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What is a Home Equity Loan Going to Cost You

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What is a Home Equity Loan Going to Cost You

Author: BestCashCow Editorial Board on January 30, 2011 - modified on September 11, 2017

While home equity loan products can offer money-saving opportunities for homeowners, attractive interest rates can be offset by the added expense of fees and/or closing costs. When comparing lenders' rates, be sure to find out if there is a discount for having the lender pay closing costs.

The interest rates and fees on a loan can vary based on the amount you are borrowing plus how much equity you have available. Lenders may provide existing customers with special introductory or teaser rates which adjust upward after an initial period of time. Some fees to be aware of are:

Annual Account Maintenance
Application
Closing costs (may include credit report, appraisal, title search, flood evaluation, recording fees, attorney fees, and taxes in some states)
Loan origination (points)
Pre-payment penalty
Some competitive loan offers include no fees, no points, and no closing costs. Make sure all fees are disclosed upfront, and inquire how they will affect your final interest rate.

Also, some banks offer a relationship banking product, in which you get special benefits by having multiple accounts at one bank. You should look into whether your bank offers this product, so that you can use your home equity loan to help you waive fees and receive additional benefits on your checking and savings accounts.

: BestCashCow's Editorial Board has been led by Ari Socolow since 2008.

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Featured - Home Equity Line Of Credit Rates 2025

