Fixed-rate HELOCs: How they work

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that’s secured by your home, and that allows you to borrow money up to the line’s credit limit and repay it — with interest — over time.

HELOCs typically have variable interest rates, meaning they fluctuate as market conditions change. But with a fixed-rate HELOC, part or all of the money you draw from the credit line has a  fixed interest rate, protecting you from potential interest rate increases.

Fixed-rate HELOCs are less common and may have different requirements than HELOCs with variable rates. We’ll look at how fixed-rate HELOCs work and review some lenders that offer them to help you decide if one is right for you.

• Are HELOC rates fixed or variable?
• Can I get a HELOC with a fixed rate?
• 5 HELOCs with a fixed-rate option
• Should I get a fixed-rate HELOC?

Are HELOC rates fixed or variable?

In general, interest rates on HELOCs are variable. But some lenders let you lock in a fixed interest rate for part or all of your credit line. With a variable-rate HELOC, interest rates fluctuate in line with the prime rate and may increase or decrease while the credit line is open.

Because your rate can change, your monthly payment may not be the same every month. When rates increase, your monthly payment goes up, and when they drop, your monthly payment goes down.

A HELOC’s variable rate is one of the features that sets it apart from a home equity loan. Both allow you to borrow against the equity in your home, but home equity loans typically have fixed interest rates. You borrow a single, lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments — with interest — over the life of the loan.

A fixed-rate HELOC is a cross between the two, giving you the predictability of a home equity loan and the flexibility of a HELOC.

Can I get a HELOC with a fixed rate?

Yes, some — not all — lenders offer fixed-rate options. Lenders that do may allow you to get a fixed-rate option right away or convert portions of your variable rate HELOC to a fixed rate when you make a withdrawal.

To qualify for a fixed rate, you typically need to meet a minimum draw requirement. So if the amount you withdraw is below the lender’s minimum, you’ll have to pay the line’s variable rate.

If you choose a fixed-rate option, your interest rate may be higher than it would if you went with the variable rate — at least at first. But if the variable rate of the HELOC rises in the future, you’ll be protected from those rate increases.

Lenders may limit the number of fixed-rate loans you can have at one time and may charge a rate lock fee. But some will complete the conversion at no charge. Once you’ve locked in your interest rate, you may be able to unlock and relock it to take advantage of future rate decreases.

Whatever amounts you don’t convert to a fixed rate will accrue interest at the HELOC’s variable rate.

5 HELOCs with a fixed-rate option

Fixed-rate HELOCs are less common than variable rate options. Here’s a look at some lenders that offer fixed-rate HELOCs.

Bank of America HELOCs

With a HELOC from Bank of America, you can convert a minimum of $5,000 up to a maximum of 90% of your credit line from a variable rate to a fixed rate and vice versa. There are no conversion fees, and you can have up to three rate locks at the same time.

This bank doesn’t charge application fees, annual fees or closing costs, and it offers autopay, initial withdrawal and Preferred Rewards member discounts.

Read our Bank of America HELOC review to learn more.

Figure

Figure offers fixed-rate HELOCs upfront — no need to convert from a variable to a fixed rate. You’ll receive the full loan amount (minus an origination fee) at loan closing.

As you pay off the balance, you can redraw up to 100% of the credit line and lock in a lower rate if interest rates fall. Figure offers credit lines ranging from $15,000 to $400,000, and you can pre-qualify to see what your estimated loan amount and rate would be without affecting your credit scores.

Read our Figure HELOC review to learn more.

U.S. Bank HELOCs

With a HELOC from U.S. Bank, you can lock in a fixed rate on some or all of the money you borrow when you draw at least $2,000 from your credit line. The bank doesn’t charge a fee to unlock and relock your rate during the draw period, and you can have up to three rate locks at one time.

Read our U.S. Bank HELOC review to learn more.

BECU

BECU offers HELOCs of up to $500,000. You can lock your rate on amounts of $5,000 or more and have up to three rate locks at a time. There are no locking or unlocking fees. When you lock your rate, you can choose from repayment terms of one to 15 years.

BECU doesn’t charge application, origination, annual or prepayment fees, but you must pay a reconveyance fee when the HELOC ends.

Read our BECU HELOC review to learn more.

Truist

At this large bank, you can have up to five fixed rate draws at a time on amounts of at least $5,000. Each rate lock has a $15 setup fee, and you can choose from repayment terms of five, 10, 15, 20 or 30 years.

Read our Truist HELOC review to learn more.

Should I get a fixed-rate HELOC?

In a rising-rate environment, locking in a fixed rate can help protect you from future rate increases.

If you’ve built up equity in your home and need cash for a renovation or other expense, a fixed-rate HELOC may be worth considering. Here are some questions to help you figure out if a fixed-rate HELOC may be a good choice.

• How much equity do you have in your home?
• How much do you need to borrow? Does it meet the minimum draw requirements for a fixed rate?
• How do you plan to use the money?
• Does a HELOC, home equity loan or personal loan make more sense?
• Are you comfortable with uncertainty or do you prefer predictable monthly payments?
• What is your credit history like?