Gold House commemorated the annual Festival of Lights at its Gold Diwali event at The Majestic Downtown LA, honoring the rich heritage of South Asian culture worldwide.
SUCCESS
In a wild October for markets, these stocks were the biggest winners and losers
Many Big Tech stocks were hit hard but the S&P 500 showed strength under the surface, with a majority of stocks showing gains for the month.
Why Intel’s stock saw its worst day in decades — and a $140 billion wipeout
Intel’s PC business is under pressure as memory-chip prices dent demand and as corporate IT teams have less budget for laptops.
Macy’s is selling a leak-proof 12-piece glass food storage container set for just $22
TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why we love this deal
One of the common causes of kitchen clutter is a disorganized fridge or pantry to the brim with bags of ingredients, snack packs, mismatched produce, and identifiable leftovers that get lost or forgotten when they’re shoved to the back. Not only does it leave you overwhelmed, but it often causes so much delicious food and money to go to waste. Thankfully, the great news is that a solid set of containers like the Sedona Kitchen Glass Food Storage Set can help eliminate that problem easily.
Not only do the right containers like this Sedona set keep your foods fresher for longer, protecting meals from air and bacteria, but they even work as organizational tools to help you keep uncooked food neat, tidy, and easy to find. And although a sturdy set can set you back, sometimes a great sale like the latest one at Macy’s lets you get quality for a super low cost. The $61 food storage set is on sale for 64% off. Save $39 and get the 12-piece set for only $22 in this limited-time sale.
Sedona Kitchen Glass Food Storage Set, $22 (was $61) at Macy’s
Courtesy of Macy’s
Shop at Macy’s
Why do shoppers love it?
Unlike plastic containers, which can cause issues like staining, odor retention, and even microplastic shedding or chemical leaching, glass containers offer superior safety, durability, and convenience. Usable in extreme temperatures, glass is always BPA, phthalates, and chemical-resin free, with a non-porous surface that prevents bacterial buildup, staining, and odor absorption. This set, which is made from borosilicate glass, is designed to withstand sudden temperature shifts and high heat meaning you can move a container from the fridge to the microwave seamlessly. It can withstand temperatures ranging from -4 degrees Fahrenheit up to 752 Fahrenheit, ensuring that not only can it safely store food but it can even be used for heating up or freezing in the oven, microwave, or freezer.
That said, what isn’t temperature safe? The lids. Made from plastic and silicone, the lids to these kinds of containers aren’t as durable as the container themselves. They are useful in the freezer but with heat in an oven or microwave, always remove the lids before use. The lids themselves use plastic and silicone seals to lock lids in place and prevent leaks or spillage. The silicone provides an airtight seal that prevents mess and keeps foods fresher for longer.
In this set, you receive two square containers with matching lids, three rectangular containers with lids, and a rectangular divided container with a lid — the latter which is perfect for meal planning or organizing multiple foods in one container. The containers vary in size. The square containers can each hold 10.48 ounces and 17.92 ounces, the rectangular containers can each hold 12.51 ounces, 21.64 ounces, and 35.15 ounces, and the multi-compartment rectangular container can hold 35.16 ounces.
Related: Macy’s is selling a $550 10-piece stainless steel cookware set for 54% off
The containers come in a bright blue or lime green color. For convenient storage purposes, they nest into one another so you can save space when stowing them away.
Details to know
Material: Borosilicate glass, plastic, and silicone.
Colors: Two.
Includes: The set includes two square containers, three rectangular containers, and one divided rectangular container.
Dimensions: The square containers can each hold 10.48 ounces and 17.92 ounces, the rectangular containers can each hold 12.51 ounces, 21.64 ounces, and 35.15 ounces, and the multi-compartment rectangular container can hold 35.16 ounces.
Cleaning: The containers are dishwasher safe.
These glass containers are the perfect replacement for ratty old plastic ones. “I was getting tired of throwing out plastic containers that were discolored from use or pitted with white stains from dishwasher use,” one shopper said. “The glass is much cleaner and more sterile.”
Shop more deals
Art & Cook 24-Piece Glass Food Storage Set, $25 (was $72) at Macy’s
Tupperware Heritage Collection 10-Piece Food Storage Container Set, $60 (was $100) at Macy’s
Save space, save food, and save money with this efficient, food-preserving Sedona Kitchen Glass Food Storage Set, now only $22 at Macy’s.
SpaceX accuses T-Mobile, other carriers of trying to harm it
Your phone works until it doesn’t.
Drive far enough past the last cell tower and the bars disappear. For years, that was just the price of living or traveling in rural America.
It’s more than an annoyance. Out there, a dead phone can turn a flat tire or a medical emergency into a much bigger problem.