Lender	APR (%)^?	Monthly Payment^?	Learn More
Figure Home Equity Line	0.000 %	$0	Learn More More Info
The Figure Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw. Approval may be granted in fi ve minutes but is ultimately subject to verifi cation of income and employment, as well as verifi cation that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary, and where loan amounts are under $400,000 which would not require an appraisal. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing, or that require a waiting period prior to closing, or where loan amounts exceed $400,000. #1 Non-bank HELOC in the US, A+ BBB Rating Access $15,000 to $750,000 in home equity with flexible terms Approval in as few as 5 minutes, funding in as few as 5 days Use to consolidate debt, finance your next home project, or major expenses
Upstart Home Lending	Intro APR 6.520 % After Intro: 6.520 %	$20,800	Learn More More Info
1. Upstart Mortgage offers HELOCs from $26K-$250K. An initial draw of 80% of the approved credit limit is required at account opening. 2. Terms shown here are subject to change without notice. APRs for initial advances range from 6.52% to 18.00% based on rates offered as of July 2025. The lowest rate is only available to consumers willing to become a member of a credit union and to those who meet a minimum FICO score of 780, CLTV under 70%, and DTI under 45%. Your actual rate will depend on many factors such as your credit history, combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV), line amount, loan term, lien position, and property state. Origination fee to open an account is between 0% and 4.99% of the approved credit limit. The Annual Percentage Rate ("APR") is variable and based on the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal "Money Rates" table plus or minus a margin. Your APR will never be less than 3.99% or greater than 18.00%. Property insurance is required. 3. All mortgage lending conducted by Upstart Mortgage, LLC dba Upstart Home Lending. NMLS #2443873 As low as 6.52% APR on your initial draw* Get your money up to 10x faster than the industry standard Fixed rate on each draw No paperwork needed to apply
Figure Home Equity	Intro APR 6.850 % After Intro: 6.850 %	$15,000	Learn More More Info
Available APRs range from 6.35% - 14.90%*, which includes the payment of a higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced interest rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states.(the advertised APR includes a combined 0.25% discount for opting into a credit union membership (0%) and enrolling in autopay (0.25%) as well as payment of higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states). The lowest APRs are only available to the most qualified applicants, depending on credit profile and the state where the property is located, and those who also select five year loan terms; APRs will be higher for other applicants and those who select longer loan terms. Rates change frequently so your exact APR will depend on the date you apply. APRs for home equity lines of credit do not include costs other than interest. You will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of your initial draw, depending on the state in which your property is located and your credit profile. You may also be responsible for paying the costs of valuation if an AVM is not available for your property ($180), manual notarization if your county doesn’t permit eNotary ($380), and recording fees ($0 - $315) and recording taxes, which vary by state and county ($0-$1,400 per one hundred thousand dollars borrowed). Property insurance is required as a condition of the loan and flood insurance may be required if your property is located in a flood zone. Flexible terms, borrow $15K-$750K, redraw up to 100% Use to consolidate debt or finance your next home project 100% digital app & automated valuation Largest non-bank HELOC lender in the US
Reliant Home Funding, Inc	Intro APR 6.850 % After Intro: 6.850 %	$15,000	Learn More More Info
Available APRs range from 6.60% - 14.15*, which includes the payment of a higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced interest rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states.(The advertised APR includes enrolling in autopay (0.25%) as well as payment of higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states). The lowest APRs are only available to the most qualified applicants, depending on credit profile and the state where the property is located, and those who also select five year loan terms; APRs will be higher for other applicants and those who select longer loan terms. Rates change frequently so your exact APR will depend on the date you apply. APRs for home equity lines of credit do not include costs other than interest. You will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of your initial draw, depending on the state in which your property is located and your credit profile. You may also be responsible for paying the costs of valuation if an AVM is not available for your property ($180), manual notarization if your county doesn’t permit eNotary ($380), and recording fees ($0 - $315) and recording taxes, which vary by state and county ($0-$1,400 per one hundred thousand dollars borrowed). Property insurance is required as a condition of the loan and flood insurance may be required if your property is located in a flood zone. Consumers wishing to file a complaint against a mortgage company or a licensed residential mortgage loan originator should complete and send a complaint form to the Texas department of savings and mortgage lending, 2601 North Lamar, Suite 201, Austin, Texas 78705. Complaint forms and instructions may be obtained from the department’s website at www.sml.texas.gov. The department maintains a recovery fund to make payments of certain actual out of pocket damages sustained by borrowers caused by acts of licensed mortgage company. Relationships Rule: Transactions end, Relationships remain Accountability is Personal: Reflection before Projection Service through Knowledge: Great service means great understanding Evolve to Excel: We need to adapt and improve to succeed
Valley Strong Credit Union	Intro APR 6.850 % After Intro: 6.850 %	$15,000	Learn More More Info
