[FILL IN] need the actual outcome. Once populated, remove this note and this hero disclaimer.
The decision
[FILL IN: The FOMC voted to (hold / cut 25 bps / cut 50 bps / raise 25 bps) the federal funds target range to (X.XX–X.XX%) at the July 28–29, 2026 meeting.]
Prime rate now: [FILL IN: 6.75% unchanged / 6.50% (down 25 bps) / 7.00% (up 25 bps)]
Vote tally: [FILL IN, e.g., 11–1 in favor of hold, with Gov. Miran dissenting for a 25 bp cut]
What Chair Powell signaled about future meetings
[FILL IN: 2–3 bullet points from the post-meeting press conference. Focus on: (1) dot-plot changes, (2) forward guidance language, (3) any specific mention of housing/mortgage market conditions.]
What this means for HELOC rates
HELOCs price as Prime + margin. Any change in Prime flows into HELOC rates within 1–2 statement cycles after the FOMC decision.
If you already have a HELOC
[FILL IN based on decision:
- Hold: Your HELOC rate doesn't change. Payment stays the same next cycle.
- Cut 25 bps: Your rate drops 0.25% next cycle. On a $50K balance, that saves about $10/month or $125/year.
- Cut 50 bps: Your rate drops 0.50%. On $50K = $21/month or $250/year saved.
- Hike 25 bps: Rate rises 0.25%. On $50K = $10/month more.
]
If you're shopping for a HELOC
The Prime rate change (or non-change) applies to new applications too. HELOC advertised rates typically update within 3–5 business days of the FOMC decision. If you're mid-application, ask your lender whether they lock the rate at application or at closing — this matters for a couple weeks.
Rate table: HELOC costs after this meeting
| Draw amount | Rate (post-meeting) | Monthly interest-only |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | [FILL IN, e.g., 7.43%] | [FILL IN, e.g., $155] |
| $50,000 | [FILL IN] | [FILL IN, e.g., $310] |
| $100,000 | [FILL IN] | [FILL IN, e.g., $619] |
| $200,000 | [FILL IN] | [FILL IN, e.g., $1,238] |
What to do based on today's decision
If the Fed held (base case):
- No action needed. HELOC rates flat.
- Applications in flight complete at the same rate you were quoted.
- Consider whether next FOMC meeting (September 15–16) is likely to cut, based on today's dot plot and Powell's forward guidance.
If the Fed cut 25 bps:
- If you have an existing HELOC balance: expect ~$10/month savings per $50K balance next cycle.
- If you were about to apply: wait 3–5 business days for lenders to update advertised rates, then apply at the new (lower) rate.
- If you have a fixed home equity loan: today's decision doesn't affect your rate. Consider whether refinancing to a HELOC captures the newly-lower variable rate.
If the Fed hiked 25 bps (tail-risk scenario):
- Existing HELOC balances: rate goes up next cycle. Consider accelerating paydown.
- Applications in flight: check whether your lender locks at application (protects you) or at closing (exposes you).
- Reconsider whether a fixed home equity loan makes sense as protection against further hikes.
The bigger picture for HELOCs in H2 2026
Full-year 2026 has been characterized by Fed inaction — [FILL IN: continued today / broken today with this move]. Prime has been at 6.75% since December 2025. National HELOC average sits at 7.43% (Bankrate, July 15, 2026), down roughly 90 basis points year-over-year purely on the strength of the three second-half 2025 cuts.
Consensus for the remaining 2026 meetings (September, November, December): [FILL IN based on Polymarket / Forbes tracking as of publication]. Bankrate's forecast is a "generally flat rate environment for the balance of 2026."
Compare against the state averages
For state-by-state HELOC rates and where your state ranks in the national picture, see our Q3 2026 State HELOC Rate Study. Regional averages: Midwest 6.97%, South 7.05%, West 7.15%, Northeast 7.22%.
How to get a rate quote at today's post-meeting number
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