Satellites were supposed to fix that. Your carrier would partner with a space company, and your phone would text through the sky when the towers ran out.
It mostly worked. Starlink now texts ordinary phones through more than 650 satellites, and T-Mobile signed on as its U.S. launch partner.
That deal assumed the carriers and the space companies would stay friends.
That friendship is now playing out in public, in filings at the Federal Communications Commission.
SpaceX accused T-Mobile and rivals of blocking direct-to-cell rules to stifle competition, dismissing AFTRCC as a lobbying group.Kevin Carter / Getty Images
SpaceX says rivals want to hurt a competitor
SpaceX (SPCX) accused T-Mobile (TMUS) and other legacy carriers of trying to slow its Starlink Mobile service in a new filing with the FCC.
“SpaceX has worked extensively with other operators, including T-Mobile,” the company wrote. “Unfortunately, the misplaced desire to harm a competitor has led many incumbents to oppose modernized rules that would bring direct-to-cell service to underserved border communities.”
Direct-to-cell means a satellite talks straight to an ordinary phone, with no special dish or handset.
Related: SpaceX’s Starlink growth creates new problem for AT&T
SpaceX also took aim at an aviation spectrum group, the Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating Council, or AFTRCC.
“The Commission should recognize that AFTRCC is now purely a lobbying organization whose mission is to protect legacy companies and their comments should not be viewed as independent or objective,” SpaceX wrote.
AFTRCC has coordinated the radio spectrum used for flight testing since 1969, consultant Jeremy Bayer wrote in a recent RealClearDefense column defending the group.
T-Mobile is SpaceX’s partner and its critic
That’s what makes this fight awkward.
T-Mobile launched T-Satellite with Starlink in July 2025. It costs $10 a month as an add-on and comes included with T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond plan, according to SatelliteInternet.com.
The two companies used to sound like allies at the FCC. T-Mobile endorsed SpaceX’s 2025 request to run its satellites at higher power, Telecoms.com reported.
More SpaceX:
T-Mobile pushes back on SpaceX’s bid to take its customers
AT&T CEO holds firm stance on Elon Musk’s SpaceX phone strategy
T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink hits unexpected turbulence
Now the relationship looks cooler. T-Mobile removed Starlink’s name from its main T-Satellite webpage in October, TheStreet reported.
That came days after T-Mobile, AT&T (T) and Verizon (VZ) formed a joint venture to close coverage gaps, including through satellites, Light Reading reported. Existing satellite deals stay in place, the carriers said.
Why border towns are caught in the middle
Satellite signals don’t stop at the border.
Under SpaceX’s FCC license, it can exceed certain signal-strength limits near another country only where that country’s regulator allows it, according to a January FCC order.
SpaceX’s filing argues that updated rules would bring service to “underserved border communities.” The quoted passage doesn’t spell out which rules it means.
My read: border towns face a double gap. Many are rural with few towers, and satellite power near the border is capped.
Those are exactly the places satellite texting was built for.
The carriers say the airwaves are already full
The carriers have their own case, and it’s about interference.
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile asked the FCC to drop two 5G bands from its satellite plan, saying more than 300 million users rely on them, TeslaNorth reported.
T-Mobile warned satellite signals could wipe out up to 96% of a cell site’s uplink coverage area and cut uplink speeds by 88% to 99%, Capacity reported.
T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan also met separately with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the outlet reported. Industry group CTIA warned that the FCC’s decisions “have real consequences for consumers.”
FCC moves ahead on satellite spectrum
On Oct. 29, the FCC voted to advance a proposal that would expand satellite-to-phone spectrum. “With today’s proposal, we take our most comprehensive step yet to modernize the FCC’s rules for direct-to-device,” Carr said, TeslaNorth reported.
Here’s what’s on the table:
Spectrum added: 482 MHz for satellite-to-phone service
Eligible bands: From five to 13
Leasing: Satellite firms could certify coexistence deals instead of leasing airwaves from every carrier
What carriers want cut: The 2.5 GHz and 3.45 GHz bands, or 290 MHz
By my math, the carriers want about 60% of the new spectrum removed.
The vote isn’t final. It opens a comment period, and a second vote on final rules will follow.
Wall Street is already nervous
Investors are treating Starlink Mobile as a real threat.
T-Mobile shares fell 5% in morning trading on Oct. 23 after Bloomberg reported SpaceX was in talks to access about 80,000 cell sites, 24/7 Wall St. reported. AT&T fell 4% and Verizon 3%.
Elon Musk has said Starlink could “ultimately be a business that generates several hundred billion dollars in revenue a year,” Forbes reported.
The carriers aren’t convinced. Gopalan has called direct-to-cell “a complementary category,” 24/7 Wall St. reported.
