Best Second Mortgage Rates Guide

The national average second mortgage rate is 7.42% for a fixed home equity loan and 7.28% for a HELOC as of late September 2026, per Curinos and Bankrate. Borrowers with stronger profiles do better, Curinos data reported by Forbes puts a $100,000 HELOC at 60% CLTV at 7.36% APR. The RefiGuide helps you compare the lowest 2nd mortgage rates from banks, credit unions, and online lenders for custom loan estimates with no obligation.

Best Second Mortgage Interest Rates at a Glance

• Fixed home equity loan: 7.42% national average; larger balances at higher LTV price closer to 7.91%
• HELOC: 7.28%, variable, priced at prime (7.00%) plus a margin
• Premium over first mortgages: essentially gone. Conventional 30-year refinances now run 7.30%–7.45%, which puts second mortgages at or near parity for the first time in over a year
• Direction: the Federal Reserve raised rates a quarter point in September, lifting prime from 6.75% to 7.00%. HELOCs repriced immediately; fixed second mortgages moved less

Second Mortgage Rates — September 2026

Fixed home equity loan average per Curinos, September 22, 2026. HELOC average per Bankrate, September 23, 2026 — up 17 basis points in one week. Large-balance figures per Curinos via Forbes, September 25. Payments calculated on a $75,000 balance at stated averages; HELOC shown interest-only on a full draw. Prime rate 7.00% following the Federal Reserve’s September increase. Always compare APR, not the note rate — APR includes origination fees and points, which is what makes it comparable across lenders.

The premium over first mortgages has disappeared

For years, the rule was simple: second mortgages cost more than first mortgages because the lender sits behind another lien. In July that premium ran 1.3 to 1.6 percentage points.

It’s now roughly zero. Fixed second mortgages average 7.42% against conventional 30-year refinances at 7.30% to 7.45%. The reason is mechanical: refinance rates track the 10-year Treasury, which surged past 5% in September to its highest level since 2007, while second mortgage pricing follows prime, which rose only a quarter point.

That changes the calculation for anyone weighing a cash-out refinance against a second lien. When seconds cost 1.5 points more, the choice was genuinely close for some borrowers. At parity, a second lien wins decisively for anyone holding a below-market first mortgage — you get comparable pricing on the new money without repricing the balance you already have.

How 2nd Mortgage Rates Compare to 1st Mortgage Rates

Second mortgage rates run roughly 1.3 to 1.6 percentage points above comparable first mortgage rates. The reason is lien position: in a foreclosure, the first mortgage holder is paid in full before the second lien holder receives anything. That subordinate position is priced.

Two structural differences worth knowing:

• No hybrid ARMs. First mortgages offer 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 structures. Second mortgages are either fully fixed or fully variable — there is no middle option.
• Autopay discounts are common. Many lenders shave 0.125% to 0.25% for automatic payment enrollment. Ask; it is rarely volunteered.

The comparison that actually matters is not second-versus-first — it is second-versus-cash-out-refinance. On a $400,000 home with a $250,000 mortgage at 3.5%, a cash-out refinance reprices that entire balance at today’s 6.76%–7.10%. A second mortgage leaves the 3.5% untouched and prices only the new money. For anyone holding a first mortgage below roughly 5%, the second lien wins decisively, which is why second mortgage volume has grown while cash-out refinancing has not.

What Determines Your Second Mortgage Rate

Requirements for the Best Second Mortgage Rate

• Credit score of 700 or above — 740+ for the best available pricing
• Combined loan-to-value at or below 80%, though some lenders reach 85%–90%
• At least 15%–20% equity remaining after the new loan
• Steady, documented income and a debt-to-income ratio most lenders cap near 43%–50%

Requirements vary by institution. Shop and compare second mortgage loans with lenders that specialize in home equity, and get quotes from second-mortgage lenders and brokers rather than only your existing bank. If your credit is weaker, ask about home equity loans and bad credit — options exist, at higher pricing.

Fixed Second Mortgage vs. Variable HELOC — Which Rate Structure?

A fixed second mortgage delivers a lump sum at a rate locked for the full term, typically 5 to 30 years. Your payment never changes. Once repaid, you cannot re-borrow.

A HELOC is a revolving line you draw against as needed, usually over a 10-year period, paying interest only on what you have drawn. The rate moves with the prime rate — currently 6.75% — plus your lender’s margin.

