Right Tool
A HELOC can be used to consolidate high-interest debt or get the funds for anything you need
Right Time
Get funds in as few as 7 days with our 100% online application.*
Right Rate
Lock in a rate that's over 3x lower than the average credit card**
You deserve to breathe easy.
With a low-rate HELOC, you could potentially save thousands in interest by consolidating high-rate credit cards or personal loans. Planning a project or chasing a big dream? Get the funds you need and the ease of one simple monthly payment, so you can breathe easy.
Consolidate high-interest debt
Consolidating debt with a HELOC could help lower monthly payments
The funds you need
Use up to 90% of your home's value
Pay less interest
Pay interest only on the amount you borrow
Flexible financing
The option to lock in part of your loan with fixed monthly payments
Tax Savings
Interest may be tax deductible, but check with your tax advisor.
Ready to breathe easy?
Our team of experts is here to provide personalized guidance on how to best use your home’s equity. Fill out this form, and we’ll be in contact with you soon.
Frequently asked HELOC questions
How does a HELOC work?
Essentially, a HELOC works like a credit card, with a credit limit based on a percentage of your available home equity. You can borrow up to that amount. Payments are due monthly, but you have the flexibility to make additional payments at any time.
The “equity” in your home is what it’s currently worth (market value) minus the amount you owe on your home loan. Equity is built when the value of your home increases and as you decrease the principal amount you owe by making your mortgage payments. So how much equity do you have?
Let’s say the market value of your home is $100,000, and you owe $55,000 on your first mortgage. Congratulations! You have equity in your home worth $45,000.
When making payments, you can make interest-only payments during a set time to “draw” or borrow money on the line of credit. You’ll be required to make interest and principal payments to pay off the line of credit after the draw period ends.
How much money can I take out with a HELOC?
A HELOC uses the value of your home to determine the limit of your line of credit. Generally, you may be able to take out up to 90% of the amount you own on your home. This percentage is your CLTV (combined loan-to-value) rate. For example, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you have $100,000 remaining on your mortgage, this means you have $200,000 of equity in your home. To find how much you can borrow, start by multiplying your total home value by your CLTV rate. (300,000 x 0.9 = 270,000) Then, subtract the amount you still owe on the original mortgage for your home. ($270,000 - $100,000 = $170,000) The resulting amount is the potential maximum amount you can take out.
Use our home improvement loan calculator to estimate the amount you can take out with a HELOC.
How can I use the funds from a HELOC?
It's your choice! Some common uses for HELOC funds are:
- Consolidating debt
- College tuition
- Home improvement projects
- Taking your dream vacation
- Making that big purchase
- Building wealth
- Anything you’d like!
How quickly can I get approved for a HELOC?
With our 100% online application you can get funding in as few as 7 days! This is possible for many applicants, but is subject to loan approval and if an appraisal is needed on your home, approval time will be longer.
Is there a minimum amount I have to draw from a HELOC?
There is a minimum loan amount of $10,000 and a maximum Combined Loan-to-Value of 90%, but there is no minimum amount that you have to draw from your loan.
How can I get help with my HELOC?
Contact our consumer loans department at consumerloans@ffbkc.com or call at (816) 241-7800.
*Introductory APR of 6.00% is valid for maximum combined loan-to-value (CLTV) of 70% and is fixed for 12 months following account opening date. After the introductory period, the APR will vary for the remaining life of the loan based on the CLTV, which as of 3/18/2026, ranged from 7.50% to 8.75%. Rate offer of 7.50% is based upon a CLTV of 70% or less. The APR will not exceed 15%. There is a minimum loan amount of $10,000 and a maximum CLTV of 90%. Subject to credit approval. Rates are subject to change without notice. Fees range between $200 and $1,500. Application approval times may vary; if home appraisal is needed, approval time will be longer.
**LendingTree average calculated credit card rate is 23.72% as of March 2026.
Why First Federal?
Since January 2024, we’ve funded HELOCs for over 300 families, helping people like you use their equity to fund the life they’ve been dreaming of. Join them today.
Our team is here when you need us. Give us a call at (816) 241-7800 or email at consumerloans@ffbkc.com for support that cares about you.
As a community mutual bank owned by our depositors, not shareholders, we prioritize our customers' well-being. Our goal is your financial success.
I am a repeat customer, and the customer service at FFBKC has always been exceptional. My most recent HELOC application was processed very quickly, and I was kept informed of its status throughout the entire process! FIVE STARS!!!
-Steven T
"Courteous, professional, knowledgeable, sense of humor, helpful, didn't rush, followed up"
-Camilla M
"Sara was very upfront about the whole process and how the HELOC works. When we got our final documents nothing was a surprise and it made going through them with the notary a breeze. She really made it all so easy and we had a great experience."
-Alicia D D
"Always responded to questions quickly and was able to explain everything we needed concisely as well"
-Joshua D L