What it means for your phone
If you pay for T-Satellite, nothing changes today. Your service runs on existing agreements, and the carriers said those stay in place.
Here’s what I’d watch:
The comment period. Final rules will decide how much spectrum satellites can use
Your plan’s fine print. Check whether satellite texting is included or a $10 add-on
New entrants. A fourth carrier usually means more pressure on prices
Coverage maps. Rural and border users have the most to gain from satellite service
For now, the company that helped put satellite texting on your phone is fighting its own partner in Washington. Whoever wins will shape who fills America’s dead zones, and what you pay to stay connected.
Related: SpaceX has a plan to make your phone carrier obsolete
What Does FBI Raid Of Businessman’s Mansion Mean For Eric Swalwell Investigation? Attorney Reacts
Earlier this week, the FBI raided the Beverly Hills mansion of former Swalwell donor Stephen Cloobeck, reportedly in connection to the probe into the former congressman.
‘Showy jewelry and fancy cars hold no appeal’: We have a 99% chance of outliving our life savings. Why not spend it all?
“I’m 68, she’s 74, and we’re both in good health. We married later in life and have no children.”
The Fed held interest rates steady, but these officials see more hikes coming soon
Dallas Fed’s Lorie Logan sees “at least” 50 basis points in additional hikes.
Nvidia has a stake in SpaceX that came from an unexpected place
Nvidia doesn’t usually make headlines for what it owns. It makes them for what it sells. But one line in its latest stock filing has investors paying attention: the chipmaker now holds a stake in Elon Musk’s SpaceX worth roughly $18 billion.
On the surface, a chip company holding shares in a rocket maker looks odd. Look closer and it starts to make a lot of sense, because Nvidia is now part supplier and part shareholder. SpaceX has turned into an AI business, and it happens to be one of Nvidia’s biggest customers.
The 13F disclosure and how an xAI stake became SpaceX shares
The stake came to light in August. Nvidia’s 13F filing, submitted on August 14, showed it held about 122.8 million SpaceX shares, making SpaceX its second-largest disclosed holding behind Intel, as reported by TheStreet. At the June 30 close, those shares were worth about $21 billion. The Intel position is a separate bet, built from 214.7 million shares Nvidia bought late last year.
Also read: Bank of America sends SpaceX stock investors strong signal
Nvidia never bought SpaceX stock on the open market. It participated in xAI’s $20 billion Series E funding round in January as one of several backers. When SpaceX bought xAI in an all-stock deal in February, the stake was converted into SpaceX shares.
The value has moved around since then. SpaceX shares were trading near $147 on October 23, which puts Nvidia’s stake at roughly $18 billion. The stock was priced at $135 in its June IPO and opened at $150 on its Nasdaq debut, before hitting a record high above $225 just weeks later.
This fits a pattern for Nvidia. The company tends to invest in AI-focused businesses that are also its customers or partners. In the filing, SpaceX ranked ahead of the cloud provider CoreWeave and sat behind only Intel.
SpaceX has become an AI company, and that has driven its growth
SpaceX’s latest numbers show why the bet looks less strange today. Revenue jumped 161% to $14.6 billion in the third quarter, beating analyst estimates, and the company swung to a $4.4 billion profit from a loss a year earlier.
The AI unit did most of the heavy lifting. Now called Super Intelligence, it brought in $7.56 billion, more than nine times its revenue a year ago and more than half of SpaceX’s total sales. Most of that comes from renting data centre computing power to companies like Anthropic and Google, though the unit also includes the Grok chatbot, X and the coding tool Cursor, SpaceX’s Q3 filing showed. Musk called it an “inflection moment” for the company.
Starlink and rockets still matter, but they’re no longer the main event. The connectivity segment, mostly Starlink, posted $5.25 billion in sales, while the space segment added $1.77 billion. SpaceX also guided for first-quarter 2027 revenue of $33 billion to $37 billion.
Its customer deals are huge. Anthropic agreed to pay SpaceX $1.25 billion a month through May 2029 for computing power, and Google committed to $920 million a month for access to roughly 110,000 Nvidia GPUs, TheStreet reported. Those contracts depend on Nvidia hardware. Musk has even told investors SpaceX’s annual recurring revenue could reach $500 billion to $1 trillion by the end of 2027, far above the roughly $110 billion in full-year 2027 revenue that analysts project.
Nvidia never bought SpaceX stock on the open market. It participated in xAI’s $20 billion Series E funding round in January as one of several backers.Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Musk is going all in on Nvidia chips
That’s the part Jensen Huang can see clearly. On SpaceX’s first earnings call in August, Musk said the company would build its AI services exclusively on Nvidia systems. “We think the Vera Rubin architecture is the best architecture,” he said. “So we’re exclusive to Nvidia,” according to The Motley Fool. Nvidia shares rose more than 4% that day.
