A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, allows Pennsylvania homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home at an interest rate that’s often lower than credit cards.
You can use this equity for everything from home improvement projects to college tuition payments and more. But which HELOCs are the best for Pennsylvania residents?
We’ve analyzed a variety of mortgage lenders, including online, national, and local institutions, to pinpoint which ones have the top HELOCs in Pennsylvania. Explore our list to find the best match for you.
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Can you get HELOC loans in Pennsylvania?
Most lenders offer home equity lines of credit to homeowners in Pennsylvania. You can find them at major banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
The main requirements are that you need to be an owner-occupant of the home with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio under 80%, although some lenders will lend to you if you have a ratio of up to 90%.
Your LTV ratio is a comparison of your outstanding loan balance to the value of the home. For example, if your home is worth $200,000 and you have a $160,000 mortgage, your LTV would be 80% ($160,000 loan amount divided by $200,000 home value).
Some institutions may have additional requirements like minimum credit scores or income levels. Ideally, you’ll get the best rates and terms if your credit score is at least 700. Make sure your property meets the basic eligibility standards before applying.
HELOC rates in Pennsylvania
We’ve reviewed and ranked the best HELOC lenders in Pennsylvania. Here’s a summary of our top choices below. Click a lender’s name in the table below to learn more about its HELOC products.
| Product | APR in Pennsylvania | What you need to know | |
| Figure | HELOC | 7.75% – 15.95% | Best online HELOC |
| Spring EQ | HELOC; Home equity loan | Not disclosed | Best multi-product application |
| Bethpage FCU | HELOC; Home equity loan | Fixed, intro rate of 6.99% APR for 12 months for VantageScores of 720 and up; then variable starting at 8.50% APR thereafter | Best credit union HELOC |
| Bellco Federal Credit Union | HELOC; Home equity loan | 6-month introductory rate of 1.99%, then start at 9.24% for under 80% LTV, 9.49% for 80.01 – 90% LTV (As of January 2024) | Best for high LTV ratio |
| Pennian Bank | HELOC | 1.99% six-month introductory rate, then variable rates start at 8.15% (as of January 2024) | Best for locking in rate |
| InFirst Bank | HELOC; Home equity loan | 3.745% introductory rate, then variable rate starting at 8.500% – 16% (as of January 2024) | Best for no fees |
Best online HELOC lenders in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania homeowners have several excellent choices for a HELOC. We’ve rated several popular lenders and have reviewed some of the standouts below. These lenders provide flexible, competitive HELOC products for various needs and financial situations.
Figure: Best online HELOC
LendEDU rating: 4.9 out of 5
- Fully online application process
- Quick approval and funding times
- No in-person appraisal required
Figure stands out in Pennsylvania for its fully online HELOC application and quick funding, often in as little as five days. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking efficiency and convenience.
Pennsylvania residents considering Figure will appreciate the streamlined process, eliminating the need for in-person appraisals. The lender offers competitive rates and a range of loan amounts suitable for various home equity levels. Its HELOC product is best suited for those comfortable with digital platforms seeking quick access to their home equity.
Spring EQ: Best multi-product application
LendEDU rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Offers both HELOCs and home equity loans
- Large loan amounts
Spring EQ provides a unique advantage by allowing applicants to view offers for its HELOC and home equity loan products with one application. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for Pennsylvania homeowners exploring different financing options.
Spring EQ is ideal for those seeking a high loan amount, as it allows borrowers to access up to 95% of their home’s value, up to $500,000. Representatives are available to help you through the application process.
Bethpage FCU: Best credit union HELOC
LendEDU rating: 4.2 out of 5
- Attractive rates and terms
- Flexible loan amounts
- Member-focused service
Bethpage FCU offers a promotional fixed rate for the first 12 months, followed by a variable rate for the remainder of the term. There are no closing costs or origination fees.
Borrowers make interest-only payments for the first 10 years during the draw period, followed by full payment afterward. The funds you receive can be used for home improvements, student loans and tuition, debt consolidation, or other unforeseen expenses.
The best local HELOC lenders in Pennsylvania
Our research shows these are some of the best local HELOC lenders for Pennsylvania residents.
Bellco Federal Credit Union: Best for high LTV ratio
- Rates start at 9.24% (as of January 2024)
- Available only to members in Berks County, PA
- Will allow up to 90% LTV
Bellco Federal Credit Union is only available to people who live, work, worship, or attend school in Berks County, PA. If you fall under one of those categories, joining the credit union is easy— just open a member savings account and deposit as little as $5. Membership can then be completed in a few steps.
