Money Central

Use your available equity

Explore a flexible home equity line of credit

Estimate what you may be able to access without replacing your existing first mortgage.

  • Borrow only what you use

    A line of credit sits there until you draw on it. You pay interest on the balance, not the limit.

  • Usually cheaper than cards

    Because the line is secured by your home, rates are typically well below unsecured credit card rates.

  • Keep your first mortgage

    A HELOC sits behind your existing mortgage, so a low rate you locked years ago stays untouched.

Let's start with a few questions

It takes about 2 minutes and never affects your credit score.

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What state do you live in?

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1

Answer a few questions

Share only the details relevant to this product.

2

Review next steps

See whether available providers or options may fit.

3

You decide

There is no obligation to move forward.

Before you continue

Common questions about heloc

How much equity do I need?+

Most lenders want you to keep 15% to 20% of the home's value as equity after the line is opened, so the more of your mortgage you have paid down, the larger the line you can qualify for.

How is a HELOC different from a home equity loan?+

A HELOC is a revolving line you draw from over time, usually at a variable rate. A home equity loan is a single lump sum at a fixed rate with a fixed payment.

What happens if I can't repay it?+

A HELOC is secured by your home, which means the lender can foreclose. That is the real trade-off for the lower rate, and it is worth weighing carefully.

Money Central is not a lender, bank, insurer, or credit repair organization and does not make credit decisions. We are an advertising and matching service. Rates, terms, and approval depend entirely on the provider you are matched with and on your own credit profile. Not all applicants will qualify. A HELOC is secured by your home. Failure to repay may result in the loss of your home. Lines, rates, and draw terms are set by third-party lenders subject to credit approval and property valuation.

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