HELOC rates today, November 22, 2025: Lowest of the year, but your intro rate will be even lower

Core Insights - The national average HELOC rate is currently 7.64%, having decreased over the year, with introductory rates often being lower than market rates [1][2] - Homeowners have approximately $36 trillion in home equity, the highest on record, making HELOCs an attractive option for accessing funds without selling homes [3] - Lenders determine HELOC rates based on an index rate plus a margin, with the prime rate recently at 7.00% [4] HELOC Rates and Trends - The average weekly HELOC rate is 7.64%, down nearly half a point since January 2025 [2] - Rates can vary significantly among lenders, ranging from nearly 6% to as high as 18%, depending on creditworthiness [11] - Introductory rates, such as 5.99% for 12 months from FourLeaf Credit Union, can convert to variable rates later [8] Home Equity Utilization - Homeowners are encouraged to utilize HELOCs to access equity while retaining low-rate primary mortgages, as selling homes may not be feasible [3][6] - HELOCs allow homeowners to borrow as needed, paying interest only on the amount drawn, which provides flexibility [9] Lender Considerations - Lenders have flexibility in pricing HELOCs, making it essential for borrowers to shop around for the best rates and terms [5] - Factors influencing HELOC rates include credit score, existing debt, and the ratio of credit line to home value [5] Payment Structure - A $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate would result in a monthly payment of about $313 during the draw period, but rates are typically variable [13] - HELOCs are structured as 30-year loans, with a draw period followed by a repayment period, making them best suited for short-term borrowing [13]