Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Home Equity HELOCs Best Credit Union HELOCs Based on 2025 Rates, Terms, and Features Updated Nov 12, 2025 7-min read Expert Approved Expert Approved This article has been reviewed by a Certified Financial Planner™ for accuracy. Written by Catherine Collins Written by Catherine Collins Expertise: Budgeting, mortgages, home equity, credit, debt, investing, personal loans, small business, entrepreneurship, student loans Catherine Collins is a personal finance writer and author with more than 10 years of experience writing for top personal finance publications. As a mother to boy/girl twins, she is passionate about helping women and children learn about money and entrepreneurship. Cat is also the co-host of the Five Year You podcast. Learn more about Catherine Collins Edited by Amanda Hankel Edited by Amanda Hankel Expertise: Writing, editing, digital publishing Amanda Hankel is a managing editor at LendEDU. She has more than seven years of experience covering various finance-related topics and has worked for more than 15 years overall in writing, editing, and publishing. Learn more about Amanda Hankel Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP® Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP® Expertise: Insurance planning, education planning, retirement planning, investment planning, military benefits, behavioral finance Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®, works as a financial planner at AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust. Erin prepares comprehensive financial plans for military veterans and their families. Learn more about Erin Kinkade, CFP® Credit unions are often a go-to for HELOCs due to their member-focused approach and potentially lower interest rates. Unlike traditional banks or online lenders, credit unions prioritize affordability and personal service, which can result in better terms and lower fees. Credit unions also often provide more flexibility in lending requirements, making them appealing to a broader range of borrowers. While credit union HELOCs can offer unique benefits, membership requirements and product variety may vary. Below, we’ve compiled the top credit unions offering HELOCs, so you can decide which option is best for you. Note: If your credit score is below 720, it is unlikely that you will pass the prequalification stage for most HELOC lenders. If your score is higher than 580, see our highest-rated HELOCs for fair credit. Below 580, look into home equity agreements as an alternative. Customize your list by selecting filters. States All Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Credit Score All Excellent (800-850) Very Good (740-799) Good (670-739) Fair (580-669) Poor (<580) Amount All < $1,000 $1,000-$9,999 $10,000-$49,999 $50,000-$99,999 $100,000+ Filter results 0 Filters Close States All Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Credit Score All Excellent (800-850) Very Good (740-799) Good (670-739) Fair (580-669) Poor (<580) Amount All < $1,000 $1,000-$9,999 $10,000-$49,999 $50,000-$99,999 $100,000+ Best Overall Credit Union 4.7 View Rates View Rates Rates (APR) Fixed 6.99% for 12 months, then as low as 8.50% variable Loan amounts $10K – $1 million Terms Draw: 10 years / Repayment: 20 years Max. LTV 85% 4.7 View Rates Best for CU HELOC Comparison Shopping 4.5 View Rates View Rates Rates (APR) Vary by lender Loan amounts $10K – $2 million Terms Draw: 2 – 20 years / Repayment: 5 – 30 years Max. LTV Varies by lender 4.5 View Rates Best Intro Rate 4.2 View Rates View Rates Rates (APR) 3.99% fixed intro rate for the first 6 months, then variable starting at 8.75% Loan amounts $10K – $2 million Terms Draw: 10 years / Repayment: 20 years Max. LTV 85% 4.2 View Rates 3.8 View Rates View Rates Rates (APR) Starting at 6.99% Loan amounts Borrow up to $500K (or up to $1 million with two products) Terms Draw: 10 years / Repayment: 20 years Max. LTV 80% 3.8 View Rates Table of Contents What is the best credit union for a HELOC? How do credit union HELOCs work compared to banks or online lenders? Is it easier to get a HELOC through a credit union? Are credit union HELOC rates better? Do all credit unions offer HELOC loans? What is the best credit union for a HELOC? Credit unions often provide a unique edge when it comes to HELOCs, offering competitive rates, low fees, and personalized service that prioritizes members. After extensive research, we’ve identified four standout options that cater to different borrower needs. Here’s a closer look at each of our top picks and what makes them stand out. FourLeaf FCU Best Overall Credit Union 