Best Home Equity Loan Lenders

With home prices recently at all-time highs, homeowners are considering tapping their home's equity to finance purchases. Whether it's to finance home improvements, consolidate debt, pay for college or something else, a home equity loan can be a good option for a relatively low-interest-rate loan.
Before submitting your application, compare the best home equity loan lenders, understand the pros and cons of this type of loan and learn about other alternative financing options.
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| Offers conventional, FHA and VA home purchase and refinance loans with fixed and variable rates. Publishes rates online. Online application process. No lender fees for qualifying borrowers. Available in 43 states. | ![]() | View Rates Call Center Open (949) 242-7816 | |||
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| Online-based mortgage lender. Offers home loans for purchases and refinances. Provides a mobile app and multiple online homebuying tools. No in-person assistance. Available in every state and Washington, D.C. | ![]() | ||||
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| Conventional, FHA, VA and jumbo loans. Refinancing options available to lower payments, change terms or take cash out. Minimum credit score requirement: 580 to 620. Available nationwide. | ![]() | View Rates | |||
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| Online-based full-service bank. Offers a variety of loan types, including conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, construction and home equity loans. Also offers HELOCs. Available nationwide. No physical branches. | ![]() | Get a Quote Call Center Open (855) 767-2424 | |||
Offers a wide array of conventional mortgages and government-backed FHA, VA and USDA loans. Home equity and refinancing options available. Shares current rates daily. Online application process. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers conventional loans and government-backed mortgages, including VA, FHA and USDA loans. Loans likely stay with Caliber instead of being sold to another company. Licensed in all 50 states, with local consultants in 43 states. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
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| Financial technology company offering up to $500,000 in home equity agreement. No interest and no monthly payments. Minimum FICO score of 500. Available in 15 states. Apply online and complete process in as little as 10 days. | ![]() | ||||
Offers home loans for purchase or refinance. Conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans available. Licensed nationwide, including in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Rate and closing guarantees. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers conventional, FHA, VA and jumbo loans. HomeRun Mortgage features low down payment and flexible credit requirements. Rate-and-term and cash-out refinancing. Rates online. Current Citi customers may receive special pricing. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
National mortgage lender with branches in 28 states and Washington, D.C. Offers conventional and government-backed purchase and refinance loans. HELOC allows you to lock in fixed rate during draw period. Check rates online. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
What is a home equity loan?
A home equity loan is a secondary mortgage product that taps into your home's equity. This product is ideal for homeowners whose homes have appreciated but don't want to refinance their existing mortgage to pull cash out of their homes.
A home equity loan is typically a second mortgage — meaning it’s paid off after your primary mortgage if you default and your home is sold to pay off debt.
Home equity loan funds are disbursed in a lump sum. For the duration of the loan, you'll make monthly payments according to a predetermined repayment schedule. In most cases, a home equity loan offers a fixed interest rate so that you are not affected by rising interest rates.
Homeowners commonly use home equity loans to make home improvements, consolidate debt, make big purchases or set aside emergency cash.
An alternative use of a home equity loan is to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) when buying a home with a small down payment. Homebuyers who don't have a 20% down payment for a conventional loan typically must pay PMI to protect the lender. Some lenders allow borrowers to use a home equity loan to piggyback their down payment so it reaches the 20% necessary to avoid PMI.
Pros and cons of home equity loans
Before using a home equity loan to access your home's equity, you need to consider the pros and cons. While you receive a lump sum of cash and fixed rates are typical, these loans can lead to a cycle of debt if you're not careful. For example, some homeowners use their home's equity to consolidate credit card debt, then max out their credit cards again.
Additionally, since it is a secured loan, a home equity loan puts your home at risk if you miss payments or default on the loan.
Pros
- Access to home equity without refinancing mortgage
- Fixed interest rate and monthly payment
- Use the funds for nearly any purpose
Cons
- Additional mortgage payment
- Higher interest rate than primary mortgage
- Risk of home loss if you default
How does a home equity loan work?
A home equity loan, which is usually a secondary loan to a primary mortgage, gives homeowners access to their home's equity, which is the difference between the home's value and the mortgage balance. For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $220,000 on your mortgage, you have $80,000 of equity in your home.
Depending on the lender, you may be able to access some or all of the home's equity with your home equity loan. Each lender has a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio that defines how much a borrower may receive. If a lender has a 90% LTV cap, the combined balance of their primary mortgage and home equity loan cannot exceed 90% of the home's value. For a home worth $300,000, the combined maximum is $270,000.
A home equity loan is different from a home equity line of credit (HELOC), even though both are types of second mortgages that access the equity in your home. Here are some of the main differences:
- Lump sum vs. line of credit: While a home equity loan provides a one-time lump sum of cash, a HELOC gives you a defined credit limit. A homeowner can borrow and repay their HELOC numerous times throughout the draw period (typically 10 years).
- Monthly payment amount: A home equity loan has a fixed payment amount that is a combination of principal and interest. HELOCs have interest-only payments during the draw period, and then the outstanding balance turns into a loan (typically for 20 years) when the draw period ends.
