Best HELOC Introductory Rates
After hours of research, here are our picks for the five best HELOC introductory rates among many lenders.
The post Best HELOC Introductory Rates appeared first on LendEDU.
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a loan option for homeowners. It allows you to access the equity in your home and use it as collateral for a revolving line of credit. You might be able to borrow up to 90% of your home’s value (minus any outstanding mortgage balance).
The best HELOC introductory rates offer significant savings potential, so shopping around and comparing offers from multiple lenders is important. We’ve researched the best HELOC introductory rates and how to take advantage of them.
In this guide:
- Best introductory HELOC rates
- What makes a good intro rate?
- Why do lenders offer intro rates?
- What happens when the intro rate period ends?
- Can I refinance my HELOC to a new intro rate when mine ends?
- How important should the intro rate be when choosing a HELOC?
Best introductory HELOC rates
HELOCs offer two types of interest rates: variable or fixed. Variable rates are tied to an index rate that fluctuates with the market, while fixed rates remain constant over the life of the loan.
If you choose a variable-rate HELOC, it’s essential you understand the following:
- How the rate is determined—often a published base rate, such as the prime rate The Wall Street Journal publishes, plus a factor the lender sets
- How and when the variable rate can change
Many banks incentivize customers by offering HELOC introductory rates lower than the current market rate. However, they’re often available for a limited time, such as six months to one year. The market rate kicks in after they expire.
How likely you are to qualify for the lowest introductory HELOC rate depends on your creditworthiness, home equity, and other factors. Rates change over time, so comparing the introductory and current rates will help you choose the best loan.
Here are the five lenders we found with the best introductory HELOC rates.
Connexus
HELOC
- 4.50% fixed introductory rate for 6 months
- Interest-only payment option during draw period
- 15-year draw period; 15-year repayment period
Connexus Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative founded in 1935. The credit union offers various products and services, including mortgages and HELOCs.
The Connexus HELOC is popular for homeowners who want to access home equity for home improvements, debt consolidation, or unexpected expenses.
It has a $5,000 minimum loan amount and an introductory APR that’s locked in for six months.
Connexus is a credit union, but anyone can join by making a one-time $5 donation to the Connexus Association.
Key features:
- Introductory rates (APR): 4.50% fixed
- Length of introductory term: 6 months
- Interest rates (APR) after introductory term ends: Variable; starting at 6.99%
- Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
- Maximum LTV: 90%
- Draw period: 15 years
- Repayment period: 15 years
- Discounts: None specified
- Fees: Closing costs
- Availability: Not available in Maryland, Texas, Hawaii, or Alaska
Bank of America
HELOC
- 6.49% introductory variable APR for 6 months
- Interest-rate discounts for initial withdrawals and Preferred Rewards members
- 0.25% automatic payment discount
Bank of America (BoA) offers a range of products and services to consumers and businesses.
The Bank of America HELOC provides a flexible financing option to draw funds as needed, with the added benefit of interest-rate discounts for automatic payments, initial withdrawals, and Preferred Rewards members.
Bank of America’s HELOC introductory rate has a variable APR of 6.49% for six months. This makes it a competitive option for those looking to tap into their home equity. But keep in mind BoA’s introductory HELOC rate is variable, not fixed. So it could change based on the prime rate.
Key features:
- Introductory rates (APR): 6.49% variable
- Length of introductory term: 6 months
- Interest rates (APR) after introductory term ends: Variable; starting at 8.90%
- Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
- Maximum LTV: 80%
- Draw period: 10 years
- Repayment period: 20 years
- Discounts: 0.25% automatic payment discount; Interest rate discounts of up to 1.50% for initial withdrawals; Up to 0.625% for BoA Preferred Rewards members
- Fees: BoA covers closing costs; $450 early closure fee applies if closed within 36 months of opening
- Availability: Available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia
BMO Harris
HELOC
- 2 variable introductory rates available
- 5.74% APR for 6 months or 6.24% APR for 12 months
- Lock in a rate up to 3 times
BMO Harris is a leading bank that offers financial products including home equity lines of credit. The BMO Harris HELOC offers flexible access to funds, with two variable introductory rate options depending on your needs.
The bank has competitive HELOC introductory rates, starting at 5.74% APR for six months or 6.24% APR for 12 months. After the introductory period ends, the standard rate is as low as 7.49%.
The bank also offers low to no closing costs, and you can lock in your rate up to three times, with the first lock fee-free and additional locks costing $75 each.