Approval may be granted in five minutes but is ultimately subject to verification of income and employment, as well as verification that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day closing assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary. Closing timelines will be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing. Get your offer in 5 minutes and funding in as few as 5 days Personalized banking solutions to help reach your financial goals Up to $400K Terms of 10,15, or 30 years
Third Federal Savings and Loan	Intro APR 6.990 % After Intro: 6.990 %	$0	Learn More More Info
Conditions… Variable APR of Prime minus 1.01% in all states. Min loan amount $10,000. Max loan amount $200,000. 30-year term. Annual fee waived for the first year. See conditions for guarantee at thirdfederal.com. Third Federal rate are typically 20% lower than other leaders Guaranteed Lowest Rate No closing costs, prepayment penalties, or minimum draw requirements 10 year draw period
Farmers Bank of Kansas City	Intro APR 8.750 % After Intro: 8.750 %	$25,000	Learn More More Info
This is not a pre-approval or an offer of credit. This is an invitation to apply, and in order to qualify for a loan you must meet our credit and other requirements. Applicants are required to provide a current and valid completed application, proof of income, mortgage statement, property hazard insurance, and a photo ID. Approval is contingent upon a full application and is not guaranteed. We will not extend credit if we cannot verify that your credit profile, debt, income, identity, property value, home equity, and title meet our underwriting criteria. Loan terms, rates, and fees are subject to change. Rates and terms may vary and depend on credit score, CLTV (combined loan-to-value), property type, occupancy and loan terms. These results are for informational purposes only. Farmers Bank of Kansas City’s Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) has a 20-year repayment term. The first 10 years will be the Draw period with the interest rate based on the Prime Rate published by the Wall Street Journal plus a margin and allows for an interest only payment to be made during the draw period. If a balance is owed after the draw period concludes, the interest rate will become fixed for the remaining 10 years and will be based upon the Prime Rate published by the Wall Street Journal plus a margin. The HELOC interest rate will not go below 5% or higher than 18%. The minimum line amount offered is $25,000 and the maximum line amount offered is $350,000. The minimum draw amount required is $25,000 or half of the maximum line amount, whichever is greater. A HELOC requires you to pledge your home as collateral, and you could lose your home if you fail to repay. Offers, rates and fees are subject to change without notice. Repayment begins approximately 30 calendar days after funding. Farmers Bank of Kansas City also offers a fixed rate Home Equity Loan (HELOAN). Rates vary and depend on credit score, CLTV (combined loan-to-value), property type, occupancy and loan terms. Customized Rate Quote 24/7 Online Borrower Portal Streamlined Online Application Up to 100% LTV
AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation	0.000 %	$0	Learn More More Info
• Home Equity Loans & Refinance – Cash out • Customized rate quote with no impact to credit • Low Rates, Quick Approvals, Wide Range of Products • Over 100 Billion Funded. 22 Years in Business Home Equity Loans & Refinance – Cash out Customized rate quote with no impact to credit Low Rates, Quick Approvals, Wide Range of Products Over 100 Billion Funded. 22 Years in Business
Spring EQ	0.000 %	$0	Learn More More Info
About Spring EQ’s Rates and Terms Spring EQ LLC NMLS ID #1464945 (nmlsconsumeracces.org). No prepayment penalty. No need to refinance your first mortgage. Closed-end fixed rate loans and fixed and adjustable rate HELOC options are available. Spring EQ is an Equal Housing Lender. These results are for informational purposes only. This offer is an invitation to apply for an offer for credit or a loan and should not be construed as an indication of eligibility or a binding underwriting decision. Rates are subject to change based on market conditions and the entries of your specific application. All loans are subject to $995 origination fee and annual fee of $99 (except in certain states, where fees may be lower or not applicable), plus third-party fees. Monthly payment shown reflects monthly principal and interest amortized over the term of the loan based on the initial draw amount. Spring EQ applicants are required to provide a current and valid completed application, proof of income, mortgage statement, property hazard insurance, and a photo ID. Any pre-qualification or result is in no way a pre-approval, indication of eligibility, or binding underwriting decision. All borrowers are required to meet Spring EQ's current underwriting guidelines including verifications of applicant’s credit profile and property value, $25,000 initial draw requirement OR 75% of the line amount (whichever is greater), a FICO score of 640 or greater, and a debt-to-income ratio of less than 50%. Actual rate and APR for qualified borrowers will be determined by a combination of factors, including their creditworthiness as determined by a single credit bureau pull, loan amount requested, property value, and more. In addition to these, other factors specific to applicants' profile and Spring EQ's Underwriting Guidelines may impact rate and eligibility. Offers subject to origination fees based on loan type and property state. Access up to 90% of your home's equity, up to a maximum of $500,000. FIXLINE: The flexibility of a HELOC with the stability of a HELOAN. A fixed rate for life- no need to worry about fluctuating rates. We make it easy - and fast - to access your cash (as little as 11 days).
Unlock Technologies, Inc.	0.000 %	$0	Learn More More Info
Unlock isn't a lender & doesn't offer loans, so you don't need perfect credit to apply! No Additional Debt! No monthly payments or interest charges Minimum Credit score: 500 Access up to $500k No need to refinance
Figure Home Equity Line	0.000 %	$0	Learn More More Info