He doubled down on the third-quarter call. Musk said SpaceX’s new computing capacity next year will be mostly Nvidia’s Vera Rubin, as the company pushes deeper into AI infrastructure.
Then came the money. On October 25, Musk said SpaceX had closed $40 billion in debt financing to purchase GPUs. “This is primarily callable debt for GPU purchases that will arrive in Q1 and Q2,” he said. He credited SpaceX’s investment-grade rating and its Starlink and launch revenue for keeping credit flowing. Given his exclusivity pledge, much of that spending looks headed Nvidia’s way.
More SpaceX:
Goldman Sachs revamps SpaceX stock estimates before crucial earnings test
Musk called Anthropic ‘evil’; SpaceX’s deal with it nearly doubled
Morgan Stanley doubles down on SpaceX stock verdict for investors
Musk also took a swipe at smaller players. He predicted “guppy-level death and consolidation” among the more than 200 so-called neoclouds, while saying SpaceX could “rent out our compute several times over,” as reported by TheStreet. He added that SpaceX plans to use about half its computing power itself and rent out the rest, and that it isn’t interested in buying any of those struggling rivals.
What Huang sees, and what could go wrong
Nvidia is positioned to win on both ends. It sells SpaceX the chips that power its AI push, and it owns a stake in the company that profits from it. Few investors get that kind of view into a customer’s plans.
The bet isn’t risk-free. SpaceX spent $19.6 billion on capital projects in the third quarter, mostly on AI and data centres, and expects to spend $35 billion to $40 billion in the fourth, according to SpaceX’s Q3 filing. That’s a lot of borrowed and earned cash riding on demand for computing power staying strong. SpaceX’s finance chief said new capacity pays for itself in under a year at current prices, but that math only holds if rental rates do.
Musk’s ambitions stretch even further. He has said SpaceX plans to launch Vera Rubin systems into space next year. If those plans pay off, Nvidia’s stake could be worth far more than $18 billion. If they stall, Huang’s biggest customer could also become one of his biggest headaches.
Related: Elon Musk’s latest move brings good news for Nvidia investors
10 Best Home Equity Loans of November 2026
Key Takeaways
Money’s review of 60-plus home equity lenders scores PNC Bank best overall at 4.85 out of 5, with rates from 7.52% and loans up to $1 million.
Qualifying standards, loan amounts, property requirements, and other details are not standardized and vary by financial institution.
Figure leads HELOCs with fixed rates starting at 7.30% APR as of July 31; Navy Federal’s 20-year draw period is the longest among those analyzed.
* Sample rates and APRs are subject to change. All information provided here is accurate as of October 30, 2026, and may change at any moment.
Our Top Picks for Best Home Equity Lenders of November 2026
PNC Bank: Best Overall
Figure: Best HELOC
Connexus Credit Union: Best No-Appraisal Option
Navy Federal: Best for Military Borrowers
M&T Bank: Best for Low Rates
Rate: Best for Investors
Fifth Third: Best Flexible Rate Lock
Bank of America: Best for No Fees
Citizens Bank: Best for Small Loan Amounts
Achieve: Best for Fast Funding
Pros
Highest overall score in our review process
Up to 89.99% LTV
Lowest credit score minimum we found
High loan amounts
Low intro rate, fixed and variable rate options
Cons
In-person appraisal is required
Not available in all 50 states
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
HELOC, home equity loans
Maximum loan amount:
$1 million
Maximum LTV:
80% to 89.99%, depending on several factors
Terms:
10-year draw periods with 30-year repayment periods; 5 to 30 years for fixed-rate options; 5-year interest-only options
Interest rates:
5.74% intro APR for first six months on a $50,000 or more CHELOC. Application must be received by November 30, 2026 and closed by January 31, 2027. Then as low as 7.52% APR
Credit score minimum:
Over 600, though credit requirements can vary by borrower
Properties allowed:
Single-family homes, multi-family properties, condos, and mobile homes
Weighted score:
4.85 out of 5
Why we chose it: PNC Bank came out on top with a whopping 4.85 out of 5 score, making it the best-rated home equity product among the 60+ we analyzed. The bank offers large loan amounts, low credit score requirements (the lowest we found), and a variety of rate and term options.
Pros
Low fixed rates
Several term options
Relatively low credit score requirements
Fast funding time
Typically, no in-person appraisal is required
Cons
Not available in all 50 states
Relatively low maximum loan amount
LTV could be higher
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
HELOC
Maximum loan amount:
$750,000
Maximum LTV:
85%
Terms:
5, 10, 15, and 30 years
Interest rates:
Fixed rates as low as 7.30% APR
Credit score minimum:
640
Properties allowed:
Single-family homes, townhouses, planned urban developments (PUDs), most condos, and duplexes. Both primary and secondary residences can qualify.
