Aven HELOC Review 2025: How Its Home Equity Cash Works and Compares to Competitors

Best Customer Reviews for a HELOC

4.8 _/5

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Our take: Aven’s Home Equity Cash product stands out for its fast, fully digital experience and consistently strong customer feedback. It is a good fit for borrowers who want predictable fixed payments, quick approvals, and a streamlined process without the paperwork and delays that come with traditional HELOCs.

HELOC

• Offers lowest rate guarantee
• Approval in as little as 15 minutes
• Excellent customer reviews from more than 6,000 customers
• 100% digital application process
• Increases the credit line for select customers
• Automated appraisals
• High maximum loan-to-value ratio (LTV)
• Three-day funding after signing
• Fixed interest rates
• Check your rate with no credit impact

• Short draw period
• Full HELOC must be drawn at origination
• First-draw fee of 4.90%
• Only available in 32 states*

Rates (APR)	6.99% – 15.49%
Loan amounts	$5,000 – $400,000
Repayment terms	5, 10, 15, or 30 years
Min. credit score	640 (but 720+ recommended)
Funding time	As little as 3 days after signing

Aven first made its mark with an equity-backed credit card, and has since expanded into a more traditional home equity line of credit called Aven Home Equity Cash. This product keeps the structure of a standard HELOC but layers in the speed and automation Aven is known for.

Aven Home Equity Cash works best for homeowners with strong credit profiles, particularly those with scores of 720 or higher. Although Aven’s published minimum is 640, applicants with scores below 720 may find approval more difficult and may want to compare non-HELOC alternatives, such as home equity agreements, before applying.

If you are considering a HELOC and want a smoother, technology-driven experience, Aven’s approach may be a good match. The sections below walk through how the product works, what it costs, and how it compares with other top HELOC options.

Table of Contents

1. How does Aven’s Home Equity Cash HELOC work?
   1. Rates, terms, and cost example
   2. 100% online application
      1. Instant prequalification
      2. Automatic income verification
      3. Minimal insurance requirements
      4. Digital appraisals and notarization
   3. Lowest rate guarantee
   4. Funding in as little as 3 days
   5. No redraw fees
   6. Automatic credit line increases
   7. Flexible repayment terms
   8. No prepayment fees
   9. Homeowner protection guarantee
   10. HELOC refinancing
2. Aven HELOC requirements
   1. Recommended credit score: 720+
   2. LTV up to 89%
   3. No property-type restrictions
3. Pros and cons of Aven Home Equity Cash
4. Is Aven’s HELOC legit?
5. How to contact Aven
6. How to apply for an Aven HELOC
7. Aven HELOC alternatives
   1. Aven vs. Figure
   2. Aven vs. FourLeaf
   3. Aven vs. LendingTree

How does Aven’s Home Equity Cash HELOC work?

Rates, terms, and cost example

Aven’s Home Equity Cash HELOC lets you tap your equity as cash with a streamlined, 100% online process and predictable fixed payments. You check your offer online, close with a remote notary, and can get funding in as little as three business days.

When you draw from your HELOC, Aven converts that amount into a fixed-rate plan with fixed monthly payments for a set term. If you take additional draws later, those new amounts can come with their own fixed rates based on your terms and credit profile at that time. That structure gives you predictability on each chunk you borrow, even though you’re still working from a revolving credit line.

Aven does not charge application or appraisal fees, but it does charge a 4.90% first-draw fee at closing. This functions like an origination fee on the full amount you’re required to draw initially.

Here’s a snapshot of Aven’s key HELOC terms:

Terms	Details
Rates (APR)	6.99% – 15.49% fixed
HELOC amounts	$5,000 – $400,000
Minimum draw amount	Full HELOC amount
Draw period	5 years
Term lengths	5, 10, 15, or 30 years
Origination (first-draw) fee	4.90%
Application fee	$0
Unique features	Automated appraisals; lowest rate guarantee; debt protection program; credit line increases for select customers

Once you understand the basic terms and how your costs can vary based on your APR, it helps to look at how Aven’s process works in practice. Below are the core features that shape the Aven Home Equity Cash experience from application to funding to repayment.

100% online application

Aven’s entire process is digital—from your initial inquiry to your final signing—so you can complete your HELOC from your phone or computer without scheduling in-person appointments.

Instant prequalification

Aven begins every application with a quick screening. You’ll know within seconds whether you’re preapproved, and many applicants can move from application to closing in about 15 minutes.

