Huntington HELOC review: Lock in a fixed rate

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Huntington HELOC at a glance

Fixed or variable rate: Both

How to withdraw funds: Card, checks, in-person withdrawals, bank transfers

Origination fee: No

Loan-to-value ratio: Does not disclose

Time to fund: Does not disclose

Huntington Bank is a regional bank that offers a variety of banking products and services such as loans, insurance, investment products and more. The bank offers home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, in 17 states.

Pros

  • Transparent about interest rates
  • Allows fixed-rate conversions
  • May offer discounts

Cons

  • Not available nationwide
  • No transparency with eligibility criteria
  • Fixed-rate conversions may require a fee

3 things to know about a Huntington HELOC

If you’re considering a HELOC with Huntington Bank, here are some of the main features to consider before you apply.

1. You can compare rates without applying

If you enter your ZIP code on Huntington’s website, you’ll be able to see interest rate ranges based on the amount you plan to borrow. This allows you to compare possible rates without submitting a full application.

Also, while your initial interest rate will be variable, you have the option to convert some or all of your balance to a fixed rate with a fixed repayment schedule. The fixed rate will always be higher than your variable rate, but if interest rates rise, it can prevent your rate from increasing as well. Take note: To convert your rate, you’ll need to visit a Huntington branch in person — and depending on where you live, the conversion may incur a $75 fee.

2. Transparency on terms is mixed

The bank’s website does disclose some of the important terms you’ll want to know as you compare your options. For example, it lists some closing costs and a $60 annual fee ($50 in Minnesota).

But the lender’s site doesn’t provide details about what you need to get approved — like what minimum credit score is required, what the minimum and maximum loan amounts are, or even what the maximum loan-to-value ratio is that you can have. It’s also unclear how long it’ll take to close the loan once you start the application process.

3. Availability is limited to a handful of states

The lender’s HELOCs are only available in 17 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

What credit score do I need to qualify for a HELOC?

Huntington Bank doesn’t disclose a minimum credit score. But you typically need a score in the mid-600s — or higher — to get approved for a HELOC. In addition to your credit score, lenders will also consider your credit history, your income, your other debts, your property’s loan-to-value ratio and other factors.

Who is a Huntington HELOC good for?

A Huntington HELOC could be a good option for someone who lives in a state with a Huntington Bank branch and may want to convert their balance to a fixed interest rate. It can also be worth considering if you need flexibility in how you access your funds.

But because many of the lender’s terms surrounding its HELOC aren’t disclosed, you may not know if it’s the right fit unless you submit an application and get the full details.

How to apply for a Huntington HELOC

Huntington doesn’t provide specific details on how to qualify for its HELOC, but you can still view potential rates and submit an application through the bank’s website. During the process, you may be required to provide some documentation to prove your income and other details about your application.

Not sure if Huntington is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

  • Bank of AmericaThis bank offers wider availability nationwide and there isn’t a fee to convert a loan to a fixed-rate loan.
  • Figure This lender offers online HELOCs with flexible terms and quick funding.


About the author: Ben Luthi is a personal finance freelance writer and credit cards expert. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance from Brigham Young University. In addition to Credit Karma, you can find his wo… Read more.