Answer
Normally Higher because of its "Second Lien" Status. The fact is they are more of a risk to the bank. Why?? What happens if you loose your job and can only make your 1st mortgage?? The truth is that u can go without making a payment on your second but they can never go into foreclosure proceedings unless the lender who has the first mortgage subordinates, which will almost never happen. It will obviously effect your credit and mortgage history but it can an only become a lien. Hope that explains why 99% of HELOC's and HEL's have higher rates..