Automatic income verification

Aven uses connected data sources to verify most applicants’ income automatically. Some borrowers may be asked to link a bank account or upload documents like W-2s or 1099s, but the process is typically fast and seamless.

Minimal insurance requirements

Aven generally doesn’t require proof of homeowners insurance unless the property is in a flood zone or the credit line exceeds $100,000, reducing the amount of paperwork you need to provide.

Digital appraisals and notarization

The entire process can be completed from your phone or computer. Aven uses automated valuation models (AVMs) to estimate your home’s value using tax data and recent sales, and you’ll sign closing documents with an online notary—no in-person appointments or paper forms required.

Lowest rate guarantee

Aven offers a lowest-rate guarantee, giving borrowers added confidence that the rate they receive is competitive for their financial profile.

Funding in as little as 3 days

After closing and the mandatory three-day waiting period required for HELOCs, Aven releases your funds. Many applicants access their line within just a few business days.

No redraw fees

You can pull from your HELOC as often as you need during the five-year draw period without paying redraw fees. Keep in mind that Aven requires you to draw the full amount at origination, so you’ll need to pay down part of your balance before you can withdraw additional funds.

Automatic credit line increases

If you make on-time payments or your home equity increases, Aven may automatically invite you to raise your credit limit—no separate application required.

Flexible repayment terms

Once the draw period ends, you can choose a repayment term between five and 30 years, giving you the ability to tailor your monthly payments to your budget.

No prepayment fees

You can make extra payments or pay off your HELOC early without penalty.

Homeowner protection guarantee

Aven advertises a Foreclosure Protection Guarantee and offers hardship flexibility for borrowers facing financial difficulty.

HELOC refinancing

If you already have a second-lien product—like a HELOC or home equity loan—you can refinance it into an Aven HELOC with no origination or transfer fees.

Aven HELOC requirements

Qualifying for an Aven HELOC comes down to three main factors: your credit profile, your available equity, and the state you live in. Like most home equity lenders, Aven wants to see that you can manage additional debt and that your home has enough value to support the credit line you’re requesting.

Aven also allows joint applications, which can be helpful if a co-borrower—such as a spouse—has a stronger credit profile.

Below is a closer look at Aven’s eligibility and residency requirements:

Requirements	Details
Eligible properties	Primary residences and investment properties
State of residence	Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Maximum loan-to-value (LTV)	89%
Maximum debt-to-income	Not disclosed
Minimum credit score	640
Minimum income	Not disclosed

Recommended credit score: 720+

Although Aven lists 640 as its minimum credit score, applicants with scores below 720 may have a much lower chance of approval. In practice, borrowers with scores of 720 or higher tend to see stronger approval odds, better rates, and higher credit limits. If your score is below that threshold, you may want to consider alternatives before applying.

LTV up to 89%

Aven’s underwriting also weighs your home’s value and available equity. This is where your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) comes in. LTV measures how much you owe on your home compared to what it’s worth.

Aven allows a combined LTV of up to 89%, meaning your mortgage plus your new HELOC can’t exceed 89% of your home’s value. Lower home values or lower equity levels may result in smaller credit limits or higher rates.

Here’s an example of how LTV affects how much you may be able to borrow:

No property-type restrictions

Aven is flexible when it comes to property type. It considers primary residences, second homes, investment properties, new construction, and even homes held in a trust—something not all HELOC lenders allow.

Pros and cons of Aven Home Equity Cash

Pros

• High maximum LTV

  Aven’s 89% LTV threshold makes its HELOC more accessible to more homeowners. It also means you could open a larger HELOC than you’d qualify for elsewhere.

• Fixed rates

  With Aven, your HELOC rate will never change, so you’ll know what to expect month after month.

• Few fees

  Unlike some of its competitors, Aven doesn’t charge application, appraisal, or notary fees. You won’t pay an annual fee, either.

• Customizable repayment options

  Aven offers four different repayment periods, and you can choose the term that best suits your finances.

• Completely virtual application and appraisal

  You’ll forego the time and hassle of scheduling a traditional appraisal with Aven. You could apply and get approved in as little as 15 minutes.

• Unique borrower benefits

  From its lowest rate guarantee to its debt protection program, Aven offers borrowers unique benefits you can’t find with other lenders.

Cons

• Virtual appraisals aren’t always accurate

  While convenient, automated appraisals aren’t as thorough as in-person valuations. Because it can’t catch everything, Aven’s system might undervalue your home.

