Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Home Equity HELOCs Bethpage FCU is Now FourLeaf Federal Credit Union: 2025 HELOC Review Updated Mar 06, 2025 9-min read Reviewed by Aly Yale Reviewed by Aly Yale Expertise: Home equity, mortgages, real estate Aly Yale is a freelance writer with more than a decade of experience covering real estate and personal finance topics. Learn more about Aly Yale Best Credit Union 4.7 /5 View Rates HELOC 12-month fixed introductory rate for qualified borrowers $0 application, origination, and appraisal fees $0 closing costs Convert some or all of your HELOC into a fixed-rate loan at no cost Closing can take six to 10 weeks, on average Rates (APR)12-month introductory rate starting at 6.99% for VantageScores of 720 and up1, with variable post-introductory rates starting at 8.50%Loan amounts$10,000 – $1 millionRepayment terms20 yearsMin. credit score670 FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, formerly Bethpage FCU, has grown from a local Long Island credit union to a larger institution serving members nationwide. With over 30 locations in the Tri-State Area and expanded services, it still maintains the personal touch of a credit union while offering competitive financial products, including HELOCs. Its rebranding in 2025 reflects its broader reach, but it remains member-focused, with a reputation for strong customer service. For borrowers considering a HELOC, FourLeaf is a solid choice for those who value low fees and hands-on support. It stands out with no closing costs on lines up to $500,000 and a competitive 12-month intro rate. While other lenders like Figure and Aven offer digital-first experiences with quick funding, they charge origination or first-draw fees. FourLeaf may take longer for approvals but provides a more traditional, service-driven approach that credit union members appreciate. Table of Contents How does FourLeaf help me access my home equity? Pros and cons of a FourLeaf HELOC What do FourLeaf’s customers say about the company? Do I qualify for a HELOC from FourLeaf? How do I apply with FourLeaf? How does FourLeaf determine how much I can borrow? What does the appraisal process look like? Does FourLeaf charge any fees? How does FourLeaf compare to alternatives? Does FourLeaf have a customer service team? How we rated FourLeaf Federal Credit Union HELOCs How does FourLeaf help me access my home equity? A HELOCs allows you to turn your home’s equity into cash. You can use funds from FourLeaf’s HELOC for any purpose, including home renovations, consolidating debt, or paying college tuition. The HELOC is FourLeaf’s only home equity product. It doesn’t offer a standalone home equity loan, though it allows converting some or all of your HELOC into a fixed-rate loan, similar to a home equity loan. FourLeaf HELOC termsRates (APR)12-month introductory rate of 7.49% for VantageScores of 720 and up1, then a variable rate of 8.00%Rate discounts0.25% discount if you set up automatic payments from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking accountLoan amounts$10,000 – $1 millionDraw period10 yearsRepayment period20 yearsMaximum LTV75% to qualify for the introductory rateMinimum credit score670Minimum incomeNot disclosedFeesNo application, origination, or appraisal fees. No closing costs on lines up to $500,000 Pros and cons of a FourLeaf HELOC As with any lender, working with FourLeaf has advantages and disadvantages. Make sure to consider both sides of the coin before deciding whether it’s a good fit for your home equity needs. Pros Fixed-rate options FourLeaf allows you to convert part or all of your HELOC to a fixed-rate option, ensuring consistent, reliable payments. Full range of financial services If you’re looking for a lender to help with other facets of your financial life, FourLeaf’s many services can help. Zero fees FourLeaf’s HELOCs have no application, origination, or appraisal fees. The credit union also pays all closing costs for loan amounts under $500,000. High loan amounts Loan amounts of $1 million allow you to potentially borrow more than a HELOC from a competitor, although it’s worth noting HELOCs above $500,000 don’t qualify for the intro interest rate. Cons Unclear credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) minimums The credit union considers DTI in HELOC applications, but it doesn’t stipulate the minimums for this factor. If you’re not sure FourLeaf FCU is a good fit for your HELOC needs, consider other institutions. Check out our guide to the best HELOC lenders for more recommendations. What do FourLeaf’s customers say about the company? SourceRatingNumber of reviewsBetter Business Bureau4.11/5100Trustpilot4.4/594Google3.3/595 Ratings were collected on March 6, 2025 FourLeaf has earned solid ratings across multiple review platforms, with many customers appreciating its commitment to personal service. While some reviews mention challenges with HELOC approvals and appraisal-related issues, most feedback on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reflects positive experiences, with borrowers noting smooth processes and responsive support. One of FourLeaf’s standout qualities is its strong in-person customer service, which is frequently highlighted in BBB and Google reviews. Many members value the personalized attention they receive, which sets the credit union apart from larger banks. This focus on quality service is a key reason why customers might choose to join a credit union, like FourLeaf, as reflected in the following real experiences. Do I qualify for a HELOC from FourLeaf? FourLeaf doesn’t offer much guidance on its eligibility requirements. When evaluating your application, FourLeaf says it considers your: Credit history Employment Income Home value Current mortgage balance Loan amount With a traditional HELOC (or any home equity product), the more valuable your home is and the lower your mortgage