If you need extra funds for expenses such as home improvements or debt consolidation, increasing your HELOC limit may be an option. Refinancing with your current lender or switching to a new one could provide access to more credit at potentially lower rates. Here’s how to get started.
All loans are subject to credit approval, membership and loan program requirements. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rates and may be offered credit at higher rates or with different terms. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance is required. Borrowing limits apply based on your home’s value. Home loans are not available in Texas. Conditions and restrictions may apply. Rates, loan programs, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
[1] APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The introductory APR is fixed for one year (twelve months). After one year, the APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin. To obtain an introductory rate, borrower(s) must meet credit and loan program requirements, including, but not limited to: (1) maximum Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) of 75%; (2) minimum VantageScore 4.0 credit score of 720; (3) an initial draw of at least $25,000 is taken at account opening and the balance must be maintained for at least 12 consecutive months; (4) automatic payments from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account for the monthly HELOC payments; and (5) borrower must not have had a previous introductory rate for a FourLeaf HELOC within the past five years. Failure to meet the introductory APR conditions may result in the loss of the introductory APR, meaning the APR will change to the standard APR and will be subject to those conditions. Loan amounts over $500,000 are not available for the introductory rate.
[2] The standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin (if applicable) and is subject to increase after consummation. The current standard APR is as low as 7.00% as of 10/7/2026. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate and may be offered credit at higher rates and other terms based on creditworthiness. The minimum floor APR is 3.25%. HELOC rates may not exceed the maximum legal limit for Federal credit unions (currently 18%). The Prime Rate as of 10/7/2026 = 7.00%. Rates shown are based on a borrower’s primary residence, a maximum CLTV of 65%, a minimum initial draw of $25,000 taken at HELOC account opening†, and automatic payments‡ made from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account. For Closing costs, see [3] below.
† Initial Draw of $25,000 or more: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if a Variable Rate Advance of $25,000.00 or more is drawn at account opening and the outstanding balance is maintained for at least twelve (12) consecutive months. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your outstanding HELOC balance falls below $25,000.00 within the first twelve (12) months of account opening.
‡ Automatic Payments: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if your monthly HELOC payments are automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your monthly HELOC payments are no longer automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account.
[3] Closing costs for the first $500,000 will be paid by FourLeaf but must be repaid by the borrower(s) if the HELOC is closed within first 36 months of account opening. These fees generally range between $500.00 and $15,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Line amounts over $500,000 may be available on a case-by-case basis to qualified applicants, are not eligible for the discounted introductory rate at any time, and the borrower(s) will be responsible for mortgage-related taxes and title insurance costs on the line amount over $500,000 (up to the approved credit limit). The total third party fees generally range between $500.00 and $60,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Property insurance (including flood insurance, if applicable) is required.
All loans are subject to credit approval, membership and loan program requirements. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rates and may be offered credit at higher rates or with different terms. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance is required. Borrowing limits apply based on your home’s value. Home loans are not available in Texas. Conditions and restrictions may apply. Rates, loan programs, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
[1] APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The introductory APR is fixed for one year (twelve months). After one year, the APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin. To obtain an introductory rate, borrower(s) must meet credit and loan program requirements, including, but not limited to: (1) maximum Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) of 75%; (2) minimum VantageScore 4.0 credit score of 720; (3) an initial draw of at least $25,000 is taken at account opening and the balance must be maintained for at least 12 consecutive months; (4) automatic payments from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account for the monthly HELOC payments; and (5) borrower must not have had a previous introductory rate for a FourLeaf HELOC within the past five years. Failure to meet the introductory APR conditions may result in the loss of the introductory APR, meaning the APR will change to the standard APR and will be subject to those conditions. Loan amounts over $500,000 are not available for the introductory rate.
