Versatile Line of Credit: Our home equity line of credit
Get financing for your home and any projects you have in mind. If you're a member, book an appointment on AccèsD to discuss your needs and see if the Versatile Line of Credit is right for you.
Not a member? Schedule a call with the mortgage financing team. to make an appointment.
What is the Versatile Line of Credit?
Our Versatile Line of Credit is a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. It's a financing option that combines the benefits of a mortgage and a home equity line of credit. It lets you finance or refinance your home and use some of its net value to make your projects a reality.
What is the net value of my home?
The net value, also known as your home equity, is the difference between the current determined value
Eligibility
You can get our Versatile Line of Credit if you:
- Are buying a property and have a down payment of at least 20%
- Already own a home whose net value is at least 20%
You must be the owner of the home and live there in both cases. The home must have 4 units or fewer.
If you're not eligible for the Versatile Line of Credit or it doesn't meet your needs, consider a mortgage to finance your home.
Benefits of the Versatile Line of Credit
Customize your financing
With the Versatile Line of Credit, you can divide your financing into several tied loans, each with its own conditions. It's a convenient option if, for example, you want your loan to incorporate different rates, terms or payment conditions.
Pay for a big expense
You can access the funds that become available on your HELOC independently, whether to carry out projects like renovations or to cover an unexpected expense.
Enjoy a competitive rate
When you borrow directly from your line of credit, you get a variable rate
Get flexible repayment options
You can choose among different payment frequencies and amounts when you use your HELOC.
How does the Versatile Line of Credit work?
The Versatile Line of Credit has 2 parts: the loan linked to the Versatile Line of Credit and the home equity line of credit.
A loan tied to your Versatile Line of Credit to finance your home
You can get a loan linked to your Versatile Line of Credit to finance or refinance your property. This loan is not a mortgage. A tied loan is linked to the guarantee on your Versatile Line of Credit.
Despite this difference, a tied loan works like a conventional mortgage, which means it is paid off based on the conditions
If you decide to split up your financing or apply for a tied loan to pay for a project, you'll have several loans tied to your Versatile Line of Credit, each with its own conditions.
A home equity line of credit to pursue your projects
You can borrow the amount available on your HELOC to use as you wish. The amount available on your HELOC depends on several conditions, including the amount of your down payment and the net value of your home. Once you meet these conditions, you'll automatically have access to the amount available. This amount continues to increase as you pay down your principal.
Contact your mortgage advisor to learn more about the requirements.
Using the money available on your HELOC
If you want to finance a purchase with your HELOC, you have 2 options:
- Borrow directly from your line of credit, which has a variable rate.
2 - Have your advisor, if possible, convert the borrowed amount into a tied loan with its own rate and conditions.
Good to know
Use the Transfers between accounts feature on AccèsD to easily transfer money between your accounts and your HELOC.
Examples
Here are some examples
Borrowing from your HELOC independently
You buy a $400,000 condo with a 35% down payment. Every month, you pay $1,439 in principal and interest. The amount toward the principal goes into your HELOC. After 1 year, you'll have repaid $5,794 toward the principal on your mortgage. This amount is available on your line of credit for you to use as you wish.
Tied loans
You have $20,000 in debts and want to consolidate them. You have $200,000 available on your HELOC. Because you want stable loan terms, you contact your advisor to create a tied loan of $20,000 using your HELOC. As you pay down this loan, the repaid principal becomes available again on your line of credit.
Borrowing after your mortgage is paid off
You need $80,000 to update your home. You've already paid off your mortgage, which means you have access to the full amount of your HELOC. You ask your advisor to create a tied loan so you can get fixed payment terms.
Tips on borrowing responsibly
Consider saving up for your projects before borrowing on your line of credit.
Talk about it with your advisor beforehand.
Try to repay more than just the interest on your loan.
Make a realistic budget and payment schedule. Stick to them!
If you need a significant amount and don't think you'll pay it back in the short term, talk to your advisor about creating a tied loan so you can have fixed payment terms.
Take out Loan Insurance to protect your financing (based on the insurance percentage you choose) in case of death or disability.
Manage your Versatile Line of Credit online
Log in to the web version of AccèsD or go to the Home section of the Desjardins mobile services app for all your Versatile Line of Credit needs.
- See how much is available
- Check your balance
- Check your interest rate
- Pay your balance
- Track your transactions
Download the Desjardins mobile services app
FAQ
What documents are needed to apply for the Versatile Line of Credit?
- Proof of income (such as a pay stub or federal notice of assessment)
- Investment statements
- Purchase offer for your new home
- Copies of the municipal and school taxes
- Copy of the listing, if the purchase is being made with an agent
- Your buyer's proof of financing, if you already own a home
- Current leases and statements of income and expenses, if you're buying an income property
We may ask for more documents depending on your situation.
What are the rates on the Versatile Line of Credit?
The Versatile Line of Credit has several rates, since it includes both a home equity line of credit and any tied loans.
The interest rate on your home equity line of credit is variable and based on our prime rate plus or minus a spread. This spread is based on criteria like your financial history and your project.
Like a traditional mortgage, the interest rate on each loan tied to your HELOC is set when you sign your agreement. It's based on the type of loan you chose, the term and the amortization.
You can check your loan and HELOC rates on AccèsD.
How are HELOC interest rates calculated?
When you borrow directly from your HELOC, interest on the balance due is calculated daily and based on the applicable variable rate, divided by the number of days in the year. For example, you borrow $2,500 for 15 days at 6%. The interest on this amount is $6.16. Then, you make a $500 payment on the principal and carry a $2,000 balance for the next 15 days. Because of your payment, the interest drops to $4.93 for the remainder of the month. At the end of the month, you've paid $11.09 in interest.
How do I see how much is available on my HELOC?
You can check how much you have available on AccèsD.
In a web browser
- Log in to AccèsD.
- On the Overview page, under Cards, loans and credit, select Versatile Line of Credit.
- Select Account information.
- Look at Amount available.
In the Desjardins mobile services app
- Log in to AccèsD.
- Under Quick access, select Home.
- Scroll down to see how much is available on your Versatile Line of Credit.
How do I repay my home equity line of credit?
You can repay your HELOC on AccèsD.
- Log in to AccèsD in your web browser or in the Desjardins mobile services app.
- Select Transfers, then Transfers between accounts.
- Select the account you want to make the payment from.
- Select Versatile Line of Credit as the destination account.
- Enter the amount of your payment and then select OK.
- Confirm your payment.
You can also ask your advisor to set up automatic payments for your home equity line of credit.
What if I got my Versatile Line of Credit before November 17, 2024?
Certain changes will occur if you got a Versatile Line of Credit before November 17, 2024. Contact your caisse or branch to learn about these changes.
Make an appointment for your Versatile Line of Credit
By phone
Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 9 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Montreal area:
514-745-9499 This link opens your phone app.
Elsewhere in Canada:
1-844-626-2476 This link opens your phone app.
We can also call you when it's convenient.
Depending on the available amount, you can use a HELOC and any tied loans to borrow up to 65% of the determined value of your property without refinancing.