balance, the more you can borrow. The credit union isn’t specific about what property types it allows you to borrow against, but it does not issue HELOCs or mortgage loans on properties in Texas. FourLeaf is clear about its membership requirement: To get a HELOC from the institution, borrowers must become members of FourLeaf FCU by opening a savings account with a minimum of $5. How do I apply with FourLeaf? FourLeaf allows you to apply for a HELOC in person, on the phone, or using its online application. If you choose the online application option, you’ll fill out details regarding your home, your current mortgage balance, the purpose of the loan, and the amount you need. You will also include information about your employment, income, and intended co-applicant. FourLeaf’s required financial documentation includes: Pay stubs for the last 30 days The previous two years of W-2s The last two years of federal tax returns with schedules and K1s for self-employed, rental, or retirement income, if applicable Once it receives your application, you may be conditionally approved, and a lending specialist will reach out to move the process along. Depending on your loan-to-value amount, loan size, and location, you may need an appraisal. How does FourLeaf determine how much I can borrow? The most significant factor in how much you can borrow is the lender’s maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which stipulates how much of your home’s value your loan balances can take up. For FourLeaf’s introductory rate, the maximum LTV is 75%, which means your HELOC and mortgage balance (combined) can’t equal more than 75% of your home’s current value. Here’s an example: Current home valueOutstanding mortgage debtFourLeaf’s max LTV (75%)$450,000$210,000$337,500 To determine your maximum possible HELOC from FourLeaf, you’d subtract your outstanding mortgage ($210,000) from the max LTV ($337,500) to get $127,500. Keep in mind: FourLeaf will also consider your credit history, debt-to-income ratio, and other criteria when determining how much you can borrow, so you may not qualify for this maximum amount. What does the appraisal process look like? Appraisals are a common part of the home lending process. They give lenders an unbiased estimate of a home’s worth, which they can then use to determine what loan amount is appropriate. According to FourLeaf’s HELOC FAQ, if your home is outside Long Island, appraisals are required to confirm its market value. Multi-family properties—even those in Long Island—also require appraisals. An AVM (Automated Valuation Model) will be pulled on line amounts up to $400,000 if qualified. During this process, a third-party appraiser will evaluate your home’s condition, compare it to other properties in the area, and use market data to determine what it could fetch in the current market. Then FourLeaf will use this number—the appraised value—to determine how much you can borrow from your home equity. Appraisals come in many forms. They might be done in person, via drive-by, or using property records and online data. FourLeaf will determine which type of appraisal is best for your property. Does FourLeaf charge any fees? One of the biggest perks of a FourLeaf Federal Credit Union home equity line is no application, origination, or appraisal fees. You won’t incur closing costs for loan amounts under $500,000. However, borrowers are responsible for depositing $5 into a savings account to become members of FourLeaf before closing on their loan. How does FourLeaf compare to alternatives? FourLeaf Federal Credit Union offers a competitive HELOC with a low intro rate for 12 months and no closing costs on lines up to $500,000. With a 10-year draw period and loan amounts up to $1 million, it provides flexibility. Plus, its strong customer service makes it a great choice for credit union members. Still, it’s important to shop around to find the best HELOC for you. Here’s how FourLeaf compares to some top-rated alternatives: Company Best for… Rating (0-5) 4.9 View Rates Best Overall 4.9 View Rates 4.8 View Rates Best Customer Reviews 4.8 View Rates 4.7 View Rates Best Credit Union 4.7 View Rates 4.5 View Rates Best Marketplace 4.5 View Rates Compared to Figure, FourLeaf offers a lower intro rate, but Figure’s fixed APRs provide more stability. Figure also funds loans in as little as five days, while FourLeaf’s timeline isn’t as clear. However, Figure charges an origination fee of up to 4.99%, which could make borrowing more expensive. Aven offers fast approvals with a fully online process, but it has a 4.90% first-draw fee. While its fixed rates offer stability, FourLeaf’s lower intro rate may be better for those who plan to pay off their balance quickly. Aven’s digital process is convenient, but FourLeaf may be a better fit for hands-on service. LendingTree connects borrowers with multiple HELOC lenders, allowing for rate comparisons. However, terms vary by lender, making costs less predictable. FourLeaf offers clear terms and strong customer service, which may provide a smoother experience. Its no-fee structure also helps borrowers save upfront. Does FourLeaf have a customer service team? FourLeaf offers multiple customer service venues: In person: You can walk into one of its 30-plus physical branches throughout the Tri-State area. Phone: You can connect with a branch directly or call FourLeaf’s Lending Call Group at 855-546-0782 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday. Email: Once you’re a member, you can also contact a customer service representative through the messaging center in your member portal. How we rated FourLeaf Federal Credit Union HELOCs 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 FourLeaf Federal Credit Union 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 and best-for designation, recapped below. Company Best for… Rating (0-5) 4.7 View Rates Best Credit Union 4.7 View Rates