local
Texans carry nearly $7,000 in average credit card debt. Could a HELOC help?
By Bill Spencer, Ninfa Saavedra at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 9, 2026
· 2 min read
Texans are carrying an average of nearly $7,000 in credit card debt, making the Lone Star State the seventh-worst in the nation for average credit card balances.As many families struggle with high-interest debt, financial experts say one tool that often goes unused is a home equity line of credit...
Key takeaway According to mortgage expert Charles Villafana, about 98% of Texans who own their homes mortgage-free have never opened a HELOC or second mortgage.
Why this matters in Tomball News
For Tomball residents, the prospect of carrying nearly $7,000 in average credit card debt is a stark reality that can have far-reaching consequences on household finances. Given the rising home values in the Houston area, including Tomball, a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, could be a viable option for consolidating high-interest debt. With interest rates significantly lower than those of credit cards, a HELOC could help homeowners reduce their monthly interest costs and pay off debt faster. However, the risks associated with taking out a HELOC, including the potential for foreclosure, cannot be overstated. Tomball homeowners would be wise to approach this decision with caution and seek the advice of a trusted financial advisor to determine if a HELOC is a suitable solution for their individual financial situation. By doing so, they can make an informed decision that aligns with their broader financial goals.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Texans are carrying an average of nearly $7,000 in credit card debt, making the Lone Star State the seventh-worst in the nation for average credit card balances.As many families struggle with high-interest debt, financial experts say one tool that often goes unused is a home equity line of credit...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bill Spencer, Ninfa Saavedra at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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