A home equity line of credit (HELOC) gives you access to cash secured by your home’s value. When you get a HELOC, you get a revolving credit line you can borrow against as needed. You can use a HELOC for various expenses, including home renovations and debt consolidation.
Many HELOCs have variable interest rates, but some lenders offer a fixed-rate option. Regardless of which one you choose, it’s important to get the lowest rate possible. If you live in the Hawkeye State, keep reading to learn which lenders offer the best rates for Iowa HELOCs.
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Best online HELOCs in Iowa
Online lenders offer several advantages over local options, making them popular for many borrowers. One major benefit is convenience. You can complete an online application from the comfort of your home anytime.
Online lenders often provide faster approval and funding processes than traditional banks, allowing borrowers to access funds sooner. Due to the extensive network of lenders competing in the digital marketplace, many online lenders offer more competitive rates and a broader range of loan products. The availability of online tools and resources also makes comparing offers and finding the best terms to suit your financial needs easier.
Figure
Why we picked it
Figure is our top pick for a HELOC due to its blend of competitive fixed rates, quick funding, and flexible terms.
Advanced technologies such as blockchain and AI ensure a fast and efficient approval process, with funds available in as few as five days. This makes Figure ideal for borrowers seeking quick and reliable access to home equity without the traditional banking hassle.
- Fixed interest rates
- No in-person appraisal is 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
Loan details
| Fixed Rates (APR) | 6.55% – 15.54% |
| Loan amounts | $20,000 – $750,000 |
| Draw period | 2 – 5 years |
| Repayment term | 10, 15, 20 or 30 years |
| Funding time | As few as 5 days |
| Properties | Primary home, second home, or investment property |
| Minimum Credit score | 640 |
Figure Disclosures
- The Figure Fixed Rate Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw.
- Approval may be granted in five minutes but is ultimately subject to verification of income and employment, as well as verification that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary, and where loan amounts are under $400,000 which would not require an appraisal. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing, or that require a waiting period prior to closing, or where loan amounts exceed $400,000.
- To check the rates and terms you qualify for, we will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you continue and submit an application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
- A Figure HELOC is secured with your home as collateral, whereas personal loans and credit cards are not.
- Our loan amounts range from a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $750,000. For properties located in AK, the minimum loan amount is $25,001 and for properties located in TX, the minimum loan amount is $35,000. Your maximum loan amount may be lower than $750,000, and will ultimately depend on your home value, lien position, credit profile, verified income amount, and equity available at the time of application. We determine home value and resulting equity through independent data sources and automated valuation models or appraisal. Loan amounts above $400,000 are subject to appraisal.
- Available initial APRs range from 6.65% to 15.25%, which includes the payment of a higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced interest rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states. The lowest APRs are only available to the most qualified applicants, depending on credit profile and the state where the property is located, and those who also select ten year loan terms; APRs will be higher for other applicants and those who select longer loan terms. Your actual rate will depend on many factors such as your credit, combined loan-to-value ratio, loan term, occupancy status, and whether you are eligible for and choose to pay a higher origination fee in exchange for a lower rate. Rates change frequently so your exact APR will depend on the date you apply. Additionally, for the variable rate HELOC, the APR is based on an interest rate index and the credit agreement margin, and an increase or decrease of the index value will cause a corresponding increase or decrease in the variable APR after account opening subject to a rate floor and rate cap, and your monthly payments may increase or decrease as the APR changes. APRs for home equity lines of credit do not include costs other than interest. You will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of your initial draw, depending on the state in which your property is located and your credit profile. You may also be responsible for paying the costs of valuation if an AVM is not available for your property ($180), or an appraisal if your loan amount exceeds $400,000 ($500-$2,000, depending on property type, property value, and state), manual notarization if your county doesn’t permit eNotary ($350), and recording fees ($0 – $315) and recording taxes, which vary by state and county ($0-$1,400 per one hundred thousand dollars borrowed). Property insurance is required as a condition of the loan and flood insurance may be required if your property is located in a flood zone.
- You should consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest and charges to your Figure Home Equity Line.
- The Figure Variable Rate Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on the selected rate at application and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the initial draw, plus a stated margin; however, the rate and payment will adjust monthly based on the market and the fluctuation of the Index subject to a Rate Cap and Rate Floor. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. The index can change at any time and the unpaid balance of all draws are subject to the monthly variable rate. Accordingly, variable rates are based on the market and may change after account opening. This product is not available in: MA, VA, MS, IL, WI, VT, DC, OK, TX, NY, CO, WY, WV, SC.
Aven
Why we picked it
Customers praise Aven’s HELOC for its easy-to-understand terms and excellent customer service. It’s ideal for homeowners who want a transparent borrowing experience with ongoing support. Aven’s focus on customer satisfaction is reflected in its positive reviews, making it a strong option for anyone looking to tap home equity without hassle.
