Best HELOC Rates in Alaska (December 2024)

Key Takeaways

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Higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios lead to higher rates. The average APR for a HELOC in Alaska with an 80% LTV is 8.5%, compared with 10.1% for a 90% LTV.

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HELOC rates vary by city in Alaska. Eagle River has an average APR of 8.3%, whereas Homer's is 9.6%.

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Different lenders offer varying rates for the same loan limits. Advancial Federal Credit Union's average APR is 7.5%, whereas Northrim Bank's is 10.0%.

Current HELOC Rates in Alaska

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HELOC rates in Alaska rose from 4.7% in early 2022 to 9.8% by 2024, stabilizing around 9.7%. If this trend persists, homeowners may encounter higher borrowing costs, suggesting it's wise to secure a rate soon.

HELOC Rates in Alaska by LTV Ratio

HELOC rates in Alaska vary based on your loan-to-value ratio and line limit. A lower LTV ratio is less risky for lenders, as you have more equity. For instance, an 80% LTV means you've borrowed less compared to a 90% LTV, reducing the risk of default on your HELOC.

The following table lets you filter between different loan amounts, offering a clearer view of what you may qualify for:

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Line Limit:$100,000
8.6%10.1%

HELOC Rates in Alaska by City

HELOC rates in Alaska vary by city due to differences in local housing markets and lender competition. For instance, cities with stable real estate markets might offer lower rates, reducing lender risk.

Use the table below to filter by city and view average APRs for $50K and $100K HELOCs.

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City:Anchorage
$100,0008.8%
$50,0008.8%

HELOC Rates in Alaska by Lender

HELOC interest rates in Alaska vary among lenders due to unique pricing strategies and risk assessments. The table below highlights the five lenders in Alaska offering the lowest average APRs, helping you compare competitive rates.

Advancial Federal Credit Union7.5%
First Bank7.8%
True North Federal Credit Union8.0%
Credit Union 18.3%
Nuvision Federal Credit Union8.3%

HELOC rates today can vary among lenders even in the same city. Use the table below to filter by city and compare APRs, helping you find the best rate available in your area.

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City:Anchorage
Advancial Federal Credit UnionCredit Union7.5%
True North Federal Credit UnionCredit Union8.0%
Nuvision Federal Credit UnionCredit Union8.3%
Credit Union 1Credit Union8.3%
Global Federal Credit UnionCredit Union8.8%
Alaska Air Group Federal Credit UnionCredit Union9.3%
Northrim BankCommercial Bank10.0%
COMPARING HELOC RATES IN ALASKA: BANKS VS. CREDIT UNIONS

HELOC rates in Alaska vary between banks and credit unions, reflecting their different operational models. Commercial banks often have higher rates, with the best HELOC rate in Alaska for commercial banks averaging 9.3%. In contrast, credit unions in Alaska offer an average APR of 8.7%, benefiting from their not-for-profit structure that allows for typically lower rates.

Consider more than just rates when choosing between banks and credit unions. Banks may offer greater convenience through broader service access, while credit unions often provide personalized customer service and lower fees. Before deciding, check membership requirements for credit unions and be aware of any hidden fees or rate adjustment clauses with both types of lenders.

Expert Answers About HELOCs

What are the primary factors that influence HELOC rates, and how can homeowners ensure they get the best rate?

Credit & Mortgage Expert

There are many factors that influence HELOC rates, but the most critical are the following:

Credit score is a crucial factor in determining your interest rate for a HELOC. The higher your credit score, the lower rate you will qualify for. Shoot for a 760 credit score or higher.

Debt-to-income is a vital factor. If the lender doesn’t think you have the ability to repay the debt, you will be denied. Focus on paying off as many credit cards or loans as possible before applying for a HELOC.

Loan-to-value — how much money you borrow based on how much your home is worth plays a large role in interest rate. The more you take out, the higher the risk is for the lender, which translates to a higher interest rate for your loan.

HELOC Payment Calculator

HELOCs have become a popular tool for homeowners across the U.S. looking to tap into their home's equity. Use our Alaska HELOC payment calculator to determine your monthly payments based on the amount drawn, APR and loan terms. Our calculator also provides a full amortization schedule, showing how much goes toward interest and principal over time. Understanding these details can help you manage your HELOC and plan for future payments.

Alaska HELOC Payoff Calculator

This HELOC payment calculator assumes that you take out one lump sum at the start of your interest-only period. Your actual payoff schedule will vary depending on your interest rate and market conditions.

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How to Get the Best HELOC Rates in Alaska

Finding the best HELOC rates in Alaska can help you save thousands over the life of your loan. To secure the most competitive rate, consider these five strategies:

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    Maintain a strong credit score

    The average credit score in Alaska is 722. Improving it can help secure more competitive HELOC rates.

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    Compare offers from multiple lenders

    Settling for the first offer you receive may be costly. By shopping around, you can find competitive rates and even use offers to negotiate better terms.

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    Reduce your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio

    Lenders favor borrowers with lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratios because it shows financial stability. Reducing your debt can make you a more attractive candidate for a lower rate.

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    Increase your home equity

    The more equity you have, the less risk the lender assumes, which can lead to a lower rate. Paying down your mortgage or making home improvements can increase your equity.

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    Review closing costs and rate caps

    Some lenders charge closing costs between 2% and 5%, whereas others don't. Compare rate caps to limit your costs as rates adjust over time.

HELOC Loan Rates vs. Home Equity Loan Rates in Alaska

HELOC interest rates in Alaska average 8.8%, slightly higher than the 8.6% average for home equity loans. This difference arises from HELOCs' variable rate structure, leading to higher average APRs.

  • HELOCs are revolving credit lines with variable rates that can increase in rising interest rate environments, potentially affecting long-term finances for homeowners.

  • In contrast, home equity loans offer a lump sum with a fixed rate, providing stable APRs and making them preferable in situations where financial predictability is desired.

When deciding between these options, consider whether you prioritize the flexibility of a HELOC or the stability of a home equity loan. Evaluate your financial goals and how changes in interest rates might impact your ability to manage payments against your home's equity.

CONSIDERING A HELOC ALTERNATIVE? TRY A CASH-OUT REFINANCE

A cash-out refinance is a HELOC alternative that replaces your existing mortgage with a new, larger loan, providing cash access. Unlike HELOCs or home equity loans, cash-out refinances create a new primary mortgage.

For example, if you have a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and your home is valued at $300K with a $150K mortgage balance, an FHA cash-out refinance for $200K could provide $50K in cash, with new loan payments based on $200K.

FAQ: Best HELOC Rates in Alaska

What are the current HELOC rates in Alaska and how do they compare to national rates?

What fees are commonly associated with HELOCs in Alaska?

How do HELOC rates in Alaska compare to home equity loan rates?

How do HELOC Rates in Alaska vary between banks and credit unions?

What's the best HELOC rate in Anchorage? How does it compare to the current HELOC rate in Alaska?

MoneyGeek examined 12 different banks and credit unions in Alaska using S&P Global's SNL Depository Rates dataset to stay current on the latest home equity line of credit rates.

This data is accurate as of December 13, 2024.

12Lenders Analyzed

About Zachary Romeo, CBCA


Zachary Romeo, CBCA headshot

Zachary Romeo is a certified Commercial Banking and Credit Analyst (CBCA), and the Head of Loans and Banking at MoneyGeek. Previously, he led production teams for some of the largest online informational resources in higher education, with over 13 years of experience in editorial production.

Romeo has a bachelor's degree in biological engineering from Cornell University. He geeks out on minimizing personal debt and helping others do the same through people-first content.