HELOC and home equity loan rates today, Friday, August 14, 2026: Why understanding how rates work matters

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Understanding how equity rates work is more vital now that rates are on the move. Lenders have flexibility in pricing a HELOC or home equity loan, but your rate will mostly depend on your credit score, the amount of debt you carry, and the amount of your loan or line relative to your home's value. Shop a few lenders to find your best interest rate offer.

The average HELOC adjustable rate is 7.16% , a new 2026 low, according to real estate data analytics company Curinos.

The national average rate on a fixed-rate home equity loan is 7.35% , up slightly from its 2026 low of 7.31% in late June.

Both rates are based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) of less than 70%.

Most HELOCs are variable-rate products, meaning their interest rates are tied to an external interest rate. When that rate rises or falls, the rate on your HELOC generally follows suit.

HELOCs are typically tied to the prime rate , the baseline rate banks currently charge their most creditworthy customers.

The best HELOC lenders will assess the risk any borrower presents and add a margin to protect themselves. Riskier borrowers will have larger margins, while those considered less risky will receive smaller ones. Factors such as your credit score, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and loan-to-value ratio (LTV) will all be considered in this assessment.