- Lowest rate guarantee
- Optional foreclosure protection program
- Approval in as little as 15 minutes
- Excellent Trustpilot reviews from thousands of customers
- 100% digital application process
- Increases credit line for select customers
- Automated appraisals
- High maximum loan-to-value ratio (LTV)
- Fast 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%
- Only available in 32 states*
HELOC details
| Rates (APR) | 6.99% – 15.49% |
| Loan amounts | $5,000 – $400,000 ($100,000) |
| Draw period | 5 years |
| Repayment terms | 5, 10, 15, or 30 years |
| Funding time | As little as 3 days after signing |
| Properties | All types |
| Credit score | 640 |
FourLeaf FCU
Why we picked it
FourLeaf‘s borrowers can benefit from a 12-month fixed introductory rate for qualified borrowers and $0 closing costs, with the added flexibility to convert part of the HELOC to a fixed-rate option.
As a reputable credit union, FourLeaf provides competitive rates and personalized service, making it an excellent choice for members seeking loan amounts of up to $1 million without application, origination, or appraisal fees.
- Borrow $10,000 – $1 million
- No application, origination, or appraisal fees
- Convert part of your HELOC to a fixed-rate option
- 12-month fixed introductory rate for qualified borrowersⓘ
- $0 closing costs
Loan details
| Rates (APR) | 6.99% for 12 months, then variable starting at 6.75%ⓘ |
| Loan amounts | $10,000 – $1 million |
| Draw period | 10 years |
| Repayment term | Up to 20 years |
| Funding time | 6 to 10 weeks on average |
| Properties | Primary homes, second homes, or condos |
| Credit score | 670 |
Local HELOCs in Iowa
Online lenders offer many options, but looking local for Iowa HELOCs can offer several benefits.
Local banks and credit unions may offer better rates or terms personalized to your needs and budget. You might also prefer working with a loan officer in person, making it easier to ask questions and share documents. Here are three popular options for local HELOC lenders in Iowa.
| Company | Rates (APR) | Locations |
| Dupaco Credit Union | 4.99% intro rate; after that, a variable rate as low as 8.00% | Charter area extends to all 99 IA counties + selected counties in IL & WI |
| GreenState Credit Union | As low as 7.24% | All 99 IA counties + selected counties in IL, NE, SD, & WI |
| Security National Bank | As low as 7.55% | Branches in Sioux City, Orange City, Moville, & Mapleton |
If you’re considering a local lender, here are several helpful questions to ask.
- Is the lender a bank or a credit union?
- If the lender is a credit union, are you eligible for membership?
- Does the lender offer variable-rate HELOCs only, or is there a fixed-rate option?
- Does the lender also offer home equity loans, which allow you to borrow a lump sum?
- What fees does the lender charge?
- What is the draw period? In other words, how long will you be able to access your HELOC before repayment begins?
- Does the lender allow you to choose from multiple payment terms?
- Can you apply for a HELOC online, or must you visit a branch?
- Does the lender offer mobile and online banking to help you manage your HELOC account?
- What’s the lender’s reputation like? What do local people like or dislike about it?
It’s also important to consider the lender’s eligibility requirements and what you’ll need to qualify for a HELOC. Lenders may vary regarding the minimum credit score required or the minimum loan-to-value ratio (LTV) they’ll accept.
Your LTV measures the mortgage amount compared to your home’s value. A typical LTV for a HELOC is 80% to 85% or less, though it’s possible to find a local lender that may allow up to 90%.
What’s the difference between online and local HELOCs in Iowa?
When you put online and local HELOCs side by side, they tend to look similar at first glance. The differences between online lenders and local Iowa HELOCs usually lie in:
- Draw period
- Choice of repayment terms
- Rate type (i.e., fixed or variable)
- Rate ranges
- HELOC minimum and maximum limits
- LTV ratios
- Minimum credit score and income requirements
- Fees
- Customer service
Let’s compare FourLeaf and Dupaco as an example. Both offer an introductory rate, but Dupaco’s is much lower. FourLeaf, however, gives you twice the introductory rate: 12 months instead of six.
Dupaco requires a minimum HELOC of $5,000, while FourLeaf doubles the minimum to $10,000. FourLeaf doesn’t charge closing costs; meanwhile, Dupaco pays your closing costs for you, up to $350. Dupaco doesn’t charge maintenance, annual, or transaction fees.
Both have a 10-year draw period, but only FourLeaf offers multiple repayment terms. This comparison level can add an extra step to finding a lender to work with. However, it’s well worth your time if you’re looking for the best deal possible on an Iowa HELOC.