- Interest rate: Most home equity loans lock in a fixed interest rate. HELOCs usually have a variable interest rate tied to a benchmark rate. This rate may go up or down, increasing or decreasing the cost of borrowing over time.
- Interest charges: With a home equity loan, borrowers start accruing interest on the full balance immediately, whether they're using the money or not. With a HELOC, you only pay interest on the portion used. If you have a zero balance, there are no interest charges.
Home equity loan vs. mortgage
A home equity loan and a mortgage are both secured loans attached to your home. However, there are differences between them.
Mortgages (primary mortgages) are generally in a first-lien position against the home and are used to purchase a home or refinance a home loan. Borrowers usually take out a mortgage with a 15- or 30-year term. However, other terms may be available from your lender. A mortgage may have a fixed or variable interest rate, which affects the monthly payment amount.
Home equity loans are commonly referred to as second mortgages. They are in a second-lien position behind the primary mortgage; if the borrower defaults on the loan, the home equity lender is paid off second, after the lender of the primary mortgage. Home equity loans tend to have a fixed interest rate and constant monthly payment amount, and repayment terms range from five to 30 years, depending on your lender.
Home equity loan requirements
To get approved for a home equity loan, you must meet certain requirements, which can vary slightly from lender to lender.
- Loan-to-value ratio: The combined balance of your primary mortgage and your home equity loan cannot exceed a certain percentage of your home's value. Most lenders allow a max combined LTV ratio of 80% to 90%. You should have at least 15% to 20% equity in your home.
- Credit score: Lenders may require minimum credit score requirements before approving an applicant. This score may range from 620 to 700, depending on the lender.
- Ability to repay: Lenders review your income and debt obligations to determine if you can reasonably add the monthly payment to your regular expenses. The lower your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is, the higher your chances of approval. A common maximum DTI ratio to qualify for a home equity loan is 43%.
Additionally, your lender may charge fees for your loan. These are the most common fees that you'll encounter. Some lenders may waive these fees, so keep this in mind when you're comparing loan options.
- Origination fee
- Credit report fee
- Appraisal fee
- Title search fee
- Document preparation fee
Some lenders offer discounts on your interest rate if you set up automatic monthly payments. Additionally, lenders may offer relationship-based pricing to lower your interest rate or fees.
How to get a home equity loan
Compare multiple home equity loan lenders to find loan options with the most attractive rates and terms. Once you've found your lender, apply for your loan in person, over the phone or online.
Applications vary by lender, but as a rule, you need to provide your personal information, your property address and details, how much you want to borrow, and information about your income, assets, liabilities and monthly expenses. The lender might also ask how you plan to use the loan funds.
Banks, credit unions and online lenders offer home equity loans. You don’t have to use the same lender that originated your mortgage.
After completing your application, a loan officer will request documentation to support your application. These documents can include your most recent paycheck stubs, W-2s, tax returns, mortgage statements, property tax statements and homeowners insurance policy.
Depending on the lender, an appraisal may be required. An independent appraiser determines your home's value based on its features and recent sales of comparable homes in your local area.
While not as accurate, homeowners can get an estimate of their home's value through websites or apps like Zillow and Redfin or by speaking with a local real estate agent.
When the lender completes its underwriting, it will make a decision on your application. If approved, you'll receive a lump sum distribution to your bank account or a check. You'll start receiving monthly statements with loan details, including your minimum monthly payment and due date.
Home equity loan alternatives
While a home equity loan is a good choice for many homeowners, it isn't the best fit for everyone. If a homeowner wants to use their equity, they can also take out a home equity line of credit, a cash-out refi, or a reverse mortgage (for seniors). Plus, there are other options available that do not put your home at risk in case you cannot make payments.
HELOC
A home equity line of credit is a revolving line of credit secured by your home. You'll receive a maximum credit limit based on your equity, your credit history, the lender’s maximum LTV ratio and other factors.
Draws can be made against your HELOC up to your credit limit during the draw period. Monthly payments for HELOCs are generally interest-only during the draw period, which is often 10 years. The interest rate is variable and based on a benchmark index.
After the draw period is over, the repayment period begins, during which you make regular monthly payments of both principal and interest. The repayment period is often 20 years.
Cash-out refinance
Instead of adding a second mortgage to your home, many borrowers refinance their existing into a new loan with a higher balance than they currently owe, taking the difference in cash. Lenders normally require borrowers to have at least 20% equity in their home, and the LTV ratio maxes out at 80%.
Keep in mind that a cash-out refinance will have closing costs similar to your original mortgage, and you will be restarting your loan term (though you may choose to refinance into a shorter-term loan).
Reverse mortgage
A reverse mortgage is a loan for older homeowners who want to withdraw cash from their home but don't want a monthly payment. The loan doesn’t have to be paid back until the borrower dies or moves out of the home. To qualify for a reverse mortgage, homeowners typically have to be at least 62 years old and have significant equity in their homes.