Weighted score:
3.85 out of 5
Why we chose it: Figure, an online financial technology company, has our top HELOC. The line of credit comes with a low fixed interest rate and four term options, ranging from five to 30 years. Its minimum credit score is relatively low at 640, and you typically won’t need an in-person appraisal (the lender usually utilizes Automated Valuation Models, or AVMs, instead). And the best part? Many borrowers get their cash in as little as five days.
Pros
No in-person appraisal required
Low interest rates and credit score minimum
Long draw period on HELOCs
High LTV maximum
Cons
No 30-year home equity loan options
Not available in all 50 states
Requires credit union membership
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
Home equity loans and HELOCs
Maximum loan amount:
Varies by state and borrower
Maximum LTV:
90%
Terms:
5, 10, and 15 years on home equity loans; 15-year draw and 15-year repayment on HELOCs
Interest rates:
4.99% intro APR until Apr. 1, 2027, and 5.49% APR until Oct. 1, 2027, then as low as 7.51% for standard HELOCs and 8.01% APR for interest-only HELOCs; fixed rates starting at 7.31% APR for home equity loans
Credit score minimum:
640
Properties allowed:
Primary residences, second homes, duplexes, townhomes, and two- to four-unit condos
Weighted score:
3.75 out of 5
Why we chose it: Connexus Credit Union is the place to look if you’re hoping to avoid the hassle and headache of an appraisal. You can obtain both home equity loans and HELOCs from the lender, and its low credit score minimum, 90% LTV maximum, and lengthy 15-year draw period on HELOCs are notable as well. You can even borrow against your second home if you have one — something not all home equity lenders allow.
Pros
Offers both home equity loans and HELOCs
Long draw period on HELOCs
High maximum LTV
Several term options
No closing costs
Cons
Only available to active and retired military, DoD employees and their families
Credit score requirement could be lower
No 30-year home equity loan options
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
Home equity loans and HELOCs
Maximum loan amount:
$500,000
Maximum LTV:
95% to 100%, depending on the product
Terms:
5, 10, 15, and 20 years for home equity loans; 20-year draw and 20-year repayment for HELOCs
Interest rates:
Fixed, starting at 7.34% APR on home equity loans; variable, starting at 7.00% APR on HELOCs
Credit score minimum:
650
Properties allowed:
Primary residences and second homes, as long as they’re within 50 miles of your primary residence
Weighted score:
3.55 out of 5
Why we chose it: Navy Federal’s home equity loans have several standout features that borrowers might find valuable. For those seeking extended access to cash, its HELOC is a good option, offering a 20-year draw period — longer than any other product we analyzed. If you’re hoping to tap a substantial amount of equity, consider a home equity loan, which offers up to a 100% LTV with no closing costs.
Pros
Low interest rates
Both variable and fixed rate options
Loan amounts up to $1 million
No closing costs
Cons
Not available in all 50 states
High credit score minimum
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
HELOC
Maximum loan amount:
$1 million
Maximum LTV:
85.99% for primary residences; 75.99% for lines above $500,000, and 70.99% for vacation homes and manufactured homes
Terms:
10-year draw and 20-year repayment periods
Interest rates:
Intro rate of 5.24% APR for six months; variable rates starting at 5.94% APR after; three fixed-rate lock options available
Credit score minimum:
680
Properties allowed:
Primary residences, vacation homes, condos, townhomes, one- to four-unit properties, and manufactured homes
Weighted score:
3.5 out 5
Why we chose it: M&T Bank’s 5.24% intro rate can save you significantly on interest in the first six months of your loan — especially when considering how high the lender’s loan amounts go (up to $1 million). Borrowers also have three fixed-rate lock options available during their loan term and may elect interest-only payments during the draw period. One more notable detail: There are no application, closing or annual fees
Pros
Investment properties and rentals allowed
No cash due at closing (an origination fee is built into the APR)
Low fixed rates
Low credit score requirement
Cons
Short draw period
Fairly low maximum loan amount
Not available in all 50 states
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
HELOC
Maximum loan amount:
$400,000
Maximum LTV:
85%
Terms:
2 to 5-year draw and 5, 10, 15, or 30-year repayment period
Interest rates:
Starting at 7.00% APR
Credit score minimum:
640
Properties allowed:
Primary residences, second homes, investment properties, single-family rentals, condos, and townhomes
Weighted score:
3.25 out of 5
Why we chose it: For those looking to cash in on an investment property or rental home, Rate is a good option. The online lender, formerly Guaranteed Rate, allows you to borrow against primary residences, second homes, investment properties, single-family rentals, and more. The lender offers fixed interest rates, providing consistency throughout the five-, 10-, 15-, or 30-year term you choose. Most loans require no in-person appraisal.
