Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Home Equity HELOCs Best California HELOC Lenders and Rates [2025] Updated Aug 21, 2025 11-min read Expert Approved Expert Approved This article has been reviewed by a Certified Financial Planner™ for accuracy. Written by Cassidy Horton, MBA Written by Cassidy Horton, MBA Expertise: Banking, home equity, mortgages, financial planning, budgeting, tax planning Cassidy Horton is a finance writer passionate about helping people find financial freedom. With an MBA and a bachelor's in public relations, her work has been published more than 1,000 times online. Learn more about Cassidy Horton, MBA Reviewed by Chloe Moore, CFP® Reviewed by Chloe Moore, CFP® Expertise: Equity compensation, home ownership, employee benefits, general finance Chloe Moore, CFP®, is the founder of Financial Staples, a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, and serving clients nationwide. Her firm is dedicated to assisting tech employees in their 30s and 40s who are entrepreneurial-minded, philanthropic, and purpose-driven. Learn more about Chloe Moore, CFP® Finding the best home equity line of credit (HELOC) in California isn’t just about the lowest advertised rate. Some lenders lure you in with rock-bottom intro offers, while others shine with low ongoing rates that save you money for years. We’ve compared rates from California’s top banks, credit unions, and online lenders to show you exactly who’s offering what in 2025. Our hope is that you can use this guide to match the right HELOC to your goals—whether that’s remodeling your kitchen, consolidating debt, or funding a big life event. This table gives you a side-by-side look at some of the best California HELOC lenders in 2025. Company Best for… Rates (APR) View Rates Best Overall 6.70% – 14.65% fixed View Rates View Rates Best Customer Reviews 6.99% – 15.49% fixed View Rates View Rates Best Credit Union 12-month intro rate starting at 6.49% for VantageScores of 720 and up, w/ variable post-intro rates starting at 7.75% View Rates View Rates Low Introductory Rates 6-month intro rate starting at 4.99%, w/ variable post-intro rates starting at 7.63% View Rates View Rates Best for Comparison Shopping Starting at 6.50% View Rates Table of Contents What are HELOC rates, and how do they work in California? Best CA HELOCs (2025 picks) Figure Aven FourLeaf FCU Golden 1 LendingTree Are rates different from other states? How are HELOC rates calculated? Fixed vs. variable What is a rate in California right now? Who has the best HELOC rates in CA? Current rate range snapshot Lowest intro rates Cheapest long-term HELOCs What banks or credit unions have the lowest rates? Local HELOC rates by region Los Angeles Bay Area Orange County What to know about getting a HELOC in California FAQ What are HELOC rates, and how do they work in California? Before we share the details on the best California HELOC lenders, it can be helpful to know how HELOC rates work in general (and in California specifically). What is a HELOC? A HELOC is a revolving credit line secured by your home. You can borrow, repay, and borrow again (up to your limit) during the draw period, which usually lasts five to 10 years. Most HELOCs have variable rates tied to the prime rate, though some let you lock in a fixed rate on part of your balance for predictable payments. Learn more about how HELOCs work. Best HELOC lenders in California (2025 picks) Figure Best Overall 4.9 /5 View Rates Why we picked it Figure is a fintech company that offers a streamlined online application process for HELOCs for California residents. Figure’s HELOCs in California are licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act and Finance Lenders Law. Fixed interest rates No in-person appraisal needed Option to redraw up to 100% of funds Funding can be available in as few as 5 days Check your rate without affecting your credit score 100% of funds are drawn at origination An origination fee of up to 4.99% Rates (APR)8.35% – 16.55% fixedFunding amount$15,000 – $750,000Repayment terms5, 10, 15, or 30 yearsMin. credit score640, but 720+ is advised Aven Best Customer Reviews 4.8 /5 View Rates Why we picked it Aven offers fixed-rate HELOCs to California homeowners with credit scores of 720 and higher. The combination of fixed interest rates and its Lowest Rate Guarantee offers the potential for cost-effective monthly payments. Lowest Rate Guarantee Optional debt protection program through Securian Approval in as little as 15 minutes Excellent reviews from thousands of customers 100% digital application process Increases credit line for select customers Automated appraisals High maximum LTV 3-day funding after signing Fixed interest rates from start to finish Check your rate with no credit impact Short draw period First-draw fee of 4.90% Rates (APR)6.99% – 15.49% fixedLoan amounts$5,000 – $400,000Repayment terms5, 10, 15, or 30 yearsMin. credit score640 FourLeaf FCU Best Credit Union 4.7 /5 View Rates Why we picked it If you have a VantageScore of 720 or higher and open a FourLeaf Federal Credit Union HELOC for $25,000 or more, you could qualify for its low 12-month introductory rate. FourLeaf FCU also offers an interest rate discount if you schedule payments from a FourLeaf checking or savings account. Anyone who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can join this credit union by opening a FourLeaf savings account and depositing $5. 