[Best HELOC Rates](/blog/heloc-rate-negotiation-guide) in San Antonio 2026

San Antonio's affordable housing market, strong military presence, and growing economy create unique opportunities for homeowners considering a [Home Equity Line of Credit](/blog/best-heloc-lenders-2026). With median home values around $310,000—significantly below major metros like Austin or Dallas—San Antonio homeowners benefit from lower debt levels and sustainable equity positions.

However, Texas has some of the nation's most restrictive home equity lending laws, which affect HELOC products. This guide explains the best HELOC rates available in San Antonio while navigating Texas's unique regulatory environment.

Current San Antonio HELOC Rates

HELOC rates in San Antonio currently range from 7.70% to 10.25% APR depending on credit score, loan-to-value ratio, and lender. Texas-specific regulations mean HELOC products here differ from those in other states.

Key lenders serving San Antonio include:

Local Credit Unions: Security Service Federal Credit Union, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, and Broadway Bank offer competitive rates with deep San Antonio roots.

Regional Banks: Frost Bank, Texas-based with major San Antonio presence, provides tailored products for local homeowners.

National Banks: USAA (headquartered in San Antonio), Wells Fargo, and Bank of America serve local borrowers.

Online Lenders: Figure and other digital lenders operate in Texas, though they must comply with state-specific rules.

Top HELOC Lenders in San Antonio

Security Service Federal Credit Union

Security Service FCU, one of San Antonio's largest credit unions, offers HELOCs with rates starting around 7.70% APR.

Highlights:

• Deep San Antonio market knowledge
• Competitive rates for members
• Understanding of military employment (significant in SA)
• Up to 80% LTV (Texas law maximum)
• Membership broadly available
• Local decision-making

Security Service's understanding of San Antonio neighborhoods—from Alamo Heights to Stone Oak to the growing southside—makes them particularly valuable for local borrowers.

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU)

RBFCU serves military members, veterans, and their families throughout San Antonio. HELOC rates start around 7.75% APR.

Highlights:

• No closing costs on many HELOCs
• Up to 80% LTV
• Strong military family service
• Competitive rates
• Multiple San Antonio branches
• Understanding of PCS moves and military income

For San Antonio's substantial military community, RBFCU combines local knowledge with military-specific expertise.

Frost Bank

Frost Bank, a Texas institution with major San Antonio operations, offers HELOCs with rates starting around 7.85% APR.

Highlights:

• Texas-specific expertise
• Understanding of state home equity laws
• Relationship banking benefits
• Up to 80% LTV
• Local branches throughout San Antonio
• Personalized service

Frost's Texas heritage means they navigate state regulations seamlessly while providing responsive local service.

USAA

Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA serves military members and their families with HELOCs starting around 7.95% APR.

Highlights:

• Military-specific underwriting understanding
• Competitive rates for members
• Up to 80% LTV
• Strong digital banking platform
• Deployment flexibility
• Understanding of VA loans

USAA's military focus and San Antonio headquarters make them a natural choice for service members stationed at Lackland, Fort Sam Houston, or Randolph AFB.

Figure

Figure offers HELOCs to San Antonio homeowners online, with rates starting around 8.10% APR. Their product complies with Texas's unique requirements.

Highlights:

• Fully online application
• Fast funding (as few as 5 days)
• Up to 80% LTV (Texas maximum)
• Borrow $15,000 to $400,000
• No prepayment penalties
• Digital-first experience

Understanding [Texas Home Equity Laws](/blog/heloc-rates-texas)

Texas has constitutional protections for homesteads that significantly restrict [home equity borrowing](/blog/home-equity-loan-vs-heloc-2026). Key rules affecting San Antonio HELOCs:

80% Maximum Loan-to-Value

Texas law caps total home equity debt at 80% of fair market value. This means:

• Your first mortgage plus HELOC cannot exceed 80% of your home's value
• This is stricter than the 90% CLTV common in other states
• Lenders cannot exceed this limit under any circumstances

Single HELOC Only

Texas homeowners can have only ONE home equity line of credit at a time. You cannot:

• Have multiple HELOCs on the same property
• Have both a home equity loan and HELOC simultaneously

If you have an existing HELOC, you must close it before opening a new one.