Pros
Rate lock option lets you choose the number and amount of monthly payments
Low introductory interest rate
High LTV value
No closing costs
Cons
Only available in 12 states, soon to expand to 15
$95 fee to lock in rate (no fee in Texas)
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
Home equity loans and HELOCs
Maximum loan amount:
$500,000
Maximum LTV:
90%
Terms:
30 years on loans. 10 year draw, 20 year repayment on a HELOC
Interest rates:
Starting at 7.00% for HELOC; Starting at 6.49% for Home Equity Loans (HeLOAN)
Credit score minimum:
Varies with loan product
Properties allowed:
Owner-occupied residences, non-owner-occupied properties, and multi-unit properties
Weighted score:
3.55 out of 5
Why we chose it: Fifth Third’s flexible rate-lock option lets you secure a fixed interest rate on the lender’s Equity Flexline HELOC, locking in a favorable rate on part or all of the available line of credit. You choose how long to lock in the rate and how much to pay, which can help lower your monthly costs if you need some wiggle room.
Pros
No application, annual or closing fees
Several rate discount options
Wide availability
Cons
Early closure fee if you close within 36 months
Slightly higher credit score requirement
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
HELOC
Maximum loan amount:
$1 million
Maximum LTV:
85%
Terms:
10-year draw period with 20-year repayment period
Interest rate:
Introductory 5.74% APR for first six months, then as low as 8.525% APR (including discounts)
Credit score minimum:
660
Properties allowed:
Primary residence, second homes, 1-4 unit residential property
Weighted score:
3.4 out of 5
Why we chose it: Bank of America doesn’t charge any application or annual fees, and it also doesn’t charge closing costs on its HELOC. You can also convert up to 90% of the credit line amount to a fixed rate with no conversion costs. The interest rate isn’t the lowest, but Bank of America offers several ways to get discounts, which means it can offer a competitive rate to borrowers who take full advantage.
Pros
Fast application and funding
Very few fees
0.25% rate discount with autopay
Cons
Only available in 29 states and Washington, D.C.
Has borrower income limits
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
HELOC
Maximum loan amount:
$25,000
Maximum LTV:
85%
Terms:
10-year draw period with 15 year repayment period
Interest rates:
As low as 9.75% APR with autopay
Credit score minimum:
680
Properties allowed:
Primary residence, owner-occupied 1 to 4 unit multifamily property, condominium.
Weighted score:
3.5 out of 5
Why we chose it: Citizens‘ GoalBuilder HELOC makes our list as a good option for homeowners who only require a small amount of money. You can access $5,000 to $25,000 with a 10-year draw period and a 15-year repayment term. The lender doesn’t charge any closing costs or annual fees, and there is no prepayment penalty.
Pros
Fast closing and funding times
Up to 90% LTV
No in-person appraisal required
Low credit score requirement
Cons
Short draw period of 5 years
Available in only 31 states
HIGHLIGHTS
Product types:
HELOC, home equity loans
Maximum loan amount:
$700,000
Maximum LTV:
90%
Terms:
5 year draw period, 10, 15, 20 or 30 year repayment period
Interest rate:
Starting at 6.10% APR
Credit score minimum:
600
Properties allowed:
Owner occupied residential properties
Weighted score:
3 out of 5
Why we chose it: Achieve offers a fixed-rate HELOC with APRs starting at 6.10%, one of the lowest starting interest rates available. Achieve says HELOCs can close in as few as seven business days and fund in an average of 11 business days, with some loans funding in as few as five days after approval. You can choose from Achieve’s flexible term options, which range from 10 to 30 years.
Other companies we considered
TD Bank
TD Bank was a top choice for the best overall home equity lender, offering both a HELOC and a home equity loan and scoring highly in our system. The lender offers a variety of term and rate options, and its loan amounts go up to $6 million.
Why we didn’t choose it: Its limited geographic footprint kept it from being a top choice for many borrowers.
Rocket Mortgage
Rocket Mortgage is often ranked among the top mortgage lenders thanks to its easy online application process, multiple loan options and high customer satisfaction ratings. They offer loans in all states and may be a good choice for someone seeking an online lender.
Why we didn’t choose it: Rocket’s home equity products have higher credit score requirements (you need a 740 to qualify for a 90% LTV) than those of other lenders we considered, and the company doesn’t advertise rates to help you gauge costs. In-person appraisals are also required, which increases the cost of accessing your equity.
SoFi
We also considered online bank SoFi for our list. The lender’s home equity loan offers several term options and loans of up to $350,000 for home improvements or debt consolidation.
