HELOC and home equity loan rates today, February 4, 2026: Introductory rates dip below 5%

Core Insights - Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and home equity loan rates are currently near or just below 7.5% with introductory rates available at 5% or less for a limited time [1][2] Group 1: Current Rates - The national average monthly HELOC rate is 7.25% and the average rate on a home equity loan is 7.56% as of February 3, 2026 [2][11] - Introductory rates for HELOCs can be as low as 4.99% for the first six months [1][8] Group 2: Home Equity Value - Homeowners have approximately $34 trillion in home equity as of Q3 2025, just below a record high [3] - With current mortgage rates around 6%, refinancing primary mortgages is unlikely, making second mortgages a viable option for accessing home equity [3] Group 3: Pricing Mechanism - Home equity interest rates are determined by an index rate plus a margin, often based on the prime rate, which is currently at 6.75% [4] - Lenders have flexibility in pricing second mortgage products, and rates can vary significantly based on credit scores and loan-to-value ratios [5][11] Group 4: Lender Comparison - It is advisable for borrowers to shop around for HELOC and home equity loan rates, as they can differ widely among lenders [5][7] - The best HELOC lenders typically offer low fees, fixed-rate options, and generous credit lines [7] Group 5: Payment Structure - For a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate, the monthly payment during the 10-year draw period would be approximately $313, but payments may increase during the repayment period due to variable rates [13]