12-month fixed introductory rate for qualified borrowers $0 application, origination, and appraisal fees $0 closing costs Convert some or all of your HELOC into a fixed-rate loan at no cost Information on time it takes to close unavailable Rates (APR)12-month introductory rate starting at 6.99% for VantageScores of 720 and up1, with variable post-introductory rates starting at 8.50%Loan amounts$10,000 – $1 millionRepayment terms20 yearsMin. credit score670 Golden 1 Best Introductory Offer View Rates Why we picked it Golden 1’s HELOC comes with one of the most generous intro deals you’ll find: a low fixed rate for the first six billing cycles on balances drawn right after opening. That’s a big win if you plan to borrow upfront for a remodel, debt payoff, or other major expense. Just remember—after the intro period, your rate will adjust to a variable rate tied to the Prime Rate. No closing, application, or annual fees 6-month fixed introductory rate for qualified borrowers (780+ FICO) Option to convert part of your balance to a fixed rate Access funds via HELOC card, online banking transfers, or convenience check $500 termination fee if you close your HELOC within 3 years Rates (APR)6-month introductory rate starting at 6.99%, with variable post-introductory rates starting at 8.50%Loan amounts$25,000 – $700,000Repayment terms20 years LendingTree Best for Comparison Shopping 4.5 /5 View Rates Why we picked it If you want to see multiple HELOC offers without filling out a dozen separate applications, LendingTree makes it easy. You’ll answer a few questions about your home and finances, then get side-by-side rate quotes from top lenders in minutes without affecting your credit score. LendingTree might be best if you’re still weighing your options or want a starting point to see how far your equity can stretch. Compare multiple home equity loans in one place Easy, streamlined application process No impact on credit score to explore options Options limited to home equity loan lenders in the LendingTree network May receive excessive calls from lenders after filling out information Rates (APR)Starting at 6.50%Loan amounts$10,000 – $2 million, but vary by lender (and by borrower’s equity)Repayment terms5 – 30 years, but vary by lenderMin. credit score620, but vary by lender Are rates in California different from other states? Not usually. Lenders tend to set HELOC rates based on national market conditions. There might be slight variations, but they tend to be about the same. That said, competition among California lenders can mean more promotional offers or regional discounts. How are HELOC rates calculated? Most HELOCs have a variable rate based on the prime rate plus a lender’s margin, which depends on your credit score, loan-to-value ratio (LTV), and other factors. Here’s a deeper look at how HELOC interest is calculated. Fixed vs. variable HELOC rates Variable rates can go up or down over time. Fixed-rate HELOCs lock in one rate for a set portion of your balance, so you have predictable payments. See how fixed-rate HELOCs work. What is a good HELOC rate in California right now? A “good” rate depends on your credit profile and the lender’s current offers. In 2025, top lenders in California are advertising introductory rates well below the national average, especially if you have strong credit and low LTV, as you can see in the table below. Who has the best HELOC rates in California? LenderRate range (APR)Intro rate (APR)NotesGolden 1Variable post-intro rates start at 7.63%4.99% for 6 mos.No application or closing feesFremont BankVariable post-intro rates of 8.00% – 9.75%5.99% for 6 mos.No closing costs and no annual fee (first year)Wescom FinancialVariable post-intro rates starting at 8.00%3.99% for 12 mos.Borrow up to 90% LTVFourLeafVariable post-intro rates start at 7.75%6.49% for 12 mos., VantageScores of 720 and upCredit union membership requiredFigure6.70% – 14.65% fixedN/AFast online approval Current rate range snapshot Here’s a quick look at what California HELOC lenders are advertising as of 2025. Lowest introductory rates If you’re planning to borrow upfront, lenders with low fixed intro rates can save you hundreds early on. Wescom Financial’s 3.99% APR (12 months) and Golden 1’s 4.99% APR (6 months) are among the lowest in California. See our full guide to HELOC introductory rates. Lenders with the cheapest long-term HELOCs If you expect to carry a balance for years, the lowest ongoing rate matters more than short-term promos. So look for low rates if you’ll be paying off your HELOC balance well beyond the promo period. Fremont