• Not available everywhere

  Aven only lends in 32 states, rendering many homeowners ineligible for its HELOC.

• Limited draw period

  Aven’s draw period is considerably shorter than what you might get with another lender, which is only five years.

• Full amount is drawn at origination

  Aven requires borrowers to draw their entire HELOC amount initially, meaning you must repay some of the balance within that five-year draw period to redraw funds as needed.

• No introductory rates or rate discounts

  Some HELOC companies offer perks like a reduced rate for your first 12 months or when you sign up for autopay. Aven, however, isn’t one of them.

Is Aven’s HELOC legit?

Yes. Aven is a legitimate lender with a strong track record of customer satisfaction. Thousands of positive Trustpilot reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) help reinforce its credibility.

Most of Aven’s reviews are for its equity-backed credit card rather than its traditional HELOC. Even so, these reviews offer useful insight into the company’s overall service quality, communication, and customer support. Here is how customers rate Aven:

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Trustpilot	4.9/5	6,269
Better Business Bureau	1/5	6

Aven’s low star rating on the BBB website is based on only a few reviews, so it does not carry the same weight as the 6,000 plus reviews on Trustpilot. The A+ BBB rating also reflects strong business practices and responsiveness. Taken together, the high volume of positive Trustpilot feedback and the A+ accreditation indicate that Aven performs well for most customers.

Reviewers frequently mention Aven’s fast application process, clear communication, and helpful customer support team. These qualities are consistent with what you can expect from the company’s Home Equity Cash product.

No lender is perfect, and Aven is no exception. Some customers report unclear communication during the approval process, and a few have noted unexpected freezes on their HELOC card accounts. These issues appear to be isolated, but they are worth noting.

Overall, Aven’s large number of positive reviews and strong BBB standing are why we designated its HELOC as the best for customer reviews.

How to contact Aven

Whether you’re seeking general information or have a specific question, Aven’s team is ready to help. The San Francisco-based company offers multiple ways to get in touch:

• Email: Connect with the Aven team by emailing [email protected].
• Contact form: Send a message to Aven’s representatives directly from the website.
• Phone: Call Aven at 415-582-6613 to leave a voice message. Alternatively, you can schedule a callback online.

Aven doesn’t list its hours of operation, and it encourages homeowners to use email for faster communication. If you prefer to speak with a live human, consider scheduling a callback instead.

How to apply for an Aven HELOC

Aven’s tech-powered HELOC application process is just as innovative as its product offerings. Here’s how it works: 

1. Enter your phone number to start the application. Alternatively, you can enter your Aven invite code if you have one.
2. Tell Aven how much you need to borrow. You’ll also tell Aven how you plan to use your credit line.
3. Provide your contact details and identifying information. This includes your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you’re applying with another person, you’ll also enter their information.

4. View your prequalified offers. At this stage, you haven’t consented to a hard credit pull. You’re simply getting Aven’s preliminary approval and choosing the potential HELOC terms that work best for you.
5. Verify your income. Aven automatically verifies the majority of its customers’ income when you apply. Some customers may be asked to either link your bank account with Plaid or send in documents like W-2s or 1099s for manual review.

6. Submit your application. Now, you’ll give Aven permission to run your credit and present you with a final HELOC offer.
7. Schedule your notary session. If approved, Aven will connect you with an online notary to review and sign your documents.

After reading your HELOC agreement, prepare to hang tight through the mandatory three-day waiting period. As soon as this window passes, Aven will fund your HELOC, and you’ll have access to your new credit line.

Aven HELOC alternatives

For many homeowners, Aven may be the clear winner, and for good reason. Still, it’s wise to consider your options before committing to a lender. Here are three of the best HELOC lenders available:

Aven vs. Figure

Figure is available in more states and allows loan-to-value ratios up to 95 percent. If you need a larger credit line or live in a state where Aven is not offered, Figure may be the better fit. Read more about how Aven and Figure compare.

Aven vs. FourLeaf

FourLeaf offers a 10-year draw period and HELOC limits up to $1 million. Homeowners who want longer access to their line or significantly higher borrowing power may prefer FourLeaf over Aven.

Aven vs. LendingTree

LendingTree lets you compare multiple prequalified HELOC offers in one place. If you want to see how several lenders stack up before you apply, LendingTree provides the broadest view.

How we rated Aven in our home equity reviews

We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best HELOCs. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms.

We compared Aven to several home equity lenders, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take is represented in our rating, recapped below.