HELOC rates and fees in California
This page is a dated public sample: 28 California banks and credit unions and 2 online lenders, named one per row with the advertised APR, the fees, the date the rate was read and the page it was read from. It is not the whole market and not a personal quote. Rates shown for banks and credit unions are advertised rates, not offers.
Of the 28 banks and credit unions, 26 have an advertised rate read on or after September 13, 2026. Those rates run from 5.75% (1st United Credit Union) to 8.65% (Bank of America), read between September 17, 2026 and October 28, 2026. Among the 22 whose fees state the upfront cost, flat upfront fees are $0 to $425 and annual fees $0 to $100. City National Bank, Connexus Credit Union, PenFed Credit Union and Star One Credit Union do not state it as one amount and are left out of the fee figures.
Counting the 2 online lenders as well, 28 rates count toward the range. Those rates run from 5.75% (1st United Credit Union) to 8.65% (Bank of America), read between September 17, 2026 and October 28, 2026. Among the 24 whose fees state the upfront cost, flat upfront fees are $0 to $425 and annual fees $0 to $100, and percentage fees are 2.50% to 4.99% (see each lender's terms for what they are charged on). The same 4 lenders are left out of the fee figures.
2 rates stay in the tables but out of every range, with the reason next to the number: BMO and Wescom Financial.
The ranges, and what they cover
A range counts only rates our list of lenders records as advertised and read on or after September 13, 2026. Estimated figures and older readings stay in the tables below, labeled next to the number.
| Covers | Rates in the range | Advertised APR | Flat upfront fees | Percentage fees (see each lender's terms) | Annual fee | Rates read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banks and credit unions | 26 of 28 | 5.75% to 8.65% | $0 to $425 | None | $0 to $100 | Sep 17, 2026 to Oct 28, 2026 |
| Banks, credit unions and online lenders | 28 of 30 | 5.75% to 8.65% | $0 to $425 | 2.50% to 4.99% | $0 to $100 | Sep 17, 2026 to Oct 28, 2026 |
Advertised rates by loan-to-value
CLTV is everything owed on the home, your mortgage plus the new line, divided by what the home is worth. Our list has no price per CLTV band. Many lenders state a CLTV cap with their advertised rate, so this table groups the banks and credit unions in the range by that cap. It is a grouping by the condition behind each rate, not a price list by CLTV. Our list has options to compare only up to 80% CLTV.
| CLTV the rate assumes | Lenders | Advertised APR | Flat upfront fees | Annual fee | Rates read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 50% | 2 | 7.00% to 8.50% | $0 | $0 to $100 | Oct 27, 2026 to Oct 28, 2026 |
| Up to 60% or 65% | 4 | 7.00% to 7.75% | $0 to $195 | $0 to $75 | Oct 20, 2026 to Oct 28, 2026 |
| Up to 70% | 6 | 6.50% to 8.65% | $0 | $0 to $50 | Oct 1, 2026 to Oct 28, 2026 |
| Up to 80% or 85% | 7 | 5.75% to 8.06% | $0 to $425 | $0 | Sep 17, 2026 to Oct 28, 2026 |
| Not stated | 7 | 6.00% to 7.77% | $0 to $125 | $0 to $100 | Oct 1, 2026 to Oct 28, 2026 |
Every rate, lender by lender
Rows are in alphabetical order. The conditions are the ones our list records with each rate; a lender's own page may show other rates for other conditions. Rates shown for banks and credit unions are advertised rates, not offers.