The Figure Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw. Approval may be granted in fi ve minutes but is ultimately subject to verifi cation of income and employment, as well as verifi cation that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary, and where loan amounts are under $400,000 which would not require an appraisal. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing, or that require a waiting period prior to closing, or where loan amounts exceed $400,000. Fastest way to turn home equity into cash Flexible terms, redraw up to 100%, borrow $15k-$750k Approval in as little as 5 minutes. Funding in as few as 5 days. Use to consolidate debt or finance your next home project
Upstart Home Lending	0.000 %	$0	Learn More More Info
1. APRs for initial advances range from 6.77% to 18.00% based on funded HELOCs as of September 2024. Your actual rate will depend on many factors such as your credit history, loan-to-value ratio, line amount, loan term, lien position, and property state. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. The APR is variable, but the APR that will apply to each draw will be fixed on the date the draw is made. 2. As of October 2024, 10% of funded HELOCs achieved a closing timeline in as little as 3 days or less and a funding timeline in as little as 9 days or less. This timeline assumes consumers close with our remote online notary, provide supporting documentation promptly, and ensure the information provided is accurate and consistent with our verification process. Delays, discrepancies, and other unforeseen factors may impact the closing timeline. MBA’s 2024 Home Lending Study reports an average industry closing time of 31 days. 3. A Home Equity Line of Credit has a variable rate. The APR may change, but the APR that will apply to each draw will be fixed on the date the draw is made. Your APR will be the Prime Rate at the time of draw plus a margin fixed for the life of the HELOC. Upstart Mortgage, LLC dba Upstart Home Lending. NMLS #2443873 As low as 6.52% APR on your initial draw* Get your money up to 10x faster than the industry standard Fixed rate on each draw No paperwork needed to apply
CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC	0.000 %	$0	Learn More More Info
Please note that the interest rates offered are subject to change based on market conditions and borrower eligibility. The pricing and rate provided are accurate as of the specified date. It is important to be aware that the minimum loan amount for any loan program is $50,000. The specific amount and terms of the credit offer will be determined based on underwriting approval and guidelines, which include factors such as your credit history, your ability to make payments, and the available equity in your home. To qualify for this offer, you must meet the required criteria and demonstrate creditworthiness. Additionally, providing up to two years of income verification may be necessary. The severity of your credit may also impact the required down payment. It is crucial to understand that the lender reserves the right to cancel this offer if the provided information cannot be verified. Please note that all bankruptcies must be discharged in order to be eligible. This offer is nontransferable and is specifically available for single-family residences or owner-occupied condominiums. Please be aware that mobile homes and cooperatives are not included in this offer. It is important to note that the lender must hold a valid first lien position, and property hazard insurance is a requirement. These are some key details to consider when evaluating this offer. It is essential to thoroughly review the terms and conditions and seek clarification from the lender regarding any specific questions or concerns you may have before proceeding with the application process. Transform Your Home Equity Into Cash: Explore our Tech-Powered Solutions! Unlock Your Home's Value: Discover the Power of our Online HELOC! Maximize Your Equity: Get Cash-Out Using Our HELOC for Your Next Big Step Secure Your Future: Experience the Ease of our Fixed Home Equity Loans
Owning.com	0.000 %	$0	Learn More More Info
Owning is a division of Guaranteed Rate, Inc, NMLS #2611 Headquarters: 3940 N Ravenswood, Chicago IL 60613. A Guaranteed Rate HELOC is secured with your home as collateral, whereas personal loans and credit cards are not. To check the rates and terms you qualify for, we will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you continue and submit an application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit. Approval may be granted in five minutes but is ultimately subject to verification of income and employment, as well as verification that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing. Guaranteed Rate Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus lender, broker, third party, and government fees, as applicable) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw. Apply in 5 minutes, get your money in as fast as 5 days. Digital application experience. Funds directly to your bank account. No in-person appraisal needed.
Rate	0.000 %	$0	Learn More More Info
A Guaranteed Rate HELOC is secured with your home as collateral, whereas personal loans and credit cards are not. To check the rates and terms you qualify for, we will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you continue and submit an application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit. Approval may be granted in five minutes but is ultimately subject to verification of income and employment, as well as verification that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing. Guaranteed Rate Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus lender, broker, third party, and governement fees, as applicable) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw. Nation's #2 retail mortgage lender in 2024. Apply in 5 minutes, get your money in as fast as 5 days. Digital application experience. No in-person appraisal needed.

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What is a Home Equity Loan Going to Cost You

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Featured - Home Equity Line Of Credit Rates 2025