The Best Local California HELOC Lenders and Rates [2026]

Why we picked it

Established in 1934, Wescom Financial is active in 21 counties, mainly in Southern and Central California. UCLA alumni can become members regardless of location. The credit union has 30 branches and offers full digital banking services.

Besides a generous introductory offer and no origination fees, Wescom allows borrowers to convert to a fixed-rate HELOC (minimum APR 6.00%) and get a 0.5% APR rate discount on an outstanding balance of $15,000 or more. Borrowers may hold up to three fixed-rate converted balances on their HELOC, which adds control and flexibility.

Why we picked it

Golden 1 is one of the largest credit unions in California, with 70 branches throughout the state. Membership is open to anyone living or working in California.

Their HELOC terms seem attractive, with fairly competitive rates, a borrowing ceiling of up to $700,000, and no annual or upfront fees. However, the advertised rates assume a FICO score of at least 780, an LTV of 60%, and a first-lien position for the line of credit, so in practice, many borrowers won’t qualify for the best terms.

Like with many other lenders, Golden 1 borrowers can choose between a standard variable-rate HELOC and converting part or all of their balance to a fixed rate for maximum stability.

Why we picked it

SchoolsFirst FCU, California’s largest credit union, serves state residents who work in the educational system, retired educational system employees, and college students in certain programs. Members’ family is also eligible to join SchoolsFirst.

SchoolsFirst offers two HELOC plans: Standard and Rate Advantage (a fixed rate for the first five years, then a variable rate). Note that the introductory offer is only available for the Standard HELOC. The borrowing limit is $500,000 for owner-occupied primary homes and $150,000 for non-owner-occupied properties.

Borrowers make interest-only payments for the first 10 years, and must pay off the remaining principal plus interest within the remaining 15 years.

Why we picked it

Heritage CCU serves Greater Sacramento. Membership is open to those who live, study, work, or worship in the counties the credit union covers, and to the immediate family of existing members.

Heritage CCU’s HELOC limit is comparatively low, only $200,000, but they offer an especially generous intro APR of 2.99%. This could be great for those who plan to draw heavily upfront and repay the balance fairly quickly, as the credit union charges no prepayment penalties.

HELOCs are only available for owner-occupied residential homes. According to the credit union, approval takes 2-4 weeks.

Why we picked it

Exchange Bank is a local Sonoma County bank that has served Northern California for the past 135 years. The bank’s introductory rate and post-intro APR don’t appear very competitive. However, Exchange Bank offers especially high line credit limits, up to $1,000,000 for owner-occupied primary residences, which could appeal to homeowners who need to access large amounts.

Exchange Bank charges no upfront fees on lines up to $400,000 for properties that meet certain requirements, like an Automated Valuation Model (AVM) and a limited title policy. For larger loans, third-party fees (like title and appraisal fees) may add thousands of dollars to the loan’s total cost.

Unlike some lenders, who waive prepayment penalties entirely, Exchange Bank does charge an early closing fee ($500 to $5,000) if the borrower closes the account within 35 months.

Why we picked it

Headquartered in Chico, Tri Counties Bank has 75 locations across California, focusing on Northern CA and Central Valley.

The bank offers a fairly modest introductory rate of 5.75% fixed APR for the first six months, but only for those who take an initial advance of at least $25,000. They charge closing costs of $450 to $2,500 on HELOCs and a prepayment penalty of $500 or 2% (whichever is lower) if the borrower closes the credit line within three years.

Tri Counties Bank HELOCs can act as a first or second lien. HELOCs are available for second homes as well, but only with an LTV up to 60%.

Why we picked it

Sierra Central CU serves Northern California, specifically Yuba, Sutter, Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Lassen, Tehama, Placer, El Dorado, and Nevada counties. Their HELOC comes with an attractive introductory rate, a fair regular rate following the intro period, and no closing costs.

The offer is available for both primary and second homes (up to $250,000) and investment properties (up to $100,000), excluding condos and manufactured homes. One major drawback is the minimum initial advance: $50,000, which is higher than lenders typically require.