The Best HELOC Rates and Lenders in South Carolina
A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, is a revolving line of credit backed by the equity in your home. HELOCs are ideal for individuals looking to consolidate debt or fund major purchases, such as education expenses or home renovations.
HELOCs function similarly to credit cards, enabling homeowners to borrow money based on the equity in their home and repay it over time. It’s best for financially stable homeowners who need extra funds to pay off debt or make significant expenses.
The interest rate on a HELOC is often substantially lower than a traditional fixed-rate loan, and repayment terms range from 5 to 30 years.
MoneyGeek evaluated different lenders in South Carolina to find the best one for distinct borrower profiles. According to MoneyGeek’s research, interest rates in South Carolina range from 0.99% to 18%. We also identified Bank of America as the best overall HELOC lender.
However, the best lender for you may be different depending on your financial situation and needs. As such, we recommend that you compare the rates and terms of different lenders before applying for a HELOC.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Rates for 2023
The table below provides an overview of different lenders’ interest rates, repayment terms, annual fees and other important information as of May 2022. Although MoneyGeek regularly updates its pages as new information becomes available, it’s important to note that rates and terms are constantly changing. You should always verify any rates or terms with your chosen provider.
- LenderAPRLoan AmountMin. Credit Score RequirementRepayment TermsAnnual FeesPre-Approval Time
3.75% to 18%
$25,000 to $1,000,000
660
10-year draw period
and 20-year repayment periodNone
N/A
Not specified
Not specified
Not specified
Not specified
Not specified
Not specified
1.99% special
introductory variable
APR for 6 months,
then as low as
4.35% variable$25,000 to $1,000,000
Not specified
10-year draw period,
20-year repayment periodNot specified
Not specified
3.65% to 8.80%
$15,000 to $750,000
730
10-year draw period,
unspecified repayment period$90
Not specified
4.65% to 9.99%
$35,000 to $300,000
620
10 to 30 years
None
1 to 2 weeks
MoneyGeek’s Picks for Best HELOC Lenders in South Carolina
MoneyGeek has compiled a list of the best home equity line of credit lenders in South Carolina to make it easier for you to choose the one that's right for you.
Few lenders provide HELOCs, and those that do tend to be national banks that only offer it to individuals with good to excellent credit. MoneyGeek suggests checking with your local credit unions if a national lender rejects your HELOC application.
Best Overall HELOC Lender in South Carolina: Bank of America
- Bank of America
Bank of America offers high loan amounts — up to $1,000,000 — to qualified borrowers.
- 1.99% special introductory variable APR for 6 months, then as low as 4.35% variableAPR Range
- $25,000 to $1,000,000Loan Amount Range
- 10-year draw period; 20-year repayment periodRepayment Terms
- NoneAnnual Fees
- Not specifiedPre-Approval Time
on Bank of America Website
Best HELOC Lender for Good Credit in South Carolina: U.S. Bank
- U.S. Bank
Provides consumers with flexible ways to apply for loans.
- 4.20% to 9.35%APR Range
- $15,000 to $750,000Loan Amount Range
- 10-year draw period; unspecified repayment periodRepayment Terms
- $90Annual Fees
- Not specifiedPre-Approval Time
on U.S. Bank Website
Best HELOC Lender for Bad Credit in South Carolina: Figure
- Figure
Figure’s low minimum credit score requirement is ideal for borrowers with credit scores as low as 620.
- From 6.55% to 15.54%APR Range
- $15,000 to $400,000Loan Amount Range
- 5 to 30 yearsRepayment Terms
- NoneAnnual Fees
- 24 hoursPre-Approval Time
on Figure Website
Best HELOC Lender for Competitive Rates in South Carolina: PenFed
- PenFed Credit Union
Borrowers can receive a HELOC from PenFed at a low introductory APR of 0.99% for the first six months.
- 0.99% for 6 months; 4.25% to 18% thereafterAPR Range
- $25,000 to $1,000,000Loan Amount Range
- 10-year draw period; 20-year repayment periodRepayment Terms
- $99Annual Fees
- N/APre-Approval Time
on PenFed Credit Union Website
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loans
Although home equity loans (HELOANs) and HELOCs are similar in that they both use your home as collateral, they have distinct differences that make them better suited for certain borrower types.
A HELOAN has a predetermined interest rate and repayment period. The borrower receives funds in a lump sum. This is best for those that find it difficult to manage their spending.
On the other hand, a HELOC is similar to a credit card in that it allows the owner to make periodic withdrawals up to a specific limit. This loan has no fixed monthly payment since it has a variable interest rate.
You can learn more about the differences between HELOCs and HELOANs in the table below.
- HELOCHome Equity Loan
Interest Rate
Adjustable interest rate,
but fixed-rate options are availableFixed interest rate
Monthly Payment
Changes depending on
the amount of money borrowedFixed monthly payments
Repayment Terms
During the draw period, borrowers pay
interest on the money they borrowed;
after the draw period, they repay any
principal owed in addition to interestRepayment starts as soon as
the money is given to the borrowerFund Disbursements
Line of credit
Lump sum delivery
How to Apply for a HELOC
Applying for a HELOC is easy because most lenders allow online applications. You can simply submit your information online and wait for the lender’s decision.
MoneyGeek outlined the steps you should take before you apply for a HELOC.
Determine how much you need
You should estimate the amount of credit you need based on your intended use of the HELOC. A HELOC may be widely used for different financial needs, such as debt consolidation, home improvements and education expenses.
Assess your financial standing
It’s best to evaluate your current financial situation before taking out a HELOC. You should look at your credit score, existing debt and current income to decide if a HELOC is the right option for you. You might consider improving your credit score before applying to receive a lower interest rate on your HELOC.
Shop around and compare lenders
After deciding how much money you need and assessing your finances, it’s time to research different lenders. When choosing a lender, it’s important to consider factors such as interest rates, fees (if any), payback periods, maximum loan-to-value ratios, etc. Make sure to consider all of these criteria before selecting a company.
Apply
It's time to fill out an application when you've found a lender that meets your needs. Filling out an application usually takes approximately 15 minutes. To be approved for a home equity line of credit, you must provide documents such as pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns and other necessary information.
Use funds wisely
After your funds have been distributed, it's important to keep track of your spending to avoid further debt. Keep in mind that defaulting on your loan payments might result in losing your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About HELOCs
For first-time borrowers, understanding how a home equity line of credit works might be challenging. To help you understand more about the topic, MoneyGeek answered some of the most commonly asked questions below.
sources
- Bank of America. "Home Equity." Accessed June 22, 2022.
- U.S. Bank. "Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)." Accessed June 22, 2022.
- Figure. "Get a Home Equity Line." Accessed June 13, 2022.
- PenFed Credit Union. "PenFed Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)." Accessed June 22, 2022.