HELOC Rates by Credit Score
HELOC Rates by Credit Score: what to know and how to act in 2026.
What to know
Credit score heavily drives your margin: 740+ borrowers get the lowest add-on, while scores in the 620-680 band pay noticeably more or face lower CLTV caps. The same Prime base can translate into an 8% rate for excellent credit and 10%+ for fair credit. Raising your score before applying directly lowers your rate.
What affects your rate
- Your credit score and combined loan-to-value
- HELOC (variable, Prime + margin) vs home equity loan (fixed)
- Lien position and occupancy (primary vs rental)
- The Prime rate and Fed policy — and lender margins, so compare quotes
Example HELOC cost by rate (on a $100,000 balance)
| Rate | Interest-only / mo | Amortizing (20-yr) / mo |
|---|---|---|
| 7.50% | $625 | $806 |
| 8.00% | $667 | $836 |
| 8.50% | $708 | $868 |
| 9.00% | $750 | $900 |
| 9.50% | $792 | $932 |
| 10.00% | $833 | $965 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- HELOC Rates by Credit Score — the quick answer?
- Credit score heavily drives your margin: 740+ borrowers get the lowest add-on, while scores in the 620-680 band pay noticeably more or face lower CLTV caps. The same Prime base can translate into an 8% rate for excellent credit and 10%+ for fair credit. Raising your score before applying directly lowers your rate.
- Are HELOC rates higher than mortgage rates?
- Usually yes — HELOCs are variable and sit in second lien position, so they price above first-mortgage rates, but you only pay interest on what you draw.