How to Deal With a HELOC Freeze

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, can provide quick access to cash at low interest rates. But the homeowner’s money management plans can unravel if the lender freezes the credit line.

Can they really do that?

Look deep into the HELOC contract and you’ll generally find that they can. It’s an important factor to consider in deciding whether to rely on a HELOC, or in choosing between a line of credit and a lump sum, installment-type home equity loan.

Both types are loans that use your home equity as collateral, and since they are secured, they offer much lower rates than unsecured loans like credit cards. Homeowners with enough equity – the difference between the home’s value and remaining mortgage debt – often use home equity loans for home improvements, college tuition or paying off high-interest credit card balances.

With an installment loan, you borrow a lump sum and pay it back over time with interest, just as you would with a mortgage or car loan. Once you’ve qualified for the loan and received the money, there’s not much the lender can do to change the deal other than foreclose on your property if you fail to make payments.

A HELOC, in contrast, is a “revolving” loan much like a credit card. You borrow whatever amount you want up to your credit limit. Monthly payments vary depending on your balance and the current month’s interest rate, which is typically tied to the prime rate.

In most of these deals, the lender has the right to reduce the borrower’s credit limit, or to deny loans beyond those already taken. According to the Federal Reserve, this can happen even if you have a perfect payment history.