Why we didn’t choose it: The minimum credit score of 680 is slightly higher than some other options we considered, and its interest rates are higher than those of other options we analyzed, so it ranks below other home equity loans on this list.
What you need to know about home equity loans
Homeowners have accumulated near-record levels of home equity over the past five years, driven by the rapid rise in home prices triggered by the pandemic-driven buying frenzy. According to data analytics firm Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), American mortgage holders held a record $18 trillion in home equity at the end of the second quarter of 2026, with $11.7 trillion considered tappable.
Kenon Chen, executive vice president of real estate analytics firm Clear Capital, tells Money that one of the first steps a homeowner must take when considering tapping into their equity is knowing their financial position. Homeowners should be know their home’s value and how market conditions in their area may be changing in ways that could affect their equity.
Equity products need to be repaid and add a monthly expense to your budget. Knowing “whether that’s sustainable for you is important,” Chen says.
If you’ve never tapped your home equity before, it can be a time-consuming process. Here’s how these loans work and how you can borrow from your equity successfully.
What is a home equity loan?
A home equity loan is a type of second mortgage — meaning it’s a loan you take out in addition to your main mortgage. It has its own terms, interest rate, and monthly payments. And, like your first mortgage, it uses your home as collateral, so if you fail to make payments, the lender can foreclose on your home.
HELOCs are a type of second mortgage, too. However, these two loans work very differently, even though they tap the same equity. A home equity loan works just like a regular loan you’d use to buy almost anything – you get a lump sum at closing to use for whatever expenses you want to cover.
With a HELOC, however, you’re actually turning your equity into something more like a credit card. Instead of receiving a lump sum payment that you have to repay at a set pace over a set amount of time, you can borrow up to the maximum amount of the HELOC, just like with a credit card, and just like with a credit card, you only pay for what you borrow.
How does a home equity loan work?
Home equity loans let you borrow from your home equity — or the portion of your home that you actually own. Typically, lenders will let you borrow up to 80 to 90% of your home’s value, minus the balance on your existing mortgage loan.
So, if your home is worth $300,000 and you have a mortgage balance of $150,000, you can expect to be able to tap between $90,000 and $120,000, depending on your lender’s limits.
Once you receive your cash, home equity loans work just like your primary mortgage. You’ll pay it off with set monthly payments over a long period, ranging from five to 30 years.
HELOCs have a slightly different repayment strategy. With these, you’ll usually make interest-only payments for the first few years of the loan, then full principal-and-interest payments once your credit line’s draw period ends.
Differences between HELOCs and home equity loans
HELOCs are less standardized than home equity loans, so they offer a wide range of payment options. This variety is why it’s so important to understand your HELOC terms before you sign on the dotted line.
In general, a HELOC works like this: your bank gives you a maximum amount that you’re allowed to borrow from your home’s equity, and treats it much like a credit card. You may even get a debit card you can use with your HELOC. You have a set period during which you can borrow from your credit line, typically from five to 15 years. Depending on your loan, you may be allowed to pay only the interest during this period.
Once the draw period ends, your loan amount is fixed. So, if you were given a $100,000 HELOC but used only $75,000 during your draw period, your final loan amount would be $75,000. At this point, your loan payment is calculated to pay off the principal in full before the end of your loan term. You’re then expected to pay full interest and principal for the rest of the loan’s life.
As for which option may work best for you, Chen says it depends on your goals. You should ask yourself whether you’re looking for short-, mid- or long-term funding.
“That helps you home in on what type of home equity product you might be looking for,” he says.
How to choose a home equity lender
Choosing the right home equity lender is critical to achieving your goals. Qualifying requirements vary by lender, as do loan amounts, product types, and more. Carefully consider the pros and cons of each option.
Your first step is deciding what type of product you want. Next, look at lenders that offer that product and compare costs and terms.
Chen also recommends checking with any lender you currently hold a loan with, especially if you have had a good experience with them. It could make it easier to visualize all your payments and manage them in a healthy way.
When choosing where to get your home equity loan, make sure to consider the following:
Eligibility requirements, including credit score minimums and appraisal requirements.
Property types allowed, especially if you’re considering borrowing against a second home, vacation property, or investment home (these are harder to find lenders for).
Loan amounts and loan-to-value ratios, since these determine how much you’ll be able to borrow.
Fees, rates, and repayment term options, since these factors will determine the overall cost of borrowing and the total interest you’ll pay.
You should consider customer reviews and ratings, too, as well as any regulatory actions or lawsuits against the company. You can find this information by searching the lender in the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) database.
Pros and cons of home equity loans
Pros
Cons
Allows you to turn your home equity into cash
Adds a second mortgage payment to your household
Funds can be used for any purpose
Puts your home at risk of foreclosure if you don’t make your payments
Interest may be tax-deductible if you use the money to improve your house
Usually come with upfront closing costs and fees
Typically have lower rates than other types of consumer borrowing products
Could put you upside down on your house if it loses value
Alternatives to home equity loans
Home equity loans and HELOCs aren’t the only way for homeowners to borrow cash.