How do Iowa HELOC rates compare to other states?
Comparing HELOC rates by state can give you perspective on whether geography matters when trying to get a loan. Pinning down an average rate for Iowa HELOCs is difficult. No studies or surveys collect that data. Nationwide, HELOC rates hover around 10% on average in July 2024.
Your state of residence can affect HELOC rates if you:
- Live in an area prone to natural disasters, which may influence your overall risk profile
- Own a home in an area that’s experiencing rapid shifts in home values
- Are subject to rate caps as mandated by state law
Generally, there’s little difference in HELOC rates from one state to the next. However, your credit scores and choice of lender can have a greater impact on the rate you pay.
As you can see from the sampling of Iowa lenders included here, it’s possible to find local Iowa HELOC options with rates well below the 10% national average. Variable rates may be lower than fixed rates, though they can increase according to changes in the underlying benchmark rate.
How to get the best HELOC rates in Iowa
Eligibility requirements for a HELOC in Iowa are similar to any other state. Some of the most important factors lenders may consider for HELOC approval include:
- Credit score
- Income
- Debt-to-income ratio(DTI), or how much of your monthly income goes toward debt repayment
- Home value and LTV ratios
Credit scores tend to carry the most weight when it comes to HELOC rates. The higher your credit score, the lower your rate is likely to be. Lenders often reserve the best rates for the most creditworthy borrowers.
Reviewing your credit reports and scores can give you an idea of what lenders will likely see when you apply for a HELOC. You can use your scores as a guide for choosing a lender based on the minimum credit score they require for approval.
It’s wise to shop around and get multiple HELOC rate quotes before selecting a lender. You can get quotes from a mix of online and local Iowa lenders to see which ones offer the most favorable terms. Just be aware of whether getting a rate quote online requires a hard credit check, which could affect your score by lowering it. Your credit score should recover after around six months.
Are there any Iowa-specific requirements or regulations?
Iowa legal code 535.10 discusses specifics for HELOCs and the rules lenders are required to follow. For example, lenders must:
- Compute interest periodically
- Give borrowers the right to pay in full at any time, without penalty
- Allow borrowers to withdraw money from time to time, up to the maximum amount established by the loan agreement
- Limit annual maintenance fees to $15
One part of the code also specifies that the interest rate on a HELOC shall not exceed 1.75% per month. That means the maximum annual percentage rate an Iowa lender can charge is 21%.
The law does not mention borrower responsibilities other than a discussion of foreclosure. If you fail to pay your HELOC on time, the lender can foreclose, but only if you owe more than $2,000.
Your lender should be able to clarify the requirements for getting a HELOC in Iowa. The law doesn’t specify minimum or maximum HELOC limits, credit score requirements, or LTV requirements. Those will all depend on the lender you decide to work with.
FAQ
What credit score do you need for an Iowa HELOC?
The minimum credit score required for a HELOC in Iowa varies by lender. Most lenders prefer a minimum credit score of around 620 to 640, although some lenders may approve applicants with scores as low as 580.
What are the typical fees for an Iowa HELOC?
Typical HELOC fees include application fees, origination fees, appraisal fees, and closing costs. These fees vary depending on the lender and the loan amount. Some lenders may offer promotions with reduced or waived fees, lowering the overall cost of obtaining a HELOC.
Are there any special programs or incentives for Iowa HELOCs?
While no state-specific HELOC programs are unique to Iowa, many lenders offer special incentives such as introductory interest rates, waived fees, or flexible draw and repayment terms. Shop around and compare lenders to find any available incentives or special programs that best suit your financial needs.
What happens if I move to another state with a HELOC in Iowa?
If you move to another state with a HELOC from Iowa, the terms of your HELOC generally remain unchanged. Your Iowa property secures the loan. However, managing your account might be less convenient if your lender doesn’t have a presence in your new state. It’s important to notify your lender about your move and ensure you continue meeting your HELOC agreement’s terms and conditions.
How we chose the best HELOCs in Iowa
LendEDU evaluates HELOC lenders to help readers find the best home equity products. Accessibility is important to this evaluation, so our editorial ratings system primarily focuses on companies available in most U.S. states. That’s why the lenders we selected in the online section have editorial ratings. They’ve gone through an extensive review process and were determined to offer superior products compared to other lenders. We’ve also independently verified that these companies are available in Iowa.
Since most local lenders aren’t available outside state lines, they haven’t gone through the same review process as the online lenders. Instead, we found them through separate research and determined that each offered solutions worthy of consideration by readers.
Recap of Iowa online HELOC rates and lenders
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About our contributors
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Written by Rebecca Lake, CEPF®Rebecca Lake is a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF®) and freelance writer specializing in finance.
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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 Erin Kinkade, CFP®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.