4.7 /5 View Rates Why it’s one of the best FourLeaf is located on Long Island, has 30 New York-area locations, and has more than 30,000 ATMs nationwide through the CO-OP ATM Network. Its services include banking, saving, investing, lending, credit counseling, and insurance. FourLeaf charges no closing costs, application, origination, or appraisal fees on its HELOCs. Unlike many HELOCs, which have variable interest rates, FourLeaf offers fixed-rate loan options at the time of funding. Lock some or all of your HELOC to a fixed-rate loan Make interest-only payments during your draw period (the first 10 years) No closing costs or origination fees Fixed-rate loans and loan amounts over $500,000 are not eligible for the introductory rate APR. HELOC details Rates (APR)Fixed 6.99% for 12 months, then as low as 8.50% variableLoan amounts$10,000 – $1 millionRepayment termsDraw: 10 years / Repayment: 20 yearsMax. LTV85% LendingTree Best for Comparison Shopping Credit Union HELOCs 4.5 /5 View Rates Why it’s one of the best LendingTree isn’t a credit union itself, but it’s one of the easiest ways to explore HELOC options from credit unions nationwide alongside traditional banks and online lenders. The platform’s wide network often includes local and regional credit unions, which tend to offer lower rates, fewer fees, and more personalized service than large banks. By using LendingTree, homeowners can quickly compare prequalified HELOC offers from multiple credit unions in one place—saving time while ensuring they find the most competitive terms available. LendingTree’s educational resources also help borrowers understand how credit union HELOCs work and what to expect during the application process. Access to a broad network of lenders, including many community and regional credit unions Simplified comparison tool for viewing prequalified HELOC rates and terms Educational guides that explain how credit union HELOCs differ from those at banks Interest rates and terms vary by lender Not all credit unions participate in the network HELOC details Rates (APR)Vary by lenderLoan amounts$10,000 – $2 millionRepayment termsDraw: 2 – 20 years / Repayment: 5 – 30 yearsMax. LTVVaries by lender Alliant Credit Union Best Intro Rate 4.2 /5 View Rates Why it’s one of the best Alliant Credit Union Alliant Credit Union is a national digital bank that offers banking, lending, investing, and insurance services. Its HELOC features a competitive variable rate that adjusts monthly based on the prime rate, plus a fixed introductory rate of 3.99% APR for the first six months. This intro rate makes it easier for borrowers to access funds affordably while managing short-term expenses. After the introductory period, the standard variable APR ranges from 7.50%. Borrow up to 90% of the value of your home 3.99% APR fixed intro rate for the first 6 months (then 7.50%–16.00% variable APR) Borrow only what you need, when you need it No closing costs or appraisal fees Complete the online application in minutes Alliant requires an appraisal only for HELOCs greater than $250,000 Limited state availability HELOC details Rates (APR)3.99% fixed intro rate for the first 6 months, then variable starting at 8.75%Loan amountsMinimum $10,000 in most states; Minimum $25,001 in Washington, D.C., and WisconsinRepayment termsDraw: 10 years / Repayment: 20 yearsMax. LTV85% States where available An Alliant HELOC is available in the following states*: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. *Availability subject to change. PenFed Credit Union 3.8 /5 View Rates Why it’s one of the best PenFed—Pentagon Federal Credit Union—offers checking, savings, investment, credit card, and loan accounts. The company has locations across the nation and at several military bases worldwide. PenFed’s HELOC stands out for its high limits ($1 million). It also allows borrowers to switch to a fixed interest rate on some or all of their interest payments. Take out a line of credit up to $500,000 Can take out more than one PenFed equity loan or HELOC simultaneously for up to $1 million Switch from a variable to a fixed rate on all or some of your interest payments PenFed will pay most of the HELOC closing costs for many borrowers Must have a credit score of 700 or above Maximum combined LTV limit of 80% Must be a member to qualify HELOC details Rates (APR)Starting at 6.99% Loan amountsBorrow up to $500,000 (or up to $1 million with two products)Repayment termsDraw: 10 years / Repayment: 20 yearsMax. LTV80% Read More Best HELOC Lenders & Rates How do credit union HELOCs work compared to banks or online lenders? Credit unions work much like banks and