Guide
HELOC requirements: credit, equity & income
To qualify for a HELOC you generally need a credit score around 680+, enough home equity (usually keeping a combined loan-to-value of 80–90%), a debt-to-income ratio under about 43%, and stable, verifiable income. Exact thresholds vary by lender.
The four things lenders check
1. Credit score
Most lenders want a score around 680 or higher. Some approve lower scores (620–660) if your equity and income are strong, but expect a higher rate. A better score widens your options and lowers your cost.
2. Home equity
You need enough equity that the lender can keep your combined loan-to-value (CLTV) within its cap, typically 80–90%. In practice that usually means having at least 15–20% equity in the home. Estimate your available amount with the how much HELOC can I get calculator.
3. Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
DTI is your total monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income. Many lenders want it under 43%, and a lower DTI strengthens your application.
4. Income & documentation
Lenders verify stable incomewith pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, and will order an appraisal to confirm your home’s value. A clean payment history helps too.
How to improve your odds
- Pay down credit cards to lower your DTI and lift your credit score.
- Wait for or document a higher home value to increase usable equity.
- Pay down your mortgage to reduce CLTV.
- Compare several lenders — requirements and rates vary widely.
Once you qualify
Understand how the product behaves before you sign: read how a HELOC works for the draw and repayment phases, and use the HELOC payment calculator to see how your payment changes over time.
Frequently asked questions
What credit score do you need for a HELOC?+
Most lenders look for a credit score of about 680 or higher, though some approve scores in the 620–660 range with stronger equity and income. A higher score generally earns a lower rate.
How much equity do you need for a HELOC?+
Lenders usually require you to keep 10–20% equity after the HELOC, which means a combined loan-to-value (CLTV) of 80–90%. In practice you often need at least 15–20% equity to qualify.
What debt-to-income ratio do HELOC lenders want?+
Many lenders want a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio under 43%, and some prefer below 36%. DTI is your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income.
Do you need an appraisal for a HELOC?+
Usually yes. Lenders confirm your home's value with an appraisal (sometimes an automated or drive-by valuation) because your borrowing limit depends on it.
Run the numbers
See exactly how much you could borrow with our free HELOC calculator.
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Last reviewed June 2026.