{"id":4020,"date":"2026-01-08T08:43:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T08:43:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ft365.org\/index.php\/2026\/01\/08\/helocs-soar-above-8-to-start-the-new-year-bankrate\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T08:43:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T08:43:18","slug":"helocs-soar-above-8-to-start-the-new-year-bankrate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ft365.org\/index.php\/2026\/01\/08\/helocs-soar-above-8-to-start-the-new-year-bankrate\/","title":{"rendered":"HELOCs Soar Above 8% To Start The New Year | Bankrate"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A huge jump in HELOC rates to start the new year. The $30,000 home equity line of soared 59 basis points to 8.22%, as a major lender ended promotions, according to Bankrate\u2019s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the benchmark five-year $30,000 home equity loan dropped two basis points to 7.97%.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Before tapping into home equity, borrowers should carefully consider whether it\u2019s the right financial tool for their situation, says Carl Holubowich, certified financial planner and principal at the Washington, DC\u2013based firm Armstrong, Fleming & Moore. <\/p>\n

\u201cConverting home equity to cash requires that you borrow,\u201d he says. \u201cThat means you convert what is an asset into what is now a liability \u2014 you have to borrow from somebody and eventually pay that back. Make sure that it fits in your budget. Are you trying to refinance higher-interest-rate debt? Or are you using it to go on vacation? Does it really make sense?\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nCurrent<\/strong><\/td>\n4 weeks ago<\/strong><\/td>\nOne year ago<\/strong><\/td>\n52-week average<\/strong><\/td>\n52-week low<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
HELOC<\/td>\n8.22%<\/td>\n7.81%<\/td>\n8.27%<\/td>\n8.07%<\/td>\n7.63%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5-year home equity loan <\/td>\n7.97%<\/td>\n7.99%<\/td>\n8.43%<\/td>\n8.24%<\/td>\n7.97%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10-year home equity loan<\/td>\n8.16%<\/td>\n8.18%<\/td>\n8.55%<\/td>\n8.39%<\/td>\n8.16%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
15-year home equity loan<\/td>\n8.10%<\/td>\n8.13%<\/td>\n8.49%<\/td>\n8.32%<\/td>\n8.10%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Note: The home equity rates in this survey assume a line or loan amount of $30,000.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

What\u2019s driving home equity rates today?<\/h2>\n

Home equity rates are driven primarily by two factors \u2014 Federal Reserve policy and long-term inflation expectations. The Fed cut rates three times in 2025, sending HELOCs and home equity loans to their lowest levels in two years.<\/p>\n

More relief could be on the way in 2026. Ted Rossman, Bankrate\u2019s senior industry analyst, forecasts that home equity rates will continue edging lower if the Fed delivers the three quarter-point cuts currently projected for 2026.<\/p>\n

According to Rossman, the Fed is now more focused on labor market conditions than on inflation pressures. He believes the economy will stay in good shape this year and that could increase the appetite for home equity borrowing. \u201cThat could actually apply a little downward pressure on rates, too,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Current home equity rates vs. rates on other types of credit<\/h2>\n

Because HELOCs and home equity loans use your home as collateral, their rates tend to be much less expensive \u2014 more akin to current\u00a0mortgage rates \u2014 than the interest charged on credit cards or personal loans, which aren\u2019t secured.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Credit type<\/strong><\/td>\nAverage rate<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
HELOC<\/td>\n8.22%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home equity loan<\/td>\n7.97%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Credit card<\/td>\n19.65%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Personal loan<\/td>\n12.20%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Source: Bankrate national survey of lenders, Jan. 7<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

While average rates are useful to know, the individual\u00a0offer you receive\u00a0on a particular HELOC or new home equity loan reflects additional factors, like your creditworthiness and financials. Then there\u2019s the value of your home and the size of your ownership stake. Lenders generally limit all your home loans (including your mortgage) to a maximum of 80% to 85% of your home\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind: Even if you\u2019re able to secure a favorable rate from a lender, home equity products are still relatively high-cost debt.<\/p>\n

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Unlock your home\u2019s value <\/h3>\n

A fixed-rate home equity loan offers a lump-sum payout and a predictable repayment schedule. <\/p>\n

Explore offers <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

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Mortgage Icon<\/title> <\/svg> <\/p>\n
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Home equity trends <\/p>\n

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