[2] The standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin (if applicable) and is subject to increase after consummation. The current standard APR is as low as 7.00% as of 10/7/2026. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate and may be offered credit at higher rates and other terms based on creditworthiness. The minimum floor APR is 3.25%. HELOC rates may not exceed the maximum legal limit for Federal credit unions (currently 18%). The Prime Rate as of 10/7/2026 = 7.00%. Rates shown are based on a borrower’s primary residence, a maximum CLTV of 65%, a minimum initial draw of $25,000 taken at HELOC account opening†, and automatic payments‡ made from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account. For Closing costs, see [3] below.
† Initial Draw of $25,000 or more: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if a Variable Rate Advance of $25,000.00 or more is drawn at account opening and the outstanding balance is maintained for at least twelve (12) consecutive months. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your outstanding HELOC balance falls below $25,000.00 within the first twelve (12) months of account opening.
‡ Automatic Payments: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if your monthly HELOC payments are automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your monthly HELOC payments are no longer automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account.
[3] Closing costs for the first $500,000 will be paid by FourLeaf but must be repaid by the borrower(s) if the HELOC is closed within first 36 months of account opening. These fees generally range between $500.00 and $15,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Line amounts over $500,000 may be available on a case-by-case basis to qualified applicants, are not eligible for the discounted introductory rate at any time, and the borrower(s) will be responsible for mortgage-related taxes and title insurance costs on the line amount over $500,000 (up to the approved credit limit). The total third party fees generally range between $500.00 and $60,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Property insurance (including flood insurance, if applicable) is required.
All loans are subject to credit approval, membership and loan program requirements. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rates and may be offered credit at higher rates or with different terms. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance is required. Borrowing limits apply based on your home’s value. Home loans are not available in Texas. Conditions and restrictions may apply. Rates, loan programs, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
[1] APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The introductory APR is fixed for one year (twelve months). After one year, the APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin. To obtain an introductory rate, borrower(s) must meet credit and loan program requirements, including, but not limited to: (1) maximum Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) of 75%; (2) minimum VantageScore 4.0 credit score of 720; (3) an initial draw of at least $25,000 is taken at account opening and the balance must be maintained for at least 12 consecutive months; (4) automatic payments from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account for the monthly HELOC payments; and (5) borrower must not have had a previous introductory rate for a FourLeaf HELOC within the past five years. Failure to meet the introductory APR conditions may result in the loss of the introductory APR, meaning the APR will change to the standard APR and will be subject to those conditions. Loan amounts over $500,000 are not available for the introductory rate.
[2] The standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin (if applicable) and is subject to increase after consummation. The current standard APR is as low as 7.00% as of 10/7/2026. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate and may be offered credit at higher rates and other terms based on creditworthiness. The minimum floor APR is 3.25%. HELOC rates may not exceed the maximum legal limit for Federal credit unions (currently 18%). The Prime Rate as of 10/7/2026 = 7.00%. Rates shown are based on a borrower’s primary residence, a maximum CLTV of 65%, a minimum initial draw of $25,000 taken at HELOC account opening†, and automatic payments‡ made from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account. For Closing costs, see [3] below.
† Initial Draw of $25,000 or more: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if a Variable Rate Advance of $25,000.00 or more is drawn at account opening and the outstanding balance is maintained for at least twelve (12) consecutive months. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your outstanding HELOC balance falls below $25,000.00 within the first twelve (12) months of account opening.
‡ Automatic Payments: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if your monthly HELOC payments are automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your monthly HELOC payments are no longer automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account.
[3] Closing costs for the first $500,000 will be paid by FourLeaf but must be repaid by the borrower(s) if the HELOC is closed within first 36 months of account opening. These fees generally range between $500.00 and $15,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Line amounts over $500,000 may be available on a case-by-case basis to qualified applicants, are not eligible for the discounted introductory rate at any time, and the borrower(s) will be responsible for mortgage-related taxes and title insurance costs on the line amount over $500,000 (up to the approved credit limit). The total third party fees generally range between $500.00 and $60,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Property insurance (including flood insurance, if applicable) is required.
