Wisconsin HELOC Rates & Guide: Home Equity Lines of Credit in the Badger State (2026)

Wisconsin homeowners enjoy a sweet spot in the HELOC market: property values high enough to generate meaningful equity, costs of living low enough to keep debt ratios manageable, and a credit union culture that drives real competition among lenders. With median home values around $270,000 statewide — higher in Madison and the Milwaukee suburbs — there's solid equity to work with.

Whether you're upgrading a craftsman bungalow in Wauwatosa, finishing a basement in Middleton, or consolidating debt in Green Bay, here's your complete guide to HELOCs in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin HELOC Market Overview

Wisconsin's economy is diversified across manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, education, and a growing tech sector centered in Madison. The state's two main metros — Milwaukee and Madison — drive much of the housing market, but mid-sized cities like Green Bay, Appleton, and Eau Claire have also seen steady appreciation.

Home prices have climbed 4-6% annually in recent years, with Madison's market running particularly hot thanks to the university, state government, and Epic Systems' massive campus in Verona. Milwaukee's market is more varied — strong in suburban communities like Brookfield and Mequon, more affordable in the city proper.

Median household income sits around $72,000, providing solid borrowing capacity. Wisconsin also boasts an exceptionally strong credit union network — the state has some of the highest credit union membership rates in the country, which translates into more competitive HELOC offerings.

Long-term homeowners have built considerable equity. Someone who bought a $220,000 home in 2018 likely lives in a home now worth $290,000+ with a mortgage balance around $175,000, creating $115,000+ in equity.

Current HELOC Rates in Wisconsin

As of early 2026, Wisconsin HELOC rates generally fall in these ranges:

• Introductory rates: 6.50% – 7.50% APR (6-12 month intro periods)
• Standard variable rates: 8.00% – 10.50% APR
• Fixed-rate conversion options: 7.75% – 9.50% APR

Wisconsin's strong credit union presence helps keep rates competitive, often at or slightly below the national average. Credit unions like Summit and UW Credit Union frequently offer promotional rates that undercut national bank pricing.

Rate determinants remain standard: credit score (aim for 720+), CLTV ratio (under 80% is ideal), income stability, and the size of your credit line.

[HELOC Requirements](/blog/heloc-application-process-step-by-step) in Wisconsin

Wisconsin lenders typically require:

• Credit score: 680+ minimum, 720+ for best rates
• Combined loan-to-value (CLTV): 80-90% maximum (varies by lender)
• [Debt-to-income ratio](/blog/dti-ratio-explained) (DTI): Under 43%, preferably under 36%
• Home equity: At least 10-20% equity
• Income verification: W-2s, pay stubs, or 2 years of tax returns for self-employed
• Property type: Primary residences; second homes available with stricter terms
• Appraisal: Required, though AVMs are increasingly accepted for smaller lines
• [Homeowners insurance](/blog/homeowners-insurance-complete-guide): Must be current; [flood insurance](/blog/hurricane-insurance-guide) required if in a FEMA-designated flood zone

Wisconsin's marital property laws (discussed below) add a wrinkle: your spouse may need to be involved in the HELOC process even if they're not a co-borrower.

Top Wisconsin HELOC Lenders

Local and Regional Lenders

Summit Credit Union — One of Wisconsin's largest credit unions, based in Madison. Summit offers excellent HELOC terms: rates starting around 7.25% APR, no closing costs, no annual fees, and flexible draw options. They're consistently one of the most competitive HELOC lenders in the state. Open to anyone who lives or works in Wisconsin.

UW Credit Union — Another Madison-area powerhouse, open to anyone in Wisconsin (not just UW affiliates). They offer HELOCs with competitive rates, no closing costs on many products, and strong digital tools. Rates typically start around 7.50% APR.

Landmark Credit Union — Wisconsin's largest credit union by assets, based in the Milwaukee area. They offer HELOCs with no annual fees and competitive rates. Excellent option for Milwaukee-area homeowners.

Associated Bank — A major Wisconsin-based bank (Green Bay headquarters) with statewide presence. They offer HELOCs with competitive rates and the relationship banking benefits of a larger institution.

Baylake Bank (now part of Nicolet National Bank) — Strong presence in northeast Wisconsin. Nicolet offers HELOCs with local underwriting and competitive terms across their Wisconsin footprint.

Westconsin Credit Union — Serving western Wisconsin communities with member-friendly HELOC terms. Good option for homeowners outside the Milwaukee/Madison metros.

National Lenders Active in Wisconsin

Figure — Online HELOC lender offering fast approval and funding. Rates start around 7.25% APR. Their fully digital process appeals to borrowers who want speed and convenience.

Bethpage Federal Credit Union — Nationwide credit union with some of the [lowest HELOC rates](/blog/best-heloc-rates-2026) available, often starting below 7.50% APR. No Wisconsin branches, but their digital process works well.

BMO (formerly BMO Harris Bank) — Major bank presence in Wisconsin, especially in Milwaukee. They offer HELOCs with competitive rates and relationship discounts for existing banking customers.

U.S. Bank — Significant Wisconsin presence with competitive HELOC products. Their rate-lock feature lets you convert part of your HELOC balance to a fixed rate.

Chase — Growing presence in Wisconsin. Offers relationship discounts for existing Chase customers.

Wisconsin HELOC Regulations and Consumer Protections

Wisconsin has some unique laws affecting HELOCs:

Marital property state: Wisconsin is one of only nine community property states (technically "marital property" under the Wisconsin Marital Property Act). This means both spouses generally have an interest in property acquired during marriage. Practically, your spouse may need to sign HELOC documents even if they're not a borrower. Some lenders require spousal consent; others require a spousal joinder. This protects both parties but can complicate the process if one spouse has poor credit or is uncooperative.