Banks and credit unions
| Lender | Advertised APR | Conditions the rate assumes | Fees | Source and date read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st United Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus and Kings counties | 5.75% variable | top rate tier, primary residence, CLTV 80% or less; $425 processing fee up to $250k | $425 upfront, no annual fee | 1stunitedcu.org/home-equity-ratesRead |
| Alliant Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Alliant membership (open nationally through a partner charity) | 7.24% variable | autopay (otherwise +0.25%), CLTV up to 85%; no closing costs up to $250k | $0 upfront, no annual fee | alliantcreditunion.org/borrow/home-equity-line-of-creditRead |
| Bank of AmericaBank | 8.65% variable | $100k line, CLTV 70% or less, excellent credit, 0.125% autopay and 0.600% $60k-initial-draw discounts; $450 early-closure fee within 36 months | $0 upfront, no annual fee | bankofamerica.com/home-equity/home-equity-ratesRead |
| BMOBank | 7.69% variableEstimated figure, not an advertised rate. Not in the ranges. | $100k first-lien line, LTV 70% or less, FICO 780+, autopay; $75 annual fee | $0 upfront, $75 a year | bmo.comRead |
| California Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Homes in California CU's 10 Southern California counties only | 8.00% variable | CLTV 80% or less; no upfront or annual fees | $0 upfront, no annual fee | ccu.comRead |
| City National BankBank | 7.05% variable | largest relationship discount, excellent credit; borrower-paid closing costs up to $1,400 on lines up to $1M | Upfront cost not one amount (see conditions), no annual fee | cnb.com/personal-banking/lending/home-equity-loans.htmlRead |
| Connexus Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Connexus membership (open nationally through a partner association) | 8.06% variable | CLTV 80% or less, all discounts; closing costs $175 to $2,000 | Upfront cost not one amount (see conditions), no annual fee | connexuscu.org/loans/helocRead |
| Credit Union of Southern CaliforniaCredit unionWho can join: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties | 7.011% variable | CLTV 70% or less; closing costs included except appraisal over $250k | $0 upfront, no annual fee | cusocal.org/loans/home-loans/399helocRead |
| EECU (Fresno)Credit unionWho can join: School employees in 12 Central California counties and listed employers | 6.00% variable | first or second lien; no annual fee | $125 upfront, no annual fee | myeecu.org/services/ratesRead |
| First Tech FCUCredit unionWho can join: Partner employers, or anyone via the Computer History Museum or Financial Fitness Association | 7.00% variable | 740+ score, line up to $50k, CLTV 50% or less; $100 annual fee after year one | $0 upfront, $100 a year after year one | firsttechfed.com/rates/home-loansRead |
| FourLeaf FCU (formerly Bethpage)Credit unionWho can join: Anyone with a $5 savings account | 7.00% variable | CLTV 65% or less, $25k draw held 12 months, autopay; lender pays closing costs up to $500k, repaid if closed within 36 months | $0 upfront, no annual fee | fourleaffcu.com/home-equity-line-of-creditRead |
| Golden 1 Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Anyone who lives or works in California | 7.125% variable | 780 score, primary residence; $500 fee if closed within 3 years | $0 upfront, no annual fee | golden1.com/credit-cards-loans/home-loans/ratesRead |
| Kinecta FCUCredit unionWho can join: Select ZIP codes, or anyone via the free Innovision Society | 7.625% variable | FICO 750+, CLTV 60% or less, $25k initial draw; $995 fee if closed within 36 months | $195 upfront, no annual fee | kinecta.org/ratesRead |
| Logix FCUCredit unionWho can join: Anyone via the American Consumer Council (free) | 7.00% variable | best credit, CLTV 70% or less; no closing costs up to $250k if open 36+ months | $0 upfront, no annual fee | logixbanking.com/rates/home-equityRead |
| Mirastar FCUCredit unionWho can join: Anyone via the American Consumer Council | 7.00% variable | credit union absorbs third-party costs (repaid if closed within 24 months); $100 annual fee | $0 upfront, $100 a year | mirastarfcu.org/ratesRead |
| Navy Federal Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Military, Department of Defense and their families (Navy Federal membership) | 7.25% variable | 750 FICO, primary home, CLTV 70% or less; no closing costs or annual fee | $0 upfront, no annual fee | navyfederal.org/rates.htmlRead |
