For Maryland residents, where housing costs outpace the national median by 15% due to proximity to D.C. and Baltimore’s urban boom, HELOCs offer a lifeline for renovations, debt refinancing, education funding or business investments. Unlike fixed home equity loans, HELOCs provide revolving access during a 5-10 year draw period, with variable rates tied to the prime rate (currently 7.25%, per Wall Street Journal). In October 2025, Maryland homeowners are sitting on a collective $150 billion in tappable home equity, fueled by a 5.2% year-over-year appreciation in median home values to $415,000, according to the latest Zillow data. With the Federal Reserve holding rates steady at 4.75-5%, HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) rates have stabilized with an average of 7.79%, on a Maryland  home equity line of credit and the national average at 7.84% per Bankrate’s October 22 survey.

What Are the Best Maryland Home Equity Line of Credit Rates in October 2025?

best HELOC rate MD

However, snagging the best HELOC interest rates requires shopping smart—credit scores above 680 unlock sub-8% APRs, and local credit unions often undercut national banks.

The RefiGuide spotlights the five lenders offering Maryland’s lowest HELOC rates as of late October, drawn from Forbes, NerdWallet, and regional comparisons. We’ll also share three real-inspired case studies of Maryland borrowers who scored top deals, plus a rundown of the top 10 mortgage lenders headquartered in the Old Line State. In a market where MD HELOC originations rose 12% year-to-date per Freddie Mac, timing is everything—rates could tick up if inflation lingers.

The Lowest HELOC Rates in Maryland: Top 5 MD Lenders

Maryland’s competitive lending scene favors credit unions and regional banks, which offer lower overhead and member perks like rate discounts for autopay. Based on aggregated data from Bankrate, Forbes Advisor, and NerdWallet as of October 27, 2025, here are the five lenders with the lowest introductory HELOC rates for qualified borrowers (680+ FICO, 80% LTV max). Maryland HELOC Rates are variable, starting with a 0.25% intro period where noted, and assume $100,000 lines.

  1. Third Federal Savings and Loan (7.25% APR): Leading the pack, Third Federal’s Maryland branches offer the lowest home equity loan and HELOC rate at 7.25%, with no closing costs up to $500,000. Ideal for Baltimore-area borrowers, it features a 10-year draw and lifetime cap of 18%. Forbes ranks it best for low rates, citing 4.4/5 borrower satisfaction.
  2. Citizens Bank (7.50% APR): At 7.50%, Citizens provides up to $400,000 lines with a 0.25% autopay discount, closing in 30 days. Strong in Annapolis, it scores 4.6/5 on NerdWallet for flexible terms, though reserves require six months’ payments.
  3. LoanDepot (7.60% APR): LD edges in at 7.60% with a rate discount for existing customers, funding up to 90% LTV on jumbos to $1M. CNBC praises its 4.5/5 service in MD suburbs, but appraisals add $500.
  4. Point Breeze Credit Union (7.75% APR): Local favorite with a floor of 3.50% but current 7.75% (prime +0.50%), offering 80% LTV up to $500,000. Members love the no-fee structure (4.7/5 on local reviews), perfect for Eastern Shore properties.
  5. MECU Credit Union (7.80% APR): MECU’s 7.80% (prime +0.55%) includes a 6% lifetime cap hike, with lines to $300,000 and quick 25-day closings. Baltimore-based, it earns 4.6/5 for community focus, though eligibility requires MD residency.

These MD home equity rates beat the national 7.85% average, saving $200-400 annually on a $100,000 line versus higher options like Connexus at 8.17%. Shop via LendingTree for personalized quotes—multiple inquiries within 14 days count as one.

Three Maryland Homeowners Who Scored Top HELOC Rates

Maryland’s HELOC market favors prepared borrowers, as seen in these anonymized cases inspired by X posts and lender testimonials from 2025. Each highlights strategic shopping and local perks.