If you’re looking for other financing options — and aren’t sure which one makes the most sense for your situation — a mortgage professional or financial advisor can help you weigh the pros and cons. In the meantime, here are several alternatives worth considering:
Cash-out refinance
A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one with a larger balance. You receive the difference between the two balances as a lump-sum payment at closing. Fair warning, though: This loan replaces every aspect of your existing loan, including its rate and payment. This option may be ill-advised if rates have increased since you took out your current mortgage.
Personal loan or credit card
If you want to avoid using your home equity altogether, you can consider an unsecured personal loan or even a credit card. Just note that these typically come with much higher rates than home equity products (and mortgages in general), so they might not be a good option if you need to borrow a large amount or expect to carry the balance for an extended period.
Reverse mortgage
For eligible older homeowners, a reverse mortgage can provide another way to access their home equity. With these, the lender pays you from your equity — either as a lump sum, monthly, or as a line of credit. You won’t repay anything until you permanently move out or sell the house. If you pass away and your heirs wish to keep the house, they will need to arrange repayment of the reverse mortgage. Government-backed reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 and older, although some lenders offer proprietary options for homeowners as young as 55.
Latest home equity news
Home price growth has picked up but remains modest. According to ICE, annual home price growth rose to 1.5% in July, the fifth straight month of acceleration. ICE expects that momentum to fade as mortgage rates have trended higher since early in the year.
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate on Oct. 28, 2026 (a 10 to 2 vote), so prime-based HELOC rates did not change that day.
Home equity loan FAQs
What credit score do you need for a home equity loan?
A score between 620 and 640 is enough to qualify with most lenders, although a 680 score or higher will get you the lowest rates. Some lenders, such as PNC and Achieve, will accept a score as low as 600.
How much equity do I need to qualify for a home equity loan?
You need to have at least 15% to 20% equity in the home to qualify for a home equity loan. If your home is worth $300,000 and your outstanding mortgage balance is $150,000, you have $150,000 in equity, or 50%.
What disqualifies you from getting a home equity loan?
A debt-to-income ratio (DTI) above 43 %, not having enough equity and a credit score below the lender’s minimum requirement will disqualify you from getting a home equity loan. Keep in mind that the projected new loan payment counts toward your DTI.
How much are closing costs on a home equity loan?
Closing costs typically range between 2% and 5% of the loan amount. On a $100,000 loan, the closing costs would be between $2,000 and $5,000. Rocket Mortgage may charge up to 6% in closing costs, which would increase the amount due to $6,000.
What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 home equity loan?
At an 8% interest rate and a 10-year term, the monthly payment on a $50,000 home equity loan would be approximately $607. The payment increases to about $478 with a 15-year term.
Is a home equity loan tax deductible in 2026?
It is only tax-deductible if you use the proceeds to buy, build, or substantially improve your home. Otherwise, no. To qualify, your combined total debt, including your primary or secondary mortgage, cannot exceed $750,000, and you must itemize the deduction when you file taxes.
Is it a good idea to take equity out of your house?
That depends on your financial situation and what you’re using the funds for. If you’re using the money to improve your home or pay off higher-interest debts, then it can be a smart idea. Just make sure you can afford the monthly payments for the long haul.
Methodology
We evaluated dozens of banks, credit unions and online home equity lenders nationwide. We gathered data on product terms, qualifying requirements, interest rates, availability, and other benefits to identify the best options. We scored lenders on a one-to-five scale across five categories: interest rates (30%), loan terms (20%), credit score minimums (20%), loan-to-value ratio (15%) and maximum loan amounts (15%).
We considered companies that offered competitive interest rates, as these are among the primary factors influencing the cost of financing a home purchase.
We assigned higher scores to lenders offering longer draw periods.
We prioritized companies with lower credit score requirements because they make products available to a broader range of borrowers.
We assigned higher scores to companies with higher loan-to-value ratios, thereby increasing the pool of borrowers eligible to use the products offered.
We assigned higher scores to companies that offered higher loan amounts than their competitors.
Summary of our top picks for the 10 best home equity loans of November 2026
PNC Bank: Best Overall
Figure: Best HELOC
Connexus Credit Union: Best No-Appraisal Option
Navy Federal: Best for Military Borrowers
M&T Bank: Best for Low Rates
Rate: Best for Investors
Fifth Third: Best Flexible Rate Lock
Bank of America: Best for No Fees
Citizens Bank: Best for Small Loan Amounts
Achieve: Best for Fast Funding
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