Truist HELOC review: Limited availability

Man and woman standing together in their kitchen, smiling at each otherImage: Man and woman standing together in their kitchen, smiling at each other
Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Truist HELOC at a glance

Fixed or variable rate: Both

How to withdraw funds: Unclear

Origination fee: Unclear but possible

Loan-to-value ratio: Unclear

Time to fund: 30 to 35 days

Truist’s home equity line of credit, or HELOC, allows borrowers to choose a fixed interest rate or variable rate and offers flexibility around closing costs. But its HELOCs are only available in some states.

Pros

  • Fixed or variable rates
  • Option to avoid closing costs

Cons

  • Need excellent credit for lowest rates
  • May take more than a month from application to closing
  • Only available in some states

5 things to know about a Truist HELOC

Here’s a look at some important features of Truist’s HELOC.

1. Fixed and variable rate options

Each time you take a draw from your Truist HELOC, you can choose a fixed interest rate or variable interest rate for that portion of the loan.

Truist’s minimum draw is $5,000. You can choose a fixed rate with a 5-, 10-, 15- or 30-year repayment period. There’s a $15 setup fee, and you can have up to five rate draws open at once. 

Having the freedom to choose your rate type with each draw gives you the flexibility to potentially take advantage of any interest rate fluctuations that might work in your favor.

2. Ability to advance closing costs and waive reimbursement

A Truist HELOC does have closing costs. You can pay them upfront, but the lender also says you can “advance” most (or possibly all) of the closing costs — meaning Truist will pay them on your behalf. The catch is that you must keep your account open for at least three years. Otherwise, you’ll have to reimburse Truist for the advance.

Also keep in mind: Advancing your closing costs can affect your interest rate. And this option may not be available in all states or for loan amounts greater than $500,000.

3. Property type limits

Truist’s HELOCs are only available for primary residences, second homes or condos. They must also be owner-occupied, single-family homes and located in a state where the product is offered.

Borrowers can’t use Truist’s HELOC for manufactured or mobile homes, investment homes or cooperatives. 

4. Annual fees may apply

Truist HELOCs may be more costly for some borrowers than others. A $50 annual fee applies to HELOCs in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey and Ohio.

5. Only available in certain states

Truist’s HELOC is only available for homes located in one of the 18 states and Washington, D.C., where the product is offered.

Does Truist have good HELOC rates?

Truist’s rates are fairly competitive. But to be eligible for its lowest advertised rates, you must have excellent credit. Also, some competitors offer HELOCs with lower advertised interest rates or lower introductory rates.

Who is a Truist HELOC good for?

Truist’s HELOC may be a good option for people who want to tap into their home equity with the choice between fixed and variable interest rates. The option of advancing your closing costs may also make this a good choice.

How to apply for a Truist HELOC

Applying for Truist’s HELOC is straightforward. But the underwriting process may take some time.

You can apply online in about 20 minutes, contact a Truist call center or visit a local Truist branch. Truist won’t pull your credit during this initial part of the application process, but it will run a credit check once you submit your application.

If you’re approved, a representative will call you to discuss the credit decision and request any additional information.

Gathering the following information ahead of time can help streamline your application process:

  • Your contact information, phone number and Social Security number
  • Your employment and address history for the previous two years
  • Information about your income, debt, personal obligations and other financial history
  • Property details, purchase information and mortgage lien information for your collateral property

Not sure if Truist is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

  • Third Federal: This savings and loan offers a “lowest-rate guarantee” program.
  • Bank of America: This major national bank offers a HELOC with no application fee, closing costs, annual fees or charges for converting to a fixed-rate option.

About the author: Beth Deyo is a personal finance freelance writer with a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of South Florida. She is also a Certified Financial Planner™ with 14 years of wealth management experience. She … Read more.