It’s true, in many parts of the country, home values are not growing at the pace they once did. Home equity levels have pulled back. But if you live in a part of the country where property values are holding or growing, home equity loan rates fell back to their lowest levels seen so far this year.
Learn the differences between a HELOC and a home equity loan
HELOC and home equity loan rates: Sunday, May 11, 2026
According to real estate analytics firm Curinos, the average HELOC rate is 7.21%. We first saw the 2026-HELOC low of 7.19% in mid-January and then again in March. The national average rate on a home equity loan is 7.36%, which matches the 2026 low observed in mid-March.
Rates are based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) of less than 70%.
As primary home mortgage rates hold near 6%, homeowners with equity and a low primary mortgage rate may not be able to access the increasing value of their home with a refinance. For those who are unwilling to give up their low home loan rate, a home equity line of credit or home equity loan can be an excellent solution.
Learn how to choose between a HELOC vs. a cash-out refinance
HELOC and home equity loan interest rates: how they work
Home equity interest rates are different from primary mortgage rates. Second mortgage rates are based on an index rate plus a margin. That index is often the prime rate, which is currently 6.75%. If a lender added 0.75% as a margin, the HELOC would have a rate of 7.50%.
Lenders have flexibility with pricing on a second mortgage product, such as a HELOC or home equity loan, so it pays to shop around. Your rate will depend on your credit score, the amount of debt you carry, and the amount of your credit line compared to the value of your home.
And average national HELOC rates can include “introductory” rates that may only last for six months or one year. After that, your interest rate will become adjustable, likely beginning at a substantially higher rate.
HELs don’t usually have introductory rates, so that’s one less variable to deal with. The fixed rate you earn on a home equity loan won’t change over the life of the agreement.
Dig into how HELOC and home equity loan rates work
What the best HELOC or home equity loan lenders offer
You don’t have to give up your low-rate mortgage to access the equity in your home. Keep your primary mortgage and consider a second mortgage, such as a home equity line of credit.
The best HELOC lenders offer low fees, a fixed-rate option, and generous credit lines. A HELOC allows you to easily use your home equity in any way and in any amount you choose, up to your credit line limit. Pull some out; pay it back. Repeat.
Meanwhile, you’re paying down your low-interest-rate primary mortgage and earning even more wealth-building equity.
Remember that HELOCs typically come with variable interest rates, meaning your rate will fluctuate periodically. Make sure you can afford monthly payments if your rate rises.
The best home equity loan lenders may be easier to find, because the fixed rate you earn will last the length of the repayment period. That means just one rate to focus on. And you’re getting a lump sum, so no draw minimums to consider.
And as always, compare fees and the fine print of repayment terms.
HELOC rates today: FAQs
What is a good interest rate on a HELOC right now?
The national average for a HELOC is 7.21%, and 7.36% for a home equity loan. However, rates vary from one lender to the next. You may see rates from just below 6% to as much as 18%. It really depends on your creditworthiness and how diligent a shopper you are.
Is it a good idea to get a HELOC right now?
For homeowners with low primary mortgage rates and a chunk of equity in their house, it’s probably one of the best times to get a HELOC or a home equity loan. You don’t give up that great mortgage rate, and you can use the cash drawn from your equity for things like home improvements, repairs, and upgrades.
What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 home equity line of credit?
If you withdraw the full $50,000 from a line of credit on your home and pay a 7.25% interest rate, your monthly payment during the 10-year draw period would be about $302. That sounds good, but remember that the rate is usually variable, so it changes periodically, and your payments may increase during the 20-year repayment period. A HELOC essentially becomes a 30-year loan. HELOCs are best if you borrow and repay the balance within a much shorter period.