What are today's HELOC and home equity loan interest rates: February 18, 2026?

Homeowners seeking to tap into their home equity faced interest rates averaging 8.75% for HELOCs and 9.25% for home equity loans across the United States on February 18, 2026, as the Federal Reserve maintained its current monetary policy stance amid persistent inflation concerns. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) offered slightly more flexibility for borrowers, with rates ranging from 7.5% to 12% depending on credit scores, loan-to-value ratios, and regional market conditions. The most competitive rates were available to borrowers with credit scores above 760 and loan-to-value ratios below 60%, while traditional home equity loans, which provide a lump sum payment rather than a revolving line of credit, carried slightly higher fixed interest rates averaging between 8.75% and 10.5%. Financial analysts advised potential borrowers to carefully compare offers from multiple lenders, as rates could vary significantly based on individual financial profiles and local market conditions, with experts noting that while rates remained elevated compared to historical averages, they had stabilized after reaching peaks in 2024, suggesting potential modest decreases later in 2026 if inflation continues to moderate.