Final Draft — Pending Owner Review. This guide is a preview and is not yet approved for publication.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a HELOC?
By Sean Segaloff, Mortgage Broker, NMLS #353031, MWS Mortgage Solutions | NEXA Lending · Review pending
Short answer
There is no single credit score required by every HELOC lender. The minimum depends on the program, property, loan amount and other qualifications. Certain options in the HELOC program featured here may consider eligible primary-residence applicants starting at a 600 credit score, but meeting a minimum score does not guarantee an offer.
Why there isn't one universal cutoff
A credit score helps lenders estimate repayment risk, but approval can also depend on your existing mortgage payment history, income, debts, property value, lien position and proposed borrowing amount. Requirements are often more restrictive for second homes, investment properties or larger credit lines.
The featured program uses specific credit-score models and different eligibility paths. A consumer's score from a free monitoring app may not match the score used during mortgage underwriting. Rather than assuming one number decides the outcome, review the actual offer and supporting requirements.
Credit score and home equity work together
A borrower with a strong credit score may still have insufficient usable equity. Conversely, a homeowner with substantial equity may not qualify if repayment capacity or credit history falls outside program guidelines. Lenders assess the total amount of debt secured by the property relative to its value, often using combined loan-to-value (CLTV).
For example, a home valued at $400,000 with $300,000 in existing liens already has 75% CLTV before adding any new HELOC. Whether more borrowing is possible depends on the particular program's maximum CLTV and other requirements.
Will checking options hurt my credit?
For the program featured on this website, the initial inquiry uses a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. A hard credit inquiry may be required if you continue with a full application. This distinction should be clear before you move forward. Checking initial options is not the same as final loan approval.
What about self-employed borrowers?
Self-employment doesn't automatically rule out a HELOC. Depending on the program, income may be verified through connected bank or business accounts, tax information, payroll records or other supported methods. A self-employed applicant should be prepared to demonstrate reliable qualifying income, not just point to a home's equity. The lender determines qualifying income based on the available documentation and program guidelines; business bank deposits do not automatically equal qualifying income.
Ways to prepare before applying
Review your credit reports for errors, avoid missing mortgage or other debt payments, keep a realistic budget and gather current information about your home and existing loans. Consider whether paying down debt helps the overall affordability picture. Avoid making major credit changes solely because a generic website promises a particular threshold.
What the featured program may offer
Eligible primary-residence borrowers may have options beginning at a credit score of 600, with other requirements applicable. Larger loan sizes or non-owner-occupied properties can require higher scores. The full initial line is drawn at closing under this program, and approval depends on additional underwriting and property verification.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a HELOC with a 600 credit score?
Possibly through certain eligible program paths for primary residences, but there is no guarantee. Other qualifications and restrictions still apply.
Does a prequalification equal approval?
No. An initial eligibility result is not final approval; the full process may include a hard credit inquiry and income, identity and property verification.
Can two people qualify using their combined credit scores?
Credit and borrower eligibility rules depend on the specific program. Do not assume scores are averaged or combined.
Reader note: Credit requirements and program availability may change. No credit score guarantees approval or a particular rate.
Ready to see your options?
See How Much Equity You Could Access(opens in a new tab)Initial soft credit inquiry. No obligation to accept an offer.
This article is general educational information, not a loan offer or financial, tax or legal advice. All loans are subject to credit approval and program eligibility. Rates, terms and fees vary. A HELOC is secured by your home; failure to repay could result in foreclosure. Product availability varies by state.