0% APR credit card
For a smaller loan amount, a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) from a credit card may be a better choice. It is an unsecured loan, so your home is not at risk. And some of the best 0% APR credit cards offer no-interest financing for almost two years.
However, if you do not pay off the balance before the intro period expires, the unpaid balance reverts to the standard interest rate, which can be much higher than a home equity loan or mortgage.
FAQ
What is equity in a home?
The equity of your home is the difference between the home's value and the mortgage balance owed. For example, if your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $250,000 on your mortgage, you have home equity of $150,000, or 37.5% equity.
How do you get a home equity loan?
Apply for a home equity loan through a bank, credit union or other lender. In most cases, you can apply online, over the phone or by walking into a branch. You should have at least 15% to 20% equity in your home, a credit score of at least 620 to 700 and a DTI ratio under 43%.
What can I use a home equity loan for?
There are few limits on what you can use a home equity loan for. Many homeowners use home equity loans to make home repairs or improvements, consolidate high-interest debt, pay for education or make a big purchase.
How does a home equity loan affect your credit score?
When you apply for a home equity loan, your credit score will temporarily drop from a hard credit inquiry. As long as you make monthly payments on time, your score should recover. A home equity loan can positively affect your score by building payment history and increasing the length of your credit history. On the other hand, if you don’t make payments on time — or, worse, the missed payments lead to foreclosure — your credit score will drop.
Is a home equity loan worth it?
A home equity loan can be worth it if you have enough equity in your home and can afford to make all of your payments. Many experts say a home equity loan is especially worthwhile if it’s used to increase the value of your home. It can also be a good idea if you plan to consolidate high-interest debt (as long as you are also changing any bad spending habits that led to the debt).
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Compare Top Home Equity Loan Reviews | ||||||
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Offers conventional and government-backed products in all states except Alaska, Arizona and Hawaii. Publishes purchase and refinance rates online. Get preapproved and apply online. Local loan officers in select states. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Online and in-store loan services. Offers fixed-rate, adjustable-rate and jumbo loans. Pre-qualification and preapproval services available. Refinancing and home equity lines of credit available. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Mortgage provider with fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgage and refinancing loan options in the South and Midwest. Online application. Doesn’t post info about rates and fees. Owns and sells properties. Buyer reward program. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||||
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| Online marketplace for secured and unsecured loans. Free to compare rates and quotes from lenders for mortgages, car loans, personal loans and more. Minimum credit score requirements vary. Available nationwide. | ![]() | Get Started Call Center Open (800) 496-8733 | |||
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| Loan servicer. Processes payments, manages escrow and provides customer service. Assists with purchasing and refinancing. Offers a complimentary mortgage review. Support is available Monday through Friday. | ![]() | ||||
Offers financial services to service members, veterans and Department of Defense civilians as well as their families. Find home loan programs to purchase and refinance. Auto loans are also available. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers conventional, FHA, USDA, VA and jumbo loan programs for home purchases, refinancing options, home equity loans and HELOCs. Available in 30 states, with physical presence in 11. Loan specialist assists at each step. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers home equity and mortgage refinance loans. Fixed APRs start at 5.99% for first liens and 6.99% for second liens at time of publishing. No cash due at closing. Apply online or over the phone. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers conventional and VA loans to members. Membership limited to people with military experience or those close to them (or existing members). Provides home equity loans and HELOCs. No PMI. Rate-lock program. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers home purchase, refinance and HELOC loans in 34 states. Dedicated loan advisor helps you at each step of the process. Processes loans in-house in two to three weeks. VA loans available. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers home purchase loans and refinancing. Conventional fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans. Government-backed loans, including FHA, VA and USDA. New construction and home equity loans. Posts sample rates online. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
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| Offers home equity line of credit for debt consolidation. Up to $150,000 line of credit with fixed interest rate. Five-year draw period. 10- or 15-year term. Simple application process. No prepayment penalty. | ![]() | ||||
Offers home purchase loans, refinancing, home equity loans and HELOCs. Conventional loans and government-backed loans, including FHA, VA and USDA loans. New-construction loans. Loan officers in 11 states. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers home purchase loans, refinancing, home equity loans and HELOCs. Conventional fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, including jumbo loans. Government-backed loans, including VA and FHA. Zero-down options. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Conforming conventional fixed- and adjustable-rate purchase loans. Jumbo loans available. Refinance loans, home equity loans and HELOCs. Pre-qualification available. Fast-track program helps qualified borrowers close in 25 days. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Online mortgage lender. Serves all states except New York and Hawaii. Allows buyers to be all-cash buyers during the purchase process of single-family homes. Offers home loans and refinancing through New American Funding. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
- Guide sources
- ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. To learn more about the content on our site, visit our FAQ page. Specific sources for this article include:
- Federal Trade Commission, “Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit.” Accessed Aug. 31, 2022.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “What is a home equity loan?” Accessed Aug. 31, 2022.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “What is a second mortgage or junior lien?” Accessed Aug. 31, 2022.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “What is a piggyback second mortgage?” Accessed Aug. 31, 2022.
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