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Guide to Window Replacement Financing

10 Home Window Replacement Financing Options
Susan Guillory
Susan GuilloryUpdated January 6, 2025
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Replacing windows can be a great investment in your home, but it can be costly. On average, replacing one window ranges from $200 to $1,800, depending on the type of window, the size of the window, and if you’re doing it yourself or hiring someone else to replace it.But here’s the good news: Even if you don’t have the money sitting in your bank account, you can still make your dream of new windows a reality. Window financing gives you different options for loans you can use to replace the windows in your home.  Here’s what you need to know about window replacement and how to finance it. 

How Easy Is It to Get Window Financing? 

There are a variety of window financing options available, including window financing for bad credit, so you’re likely to find a solution that works for you. Just be aware that if you don’t have good credit, any loans you’re offered may have higher interest rates, making it more costly to borrow money for window replacement.

How Credit History Affects Your Window Financing Options

As with most types of financing, your credit history and score may impact your ability to secure window financing, as well as the interest rate you get.Virtually every financial move you make adds to your credit history. Whether you have credit cards, take out a car loan, and pay off your debts will factor into your credit score. And that score is what window financing companies will look at to determine if you’re eligible for a loan.However, bad credit isn’t a problem for some lenders who offer window financing. Even if your scores are low, you may still be eligible for loans. There are also personal loans for low-income borrowers you may qualify for. 

Cost of Windows 

Before you start looking for window replacement financing, you’ll need to know how much you have to borrow. On average, replacing one window will run you between $200 and $1,800, but the final number will depend on several factors:
  • The material of the window
  • Whether it’s a standard size or not
  • The age of your home
  • Where the window will be installed
  • The cost of labor
If you’re renovating your entire house, you can include the cost of replacing windows into the total renovation cost and borrow enough money for the whole project. If you’re only doing a few small home improvements, you can stick to window replacement financing or even front door financing, for example.Here are some costs for different types of windows:
  • Picture: $80 to $800 
  • Single-Hung: $100 to $400
  • Double-Hung: $150 to $650
  • Bay and Bow: $500 to $2,500
  • Casement: $150 to $1,000 
  • Glass Block: $400 to $1,100
  • Sliding: $150 to $600
  • Skylight: $900 to $2,400 
  • Storm: $150 to $450
Keep in mind that you’ll want your new windows to last a long time, so don’t buy the cheapest ones if their quality isn’t as good. It may be well worth it to spend a little more to get windows that last longer. And as you’re working on your window replacement project, just be sure to watch out for home improvement fraud.

5 Window Financing Options

There are several options for window financing, including home improvement loans. These are some to consider:

1. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is one way to get access to low-interest capital by borrowing against the equity in your home. Because it’s a line of credit, you can take out what you need, repay it, and borrow more again later if you need to. However, the interest rate is variable and will fluctuate with market rates. And since your home is the collateral for the loan, you’ll want to be sure you can pay off what you borrow.Recommended: Personal Line of Credit vs HELOC

2. Personal Loan 

There are different types of personal loan options available for almost every situation. While some lenders have restrictions on personal loan uses, most can be used for home improvement. Personal loans typically come with fixed interest rates, terms of up to seven years, and fixed monthly payments.

3. Credit Card 

If you don’t plan on spending too much on windows and you know you can repay the cost quickly, consider putting them on a credit card, especially one that offers rewards for money spent on purchases. Credit card interest rates can be high, though, so pay off your balance, if you can, before you rack up those fees.

4. Home Equity Loan 

Similar to the HELOC, a home equity loan lets you borrow against the equity you have in your house (your home acts as collateral for the loan). The difference: You get a lump sum of cash rather than a line of credit.Recommended: Home Equity Loans vs Personal Loans

5. Cash-out Refinance 

If you’ve built equity in your home, another option is a cash-out refinance. This involves taking out a mortgage for more than you currently owe and getting the difference in cash. You can use that money for an expense like window replacement.

Reasons to Replace Windows

As you’re considering window replacement financing, you’ll want to first make sure you’ve got a good reason for borrowing money to complete the project. Here are a few common ones.1. Security If your windows are old, they may not offer much security. Old wooden windows often have flimsy locks that are easily broken. Replacing them with more secure versions can provide you and your family peace of mind.2. Water IntrusionOlder windows often have cracks that let in water when it rains, which can lead to water damage in your home.3. Increasing Utility BillIf your windows are old, they aren’t energy-efficient. In this case, you’re likely paying far more for your electricity bill than necessary because air can seep in and out. 4. Outdated StyleYou may be ready for windows that will give your home a fresh new look and elevate the exterior.5. Increase Property ValueIf you’re considering selling your home, an investment in window replacement can help increase your property value, which means you may be able to list your house for a higher asking price. Making your home more beautiful and energy-efficient may be well worth it.

Personal Loans for Window Financing 

New windows can be a great investment, adding to the appeal and energy-efficiency of your home. Options for financing new windows include a home equity loan or line of credit, a credit card, a cash-out refinance, or a personal loan. If you’re looking for a personal loan, Lantern by SoFi can make the loan comparison process quick and convenient. By connecting you to multiple lenders who offer a range of financing options, you can find the personal loan that’s right for you — and get the windows you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

What options are available for window financing?
Is it hard to get window financing?
Can you use a personal loan for window financing?
Photo credit: iStock/M-Production
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About the Author

Susan Guillory

Susan Guillory

Su Guillory is a freelance business writer and expat coach. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, AllBusiness, and SoFi. She writes about business and personal credit, financial strategies, loans, and credit cards.
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