All loans are subject to credit approval, membership and loan program requirements. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rates and may be offered credit at higher rates or with different terms. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance is required. Borrowing limits apply based on your home’s value. Home loans are not available in Texas. Conditions and restrictions may apply. Rates, loan programs, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
[1] APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The introductory APR is fixed for one year (twelve months). After one year, the APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin. To obtain an introductory rate, borrower(s) must meet credit and loan program requirements, including, but not limited to: (1) maximum Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) of 75%; (2) minimum VantageScore 4.0 credit score of 720; (3) an initial draw of at least $25,000 is taken at account opening and the balance must be maintained for at least 12 consecutive months; (4) automatic payments from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account for the monthly HELOC payments; and (5) borrower must not have had a previous introductory rate for a FourLeaf HELOC within the past five years. Failure to meet the introductory APR conditions may result in the loss of the introductory APR, meaning the APR will change to the standard APR and will be subject to those conditions. Loan amounts over $500,000 are not available for the introductory rate.
[2] The standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin (if applicable) and is subject to increase after consummation. The current standard APR is as low as 7.00% as of 10/7/2026. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate and may be offered credit at higher rates and other terms based on creditworthiness. The minimum floor APR is 3.25%. HELOC rates may not exceed the maximum legal limit for Federal credit unions (currently 18%). The Prime Rate as of 10/7/2026 = 7.00%. Rates shown are based on a borrower’s primary residence, a maximum CLTV of 65%, a minimum initial draw of $25,000 taken at HELOC account opening†, and automatic payments‡ made from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account. For Closing costs, see [3] below.
† Initial Draw of $25,000 or more: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if a Variable Rate Advance of $25,000.00 or more is drawn at account opening and the outstanding balance is maintained for at least twelve (12) consecutive months. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your outstanding HELOC balance falls below $25,000.00 within the first twelve (12) months of account opening.
‡ Automatic Payments: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if your monthly HELOC payments are automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your monthly HELOC payments are no longer automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account.
[3] Closing costs for the first $500,000 will be paid by FourLeaf but must be repaid by the borrower(s) if the HELOC is closed within first 36 months of account opening. These fees generally range between $500.00 and $15,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Line amounts over $500,000 may be available on a case-by-case basis to qualified applicants, are not eligible for the discounted introductory rate at any time, and the borrower(s) will be responsible for mortgage-related taxes and title insurance costs on the line amount over $500,000 (up to the approved credit limit). The total third party fees generally range between $500.00 and $60,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Property insurance (including flood insurance, if applicable) is required.
All loans are subject to credit approval, membership and loan program requirements. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rates and may be offered credit at higher rates or with different terms. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance is required. Borrowing limits apply based on your home’s value. Home loans are not available in Texas. Conditions and restrictions may apply. Rates, loan programs, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
[1] APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The introductory APR is fixed for one year (twelve months). After one year, the APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin. To obtain an introductory rate, borrower(s) must meet credit and loan program requirements, including, but not limited to: (1) maximum Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) of 75%; (2) minimum VantageScore 4.0 credit score of 720; (3) an initial draw of at least $25,000 is taken at account opening and the balance must be maintained for at least 12 consecutive months; (4) automatic payments from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account for the monthly HELOC payments; and (5) borrower must not have had a previous introductory rate for a FourLeaf HELOC within the past five years. Failure to meet the introductory APR conditions may result in the loss of the introductory APR, meaning the APR will change to the standard APR and will be subject to those conditions. Loan amounts over $500,000 are not available for the introductory rate.
[2] The standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin (if applicable) and is subject to increase after consummation. The current standard APR is as low as 7.00% as of 10/7/2026. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate and may be offered credit at higher rates and other terms based on creditworthiness. The minimum floor APR is 3.25%. HELOC rates may not exceed the maximum legal limit for Federal credit unions (currently 18%). The Prime Rate as of 10/7/2026 = 7.00%. Rates shown are based on a borrower’s primary residence, a maximum CLTV of 65%, a minimum initial draw of $25,000 taken at HELOC account opening†, and automatic payments‡ made from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account. For Closing costs, see [3] below.