| Pacific Service Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: 12 Northern California counties, or anyone via the Financial Fitness Association ($8) | 7.00% variable | credit and occupancy based | $0 upfront, no annual fee | pacificservice.org/ratesRead |
| Patelco Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Bay Area residents, or anyone via the Financial Fitness Association | 7.50% variable | most-qualified borrower, CLTV 80% or less | $0 upfront, no annual fee | patelco.org/ratesRead |
| PenFed Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Open to anyone (PenFed membership) | 7.00% variable | CLTV up to 85%; PenFed pays most closing costs; $99 annual fee | Upfront cost not one amount (see conditions), $99 a year | penfed.org/mortgage/article/heloc-and-home-equity-loan-faqsRead |
| PNC BankBank | 7.77% variable | 0.25% autopay discount; origination $299 to $599 waived on a $25k+ draw (offer to 11/30/2026); $75 annual fee | $0 upfront, $75 a year | pnc.comRead |
| Redwood Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Live or work in Redwood's 8 North Bay and San Francisco counties | 7.75% variable | 760 FICO, 60% CLTV, $100k line; no-closing-cost option up to $200k | $0 upfront, no annual fee | redwoodcu.orgRead |
| San Diego County Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: 9 Southern California counties, or anyone via the Financial Fitness Association ($8) | 8.50% variable | CLTV 50% or less | $0 upfront, no annual fee | sdccu.com/rates/home-equity-ratesRead |
| SchoolsFirst FCUCredit unionWho can join: California school employees and family (SchoolsFirst membership) | 6.50% variable | 720 score, 70% LTV; max CLTV 80%; $50 annual fee waived with autopay | $0 upfront, no annual fee | schoolsfirstfcu.org/rates/home-equityRead |
| Star One Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Santa Clara and 8 nearby counties, or partner employers | 7.00% variable | CLTV 80% or less; lines over $250k pay $1,500 to $2,500 closing; $500 fee if closed within 2 years | Upfront cost not one amount (see conditions), no annual fee | starone.org/rates/all-ratesRead |
| Third FederalBank | 6.49% variable | same rate in CA and FL; no closing costs or annual fee | $0 upfront, no annual fee | thirdfederal.com/home-equity/calculators-ratesRead |
| Travis Credit UnionCredit unionWho can join: Northern California service-area residents (Travis membership) | 7.049% variable | 720+, CLTV 70% or less, $75k line; $395 underwriting fee waived with a $10k initial draw; $50 annual fee | $0 upfront, $50 a year | traviscu.orgRead |
| U.S. BankBank | 7.05% variable | $50k+ line, LTV 60%, FICO 730+, U.S. Bank autopay; $75 annual fee after year one | $0 upfront, $75 a year after year one | usbank.com/home-loans/home-equity/home-equity-line-of-credit.htmlRead |
| Wescom FinancialCredit unionWho can join: Anyone who lives or works in California | 7.50% variableRead on Apr 13, 2026, before Sep 13, 2026. Not in the ranges. | owner-occupied, CLTV 80% or less; $75 annual fee waived year one | $0 upfront, $75 a year after year one | wescom.org/home-loans/home-equityRead |
Online lenders
These lenders work online rather than through local branches. Their rows use the same fields, the same range rule and the same order as the banks and credit unions above.
| Lender | Advertised APR | Conditions the rate assumes | Fees | Source and date read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvenOnline lender | 6.74% variable | best tier, primary home; prime plus margin | 2.50% fee (see the lender's terms for what it is charged on), no annual fee | aven.com/disclosuresRead |
| FigureOnline lender | 7.30% fixed | most qualified applicants, ten-year term; paired with the 4.99% maximum origination fee below (lower-fee options carry higher rates and are quoted per borrower only) | 4.99% fee (see the lender's terms for what it is charged on), no annual fee | figure.com/home-equity-lineRead |
Borrow now, wait, or talk to a counselor first
This table restates the questions the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau asks in its HELOC booklet, the one lenders hand you when you discuss a HELOC.1 It uses none of the numbers above and says nothing about where rates are heading.
