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Rates starting at 6.750% (6.750% APR)*

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What is a Second-Lien HELOC?

What you'll learn: How second-lien HELOCs work and how they compare to first-lien HELOCs.

 

EXPECTED READ TIME: 3 MINUTES

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February 26, 2025

Owning a home comes with a number of financial benefits, but the one that stands out against the rest is your ability to build equity and then turn it into usable funds. There are many refinance and second mortgage options that provide homeowners with the opportunity to turn their home equity into cash. One of the most popular ways is through the use of a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

You may have already heard of first-lien HELOCs, but today we will introduce you to the second-lien HELOC. That way, you can compare their differences and decide which type of HELOC may be right for your home equity needs.

What is a second-lien mortgage?

Though the name gives it away, a second-lien mortgage is a type of loan that uses a home that already has a mortgage on it as collateral. You may also hear them referred to as junior liens. Home equity loans and HELOCs fall under the second mortgage category. In the case of a second-lien HELOC, this new home loan is secured through the equity you have built, allowing you to have access to funds as you need them.

How do second-lien HELOCs work?

Second-lien HELOCs tend to be one of the more popular second mortgage options, compared to other types of second liens. When taking out this type of HELOC, your first mortgage remains intact and unchanged. Meanwhile, the second-lien HELOC provides you with a line of credit. Its limit will be set by your lender, which will depend on the total home equity you have built at the time you apply.

You can withdraw funds as you need them during the initial draw period, while making interest-only payments until the repayment period begins. That is when the credit line closes, and you start paying back the amount you borrowed by monthly payments. It is important to note that your HELOC rate will be variable; however, their initial rates are typically lower compared to other loan options.

First-lien HELOC versus second-lien HELOC

When comparing your HELOC options, the most notable difference between first lien and second-lien HELOCs is the effect each has on your first mortgage. A first-lien HELOC replaces a mortgage entirely, whereas the second-lien HELOC must be paid in addition to your traditional mortgage. Another distinction is that the lender providing your first-lien HELOC is given priority access to your property in the event you default on the loan. A second-lien HELOC will be settled after the original mortgage is taken care of, making it a less risky option.

However, both types let you access the equity in your home for whatever you need. Second-lien HELOCs are considered to be the more classic type of home equity line of credit by most professionals.

Is a second-lien HELOC the right option for you?

When it comes to deciding which type of HELOC is a better financial choice for you, it is important to take a look at your current mortgage. If you are happy with its interest rate and terms, or close to paying it off in full, then a second-lien HELOC may make more sense for your situation. However, if you are already considering a refinance, then it can be worth looking into the benefits of a first-lien HELOC, instead.

Regardless of the route you choose to take to access your equity, the funds will be yours to use for whatever you need, including:

  • Home improvement expenses

  • Debt consolidation

  • Paying for tuition

  • Investment property

If you are still unsure of whether a HELOC or a refinance is right for you, be sure to consult with a trusted lender who can walk you through the available options. 

 

For more information about PenFed Mortgages:

PenFed Mortgage:

833-662-2718

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SIMILAR ARTICLES

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HELOCs 101: Understanding the Basics

A home equity line of credit can unlock the financial potential of your home's equity. Find out how to get a HELOC, common rules, and pitfalls.

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QUIZ: Is a HELOC a Good Idea for Me?

Take the quiz to learn what you should know about home equity lines of credit and if it's the right choice for you.

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How Much Equity Do I Need for a HELOC? 

Find out HELOC requirements, how long it takes to get a HELOC, and how much equity you need for a HELOC here.

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What Is Home Equity? 

Learn the definition of home equity, how to calculate your homes equity, and use it for a home equity loan or line of credit or HELOC.

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.

This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Rates are current as of April 2026 unless otherwise noted and are subject to change.

APY = Annual Percentage Yield
APR = Annual Percentage Rate