Key features:
- Introductory rates (APR): 5.74% variable for 6 months or 6.24% variable for 12 months
- Interest rates (APR) after introductory term ends: Variable; starting at 7.49%
- Minimum credit score: 650
- Maximum LTV: 70%
- Draw period: 10 years
- Repayment period: 20 years
- Discounts: 0.50% autopay
- Fees: $75 annual fee; $75 rate-lock fee; $100 remote closing fee; Early closure fee
- Availability: All 50 states
Bethpage Federal Credit Union
HELOC
- 7.24% fixed introductory APR for 12 months
- No closing costs or origination fees
- 5, 10, or 20-year repayment periods
Bethpage FCU is an established credit union that’s provided financial services to its members since 1941. In addition to its HELOC, its products and services include checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and auto loans.
One standout feature of Bethpage’s HELOC is its fixed introductory rate, which won’t change for the first year of account opening. Bethpage also covers closing costs, so you’ll pay nothing for application, origination, or appraisal.
You must become a member to take advantage of Bethpage’s best HELOC introductory rates. Join Bethpage by opening a Share Savings account with a minimum $5 deposit. Then you can apply for a HELOC.
Key features:
- Introductory rates (APR): 7.24% fixed
- Length of introductory term: 12 months
- Interest rates (APR) after introductory term ends: Variable; Starting at 7.75%
- Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
- Maximum LTV: 75%
- Draw period: 10 years
- Repayment period: 5, 10, or 20 years
- Discounts: None disclosed
- Fees: Bethpage pays closing costs on the first $500,000; Borrower responsible for third-party fees
- Availability: Not available in Texas
Central Pacific Bank
HELOC
- 4.95% fixed introductory rate for 3 years
- Get a credit of up to $500 to help pay closing fees
- Open to Hawaii residents only
Central Pacific Bank is a Hawaii-based lender that offers various banking and financial services. Its HELOC is only available for properties in Hawaii, but the three-year fixed introductory APR is too generous not to include it on this list.
If you live in Hawaii and qualify for a Central Pacific Bank HELOC, you can lock in a fixed introductory APR as low as 4.95% for three years. As you can see from our other top HELOC introductory rates, most others last six to 12 months.
Central Pacific Bank’s quick loan approval process and easy automatic payments further streamline the borrowing experience. The Express HELOC offers even faster processing times and requires no appraisal for loans up to $75,000.
- Introductory rates (APR): 4.95% fixed
- Length of introductory term: 3 years
- Interest rates (APR) after introductory term ends: Variable; starting at 8.75%
- Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
- Maximum LTV: Not disclosed
- Draw period: 10 years
- Repayment period: 20 years
- Discounts: None disclosed
- Fees: No annual fee. Closing costs may apply, but borrowers can get a credit of up to $500 to help cover these fees.
- Availability: Hawaii only
What makes a good introductory rate?
A good introductory rate for a HELOC is often a low APR that lasts for at least six months. However, the lowest interest rate may not be the best deal if you could maximize your savings by choosing a higher rate with an extended introductory period.
For example, a HELOC with a 6.50% introductory rate that lasts for 12 months could be a better deal than a HELOC with a 5.50% introductory rate that lasts for six months, depending on your situation.
In addition to the introductory APR and length, consider the following:
- Long-term interest rate
- Repayment terms
- Fees
- Potential penalties
For instance, a HELOC with a lower introductory rate but higher fees or a higher long-term APR might be more expensive in the long run.
Why do lenders offer introductory rates?
Lenders offer the best HELOC introductory rates to attract new borrowers and compete with other lenders. An attractive introductory HELOC rate can be an effective way to entice borrowers looking for a low-cost loan.
The best HELOC introductory rates may be temporary, but they can help lenders establish long-term relationships with borrowers, resulting in steady business for years.
What happens when the introductory rate period ends?
When the HELOC introductory rate period ends, your interest rate will default to the lender’s current market rate. This rate is often based on the prime rate plus a margin, which the lender determines.
The new interest rate could be higher or lower than the introductory rate depending on market conditions and your creditworthiness. Your monthly payment will adjust to reflect the new interest rate, which could result in a higher payment.
Can I refinance my HELOC to a new introductory rate when mine ends?
Refinancing a HELOC to a new introductory rate may be possible depending on the lender’s policies, but it’s unlikely. Many lenders only extend introductory rate offers to new HELOCs, not refinances.
Refinancing a HELOC may also come with new fees and closing costs, offsetting the savings from the new introductory rate.
How important should the introductory rate be when choosing a HELOC?
A low HELOC introductory rate is essential when selecting a loan because it can lower your initial monthly payments. However, consider other factors, such as:
- How long the introductory period lasts
- APR after the introductory period ends
- Fees
Comparing HELOC rates from different lenders can help you find the best deal.
Once you choose a lender, you’ll fill out an application and provide documentation, such as proof of income and bank statements.
The lender will then review your application and approve or deny you for a HELOC. If approved, you’ll finalize details, such as the loan amount, introductory HELOC rate, and repayment terms.
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