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MORTGAGE KNOWLEDGE CENTER
PenFed Mortgage with Confidence

Rates starting at
January 8, 2024
Typically, HELOCs have variable rates, meaning your interest rate may increase or decrease over time. However, some lenders offer fixed-rate HELOCs with a locked-in interest rate (though this usually comes with higher initial rates). But let us take a step back to look at the bigger picture so you better understand all of your HELOC options. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) works like a revolving line of credit, leveraging the equity from your home as you need it instead of getting the cash all at once.
In this article, we will dive into the ins and outs of both variable and fixed-rate HELOCs so you can determine which option is right for your unique situation.
Variable-rate HELOCs
In general, HELOCs are a powerful and flexible tool that you can use to tap into your home’s equity when you need it. Similar to a credit card, you will be given a line of credit to draw funds from for a set period (known as the draw period). Usually, this period is up to 10 years, during which you can borrow against your line of credit.
Though you only have to pay interest on the amount you borrow, a variable interest rate is determined by market fluctuations. A standard HELOC will have a variable rate, meaning it will most likely increase or decrease depending on the economy and trending market rates. It is vital to consider potential rate fluctuations when you are planning your budget and repayment strategy, as a significant rate increase may result in your inability to manage payments.
Fixed-rate HELOCS
The standard variable-rate HELOC is similar to a big credit card. A fixed-rate HELOC is more like a hybrid of a home equity loan and a HELOC as it allows you to lock in a portion or the entirety of your balance at a fixed interest rate. That way, you are protected against market fluctuations that may be impacting rates now or in the future.
You are able to withdrawal as much or as little of your credit line as needed, just like a variable-rate HELOC. However, opting for a fixed rate means that the interest rate on any amount you end up withdrawing will have the same interest rate applied throughout the draw period.
Locking in a HELOC rate
PROS of a fixed-rate HELOC:
- Stable monthly repayments
- Safeguard against rising rates/interest fluctuations
- Ability to revert to variable rate if rates go down (depending on your lender)
CONS of a fixed-rate HELOC:
- Higher initial APR
- Limited in the number of times you can lock in a rate (depending on your lender)
- Not offered by all lenders
If you are considering a fixed-rate HELOC, you may also want to research home equity loans as another means of accessing the equity in your property. A home equity loan is offered at a fixed-rate, and you receive the funds up front rather than taking out portions over time.
Maybe you are starting a home improvement project or have a large, unexpected expense. Regardless, it is a good idea to look into both variable and fixed-rate home equity options to determine what makes sense for you.
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Mortgage Products
Disclosures
*Prime Rate is 6.750% as of December 12, 2025. The APR for this Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is based on prime plus a margin and can change monthly. Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term, with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin, and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than 6.750% for primary residences and second homes.
- Annual Fee: Notwithstanding the foregoing, an annual fee of $99 will be assessed on each account anniversary.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are variable rate loans and the interest rate is subject to increase after consummation of the loan on monthly basis. Closing costs range between $500 and $8,500 for credit lines of $500,000. Contact a representative for additional details.
Appraisals: PenFed will attempt to establish value via an independent method. If that method is unsuccessful, or the value is not sufficient for the amount requested, an appraisal will be required regardless of CLTV. An appraisal is always required in the following circumstances:
For all loans with a loan amount greater than $400,000.
If an appraisal is required, it must be ordered by PenFed. You will be contacted for authorization and payment prior to ordering. Appraisal fees average $550 to $850 (some run higher).
- Closing Cost Credit: PenFed will pay most closing costs associated with a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which includes credit report, flood certification, settlement/closing, property ownership and encumbrances search, recording, property search, and quick close. Member is responsible for any city, county, and/or state taxes if the subject property is located in FL, LA, MD, MN, NY, TN, or VA. If an appraisal is required, the member, who is responsible for the fee whether or not the loan closes, will pay the cost.
Interest may be tax deductible, consult a tax advisor for further information regarding the tax deductibility of interest and charges.
Fixed Rate Advance Lock-In You may lock in an Annual Percentage Rate for Advances during the Draw Period. During your Draw Period, you may choose to have three separate Fixed Rate Advances locked in at any one time, with a maximum of two new Fixed Rate Advances per calendar year. Each Fixed Rate Advance must equal or exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and you may not request a Fixed Rate Advance that would cause the amount you owe to exceed your Credit Limit. The only term option for your Fixed Rate Advance is 240 months (“Fixed Rate Advance Term”). However, the term of your Fixed Rate Advance cannot exceed your Repayment Period.
Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than 6.750% for primary residences and second homes.
Property Insurance: Property insurance is required.
Multiple PenFed Loans: Multiple PenFed Equity loans and HELOCs are available as long as the member and collateral qualify (except Texas). For Equity loans and HELOCs the total indebtedness cannot exceed $500,000 for all PenFed Equity and HELOCs combined.
PenFed does not lend on:
- Mobile homes
- Co-ops or time-shares
- Properties that are currently listed on the market for sale
- Commercial property or property used for commercial purposes, even if a residence is part of the property
- Undeveloped property (land only)
- Properties with more than 4 units
Properties that are currently under major construction/renovations: Property must be fully livable, with no safety issues. (Examples: no missing rails from stairs/decks, no open walls with wires showing, missing kitchen appliances/counters, missing bath fixtures or unfinished pool).
- Additional limitations may apply
Home Equity Line of Credit:
- This Account has a Draw Period of 10 years, followed by a repayment period of 20 years.
- If only minimum payments are made during the draw period, the loan balance will not decrease.
- In Texas, the maximum CLTV available is 80% on owner occupied properties. Additional restrictions apply in Texas, so please ask a representative for details.
- In all other states, the maximum CLTV is 85% on owner occupied properties and second homes. Additional restrictions or requirements may apply based on application characteristics.
- Property type of Condo has a maximum CLTV of 80%.
- The maximum CLTV available is dependent on credit qualification.
- Rates vary depending on owner occupancy and CLTV and other loan criteria.
Minimum Loan Amount Requirements in all States:
- For an owner occupied property or second home the minimum loan amount is $25,000 and the maximum amount is $500,000 with a CLTV of 85% or less of the fair market value.
Other terms and conditions apply; call 844-918-4307 to speak with a representative for details. All rates and offers are subject to change without notice. To receive advertised product, you must become a member of PenFed.