| If this is true for you | It leans toward | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You are confident you can keep up with the payments, including if a variable rate rises. | Borrow now | The CFPB says to consider a HELOC if you are confident you can keep up with the payments, and notes that a variable rate can change your payment even if you borrow nothing more.1 |
| You have not yet looked at other ways to borrow, or gathered estimates from three lenders. | Wait | The booklet compares a HELOC with other money sources first, then asks you to get three HELOC estimates on the same terms.1 |
| You may sell the home soon. | Wait | A HELOC is generally due in full when you sell, so the CFPB suggests weighing the up-front costs if a sale is near.1 |
| You are not sure you could keep paying if your income dropped. | Talk to a counselor first | If you fall behind, you could lose your home. Lenders must give you a list of HUD-approved housing counselors, who can help with budgeting for free or at low cost.1 |
| You are 62 or older and want cash without a monthly payment. | Talk to a counselor first | That describes a reverse mortgage. The section below says who it is for and how to find a HUD-approved counselor. |
What to have ready, and how long it takes
Each lender sets its own list. The CFPB's application checklist is a fair start: proof of identity and your Social Security number, a pay stub from the last 30 days, W-2s and signed tax returns for the last two years, and your two latest bank statements.2 Add your current mortgage details, since the lender subtracts what you owe from the home's value. Our HELOC paperwork guide covers the rest, including what to do when a lender asks for one more document.
| Stage | How long |
|---|---|
| Application and disclosures | In general, a lender cannot charge a nonrefundable fee until three days after you receive its disclosures.1 |
| Documents, appraisal, underwriting and closing | Varies by lender. No source we use gives a range, and we don't guess one; the paperwork guide explains what slows it down. |
| Right to cancel | Three business days, counted from when the line opens or when you receive all material disclosures, whichever comes later. Up to three years if those papers were missing or wrong. Applies to your main home only.3 |
| Early closing terms | 24 to 36 months at the 7 lenders on this page whose conditions set one. Closing the line sooner costs a fee or a payback of waived costs. |
If you are 62 or older: reverse mortgages
This page has no reverse mortgage numbers, and Alauda does not quote them. The federally insured kind, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), is only for homeowners 62 and older who live in the home as their principal residence.4 Interest is added to the balance each month, so what you owe grows. The loan comes due when the last borrower sells, moves out or dies, and until then you still pay property taxes and insurance and keep the home in repair.5
The CFPB's advice is to see a HECM counselor first.5 HUD's search for HECM counseling agencies lets you pick California and list approved agencies there, and HUD's HECM page gives (800) 569-4287 for finding one by phone.6,7 We opened both on November 11, 2026.
Where these numbers come from
Every rate, fee and date in the tables comes from Alauda's list of lenders, the options our agent compares. This page was last rebuilt from that list on November 11, 2026. The source column gives the page or basis each figure rests on, and the date next to it is when we read it. Rebuilding the page does not read the rates again: the oldest rate here was read on April 13, 2026.
The ranges count only rates our list records as advertised and read on or after September 13, 2026, no more than 60 days before that rebuild. Estimated figures and older readings stay in the tables, labeled next to the number, and are left out of every range. On this page that is BMO and Wescom Financial. CLTV caps and early closing terms are read from the conditions our list records with each rate. Fee figures count only lenders whose fees state the upfront cost as one amount. When the conditions give the cost as a range, say the lender pays only part of it, or say fees apply with no amount, the row says so in place of a figure and the fee figures leave it out.
Our guides explain how HELOCs work and do not name lenders. This page is a different kind of page: it lists a dated sample of what named lenders advertise.
The online lenders are in their own table, with the same fields and the same range rule as the banks and credit unions.
Rows are in alphabetical order: this page lists rates and does not rank them. When Alauda compares options for you, the order follows the rule on how we rank options.
Each rate in the tables shows the date it was read and the page or basis it rests on. These numbers do not update on their own. We read them again by hand from time to time, so a lender's current rate can differ from the one shown.
If you spot a number that is wrong or out of date, email info@alauda.ai and name the lender and the figure.