online lenders when it comes to HELOCs. They determine your borrowing limit based on your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, credit score, and financial profile, but typically offer lower fees, more flexible lending criteria, and a more personalized member experience. For example, if your home is worth $500,000 and your mortgage balance is $300,000, a 95% LTV would allow you to borrow up to $175,000 ($500,000 × 0.95 – $300,000). The main differences come down to speed, convenience, and costs. Credit unions may take longer to approve and fund loans because they often require in-person appraisals or membership verification, but they frequently waive appraisal and closing fees. Online lenders such as Figure, Aven, and Spring EQ focus on speed and digital convenience, sometimes offering fixed-rate HELOCs or higher LTV limits. FeatureCredit unionsOnline lenders and banksRates and feesLower rates, fewer feesCompetitive, may include origination feesSpeed and convenienceSlower approval, personal serviceFast, digital application and fundingProduct structureVariable-rate HELOCsOften fixed-rate, full draw at originationLoan-to-value (LTV)Typically 80%–95%Up to 90% for qualified borrowersAppraisalsMay require in-person appraisalOften automated or virtualMembershipUsually requiredNot requiredBest forLower costs and personalized supportFast access and flexible options Is it easier to get a HELOC through a credit union? It can be. Credit unions are often more flexible when evaluating HELOC applications, which can make qualifying easier compared to large banks or online lenders. Credit score: Credit unions may approve borrowers with moderate or fair credit, while banks often require higher scores. Debt-to-income ratio: Some credit unions allow higher DTI ratios, giving more room for borrowers with existing obligations. Home equity: Many credit unions permit higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, letting you borrow with less built-up equity. Employment and income: Credit unions may consider alternative income sources or nontraditional employment histories. Membership: You must join before applying, but most credit unions make this simple through a small donation or community affiliation. Prequalifying with both a credit union and a bank can help you compare how each views your eligibility and what terms you might qualify for. Are credit union HELOC rates better? Yes, you might qualify for lower HELOC rates when borrowing from a credit union than a bank. Because credit unions are member-owned, the focus is on benefitting the members rather than increasing bank profit. Of course, your HELOC rate depends on many factors, including your creditworthiness, income, the amount you want to borrow, and the value of your home. Do all credit unions offer HELOC loans? Not every credit union offers HELOCs, but credit unions that provide mortgages and home equity loans often offer home equity lines of credit. In most cases, you must become a credit union member before taking out a HELOC with that institution. This often involves a nominal fee or opening a checking or savings account with a small minimum balance. Best Overall Credit Union 4.7 View Rates View Rates Rates (APR) Fixed 6.99% for 12 months, then as low as 8.50% variable Loan amounts $10,000 – $1 million Terms Draw: 10 years / Repayment: 20 years Max. LTV 85% 4.7 View Rates Best for CU HELOC Comparison Shopping 4.5 View Rates View Rates Rates (APR) Vary by lender Loan amounts $10,000 – $2 million Terms Draw: 2 – 20 years / Repayment: 5 – 30 years Max. LTV Varies by lender 4.5 View Rates Best Intro Rate 4.2 View Rates View Rates Rates (APR) 3.99% fixed intro rate for the first 6 months, then variable starting at 8.75% Loan amounts $10,000 – $2 million Terms Draw: 10 years / Repayment: 20 years Max. LTV 85% 4.2 View Rates 3.8 View Rates View Rates Rates (APR) Starting at 6.99% Loan amounts Borrow up to $500,000 (or up to $1 million with two products) Terms Draw: 10 years / Repayment: 20 years Max. LTV 80% 3.8 View Rates About our contributors Written by Catherine Collins Catherine Collins is a personal finance writer and author with more than 10 years of experience writing for top personal finance publications. As a mother to boy/girl twins, she is passionate about helping women and children learn about money and entrepreneurship. Cat is also the co-host of the Five Year You podcast. Edited by Amanda Hankel Amanda Hankel is a managing editor at LendEDU. She has more than seven years of experience covering various finance-related topics and has worked for more than 15 years overall in writing, editing, and publishing.