12-Day Waiting Period

Texas requires a 12-day waiting period between [HELOC application](/blog/heloc-application-process-step-by-step) and closing. This protects borrowers from high-pressure sales tactics but extends the timeline.

No Refinancing for One Year

You cannot refinance or pay off a HELOC with a new home equity product for 12 months after closing. Plan accordingly—once you have a HELOC, you're committed for at least a year.

Specific Closing Requirements

Texas mandates:

• All closings must occur at the lender's office, title company, or lawyer's office (not your home)
• You receive extensive disclosures outlining your rights
• All Spanish-speaking borrowers must receive documents in Spanish

No Penalty-Free Conversion

Unlike other states, Texas doesn't easily allow converting HELOCs to fixed-rate loans. While some lenders offer workarounds, the process is more complex than in other states.

How Much Can You Borrow?

San Antonio homeowners can borrow based on Texas's 80% LTV limit:

Example: If your San Antonio home is worth $320,000 and you owe $190,000 on your mortgage:

• Maximum total debt: $256,000 (80% of $320,000)
• Existing mortgage: $190,000
• Available HELOC: $66,000

Texas's lower limit means you may access less equity than borrowers in other states, but it also provides protection against overleveraging.

Credit Requirements: Most competitive rates require FICO scores of 700+, though some lenders work with borrowers at 640+ (at higher rates).

Income Documentation: San Antonio's diversified economy (healthcare, military, tourism, cybersecurity) means lenders see varied employment types. Most require standard W-2 or 1099 documentation.

Common Uses for HELOCs in San Antonio

San Antonio homeowners typically use HELOCs for:

Home Improvements: Pool installations, outdoor living spaces (to handle Texas heat), kitchen/bathroom remodels, energy-efficient HVAC

Medical Expenses: San Antonio's major medical centers (South Texas Medical Center, Methodist Healthcare) mean some residents use HELOCs for significant medical costs

Education: Funding college for children (UTSA, Trinity, UIW, Texas A&M-San Antonio)

Debt Consolidation: Paying off high-interest credit cards or auto loans

Business Capital: Funding small businesses in San Antonio's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem

Emergency Reserve: Backup funds for unexpected expenses

Draw and Repayment Periods

Standard HELOC structure:

Draw Period (typically 10 years): Borrow and repay up to your credit limit, usually with interest-only minimum payments.

Repayment Period (typically 15-20 years): No additional borrowing; your balance amortizes with [principal and interest](/blog/amortization-schedule-guide) payments.

Texas law doesn't alter this structure, but the inability to easily refinance means careful planning for the repayment period transition is crucial.

Qualifying for Best Rates

To access the lowest San Antonio HELOC rates:

1. Credit score 720+: Demonstrates strong creditworthiness
2. Conservative LTV: While Texas caps at 80%, borrowing at 70% often reduces rates by 0.25-0.50%
3. Stable employment: Two+ years with current employer strengthens applications
4. Military service: If eligible, credit unions and USAA offer military-specific advantages
5. Existing relationship: Banking relationship with Frost, Security Service, or other local institutions can provide rate discounts
6. Low debt-to-income: Keeping DTI below 40% improves approval odds and rates

Application Process and Timeline

San Antonio HELOC applications typically follow this timeline:

1. Pre-qualification (1-2 days): Initial credit review and rate quote
2. Application (3-5 days): Full documentation submission
3. 12-Day Waiting Period: Texas-mandated cooling-off period (starts at application)
4. Appraisal (1-2 weeks): Required by most lenders; costs $350-500 in San Antonio
5. Underwriting (1-2 weeks): Document verification and title work
6. Closing (at lender/title office): Sign documents
7. 3-Day Rescission: Federal right-to-cancel period
8. Funding: Access to funds after rescission

Total timeline: 5-7 weeks minimum (due to 12-day waiting period), though well-organized applications can close closer to the minimum.

