

What credit score do you need for a HELOC?

By King of HELOC Editorial · Reviewed by Luke Orren, Head of Content · Last updated 2026-06-27

What credit score do most lenders require for a HELOC?

Most lenders use a minimum FICO score somewhere in the 620–680 range as a baseline to approve a HELOC application. Below that threshold, approval becomes difficult and the pool of willing lenders shrinks considerably.

That said, the minimum is just the floor. Where your score falls within the broader range shapes three things lenders care about most: whether they approve you, what interest rate they offer, and how large a credit line they are willing to extend.

How does your credit score affect your HELOC rate and limit?

Lenders price HELOCs as a spread above a benchmark — typically the prime rate. Borrowers with stronger credit profiles earn a smaller spread, which translates directly to a lower annual percentage rate.

Here is how score tiers often map to lender treatment:

FICO score range	Typical lender outlook
Below 620	Approval unlikely with most mainstream lenders
620–659	Eligible at some lenders; expect tighter limits and higher rates
660–699	Broader lender access; rates and limits are near average
700–739	Strong approval odds; competitive rates become accessible
740 and above	Best rates and highest credit limits from most lenders

These ranges are illustrative. Each lender has its own underwriting criteria, and two borrowers with identical scores can receive different outcomes based on income, equity percentage, and existing debt load.

What else do lenders look at alongside your credit score?

Credit score is one piece of the underwriting picture. Lenders weigh several factors together:

Combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio — most lenders cap CLTV at 80–90%, meaning you generally need at least 10–20% equity remaining after the HELOC is added.
Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio — a DTI below 43% is commonly required; many lenders prefer it below 36%.
Income and employment stability — lenders want to see that you can service the new line of credit in addition to your existing obligations.
Payment history — recent late payments or a bankruptcy can disqualify applicants even when their score technically clears the minimum.
Property type and condition — investment properties and condos sometimes face tighter standards than primary residences.

This means a borrower with a 660 score, substantial equity, low DTI, and a clean recent payment history may fare better than a borrower with a 700 score who is carrying heavy debt.

Does the type of credit score matter?

Most mortgage lenders, including those offering HELOCs, pull FICO scores — often from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) — and use the middle score for their decision. The version of FICO can vary by lender.

VantageScore, which is what many free credit monitoring services display, can differ meaningfully from your FICO score. If you are serious about preparing for a HELOC application, consider pulling your FICO scores directly rather than relying solely on a monitoring app.

How can you improve your credit score before applying?

If your score is below the tier you want to reach, several actions commonly move the needle:

Reduce revolving credit utilization. Paying down credit card balances so your utilization drops below 30% — ideally below 10% — often produces a measurable score lift within one or two billing cycles.
Dispute inaccurate items. Errors on credit reports are more common than most people expect. Review all three bureau reports and file disputes for any information that is inaccurate or outdated.
Avoid opening new accounts. Each new application generates a hard inquiry and lowers your average account age, both of which can drag on your score temporarily.
Let on-time payments compound. Payment history is the single largest factor in most scoring models. A consistent record of on-time payments over 12–24 months improves your profile substantially.
Keep old accounts open. Closing a card shortens your average credit age and can spike utilization if there is a balance elsewhere. In most cases, keeping unused accounts open helps more than it hurts.

How long does it take to see score improvements?

Most scoring changes reflect within one to two billing cycles after you take action. Significant improvements — moving from the low 600s to the high 600s, for example — often take six to twelve months of consistent positive behavior. If you have a genuine derogatory item such as a missed payment, it will fade in impact over time but typically remains on your report for seven years.

Planning your HELOC application 6–12 months in advance gives you a meaningful window to improve your score and potentially access better rate tiers.

Should you shop multiple lenders even with a great score?

Yes. Even borrowers with excellent credit profiles benefit from comparing offers across several lenders. Rate spreads, fee structures, draw limits, and repayment terms vary widely from one institution to the next. Rate shopping within a compressed window — typically 14–45 days — is treated as a single inquiry by most scoring models, so comparing lenders does not compound the credit impact the way applying for multiple unrelated products would.