Loan Comparisons

    What's the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?

    Last updated: April 21, 2026
    Reviewed against Bank of Canada, Equifax & FCAC sources

    Side-by-side comparison

    FeatureHELOCHome Equity Loan
    How you get fundsDraw as neededLump sum at closing
    Rate typeUsually variableFixed or variable
    Payment structureInterest-only minimumFixed P+I
    Discipline neededHighLow
    FlexibilityVery highLow
    Typical ratePrime + 0.5%–2%5.49%–8.99%
    Re-borrowingYes, up to limitNo
    Best forOngoing/staged needsOne-time large expense

    Maximum borrowing in Canada

    • HELOC alone: up to 65% of your home's appraised value
    • HELOC + mortgage combined: up to 80% of value
    • Home equity loan + mortgage combined: up to 80% of value

    Worked example

    Home worth $600,000 with a $300,000 mortgage = $300,000 in equity.

    • Maximum HELOC alone: ~$90,000 (65% × $600,000 − $300,000 mortgage = $90,000)
    • Maximum combined borrowing (mortgage + HELOC or home equity loan): ~$180,000

    When HELOC wins

    • Renovation in stages — only pay interest on what you've drawn
    • Emergency fund replacement — sit unused without cost (other than annual fee)
    • Variable rate environment with falling rates expected

    When a home equity loan wins

    • Debt consolidation — fixed payment ensures payoff
    • One-time major purchase — predictable budgeting
    • Rising rate environment — locks your cost
    • You're not great with revolving credit discipline

    Tip

    Use LoanIQ's Home Equity Calculator to see exactly how much equity you can access at today's rates.

    Sources

    Related resources

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