What Is a Fixed-Rate HELOC?

Definition and Examples of a Fixed-Rate HELOC

A fixed-rate HELOC, short for a home equity line of credit, allows you to borrow against your home equity, then repay some or all of what you borrow at a fixed interest rate. Unlike with a loan, you don't have to accept the full credit line upfront. Instead, you can make advances as needed during the draw period. As you repay any fixed-rate balance, you may be able to make additional draws from the principal you've repaid.

• Alternate name: Fixed-rate home equity line of credit
  

For example, if you have taken two HELOC advances of $5,000, both with variable annual percentage rates (APRs), you may be able to opt to convert one to a fixed-rate APR. Your HELOC then would have two balances: one with a fixed APR and the other with a variable APR.

How a Fixed Rate HELOC Works

Most HELOCs come with a variable APR, meaning the APR is tied to a market rate such as the prime rate. Your HELOC APR—and your monthly payment—will go up and down whenever the index rate changes.

With a fixed-rate HELOC, however, some or all of the balance has a fixed interest rate, which does not change for a specific term.

One type of fixed-rate HELOC offers a fixed interest rate at the opening of the account that automatically applies to all your credit-line advances.

Another type of fixed-rate HELOC combines both fixed- and variable-rate balances on the same credit line. You have the option to lock in a portion of your balance at a fixed rate with a fixed term, or even switch between fixed and variable APRs to take advantage of lower interest rates. The rate you receive is based on your credit, balance, and the term you choose, and could be higher than the variable rate. Lenders may charge a fee to convert a draw to a fixed rate.

During the term, payments on the fixed-rate part of the balance will cover both the principal and interest, allowing you to pay off the principal on or before the maturity date. As you pay down the principal, that amount becomes available for you to receive during the draw period.

The lender may limit the number of fixed-rate draws you can have outstanding at once, and there may be a minimum draw amount for the fixed-rate portion of your balance.

Fixed-Rate HELOC vs. Variable-Rate HELOC

Pros and Cons of Fixed-Rate HELOC

Pros Explained

• Predictable monthly payments on fixed-rate balance: Fixed monthly payments make it easier to budget since you know what your payment will be each month.
• Payments free up available credit: After reducing your outstanding balance, you can take additional draws against your credit line. With a variable-rate HELOC, your payments may only cover the interest, so you never free up additional credit to use.
• Only pay interest on the amount drawn: Unlike with a home equity loan, you're not subject to interest on the full amount of credit made available to you—only the portion you actually use.

Cons Explained

• May miss advantage of falling interest rates: Once the fixed rate is locked, you could miss out on interest savings when market rates drop if your HELOC doesn't offer the ability to convert to a variable rate.
• Keeping up with terms between multiple draws can be difficult: Each draw could have a different interest rate, depending on when you locked in a fixed rate, the amount of the advance, and the fixed-rate term.
• Options vary among lenders: While the basics are largely the same, specific loan features vary from lender to lender. Spending time comparing features is critical to making sure you get the HELOC product that will best meet your needs.

Want to read more content like this? Sign up for The Balance’s newsletter for daily insights, analysis, and financial tips, all delivered straight to your inbox every morning!