National Home Equity Loan & HELOC Rates for May 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
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Current national home equity line of credit (HELOC) rates include Winnebago Community Credit UnionWinnebago Community Credit UnionA+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.53% at 2.99%, Mass Bay Credit UnionMass Bay Credit UnionA+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 5.58% at 3.49%, Walden Savings BankWalden Savings BankA+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 5.10% at 3.99%, Elements Financial Federal Credit UnionElements Financial Federal Credit UnionA+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.79% at 3.99%, and Manville Area Federal Credit UnionManville Area Federal Credit UnionA+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.00% at 4.00%. Home equity and HELOC rates as of May 18, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
The median owner-occupied home in the United States is valued at approximately $303,400 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. A homeowner who has paid their mortgage down to around 65% of that value would hold roughly $106,190 in equity, and at a typical 85% combined loan-to-value limit could borrow on the order of $60,680 through a home equity loan or HELOC. With a national homeownership rate of 65.7%, tens of millions of households have equity they could potentially tap.
Rates reflect actual verified offers from lenders accepting applications across the United States. Your final approved rate will depend on your credit profile, the equity in your home, your combined loan-to-value ratio, and daily market movements. Last Updated and Verified: May 18, 2026
Best Home Equity & HELOC Rates Today
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Automatic payment from JTNB Deposit account required
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Home Improvements Use the equity in your home to consolidate high-interest credit cards and other debt. Add that home improvement you want to complete. Combine all to one monthly payment!
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Auto Pay
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As Low As; Includes 1/4% discount for automatic payments and e-statements. Interest rate based on creditworthiness, term, lien position and equity in home. Loan must include at least $5,000 new money to the credit union. Maximum loan $200,000. Subject to credit approval. Rates subject to change at any time; restrictions and conditions apply. Consult your tax advisor regarding tax deductibility of interest.
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80% LTV 1st Lien
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Up to 80% Max LTV
Maximum Loan of $200,000.00
$200,000.00
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Minimum $10,000
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no appraisal fee
no appraisal fee
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Auto Pay
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Statement
Intro rate expires: 6 Month; Regular APR: as low as 6.75%
Intro rate expires: 6 months; Regular APR: 6.000%
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Intro rate expires: 6 Months; Regular APR: 6.50%
Intro rate expires: 12 Months; Regular APR: 6.75%
As Low As; Adjustable Rate
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6-Month Intro Rate
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After 6 Month Intro Rate
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Introductory Rate
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$5,000 Min, $500,000 Max, 80% LTV, 1-4 Family Owner Occupied, Introductory rate of 5.990% for first six months then Prime Rate + 0.000%, maximum rate is 18.000% (ceiling rate), minimum rate is 4.950% (floor/start rate). NO CLOSING FEES. Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance, if applicable. Actual payment obligation will be greater. Homeowners insurance is required; flood insurance is required where necessary. Subject to credit approval.
Loan to Value†<=80%; Maximum credit line is $199,000. Minimum required initial draw is $10,000.
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5.99% fixed for the first 12 months then Prime Minus 0.50%
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Introductory Rate
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WSJ Prime minus .75%
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Initial Rate first 12 Months
Banks and Credit Unions: If you need to update your rate data or request removal from MonitorBankRates.com, please contact us here.
U.S. Home Equity Snapshot
National housing and income figures that shape how much equity U.S. homeowners can borrow against. Source: U.S. Census Bureau & FHFA.
Equity and borrowable estimates are illustrative, based on a typical owner who has paid the original mortgage down to roughly 65% of current value and an 85% combined loan-to-value ceiling. Your actual figures depend on your remaining mortgage balance, credit profile, and lender underwriting. Use the State filter on the rate table above, or pick a state below, for figures specific to your area.
How Much Can You Borrow With a Home Equity Loan or HELOC?
Your borrowing limit is set by your combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) — the total of your first mortgage plus the new loan, divided by your home's appraised value. Most lenders cap CLTV at 80–85%. Using the U.S. median home value of $303,400, here is roughly what an 85% CLTV ceiling allows at three stages of mortgage payoff:
| Mortgage Stage | Still Owed | Equity Held | Est. You Could Borrow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earlier in repayment | $212,380 | $91,020 | $45,510 |
| Roughly halfway through | $166,870 | $136,530 | $91,020 |
| Well into repayment | $121,360 | $182,040 | $136,530 |
The further along you are in paying down your first mortgage, the more equity sits available to borrow against. Lenders also weigh your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and income — the U.S. median household income is $80,734 — before issuing a final offer. Home values and borrowing limits vary widely by location, so check your state's page for figures closer to home.
Illustrative estimates only, based on an 85% CLTV ceiling and the U.S. Census median home value. Actual limits vary by lender (some allow up to 90% CLTV), by your home's appraised value, and by your credit profile. This is not a loan offer or a guarantee of approval.
Home Equity Rate Trends
90-day HELOC and home equity loan averages across our nationwide lender network
Daily HELOC and home equity loan averages tracked across our database of verified rate quotes — refreshed every evening.
HELOC rates fell 0.015 points over the past 7 days to 6.485%.
