Use the equity in your home to pay for home improvements, college tuition or a down payment on a second home.
What is a cash-out refinance?
A cash-out refinance is a type of mortgage refinance that lets you convert your home equity into cash. It replaces your existing home mortgage with a new, larger loan, and pays you the difference between the new and old mortgage amount at closing. Accessing equity and using the funds to consolidate debt or fund a major project are just a few reasons to use a cash-out refinance.
Estimate how much cash you could borrow.
Determine your home equity.
As an example, let’s say your home is worth $300,000. The remaining balance on your mortgage is $100,000.
$300,000 – $100,000 = $200,000
That means you have $200,000 in equity.
Calculate your maximum loan amount.
In general, the maximum loan amount that lenders allow is 80% of your home’s value (up to 90% in some cases). This is called loan-to-value (LTV).
$300,000 x 80% LTV = $240,000
That means you could refinance your home for up to $240,000.
Estimate the cash you could borrow.
If you choose to refinance your home for $240,000, you can subtract the amount you still owe on your home from the refinance amount to estimate the cash you can borrow.
$240,000 – $100,000 = $140,000
That means you can borrow up to $140,000.
Compare your refinance loan options.
Here are some of our popular options for a cash-out refinance. Or you can compare all loans and rates.
Conventional fixed-rate refinance loans
Why it may be right for you:
- Keeps the same interest rate for the life of the loan
- Rate consistency can help with budgeting
- You plan to stay in the home for a long time
Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) refinance loans
Why it may be right for you:
- Initial ARM rates are lower than comparable fixed-rate loans
- Initial rate periods last 5–10 years, and then rates can adjust up or down
- You plan to move within the next few years
FHA refinance loans
Why it may be right for you:
- Keeps the same interest rate for the life of the loan
- Down payments can be lower
- Qualification guidelines are more flexible than other loans
Get answers to frequently asked cash-out refinance questions.
A cash-out refinance lets you refinance your mortgage and borrow money at the same time. You apply for a new mortgage that pays off your existing one (and any liens on your property) and withdraw a portion of your home’s equity as a lump sum.

Not sure what your home improvement project could cost?
It you’re thinking about a home improvement project but aren’t sure of the cost, we’re happy to help. Just answer a few quick questions and we’ll give you a personalized estimate based on the average cost of labor and materials where you live.
Looking for other refinance and loan options?
Rate-and-term refinance
Good if interest rates decrease
- New mortgage terms
- Option to change mortgage loan type
- Keeps your existing mortgage balance
Home equity loan
Better for one-time expenses
- Fixed interest rates
- A predictable repayment schedule
- Terms up to 30 years.4
Home equity line of credit
Better for ongoing access to funds5
- Rates typically lower than credit cards
- Flexible repayment options
- The option to lock in a fixed rate
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