Bank and Figure often advertise competitive long-term rates for borrowers with strong credit. Plus, with Figure, you’ll pay one fixed rate for the full repayment term. If a client is looking to borrow against their equity all at once and can repay the balance quickly, a lower introductory rate could be beneficial. Depending on the lender, they may also have the option to convert a portion of the loan to a fixed rate. Clients looking to borrow the money over an extended time would most likely benefit more from the lowest long-term rate. Chloe Moore , CFP® What banks or credit unions have the lowest rates? Golden 1 and FourLeaf Credit Union regularly show some of the lowest credit union rates, while Fremont Bank stands out among California-based banks. In addition to comparing interest rates, consider fees and closing costs, as well as how fast you can access the funds. Chloe Moore , CFP® Local HELOC rates by region If you’d prefer a local lender with some of the best California HELOCs, here are our top picks for Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Orange County. HELOC rates in Los Angeles LenderRates (APR)FundingTerms (Yrs.)FeaturesCal Coast Credit Union7.50% – 12%Up to $250,00010 (draw); 15 (repayment)No lender fee; no annual feeFoothill Credit Union2.99% intro rate for 3 months; rates start at 7.25%Up to $500,000Not disclosedAccepts credit scores as low as 620 HELOC rates in the Bay Area LenderRates (APR)FundingTerms (Yrs.)FeaturesFremont Bank5.99% intro rate for 6 months; rates start at 8.00%Up to $500,00010 (draw); 15 or 20 (repayment)Several HELOC types; No closing costs and no annual fee for first yearRedwood Credit UnionStarting at 8.00%Up to $500,000 for primary homes; $300,000 for second homes and investment propertiesVaryNo closing costs on certain HELOCs HELOC rates in Orange County LenderRates (APR)FundingTerms (Yrs.)FeaturesOrange County’s Credit Union7.625%Not disclosedVariesBorrow up to 100% LTV (primary home); 75% (secondary home)Wescom Financial3.99% intro for 12 months; 8.00% – 12.00% after thatNot disclosed10 (draw); 20 (repayment)Borrow up to 90% LTV; no closing costs or origination fees; discounts available What to know about getting a HELOC in California Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop for a California HELOC: High home values can work in your favor California’s property prices mean you may have more equity to tap if you’ve owned your home for several years. That can boost your borrowing power. You’ll likely need an appraisal Most lenders require an appraisal to confirm your home’s current market value. In high-cost markets, even small changes in value can affect your available credit. Property insurance requirements You’ll need to maintain homeowners insurance—and in some areas, flood or wildfire coverage—before a lender will approve your HELOC. These extra policies can increase your overall costs. State-specific lending rules California follows federal Truth in Lending Act protections, plus its own lending laws that require clear disclosures about variable rates and repayment terms. Always review these details before signing. Borrowing responsibly matters A HELOC can help fund all types of big life goals, including paying for renovations or consolidate high-interest debt. That said, it’s still secured by your home. Missed payments could lead to foreclosure, so use only what you can repay on time. FAQ How do I get the lowest HELOC rates in California? Shop around with at least three lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online options. Compare not just the interest rate, but also fees, introductory offers, and repayment terms. What is the HELOC application process like? You’ll typically submit an application, provide proof of income, undergo a credit check, and complete a home appraisal. If approved, your lender will set your credit limit and terms. Are HELOCs harder to qualify for in California? Not necessarily, but high property values can make appraisals—and the required loan-to-value ratio—more important. Strong credit and steady income will improve your chances. Can I get a HELOC in California with bad credit? We’ve rarely found a lender willing to approve bad-credit borrowers. (Most will only approve those with FICO scores of 720 and up, even if their stated minimum credit score is lower.) If you have bad credit but want to leverage your home equity, consider a home equity agreement instead. (Our picks for the best home equity agreements all offer options for California homeowners.) Why don’t some lenders offer HELOCs in California? Some national lenders avoid states with stricter regulations or higher operational costs. Others focus on regions where they already have a large customer base. Do I need homeowners or flood insurance? Yes—homeowners insurance is almost always required when taking out a loan against your home because the lender wants to protect their interest in your property. Flood or wildfire coverage could also be mandatory depending on your location.