Best HELOC Rates in North Carolina

Key Takeaways

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Higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios lead to higher rates. The average APR for a HELOC in North Carolina with an 80% LTV is 8.3%, compared with 8.5% for a 90% LTV.

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HELOC rates vary by city in North Carolina. Etowah has an average APR of 4.8%, whereas Valdese's is 10.8%.

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Different lenders offer varying rates. United Community Bank's average APR is 4.8%, whereas Pinnacle Bank's is 11.8%.

Current HELOC Rates in North Carolina

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HELOC rates in North Carolina rose from 4.5% in 2020 to around 9% in 2024. If this trend continues, homeowners may face higher borrowing costs. Securing a rate now could help you avoid future increases.

HELOC Rates in North Carolina by LTV Ratio

HELOC rates in North Carolina vary depending on your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and line limit. A lower LTV is less risky for lenders, indicating more home equity. For example, an 80% LTV means less borrowing against your home's value than 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:

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Line Limit:
Line Limit:$100,000

HELOC Rates in North Carolina by City

HELOC rates in North Carolina vary between cities due to local housing market conditions and lender competition. For instance, cities with strong real estate markets might offer lower rates, reducing lender risk.

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

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
City:
City:Charlotte
$100,0008.4%
$50,0008.5%

HELOC Rates in North Carolina by Lender

HELOC interest rates in North Carolina vary by lender based on pricing strategies and risk assessments. Understanding these differences can help you find competitive rates. The table below lists the five lenders in North Carolina offering the lowest average APRs, helping you compare rates.

United Community Bank4.8%
Empeople Credit Union6.6%
ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union6.8%
State Employees Credit Union7.3%
Allegacy Federal Credit Union7.5%

HELOC rates today can vary between lenders in the same city. Use the table below to filter lenders by city and compare average APRs to find the best rate in your area.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
City:
City:Charlotte
United Community BankCommercial Bank4.8%
State Employees Credit UnionCredit Union7.3%
Allegacy Federal Credit UnionCredit Union7.5%
Latino Community Credit UnionCredit Union7.8%
TowneBankCommercial Bank7.8%
Truliant Federal Credit UnionCredit Union7.8%
First National Bank of PennsylvaniaCommercial Bank7.9%
American Airlines Federal Credit UnionCredit Union8.0%
First-Citizens Bank & Trust CompanyCommercial Bank8.0%
Clearview Federal Credit UnionCredit Union8.0%
Carolinas Telco Federal Credit UnionCredit Union8.0%
Sharonview Federal Credit UnionCredit Union8.0%
The Park National BankCommercial Bank8.0%
Founders Federal Credit UnionCredit Union8.1%
United BankCommercial Bank8.5%
Skyla Federal Credit UnionCredit Union8.5%
Regions BankCommercial Bank8.5%
Piedmont Advantage Credit UnionCredit Union8.5%
First Horizon BankCommercial Bank8.5%
First BankCommercial Bank8.5%
Customers BankCommercial Bank8.5%
Local Government Federal Credit UnionCredit Union9.0%
Self-Help Credit UnionCredit Union9.0%
SouthState BankCommercial Bank9.0%
Bank of AmericaCommercial Bank9.6%
Fifth Third BankCommercial Bank10.1%
PNC BankCommercial Bank10.3%
Pinnacle BankCommercial Bank11.8%
COMPARING HELOC RATES IN NORTH CAROLINA: BANKS VS. CREDIT UNIONS

HELOC rates in North Carolina vary between banks and credit unions, with banks generally offering higher rates. For instance, commercial banks in North Carolina have an average APR of 8.6%, compared to the 8.3% average offered by credit unions, which are not-for-profit institutions.

When choosing between the two, consider more than just rates. Banks may offer more convenience, while credit unions often provide better customer service and lower fees. It's also important to check membership requirements for credit unions and any hidden fees or rate adjustment clauses with both lenders.

Ask the experts:

Are there any strategies homeowners can use to lock in a favorable HELOC rate in a rising interest rate environment, and how does a rate lock typically work with HELOCs?

Credit & Mortgage Expert

HELOCS often have variable interest rates, meaning they go up or down with the Federal Funds rate. So if you are worried about rates rising, you should look into a home equity loan or refinancing your home. That way you have a fixed rate that will not change over time.

HELOC Payment Calculator

HELOCs have become a popular tool for homeowners across the U.S. looking to tap into their home equity. Use our North Carolina HELOC payment calculator to estimate your monthly payments by entering the amount drawn, APR and loan terms. It also provides an amortization schedule, showing how payments divide between principal and interest over time. Understanding these details can help you manage your HELOC more effectively and plan for future payments.

North Carolina 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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Repayment Period Payment

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Credit Payoff Schedule for Home Equity Line

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How to Get the Best HELOC Rates in North Carolina

Finding the best HELOC rates in North Carolina can save you thousands over time. A lower rate means smaller monthly payments. Consider these five strategies to get the most competitive rate:

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    Maintain a strong credit score

    The average credit score in North Carolina is 709. Improving your score can help secure better rates from lenders.

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    Compare offers from multiple lenders

    Shopping around can help you find competitive rates and use offers to negotiate better terms.

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    Reduce your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio

    Lower debt-to-income ratios show financial stability. Paying off credit card debt can help.

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    Increase your home equity

    More equity reduces lender risk, leading to lower rates. Paying down your mortgage or making home improvements can help.

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    Review closing costs and rate caps

    Closing costs affect loan expenses. Knowing rate caps helps manage HELOC adjustments.

HELOC Loan Rates vs. Home Equity Loan Rates in North Carolina

HELOC interest rates in North Carolina average 8.4%, while home equity loan rates are slightly lower at 7.7%. The difference in rates is primarily due to the variable nature of HELOCs compared to the fixed rates of home equity loans.

- HELOCs are flexible, revolving credit lines with variable interest rates that adjust based on market conditions. In rising interest rate environments, HELOC rates can increase, potentially affecting homeowners' finances over time.

- Home equity loans provide a fixed interest rate on a lump sum, offering stability throughout the loan term. They are preferable in situations where financial predictability is desired.

When deciding between these options, consider whether you value the flexibility of a HELOC or the predictability of a home equity loan. Additionally, assess your comfort with variable rates and how they might impact your ability to manage your home's equity effectively.

CONSIDERING A HELOC ALTERNATIVE? TRY A CASH-OUT REFINANCE

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

For instance, 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 give you $50K in cash, with new payments based on $200K.

FAQ: Best HELOC Rates in North Carolina

What are the current HELOC rates in North Carolina and how do they compare to national rates?
What fees are commonly associated with HELOCs in North Carolina?
How do HELOC rates in North Carolina compare to home equity loan rates?
How do HELOC Rates in North Carolina vary between banks and credit unions?
What's the best HELOC rate in Charlotte? How does it compare to the current HELOC rate in North Carolina?

MoneyGeek examined 77 different banks and credit unions in North Carolina 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 November 15, 2024.

77Lenders 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.