San Antonio Market Characteristics

Affordable Housing

San Antonio offers some of Texas's most affordable housing, with median values around $310,000—significantly below Austin ($550,000+) or Dallas ($420,000+). This affordability means:

• Lower mortgage balances relative to income
• More conservative leverage
• Sustainable home equity positions
• Lower payment shock risk

Military Presence

Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Randolph AFB) makes military employment a significant factor:

• Lenders understand PCS moves and deployment
• VA loans are common first mortgages
• Military-focused credit unions offer competitive products
• Income stability from military employment

Economic Diversification

San Antonio's economy has diversified beyond military and tourism:

• Major healthcare hub (South Texas Medical Center)
• Growing cybersecurity sector
• Strong education presence (UTSA, etc.)
• Distribution and logistics centers

This diversification provides economic stability supporting home values.

Neighborhood Variations

San Antonio's diverse neighborhoods have different appreciation patterns:

• Alamo Heights: Stable, high-value area with strong equity
• Stone Oak: Newer development, popular with families
• Medical Center area: Driven by healthcare employment
• Downtown/Southtown: Urban revitalization, strong appreciation
• Far north/west sides: Newer construction, growing rapidly

Lenders familiar with San Antonio understand these variations.

Texas-Specific Considerations

Homestead Exemptions

Texas offers generous homestead exemptions from property taxes (varies by county and school district). While this doesn't directly affect HELOCs, it impacts overall homeownership costs.

Property Tax Considerations

Texas has no state income tax but relatively high property taxes (average 1.8% of home value in Bexar County). Factor these into your overall budget:

• For a $320,000 home: ~$5,760 annual property taxes
• Many lenders require tax escrow
• Tax increases can affect mortgage payment

HOA Communities

Many San Antonio neighborhoods have HOAs (especially Stone Oak, Alamo Ranch, etc.):

• Annual fees typically $300-$1,200
• Lenders review HOA financial health
• Delinquent HOA fees can affect HELOC approval

[HELOC Alternatives](/blog/heloc-alternatives)

[Cash-Out Refinance](/blog/cash-out-refinance-guide): Also subject to Texas's 80% LTV limit, but might make sense if current mortgage rates are attractive.

Home Equity Loan: Fixed rate and predictable payments; still subject to Texas's 80% limit and one-year refinance restriction.

Personal Loan: For smaller amounts ($15,000-$40,000), personal loans avoid Texas's home equity restrictions, though rates are higher.

USAA Career Starter Loan: For military members, USAA offers personal loans up to $25,000 without home collateral.

Red Flags to Avoid

Violating Texas Law: Any lender suggesting:

• Exceeding 80% LTV
• Multiple simultaneous HELOCs
• Avoiding the 12-day waiting period
• Closing at your home

These are legal violations. Work only with reputable lenders.

Excessive Fees: While closing costs are reasonable, avoid lenders charging:

• Application fees over $100
• Processing fees over $500
• Junk fees without clear purpose

Pressure Tactics: Texas's 12-day waiting period exists to prevent high-pressure sales. Any lender pressuring you to "decide now" is a red flag.

Bottom Line

San Antonio homeowners have excellent HELOC options despite Texas's restrictive regulations. Local credit unions like Security Service FCU and RBFCU offer the most competitive rates (starting around 7.70%), while USAA and Frost provide strong military and Texas-specific expertise.

The best HELOC for you depends on priorities:

• Best rates: Security Service FCU, RBFCU
• Military focus: USAA, RBFCU
• Texas expertise: Frost Bank
• Digital experience: Figure

Texas's 80% LTV limit and one-year refinance restriction mean careful planning is essential. However, these same protections prevent overleveraging and provide consumer safeguards many states lack.

Shop multiple lenders, understand Texas's unique rules, and ensure your HELOC fits your long-term financial strategy. San Antonio's affordable housing and stable economy create a solid foundation for strategic home equity borrowing.

Related Articles

• Home Equity Explained: What It Is and How to Build It
• Property Taxes Explained: How They Work and How to Reduce Them
• Best HELOC Rates in 2026: Where to Find the Lowest Rates