To continue enjoying all the features of Navy Federal Online, please use a compatible browser. Confirm your browser capability.

Essential Information About Using Your HELOC

Have questions about how HELOCs work? You've come to the right place. Navy Federal makes it easy for you to get the information you need regarding your mortgage account. We offer comprehensive digital banking* tools and help you navigate and manage your loan data.

How Do I Sign Up for Automatic Payments?

To enroll in Easy Pay for your HELOC, please complete and submit the authorization form via online banking or using the instructions on the form. Please note—all HELOC automatic payments must be deducted on the first of each month.

Enroll Now in EasyPay through Online Banking

How Do I Increase My HELOC Limit?

To increase the limit of your HELOC, it will be necessary for you to refinance. You may submit an application using the link below.

Apply Now to refinance your HELOC

How Do I Pay Down or Pay Off My HELOC?

Paying down and paying off your HELOC are 2 different things.

You can pay down your HELOC anytime by adding more to your minimum monthly payment. If you opt to pay your HELOC down to a $0 balance, you won't accrue interest charges unless you draw from it again. Also, your credit line will remain open, making this a great option if you plan to tap into it later. 

If you're nearing the end of your loan term, selling your home or no longer need to access your home's equity, paying off your HELOC is probably the best option for you. This closes your HELOC.

Whether you're paying down your HELOC to a $0 balance or paying it off, you'll need to request a payoff quote to get started. To ask for a quote:

  • send us an eMessage via online banking
  • call us at 1-888-842-6328 Monday-Saturday from 7 am-noon or Sunday from noon-midnight

 

On a HELOC, the interest is calculated using the following formula:

Average daily balance * interest rate / 365 * number of days in the billing cycle

The average daily balance can be located on your monthly billing statement. Your interest rate is equal to the Prime Rate plus a margin, which can be found in the terms of your Note. The Prime Rate fluctuates and can either increase or decrease your total HELOC interest rate, but your margin won't change. When the Prime Rate changes, it would show on your bill in 2 months, because HELOC interest is paid in arrears. For example, if the Prime Rate changes in May, it takes effect for June and would show on your July bill.Footnote 1

Funds are applied to your HELOC based on the time of the month they're received. If we receive the funds after the current monthly payment has been paid and before the next periodic statement has been generated, they'll be applied to the principal balance of the HELOC. If funds are received after the next periodic statement is generated, the payment will be applied toward the periodic statement as outlined in the HELOC agreement. HELOC periodic statements typically generate on the 5th of each month or earlier, if the 5th isn't a business day.

In order to pay down or pay off a HELOC loan, you must request a quote. Please send us an eMessage via online banking or call us at 1-888-842-6328, Monday-Saturday from 7 am-noon or Sunday from noon-midnight. 

A paydown is when the HELOC is paid to a zero balance, but it remains open for future use. A payoff is when the entire balance and fees are paid, the HELOC is closed, the lien is released and the credit line cannot be used again.

A HELOC may be frozen for a few different reasons. When we freeze a HELOC, we'll mail a letter detailing the reason for the freeze to the address on file. If you have additional questions, please contact the Collateral Risk Department by phone at 1-800-243-9334, option 5, by email to Collateral_Risk@navyfederal.org or by signing in to your Navy Federal account to send us an eMessage. To unfreeze your HELOC, all borrowers on the loan must submit a written request to initiate the freeze appeal and review process.

The draw period is the time during which you may advance funds from the HELOC. For standard HELOCs, the monthly payment during the draw period is the greater of 1% of the new statement balance or $100.00. For interest-only HELOCs, the payment during the draw period only includes the monthly interest charge. The repayment period begins once the draw period ends. During this time, advances are no longer allowed, and you'll make monthly payments until the loan is paid in full or the maturity date is reached. For standard HELOCs, the payment is 2.5% of the balance during the repayment period. For interest-only HELOCs, the payment is 1.75% during this time. At the maturity date, any remaining balance on the HELOC must be paid in full.

For quick access to your HELOC funds, we suggest using our Home Equity Line Platinum Card. It works like a regular credit card and is tied to your existing HELOC. To request a card, call us at 1-888-842-6328 or visit a branch.

You can also access your HELOC funds by taking out a cash advance or with a check. If you need to pay by cash or check, call us at 1-888-842-6328 or visit a branch.

Disclosures

1

Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) are variable-rate lines. Rates are as low as 8.000% APR and 9.000% for Interest-Only Home Equity Lines of Credit and are based on an evaluation of credit history, CLTV (combined loan-to-value) ratio, line amount, and occupancy, so your rate may differ. HELOC has a minimum APR of 3.99% and a maximum APR of 18%. Members who choose to proceed with an Interest-Only HELOC may experience significant monthly payment increases when the line of credit enters the repayment phase. Navy Federal will pay for all closing costs on HELOC applications dated on or after June 3, 2024. Covered closing costs paid to 3rd parties include settlement fees, credit reports, flood determinations, property valuations (including appraisals, if required), title searches, lender’s title insurance, recording, and government charges. The member is responsible for prepaid interest and escrow payments for 1st lien HELOCs. Member must carry homeowners’ insurance on the property that secures the HELOC. For loan amounts up to $250,000, closing costs typically range between $300 and $2,000. Applications for a HELOC include a request for a HELOC Platinum Credit Card. All loans subject to approval. Offer is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Rates are subject to change. HELOC loans are not available in Texas.