† Initial Draw of $25,000 or more: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if a Variable Rate Advance of $25,000.00 or more is drawn at account opening and the outstanding balance is maintained for at least twelve (12) consecutive months. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your outstanding HELOC balance falls below $25,000.00 within the first twelve (12) months of account opening.
‡ Automatic Payments: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if your monthly HELOC payments are automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your monthly HELOC payments are no longer automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account.
[3] Closing costs for the first $500,000 will be paid by FourLeaf but must be repaid by the borrower(s) if the HELOC is closed within first 36 months of account opening. These fees generally range between $500.00 and $15,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Line amounts over $500,000 may be available on a case-by-case basis to qualified applicants, are not eligible for the discounted introductory rate at any time, and the borrower(s) will be responsible for mortgage-related taxes and title insurance costs on the line amount over $500,000 (up to the approved credit limit). The total third party fees generally range between $500.00 and $60,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Property insurance (including flood insurance, if applicable) is required.
All loans are subject to credit approval, membership and loan program requirements. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rates and may be offered credit at higher rates or with different terms. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance is required. Borrowing limits apply based on your home’s value. Home loans are not available in Texas. Conditions and restrictions may apply. Rates, loan programs, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
[1] APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The introductory APR is fixed for one year (twelve months). After one year, the APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin. To obtain an introductory rate, borrower(s) must meet credit and loan program requirements, including, but not limited to: (1) maximum Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) of 75%; (2) minimum VantageScore 4.0 credit score of 720; (3) an initial draw of at least $25,000 is taken at account opening and the balance must be maintained for at least 12 consecutive months; (4) automatic payments from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account for the monthly HELOC payments; and (5) borrower must not have had a previous introductory rate for a FourLeaf HELOC within the past five years. Failure to meet the introductory APR conditions may result in the loss of the introductory APR, meaning the APR will change to the standard APR and will be subject to those conditions. Loan amounts over $500,000 are not available for the introductory rate.
[2] The standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin (if applicable) and is subject to increase after consummation. The current standard APR is as low as 7.00% as of 10/7/2026. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate and may be offered credit at higher rates and other terms based on creditworthiness. The minimum floor APR is 3.25%. HELOC rates may not exceed the maximum legal limit for Federal credit unions (currently 18%). The Prime Rate as of 10/7/2026 = 7.00%. Rates shown are based on a borrower’s primary residence, a maximum CLTV of 65%, a minimum initial draw of $25,000 taken at HELOC account opening†, and automatic payments‡ made from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account. For Closing costs, see [3] below.
† Initial Draw of $25,000 or more: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if a Variable Rate Advance of $25,000.00 or more is drawn at account opening and the outstanding balance is maintained for at least twelve (12) consecutive months. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your outstanding HELOC balance falls below $25,000.00 within the first twelve (12) months of account opening.
‡ Automatic Payments: The APR includes a 0.25% discount if your monthly HELOC payments are automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account. The APR will increase by 0.25% if at any time your monthly HELOC payments are no longer automatically withdrawn from your FourLeaf savings or checking account.
[3] Closing costs for the first $500,000 will be paid by FourLeaf but must be repaid by the borrower(s) if the HELOC is closed within first 36 months of account opening. These fees generally range between $500.00 and $15,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Line amounts over $500,000 may be available on a case-by-case basis to qualified applicants, are not eligible for the discounted introductory rate at any time, and the borrower(s) will be responsible for mortgage-related taxes and title insurance costs on the line amount over $500,000 (up to the approved credit limit). The total third party fees generally range between $500.00 and $60,000.00 depending on the line amount, property value, location, and/or property type. Property insurance (including flood insurance, if applicable) is required.