Case 1: Baltimore Teacher Consolidates Debt (Sarah, 42) Sarah, a Baltimore City teacher with $180,000 equity in her rowhome, faced $25,000 in high-interest credit card debt amid 2025’s 3.2% inflation squeeze. Her 710 FICO and steady $75,000 salary positioned her well. She compared Third Federal and Citizens via Bankrate, landing Third Federal’s 7.25% rate on a $50,000 line—saving $1,200 yearly versus her 19% cards. Closing in 28 days with no fees, she drew $25,000 immediately, dropping utilization from 65% to 25% and boosting her score 15 points by Q4. “Local knowledge from Third Federal’s branch made it seamless,” Sarah shared on X, echoing sentiments in a May 2025 post about HELOC delinquencies rising but manageable with consolidation. Her story underscores credit unions’ edge for urban borrowers.

Case 2: Annapolis Retiree Funds Renovations (Tom, 68) Retired Navy veteran Tom eyed a $40,000 kitchen upgrade for his Annapolis waterfront home, built in 1990. With 85% equity and a 745 FICO, he targeted low-rate locals. Flagstar’s 7.60% with a 0.25% veteran discount won out over PNC, funding a $60,000 line in 32 days. The remodel added $50,000 value, per a post-renovation appraisal, and his interest-only draws kept payments at $380/month. By October, Tom’s score held steady at 740, thanks to autopay. In a June X thread on HELOC growth, users like him highlighted how such lines beat personal loans at 11%. “Flagstar’s quick process let me enjoy retirement upgrades without stress,” he noted.

Case 3: Frederick Investor Scales Portfolio (Raj, 55) Frederick entrepreneur Raj used HELOC equity from his $500,000 starter home to fund a $100,000 down payment on a rental duplex. Self-employed with variable income, his 690 FICO qualified via Point Breeze CU’s 7.75% rate, emphasizing reserves over DTI. The 35-day close included a no-appraisal option, drawing $100,000 at 70% LTV. Rental income covered payments, and by September, his score climbed to 705 from on-time history. An October X post on home equity investing mirrored Raj’s experience, noting 7% loan balance growth but higher yields for smart users. “Point Breeze understood investor needs—best rate in a sea of 8%+ offers,” Raj said.

These cases illustrate how Maryland’s lenders reward equity-rich, credit-savvy applicants, often closing faster than national averages.

Top 10 Mortgage Lenders/Banks Headquartered in Maryland

maryland home equity lenders

Maryland boasts a robust banking sector, with 2025 RefiGuide and Newsweek rankings highlighting community-focused institutions amid $18.2 trillion national household debt.

We considered HELOC and home equity loan rates, closing costs, reviews and customer satisfaction surveys.

Here’s the RefiGuide’s top 10 by assets, customer satisfaction, and mortgage volume:

  1. CFG Bank (Baltimore): Largest MD-headquartered at $3.5B assets; 4.8/5 for digital mortgages.
  2. Sandy Spring Bank (Olney): $14B assets; top for small business loans, 4.6/5 J.D. Power.
  3. Shore United Bank (Easton): $8.2B; excels in Eastern Shore refis, 4.5/5 WalletHub.
  4. MECU (Baltimore): $2.5B; credit union leader in affordable HELOCs, 4.7/5 local reviews.
  5. Harbor Bank of Maryland (Baltimore): $500M; community-focused, 4.4/5 for urban mortgages.
  6. Queenstown Bank of Maryland (Queenstown): $1.2B; Newsweek’s top regional, 4.6/5 for service.
  7. Middletown Valley Bank (Middletown): $800M; WalletHub #1 for checking/mortgages, 4.5/5.
  8. Taylor Bank (Berlin): $600M; strong in beach-area loans, 4.4/5 GOBankingRates.
  9. CNB Bank (Clear Spring): $400M; rural mortgage specialist, 4.3/5 Forbes state list.
  10. Woodsboro Bank (Woodsboro): $350M; top for personalized service, 4.5/5 SmartAsset.

These MD natives prioritize local needs, often beating nationals on rates and fees.

Take Advantage of Maryland’s HELOC Momentum

October 2025’s sub-8% HELOC rates in Maryland present a golden window, especially with equity growth outpacing national trends. From Third Federal’s rock-bottom 7.25% to local heroes like MECU, options abound for savvy borrowers. Our case studies prove disciplined use yields quick wins, while Maryland lenders add community trust. Consult a top rated RefiGuide advisor, compare via NerdWallet, and act—delinquencies may rise with Q4 spending, per MBA forecasts. Your home’s value is your leverage; wield it wisely.

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