What changed in 2026: the HELOC’s rate advantage has narrowed sharply. At the national average the gap is about 0.65 points, but for strong-credit borrowers it is roughly 0.13 points — which makes fixed-rate certainty nearly free. Combined with a Fed that has stopped cutting, the case for locking a fixed rate is stronger than it has been in two years.

For the full side-by-side, see 2nd mortgage vs. home equity loan and HELOC vs. home equity loan. Current variable pricing is tracked on our today’s HELOC rates page, and top HELOC lenders compares providers.

Second Mortgage Closing Costs

Expect 2% to 5% of the amount borrowed in closing costs and lender fees, though many credit unions and online lenders now offer zero-cost options to borrowers with strong credit and substantial equity. Some lenders recoup waived costs if you close the account within 24 to 36 months — ask before signing. Full detail on HELOC closing costs and lender fees.

Second Mortgage Rate Outlook for the Rest of 2026

The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds target to 3.75%–4.00% in September 2026, its first increase after five consecutive holds at 3.50%–3.75%. The move lifted the prime rate from 6.75% to 7.00%, ending eight months of stability, and every variable-rate second mortgage repriced with it.

The signal had been building since summer. July’s FOMC vote was 9–3, with all three dissenters favoring an increase — the first time since September 2016 that three policymakers dissented in the same direction. Markets priced two quarter-point hikes before year-end, and the first arrived.

Second mortgage rates reached a three-year low in February 2026 and have risen since. HELOCs responded fastest to September’s move: Bankrate’s national average jumped 17 basis points in a single week to 7.28%, its largest increase of the year, one week after the Fed acted. Fixed home equity loans moved less, averaging 7.42% per Curinos, because they track longer-term Treasury yields rather than prime.

What to expect from here. With one increase delivered and another priced in, waiting for meaningfully cheaper equity borrowing means betting against a move already underway. Variable-rate lines carry the exposure; fixed second mortgages don’t — and with the two priced just 14 basis points apart, locking a fixed rate currently costs about $70 a year on a $50,000 balance.

What that means: waiting for materially lower second mortgage rates is a bet the Fed’s own guidance no longer supports. Fixed rates lock permanently at closing and are unaffected by later Fed moves; variable HELOC rates are now more exposed to increases than positioned for decreases. If you already hold a variable second mortgage at an above-market rate, it may be worth exploring whether you can refinance a second mortgage into a fixed structure, or refinance a first and second mortgage together.

What Homeowners Use Second Mortgages For

Second mortgage proceeds carry few restrictions. The most common uses are home improvements and remodeling, debt consolidation, education costs, and investment purchases including, for some borrowers, using a second mortgage to buy crypto, which carries risk well beyond the loan itself.

One tax point that is widely misunderstood: interest on a second mortgage is deductible only when the proceeds buy, build, or substantially improve the home securing the loan, subject to the $750,000 combined debt cap. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated the deduction for other uses, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act made that restriction permanent in July 2025. Debt consolidation, tuition, and investment purchases do not qualify. Consult a tax professional about your situation.

FAQs for Second Mortgage Rates

What is the interest rate on a second mortgage in 2026?

Fixed second mortgage rates average 7.42% APR as of late September 2026, with HELOCs at 7.28% — the two products are now priced within 14 basis points of each other, an unusually narrow gap.

Your rate depends primarily on credit score and combined loan-to-value. Borrowers above 740 FICO with CLTV under 70% reach the low end; those in the 660s with CLTV above 85% can see rates above 9.5%. Loan size matters too — Curinos data shows a $500,000 30-year home equity loan at 60% CLTV pricing at 7.91%, above the national average, because longer terms carry higher rates.

One change worth knowing: the Federal Reserve raised rates a quarter point in September, lifting prime to 7.00%. HELOCs repriced immediately since they track prime directly. Fixed second mortgages moved less, because they follow longer-term Treasury yields instead.

Why are second mortgage rates higher than first mortgage rates?

Lien position. In a foreclosure, the first mortgage holder is paid in full before the second lien holder receives anything — so the second lender may recover nothing on a property that sells for less than the first mortgage balance. That risk is priced at roughly 1.3 to 1.6 percentage points above comparable first mortgage rates. The premium is narrower for low-CLTV borrowers because the second lender’s recovery position is stronger.

Can I get a second mortgage on an investment property or second home?