Bellco Federal Credit Union stands out because it will allow an LTV ratio of up to 90% for a slightly higher rate. Most HELOC lenders you’ll find require your LTV to be below 80%.
Pennian Bank: Best for locking in rate
- Make interest-only payments during the draw period
- Ability to lock in your variable for up to 5 installments at a time
- Introductory rate of 1.99% APR for first 6 months (as of January 2024)
Borrowers of Pennian Bank’s Choice HELOC receive an introductory rate of 1.99% (as of January 2024) for the first six months if you meet credit and LTV requirements. After that, your rate converts to a variable rate, which varies with Wall Street Journal Prime Rate.
What sets Pennian Bank apart is the ability to lock in your variable rate temporarily. So even if the variable rate fluctuates, you can stabilize your payments for up to five installments for a fee. Pennian Bank has 10 locations in Juniata, Perry, and Cumberland counties.
InFirst Bank: Best for no fees
- 3.79% 6-month introductory APR, followed by variable rate based on Prime Rate (as of January 2024)
- Lender pays fees and closing costs for HELOCS over $15,000
- Bank has 10 locations in Pennsylvania
InFirst Bank has an introductory HELOC offer that waives fees and closing costs for new HELOCs over $15,000. All fees apply to loans under that amount.
The offer is based on an LTV of 89%, which is higher than the standard 80% threshold for which you can often get the best deal on a HELOC from other lenders.
For Pennsylvania residents located near an InFirst Bank location, including Indiana, Blairsville, Harrison City, Greensburg, Punxsutawney, Troutville, Johnstown, and Plumville, a HELOC through this local bank is worth considering.
Ask the expert
Ultimately, choosing between a national and local lender comes down to the customer service experience you’re looking for. What is important to you—being able to walk into a place of business and talk with somebody who knows the area well or working with a national lender in which customer care is likely limited to corporation rules and regulations that may make the experience feel less “home-like.” Of course, the interest rate, terms, and eligibility requirements are also important when choosing a HELOC lender.
How to get the best HELOC rates in Pennsylvania
Following these steps will help you land the best HELOC rates in Pennsylvania.
- Make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements. Lenders will require your primary residence to be in Pennsylvania, which must be owner-occupied. Your loan-to-value ratio, the amount of your mortgage compared to your home’s value, should be under 85%.
- Check your credit report. Generally, you’ll want a score of 700 or higher for the best rates. The higher your score, the lower your interest rate is likely to be. Check your credit reports for any errors and pay down credit card balances before applying.
- Shop around with multiple lenders to find the best rate. Compare offers from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Look at the introductory and ongoing rates, as well as any fees. Ask about current promotions too.
Once you’ve selected a lender, the approval process typically takes two to six weeks. You must provide documents verifying your income, assets, and property details. The lender may appraise your home as well.
Ask the expert
If you don’t currently qualify for the best HELOC rates due to poor credit, I recommend waiting and working on your credit score if you can. If it is necessary, access emergency funds first, then potentially ask a family member or friend or crowdfund. Lastly, look for a personal loan for bad credit.
FAQ
What is the lowest HELOC rate in Pennsylvania?
The lowest HELOC rate in Pennsylvania varies based on the lender, the borrower’s credit profile, and market conditions. Homeowners are encouraged to shop around and compare rates from different lenders to find the most competitive offer.
What HELOC has the highest rates in Pennsylvania?
The HELOC with the highest rates in Pennsylvania typically depends on the lender’s risk assessment, which includes factors like the borrower’s credit score, loan-to-value ratio, and the current market rates. Higher rates are often seen with lenders who accept lower credit scores or offer higher loan-to-value ratios.
Can I get a better HELOC rate with a local or online lender in Pennsylvania?
Whether a local or online lender offers a better HELOC rate in Pennsylvania can depend on various factors, including the lender’s policies, the borrower’s specific financial situation, and current market trends. Some borrowers may find more competitive rates with online lenders due to their lower overhead costs, while others may benefit from the personalized services of local lenders.
Are any lenders’ HELOCs not available in Pennsylvania?
There are HELOC lenders that don’t operate in Pennsylvania. One example that we reviewed is Hitch. It’s only available in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, and D.C. as of December 2023.
It’s possible that some lenders are not available in the state temporarily as they await state approval or that state regulations have led them to simply decide to stay out of the state.
