Founded in Kentucky, Republic Bank & Trust, also known as Republic Bank, is a financial institution with branches mainly in the South and Midwest of the United States. The bank has 42 full-service banking centers and two loan production offices throughout Kentucky, southern Indiana, Florida, Tennessee and Ohio.
Republic Bank offers both personal and business banking. Its financial products include checking accounts, credit cards, mortgages and home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs. According to a customer service representative we reached out to, customers must live within 30 miles of a branch to qualify for a HELOC. Customers can bank through mobile banking, online banking, or in-person banking.
Republic Bank: At a glance
| Types of loans offered | HELOC |
|---|---|
| APR | 7.50% to 18.00% variable APR (introductory 3.99% fixed APR rate for 6 months) |
| Loan amount | Up to $500,000 |
| Credit score minimum | Not specified |
| Repayment terms | Not specified |
| Average time for approval | Not specified |
Republic Bank's HELOCs may be a good option for customers who live within 30 miles of a branch in specific areas of Kentucky, southern Indiana, Florida, Tennessee or Ohio. The bank's high maximum combined loan-to-value ratio, or CTLV, is higher than many other competitors, which makes it worth considering if you need a larger line of credit. On the downside, you may face a prepayment penalty if you pay off your home equity line of credit early.
What we like
- Convenient access to funds with HELOC access card: Republic Bank provides a card to access your HELOC funds conveniently. This card works like a credit card, allowing you to spend your HELOC funds directly.
- Borrow up to 90% CLTV: Your combined loan-to-value ratio, or CLTV, is calculated by dividing the total loans secured by your house -- including your primary mortgage and any home equity loans or HELOCs -- by your home's value. Most lenders will set a cap on your CLTV to ensure you're not borrowing more than your home is worth. Republic Bank's 90% CLTV cap is higher than many other lenders, potentially allowing you to take out a larger loan if you qualify.
- Physical branches in five states: While Republic Bank doesn't have the geographical footprint of a large, national lender, if you live in Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, Tennessee or Ohio, you can get in-person assistance at one of the bank's 42 full-service banking centers or two loan production offices.
What we don't like
- Prepayment penalty: Paying off your HELOC early -- if you can afford it -- can help you save on interest and get out of debt faster. A HELOC from Republic Bank may come with a prepayment penalty, according to the bank's website, which charges you a fee for paying off your debt faster.
- Limited geographic availability: Republic Bank has branches in just five states, and its loan products are only available to customers within 30 miles of a branch. The bank has a tool on its website that shows whether it offers HELOCs in your zip code.
- Minimal information provided online: Information about Republic Bank's HELOCs, including the length of both the draw and repayment periods, and a full schedule of fees, is scarce on the website. You'll need to reach out to a representative to learn more.
Home equity loan options
Republic Bank offers home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, in select areas. A tool on the bank's website will tell you whether HELOCs are available in your zip code. Republic Bank does not offer home equity loans.
While both home equity loans and HELOCs borrow against the home equity you've built in your home, a HELOC offers you a line of credit you can borrow against during a draw period, typically 10 to 15 years. During this time, you typically only pay for any interest that accumulates on your line of credit -- though you may be required to make some principal payments depending on your lender agreement.
Republic Bank offers an interest-only HELOC, which means you only have to worry about paying accrued interest or $50 per month, whichever is greater, during your draw period. If you can, you should still try to pay down your principal during the draw period to prevent a sharp spike in your monthly payments and to save on interest during the repayment period.
Fees
A Republic Bank HELOC comes with a $50 annual fee after the first year, comparable with most HELOC lenders. Some HELOCs from Republic Bank may also come with a prepayment penalty.
How to qualify
Republic Bank does not provide the exact requirements needed to qualify for a HELOC. However, there are a few factors the bank will look at when evaluating your application, including your home value, available equity and credit history.
Your CLTV will also determine the amount of your loan. You can calculate your CLTV by adding your remaining mortgage balance to the amount of your home equity line of credit, then dividing this number by your home's current value.
For example, let's say your remaining mortgage balance is $150,000, your HELOC amount is $50,000 and your home value is $250,000. Your CLTV would be 0.80 or 80% ($200,000 divided by $250,000).
Most lenders require a CLTV of 85% or less, but Republic Bank allows up to 90%, with a maximum loan amount of $500,000 -- meaning you may be able to take out a larger HELOC with this lender.
Getting started
You can apply for a HELOC with Republic Bank online or in person at a local branch as long as you live in one of the areas this bank services. You'll need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, social security number and, potentially, proof of employment or income.
You can access the online application from the HELOC information page on Republic Bank's website.
To apply in person, contact your local branch to set up an appointment.
Customer service
If you need help with your loan or application, you can contact Republic Bank customer service in a few ways.
The website has a live chat feature available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. You can also get help by phone between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, excluding holidays. The bank has several customer support phone numbers, but its HELOC line is 866-758-3970. Finally, you can email customer support at EasySupport@republicbank.com.
There's also an online form to send comments or questions to the bank's CEO, but this avenue is better for sending general feedback about the bank rather than getting personalized help for your issue.