Yes, but pricing and requirements tighten. Most lenders require at least 30% equity on investment property, versus 15%–20% on a primary residence. Rates typically run a quarter to a half point higher on second homes and more on rentals, reflecting higher default rates on non-owner-occupied property.

Are second mortgage rates negotiable?

More than most borrowers attempt. Lenders routinely discount for autopay enrollment (0.125%–0.25%), existing deposit relationships, and strong credit or low CLTV. What works is presenting a competing written offer — verbal quotes carry no weight. Credit unions frequently price 0.25% to 0.50% below national banks for members with established relationships.

Are variable 2nd-mortgage rate loans a good idea?

A variable-rate second mortgage, such as a HELOC, can be beneficial if interest rates are low and expected to remain stable. However, if rates rise, payments can become unpredictable and more expensive. Borrowers who prefer stability may opt for a fixed-rate home equity loan instead. Evaluating your financial situation and risk tolerance is key when deciding between a variable or fixed-rate loan.

Are the second home loans rates competitive?

Banks run a business and set interest rates based on risks. The reality is that the default ratio is higher on second homes and rental properties, that’s why second home loan rates are higher than traditional mortgage rates. If you have good credit and some equity in the second home interest rates are usually only a quarter to a half point higher. If you are looking for a HELOC on a second home than you will need a lot of equity and good credit scores. The RefiGuide will help you shop second home mortgage rates that make sense for your budget and borrowing credentials.

Should I get a fixed-rate second mortgage?

A fixed-rate second mortgage offers predictable monthly payments, making it a good choice if you prefer stability. It’s ideal if you need a lump sum for a large expense and want to avoid fluctuating interest rates. However, if you need flexibility and access to revolving credit, a variable-rate HELOC may be a better option. Compare rates and terms to determine the best fit.

What is an interest-only second mortgage?

An interest-only second mortgage allows you to make monthly payments on interest only for a set term, typically 5 to 10 years. After this period, you begin repaying principal plus interest. This structure offers lower initial payments but may result in a balloon payment or higher costs later. It’s best for short-term financing needs.

2^nd Mortgage Considerations

As you are thinking about getting a second mortgage, you should keep these things in mind:

• Your chances of foreclosure rise when you take out another mortgage. So, be sure that you can really afford the payments.
• You need to pay for several costs, such as credit checks, appraisals and loan costs. Be sure that you have weighed all of the costs versus what you stand to gain.
• Any time you borrow money, you will have to pay some type of interest. Of course, fixed second mortgage rates usually beat credit cards, but you will pay a higher rate than on your first.

Takeaways for Getting the Best 2nd Mortgage Rates

Getting a second mortgage when rates are rising is often the best bet for home owners who have a first mortgage with a very low interest rate. It is often better to leave that first mortgage in place and borrow the cash you need with a second mortgage. You need to think carefully if a HELOC or home equity loan is best, considering your financial situation and level of risk you prefer.

Typically, the home equity line of credit carries lower rates at first, but in a rising interest rate environment, can go up fast. A home equity loan has a higher rate, but it is fixed. Its no secret that the cost to borrow money is higher than expected but second mortgage interest rates are still more affordable than credit card and personal loans.

Reviewed by: Bryan Dornan, Mortgage Lending Expert (25+ years) | Fact-Checked ✓

Sources & methodology: Fixed home equity loan average of 7.42% per Curinos, September 22, 2026. HELOC national average of 7.28% per Bankrate’s survey of the nation’s largest home equity lenders, September 23, 2026 — up 17 basis points in one week, the largest increase of the year. Large-balance figures per Curinos reported by Forbes, September 25, 2026: a $100,000 HELOC at 60% CLTV at 7.36% APR and a $500,000 30-year home equity loan at 60% CLTV at 7.91% APR. Prime rate 7.00%, raised from 6.75% following the Federal Reserve’s September 2026 increase. Federal funds target 3.75%–4.00%. Cash-out refinance averages of 7.30%–7.45% per Bankrate and Mortgage Research Center, September 28–29, 2026. Payment estimates assume full amortization at stated averages on a $75,000 balance; HELOC shown interest-only on a full draw. Actual rates depend on credit score, CLTV, loan amount, term, property type, occupancy, and lender. Rates moved substantially in September and continue to change — verify current pricing before relying on any figure here. Always compare APR across at least three NMLS-licensed lenders.

Disclosure: RefiGuide.org is an advertising marketplace, not a licensed mortgage lender or broker. Loans are matched with participating NMLS-licensed institutions.