What credit score do you need for a HELOC?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for a HELOC, but the most competitive rates typically go to borrowers at 700 or above. A strong score is necessary but not sufficient — lenders also weigh your equity position, debt-to-income ratio, and income stability.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a second mortgage secured by your home, so lenders apply stricter scrutiny than on unsecured products. Your credit score is one of four pillars — alongside your equity position (loan-to-value), debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and verified income — and each must clear the lender's threshold independently. A strong score can't compensate for insufficient equity, and vice versa. The CFPB's HELOC overview explains how lenders evaluate each factor.

Credit score tiers and what they mean for HELOC approval

Below 620: Most conventional HELOC lenders will decline. Some credit unions and portfolio lenders may consider scores in the 580s with strong compensating factors (high equity, low DTI), but options are very limited.
620–679: Meets the floor at many lenders. Expect higher rates, stricter LTV caps, and potentially lower credit limits.
680–699: Broader lender access and meaningfully better pricing. Most standard HELOC programs are available.
700–739: Near-prime tier. Good rates and terms at most lenders; qualifies for most HELOC products without compensation.
740 and above: Top-tier pricing. At 740+ you typically access the lowest available HELOC rates and the highest eligible credit limits.

Why the HELOC credit score bar is higher than for a personal loan

A HELOC is a revolving second lien on your home — if you default, the primary mortgage lender gets paid first in a foreclosure. That second-lien position means the HELOC lender faces more recovery risk, which is why score minimums for HELOCs are often 20–40 points higher than for a comparable unsecured personal loan. The CFPB warns that because your home secures the line, missed payments can ultimately lead to foreclosure.

The other factors lenders weigh alongside your score

Combined loan-to-value (CLTV): Lenders typically allow up to 80–85% CLTV (your mortgage balance plus HELOC limit divided by home value). The more equity you hold, the less the lender risks.
Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: Most lenders cap DTI at 43–45%. Including the projected HELOC payment in the calculation is standard.
Income stability: Two years of documented income — W-2s for employees, tax returns for self-employed — is the norm.
Payment history: Recent late payments (12–24 months) are penalized more heavily than older blemishes, even if the score number looks acceptable.

Steps to strengthen your HELOC application

Pull your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any inaccurate negative items — errors are more common than most consumers expect. Pay down revolving balances to lower both your credit utilization ratio and your DTI before you apply. Avoid new credit applications in the 3–6 months before applying, since hard inquiries and new accounts can temporarily lower your score. The FTC's guide to free credit reports explains your rights under federal law.

What the regulators say

Lenders typically allow homeowners to borrow up to 85% of a home's appraised value minus outstanding mortgage debt — meaning equity position directly constrains how much you can access through a HELOC. — CFPB — Home Equity Lines of Credit
Because a HELOC is secured by your home, failure to make payments can result in the loss of your home through foreclosure. — CFPB — Home Equity Lines of Credit
Federal law entitles you to free weekly credit reports from each of the three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. — FTC — Free Credit Reports
Under federal law, you have three business days after closing a HELOC to cancel (right of rescission) if secured by your primary residence. — CFPB — Right of Rescission

Key takeaways

620 is the common credit score floor for HELOCs; 700+ is where rates become competitive.
Your score is one of four pillars — equity (CLTV), DTI, and income verification are equally required.
Second-lien position means HELOC lenders typically require higher scores than unsecured lenders.
Check and dispute credit report errors before applying; a single corrected item can lift a score meaningfully.
A lower score can sometimes be offset by high equity and low DTI, but never fully replaced.