Mortgage banking and lending laws: Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) regulates HELOC lenders. The state requires lenders to be licensed and comply with disclosure requirements that, in some cases, go beyond federal minimums.

Right of rescission: Standard federal 3-day right of rescission applies.

Foreclosure process: Wisconsin is a judicial foreclosure state, meaning lenders must go through the courts to foreclose. This process typically takes 12-14 months and provides significant borrower protections, including a redemption period after the sale. This is a meaningful protection compared to non-judicial foreclosure states — you have more time to resolve delinquency.

Rate caps: Wisconsin's usury limit is 12% for most loans, though variable-rate products tied to market indices can exceed this. Your HELOC agreement must disclose the lifetime rate cap.

No prepayment penalties: Prepayment penalties on home equity products are restricted in Wisconsin.

Tax Implications of a Wisconsin HELOC

Federal taxes: HELOC interest is deductible if the funds are used for home improvements to the property securing the loan. Other uses don't qualify for the deduction.

Wisconsin state taxes: Wisconsin has a progressive income tax with rates from 3.50% to 7.65% on income over $315,310 (for single filers). Wisconsin generally follows federal treatment of HELOC interest deductions, so deductible interest at the federal level is also deductible on your Wisconsin return.

Wisconsin's tax environment: At a top rate of 7.65%, Wisconsin's income tax is among the higher rates in the Midwest. This makes state-level tax deductions more valuable than in lower-tax states. If you're itemizing and [using HELOC funds](/blog/heloc-draw-period-explained) for qualifying home improvements, the combined federal and state tax benefit is meaningful.

Itemization requirement: You must itemize deductions to claim HELOC interest. Wisconsin's standard deduction is built into its tax computation as a sliding scale based on income, which is unique. Consult a tax professional familiar with Wisconsin's system.

Wisconsin Property Tax Context

Property taxes are the biggest ongoing cost for Wisconsin homeowners and are notably higher than the national average:

• Statewide effective rate: Approximately 1.51%, well above the national average of about 1.1%
• Milwaukee County: Effective rate around 2.0% — among the highest in the state
• Dane County (Madison): Approximately 1.65%
• Brown County (Green Bay): About 1.85%
• Waukesha County: Roughly 1.55%

On a $300,000 home, Wisconsin property taxes typically run $4,500-$6,000 annually. That's a significant expense that affects how much HELOC debt you can comfortably carry.

School levy credit: Wisconsin provides a school levy tax credit that reduces property tax bills, applied automatically.

Lottery credit: Owner-occupied primary residences receive a lottery credit that further reduces property taxes (typically $100-$200 per year).

First Dollar Credit: Applies to all improved residential property, providing additional tax relief.

Despite these credits, Wisconsin's property taxes remain high. Factor this into your HELOC budget — you need to be comfortable with both HELOC payments and substantial annual tax bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my spouse have to be involved in my Wisconsin HELOC?

In most cases, yes. Wisconsin's marital property law means your spouse likely has an interest in the property, even if they're not on the deed or mortgage. Most lenders require at least a spousal consent or waiver. Your spouse doesn't necessarily need good credit — they may only need to acknowledge the lien, not be a co-borrower. But if your spouse refuses to sign, getting a HELOC can be difficult.

Are Wisconsin credit unions really better for HELOCs?

Often, yes. Wisconsin has an exceptionally strong credit union culture, and institutions like Summit, UW Credit Union, and Landmark consistently offer HELOC rates and terms that beat big bank offerings. They also tend to charge fewer fees and provide more personalized service. It's worth getting at least one credit union quote.

How do Wisconsin's high property taxes affect HELOC decisions?

High property taxes mean a larger share of your housing budget is already spoken for. When calculating how much HELOC debt you can handle, subtract your annual property taxes from your housing budget first. A $5,000 annual tax bill is $417/month that can't go toward HELOC payments. Lenders account for this in your DTI calculation too.

Can I get a HELOC on my Wisconsin lake house?

Yes, but terms will be tighter than for a primary residence. Expect rates 0.50-1.00% higher, maximum CLTV around 70-75%, and not all lenders offer second-home HELOCs. Lake properties in popular areas (Door County, Northwoods) typically appraise well, which helps. Some local lenders specializing in these areas may offer more favorable terms.

What's the Wisconsin HELOC foreclosure timeline?

Wisconsin's judicial foreclosure process typically takes 12-14 months from the lender's initial filing to a completed sale. After the sale, you may have up to 12 months to redeem the property (buy it back at the sale price plus costs). This is significantly more borrower-friendly than non-judicial foreclosure states where the process can complete in months.

The Bottom Line

Wisconsin is a strong state for HELOC borrowers, primarily because of its competitive credit union landscape and judicial foreclosure protections. The main headwind is high property taxes, which eat into your housing budget and limit how much additional debt makes sense.

Your playbook: get quotes from Summit, UW Credit Union, or Landmark first — they're consistently among the state's best HELOC lenders. Then compare against Figure or Bethpage for an online alternative, and check BMO or Associated if you want a bank relationship.

Be aware of the marital property implications if you're married, and factor Wisconsin's above-average property taxes into your borrowing calculations. With those considerations handled, a Wisconsin HELOC gives you flexible, affordable access to your home equity with the added security of judicial foreclosure protections should things ever go sideways.

Related Articles

• [[Home [Equity Explained](/blog/home-equity-explained)](/blog/what-is-home-equity): What It Is and How to Build It](/blog/home-equity-explained)
• Property Taxes Explained: How They Work and How to Reduce Them
• Wisconsin HELOC Guide