Home equity loan rates held steady at 6.733%, unchanged over the past 7 days.
Home Equity Rate Forecast — Next 12 Months
Where are HELOC and home equity loan rates headed through May 2027?
HELOC trajectory based on prime rate path (prime = fed funds + 3.0%). Home equity loan trajectory based on Fed funds futures and 10-year Treasury path. Not financial advice.
What the Forecast Means for Home Equity Borrowers
Monthly cost on $50,000 borrowed. HELOC shown as interest-only payment (typical during 10-year draw period). Home equity loan shown as fully amortizing principal & interest on a 15-year term.
| Scenario | HELOC Rate | HELOC Mo. Interest | HE Loan Rate | HE Loan Mo. P&I |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | 6.485% | $270 | 6.733% | $442 |
| 6-Month Forecast | 6.235% | $260 | 6.483% | $435 |
| 12-Month Forecast | 5.985% (5.74–6.19%) | $249 (-$21) | 6.083% (5.73–6.38%) | $424 (-$18) |
Green (−) = lower monthly cost vs today. Red (+) = higher monthly cost. HELOC cost reflects variable-rate exposure: when prime drops, HELOC costs drop within one billing cycle. Locking a fixed home equity loan now insulates against further rate increases but forfeits the savings if rates fall.
How Home Equity Lending Works
U.S. homeowners hold an enormous pool of tappable equity — trillions of dollars built up through rising home values and years of mortgage paydown. A home equity loan or HELOC lets a homeowner borrow against that equity without selling, typically at rates significantly lower than credit cards or personal loans because the debt is secured by real estate.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national median owner-occupied home value is approximately $303,400, with a homeownership rate of 65.7%. That gives tens of millions of U.S. households potential access to home equity financing — making this one of the most widely used consumer credit products in the country.
Home Equity Loan vs HELOC — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Home Equity Loan | HELOC |
|---|---|---|
| Rate Type | Fixed for life of loan | Variable (prime + margin) |
| Payout | Lump sum at closing | Draw as needed, up to limit |
| Term | 5-30 years | 10-yr draw + 20-yr repay (typical) |
| Payment | Fixed P&I from month one | Interest-only during draw (usually) |
| Closing Costs | Typically 2-5% of loan | Often $0 (promos common) |
| Best For | Specific large expense, payment certainty | Ongoing access, flexible borrowing |
Want a deeper breakdown? Read our full guide: Home Equity Loan vs HELOC — Key Differences, Pros and Cons
Methodology & Data Sources
Independent, Free, and Unbiased Rate Comparisons: MonitorBankRates.com is an independent rate comparison service. Our home equity loan and HELOC rate tables are free for consumers to use, and we do not receive payment from any lender to be included or to be ranked in any particular order. Listings are based solely on the rates each lender publicly advertises on its own website.
A Note on Third-Party Rate Tools: Some pages on our site also feature rate comparison widgets and tools provided by third-party partners, including the iCanBuy home equity offers widget shown above. These tools may include sponsored listings or affiliate links, and we may receive compensation when users click through them. We clearly label these widgets so you can tell at a glance which rates come from our independent MonitorBankRates.com tables and which come from our advertising partners.
Direct-Sourced & Verified Home Equity Rate Data: We aggregate home equity loan and HELOC rates from the official websites of local banks, credit unions, regional lenders, and national institutions across the United States. Every rate displayed is highly accurate and trustworthy.
National, Regional, and Local Coverage: Our systems constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available home equity products nationwide. Use the State filter above the rate table to narrow results to a single state, or click a state link below to see a dedicated page where local lenders with branches in your city are ranked first.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update home equity rates daily. Because HELOC rates move with the prime rate and the broader market, every product features its own “last updated” date for full transparency.
Proprietary Lender Health & Safety Grades: Beyond tracking rates, MonitorBankRates evaluates the financial stability of every listed institution. Our Health Grades (A+ to F) and Star Ratings are composite metrics calculated using objective regulatory data — including the Texas Ratio — ensuring you compare rates from secure, reliable lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Equity & HELOC Rates
What is the difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC?
How much equity do I need to qualify for a HELOC or home equity loan?
What credit score do I need for a home equity loan?
Are HELOC interest payments tax-deductible?
What is the current prime rate and how does it affect my HELOC?
What is a HELOC draw period?
Can I use a home equity loan or HELOC for debt consolidation?
Are there closing costs on a home equity loan or HELOC?
Should I get a HELOC or a home equity loan?
Can I refinance my HELOC into a fixed-rate home equity loan?
How does my state affect my home equity loan options?
What are the best national home equity rates today?
- Winnebago Community Credit Union: 2.99% (Home Equity Line of Credit Loan (HELOC) Line of Credit)
- Mass Bay Credit Union: 3.49% (Home Equity Lines of Credit)
- Walden Savings Bank: 3.99% (Home Equity Line of Credit)
- Elements Financial Federal Credit Union: 3.99% (Home Equity Line of Credit)
- Manville Area Federal Credit Union: 4.00% (Fixed Home Equity Loan Up to 80% Loan to Value)
Home Equity & HELOC Rates by State
