On September 17, 2025, Bankrate’s national survey put the average rate at 8.05% for a $30,000 HELOC and 8.28% for a $30,000 five-year home equity loan. These are historical U.S. survey benchmarks—not rates available today in 2026, personalized lender quotes, or promises of approval.
Current home equity interest rates on September 17, 2025
For readers searching “home equity rates today,” the date matters: the figures below describe Bankrate’s national survey on September 17, 2025, not the rate environment in October 2026. Bankrate said its weekly survey collected rates from the 10 largest banks and thrifts across 10 large U.S. markets. The home equity figures assumed a $30,000 line or loan.
| Product and assumed amount | Term | Rate on Sept. 17, 2025 | 52-week average | 52-week low |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HELOC, $30,000 | Revolving line | 8.05% | 8.32% | 7.90% |
| Home equity loan, $30,000 | 5 years | 8.28% | 8.34% | 8.22% |
| Home equity loan, $30,000 | 10 years | 8.43% | 8.48% | 8.37% |
| Home equity loan, $30,000 | 15 years | 8.31% | 8.40% | 8.24% |
All figures in the table are Bankrate national survey figures for the stated date and assumptions. The 52-week averages and lows are also from Bankrate’s survey, not Federal Reserve data. A survey average helps compare products, but it does not establish the rate or terms a particular borrower will receive. Bankrate’s Sept. 17, 2025 rate report.
How a HELOC differs from a home equity loan
The main distinction is how you receive and repay the money. A HELOC is a revolving line that typically allows multiple draws up to an approved limit and commonly has a variable rate. A home equity loan pays a lump sum and may have a fixed rate. U.S. Bank described these product differences on September 17, 2025. U.S. Bank’s explanation of home equity borrowing.
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- Consider a HELOC structure when you expect expenses to arise over time and want access to a line rather than taking all the funds at once. A variable rate means the cost can change.
- Consider a home equity loan structure when you need a one-time lump sum and value a scheduled repayment term; ask whether the offer’s rate is fixed.
- Compare the complete terms, including rate type, draw access, repayment term, payment predictability, fees, and other disclosed costs. The lowest headline rate alone does not establish which option best fits your spending plan.
Why rates moved—and why an offer may be different
The Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting took place September 16–17, 2025, and its statement was released September 17 at 2:00 p.m. Federal Reserve: September 16–17, 2025 FOMC meeting. Bankrate characterized the Fed’s action as an expected quarter-point cut and the first reduction of 2025. In its September 17 survey, the HELOC average fell five basis points to 8.05%, while the five-year home equity loan average rose five basis points to 8.28%.
That difference is a reminder that policy-rate news does not make all home equity rates change by the same amount. Bankrate said rates were influenced primarily by lender competition and Federal Reserve actions, with Fed changes especially relevant to variable-rate products such as HELOCs. U.S. Bank said borrowers might see lower rates after prime was reduced depending on the product, and that existing variable-rate HELOC borrowers might see a small reduction on new draws. Those explanations describe potential effects, not a guaranteed change for every loan or draw.
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Your own offer can differ from a survey benchmark. Bankrate identifies creditworthiness and financial circumstances, home value, and the borrower’s ownership stake as factors. It reported that lenders generally limit all home loans, including an existing mortgage, to 80%–85% of a home’s value; that is a general range reported by Bankrate, not a universal underwriting rule. Lender criteria and actual terms vary.
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What to check when requesting a quote
- Ask whether the rate is fixed or variable, and how a variable rate can change.
- For a HELOC, clarify how draws work and whether the quoted terms apply to future draws as well as the current balance.
- For a home equity loan, compare the offered term and payment schedule with the amount you need.
- Review fees and other disclosed costs alongside the interest rate.
- Compare written offers using the same loan amount and term where possible; the national survey’s $30,000 assumption is a benchmark, not a guarantee of eligibility.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