Table of Contents
How to increase your HELOC limit
Increasing your HELOC limit often requires refinancing your current line of credit. Start by asking your lender whether it allows refinancing to increase your limit, and then compare rates and fees from other lenders to ensure you’re getting the best terms. Some lenders may charge closing costs, while others offer fee-free refinancing options.
Once you’ve chosen the best lender for your situation, submit a refinance application. Be prepared to provide the following documents:
- Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
- List of current debts
- Recent pay stubs and the last two years of W-2s
- Business tax returns (if self-employed)
Lenders may take two to six weeks to process your application, depending on your financial profile and the complexity of your request.
If you don’t have a budget and long-term plan to pay off the debt, increasing your HELOC may be unwise. If you default on your HELOC, the lender has rights to your property.
Consider how you plan to use the funds. Increasing your HELOC just to have more may not be the best option.
Eric Kirste, CFP®
Once you understand how to apply, you may want to explore whether refinancing makes sense based on your current financial situation.
Can you increase your HELOC limit without refinancing?
While most lenders require refinancing to increase a HELOC limit, some may allow you to modify your credit line without a full refinance. This option can be appealing if you want to avoid higher interest rates or closing costs associated with refinancing.
However, finding a lender that offers this flexibility can be challenging. Most lenders require you to submit a new HELOC application to increase your limit. If your lender doesn’t allow modifications, refinancing may be your best alternative for accessing additional funds.
Should I refinance to increase my HELOC limit?
Refinancing your HELOC can make sense in some situations but may not be the right choice for everyone. Here are the factors to consider.
✔️ When to refinance
- Your home’s value has increased: A higher home value can help you qualify for a larger credit limit.
- You can afford to borrow more: Stable income and a manageable debt load make refinancing less risky.
- You qualify for a lower rate: Refinancing at a lower rate can reduce your borrowing costs.
❌ When to reconsider refinancing
- Your home’s value has fallen: Lower equity may reduce your borrowing potential or even lead to a decreased limit.
- Your financial situation is uncertain: Refinancing could add risk if your income or debt situation is unstable.
- Average HELOC rates have increased: Higher market rates may make refinancing less attractive.
It may make sense to increase your HELOC if you need to consolidate additional debt by organizing and streamlining all your payments into one single loan, which could save you money over time, depending on the interest rate.
If you started with a smaller HELOC, paid down your mortgage balance, and now have access to additional equity for larger purchases, a higher HELOC limit can enable you to finance larger expenses such as renovations, college tuition fees, or a new car.
Eric Kirste, CFP®
If refinancing isn’t the right fit, consider these alternatives for accessing more equity.
FAQ
What’s the maximum HELOC amount?
HELOC limits are often capped at 85% of your home’s appraised value minus the balance you owe on your mortgage. But lenders also consider your credit history, income, and overall financial health when setting your limit.
Based on your financial profile, you could be eligible for less than 85% of your home’s value.
What other options do I have if refinancing my HELOC isn’t right for me?
Refinancing isn’t the only route when you want to increase your credit line. Another option could be to apply for a home equity loan. Unlike a HELOC, which is a revolving line of credit, a home equity loan provides you with a lump sum.
Another strategy could be to seek out a personal loan. You might also want to consider paying down debt to improve your credit profile, which can be more appealing to lenders.
Will any terms other than the credit limit change by increasing my HELOC limit?
If you update your HELOC limit by refinancing, anticipate other possible changes. The interest rate, for instance, might change, or the terms and conditions. Your lender might also update the minimum payments, variable rates, and timelines. Be sure to scrutinize any changes and question anything that seems unclear.
About our contributors
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Written by Jerry Brown, CFEI®Jerry Brown is a freelance personal finance writer and Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI®) who lives in New Orleans. He covers a range of personal finance topics, including credit, personal loans, and student loans.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their pack of senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.
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Reviewed by Eric Kirste, CFP®Eric Kirste, CFP®, CIMA®, AIF®, is a founding principal wealth manager for Savvy Wealth. Eric brings more than two decades of wealth management experience working with clients, families, and their businesses, and serving in different leadership capacities.