What credit score and requirements do you need for a HELOC?
The minimum credit score is 640 in most states and 680 for investment property and duplexes. Beyond credit you need enough equity — actual combined LTV varies; an illustrative 85% allowance minus existing liens estimates potential room — personal income the lender can verify, a debt-to-income ratio it accepts, an eligible property in at least average condition, and ownership in your own name or a revocable trust. Seeing an offer uses a soft credit pull; confirm credit authorization with the lender.
THE NUMBERS
| Line amount | $15,000 – $750,000 (program’s range; your maximum depends on value, liens, credit and verified income) |
|---|---|
| Valuation | Automated valuation for eligible lines under $400,000 · appraisal above $400,000; confirm the exact threshold with the lender |
| Rate type | Fixed; variable where this program offers it (not in every state) |
| Terms | 5, 10, 15 or 30 years |
| Draw structure | 100% drawn at origination · repaid principal can be redrawn for 2–5 years, each redraw priced on its own date |
| Funding time | As few as 5 business days, on eligible lines, with remote online notary on lines under $400,000 |
| Origination fee | 0% – 4.99% of the initial draw, on eligible lines |
| Property use | Primary residence, second home and investment property; the lender confirms property-type eligibility |
| Combined LTV | Varies; 85% used only for illustrative equity arithmetic |
| Credit | Soft pull to see an offer · minimum generally 640, 680 on investment property |
| Ownership | Owners on title individually, jointly or in a revocable trust — not an LLC |
| Availability | Varies by state |
PROGRAM FACTS AS OF OCTOBER 2026 — not a quote, an offer or a commitment to lend. Rates, terms and eligibility are set by the lender and change.
What credit score is required?
The program specifies a minimum of 640 in most states and 680 for investment properties; duplexes also need 680. Those are floors, not targets. Your score, together with your debt-to-income ratio, lien position, occupancy and property value, sets both the rate and the maximum line and combined LTV you are offered, so a borrower at 760 will usually see a larger line at a better rate than one at 680 on the same house. Checking your offer uses a soft pull that does not affect your score; confirm the application’s credit authorization with the lender.
How much equity do I need?
Enough that the existing mortgage plus the new line stays under the lender's combined loan-to-value ceiling. The lender’s actual caps vary; use 85% only as an illustrative assumption, less what you owe. On a $400,000 home with a $200,000 mortgage, 85% leaves room for up to $140,000; with a $320,000 mortgage, there is $20,000 of room — barely above the lender's $15,000 minimum line. Value comes from an automated model on lines under $400,000 and an appraisal above that.
How is income verified, and what DTI is accepted?
Eligibility includes verification of personal income, not business income or business bank accounts. Ask which accounts or documents it needs and what debt-to-income requirement applies to your property; the source inventory does not establish a numeric DTI cap.
Which properties and owners qualify?
This program supports primary residences, second homes and investment properties, with 680 minimum credit for investments and duplexes. Owners must be individuals or revocable trusts, not LLCs; ask the lender to confirm property type, condition, title and identity requirements.
What else does the lender require?
Hazard insurance is required, with flood insurance in zones A and V. Availability varies by state; the lender determines title, property and income eligibility. For an LLC rental, ask about a DSCR cash-out alternative.
What if I do not meet the requirements?
Look at which requirement you miss, because each has a different fix. A score just under the floor often improves within a few months by paying revolving balances down before the bureaus report. Too little equity cannot be fixed quickly, but a smaller line within the ceiling may still be worth having. Debt-to-income above the guidance can sometimes be addressed by paying off a car loan or card with the line itself, which some lenders arrange at closing. An LLC on title, business-only income or a three-plus unit building are structural, and the better answer is usually a different product: a DSCR cash-out refinance is qualified on the property's rent, closes in the entity and has no personal income or debt-to-income test at all. Silt writes that loan directly, and the desk can price both routes so you can compare.
Worked example — does this investor qualify?
| Credit score | 702 (floor on investment property: 680) |
|---|---|
| Rental value | $450,000 |
| First mortgage | $260,000 |
| Room at illustrative 85% CLTV | $122,500 |
| Ownership | Personal name — eligible |
| Debt-to-income after the line | Illustrative 41%; lender sets final eligibility |
ILLUSTRATIVE screening against the program’s criteria. Only the lender decides eligibility, the line and the rate.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- ID and SSN — for each owner on title.
- Mortgage statements — every lien on the property.
- Personal income — connected accounts, pay stubs or tax returns.
- Insurance — hazard policy; flood cover in zones A and V.
- Trust certificate — if the property is held in a revocable trust.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
- What is the minimum credit score for a HELOC?
- 640 in most states and 680 for investment property and duplexes.
- Will checking my rate hurt my credit?
- No — seeing an offer uses a soft pull. Confirm credit authorization with the lender.
- Can I qualify with self-employment income?
- Eligibility includes verification of personal income through connected accounts or documents; business income and business accounts are not accepted.
- Who sets the final requirements?
- The lender reviews credit, income, value and property eligibility before making a final offer.
RELATED
PART OF SILT ACADEMY → COURSE 10: USING HOME EQUITY · LESSON 10.7
Reviewed October 2026 · Home equity lines are offered through a lending partner; Silt Capital does not originate HELOCs. Terms and eligibility are set by the lender.