FourLeaf Federal Credit Union HELOC Review: 2026 Rates, Requirements, and More

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, formerly Bethpage Federal Credit Union (Bethpage FCU), was originally established in 1941 to serve employees of Grumman Aircraft on Long Island.

Over time, it expanded its membership beyond its original base, eventually opening its services to a broader audience and growing into a larger regional—and now national—lender. It now serves members nationwide, and in 2025, it rebranded to FourLeaf to reflect that wider reach.

Today, it continues to offer products like HELOCs with competitive rates and relatively low fees, while still operating under a credit union model.

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union HELOC rates and terms

A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity and use funds as needed—whether for home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses like tuition.

At FourLeaf, the HELOC is its only home equity product. While it doesn’t offer a standalone home equity loan, borrowers can convert part or all of their balance into a fixed-rate loan, which functions similarly.

One of the more notable aspects of FourLeaf’s HELOC is its cost structure. It offers a 12-month introductory rate for qualified borrowers and doesn’t charge closing costs on lines up to $500,000—two features that can help reduce upfront and short-term borrowing costs.

Here’s a closer look at the details:

	FourLeaf HELOC terms
Rates (APR)	12-month introductory rate of 7.49% for VantageScores of 720 and up on lines up to $500,000, then a variable rate of 8.00%ⓘ
Rate discounts	0.25% discount if you set up automatic payments from a FourLeaf personal savings or checking account
Loan amounts	$10,000 – $1 million; max. $500,000 to qualify for intro rate/no closing costs.
Draw period	10 years
Repayment period	20 years
Fees	No application, origination, or appraisal fees. No closing costs on lines up to $500,000

Eligibility requirements

FourLeaf doesn’t disclose all of its eligibility criteria—such as minimum income or debt-to-income (DTI) requirements—but it does outline a few key qualifications on its website.

Here’s what we know:

Requirement	FourLeaf details
Maximum LTV	90%; 75% to qualify for the intro rate
Minimum credit score	670
Insurance	Hazard and/or flood insurance required
Membership	Must become a FourLeaf FCU member by opening a savings account with at least $5

FourLeaf also doesn’t clearly specify which property types are eligible. However, it does note that it does not issue HELOCs or mortgage loans on properties located in Texas.

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union HELOC max. CLTV

One of the biggest factors in how much you can borrow with a HELOC is the lender’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. This determines how much of your home’s value can be borrowed against when combining your mortgage and HELOC balance.

For FourLeaf’s introductory rate, the maximum LTV is 75%. In other words, your total loan balance—including your existing mortgage and new HELOC—can’t exceed 75% of your home’s current value.

Here’s a simple example:

Current home value	Outstanding mortgage debt	FourLeaf’s max LTV (75%)
$450,000	$210,000	$337,500

To estimate your potential credit line, subtract your current mortgage balance from the maximum allowed LTV:

• $337,500 – $210,000 = $127,500

That means you could qualify for a HELOC of up to $127,500 based on equity alone.

Keep in mind that 75% applies specifically if you want to qualify for the introductory rate—FourLeaf may allow higher LTVs (up to 90%) without it. Final approval and loan amount will also depend on factors like your credit profile, income, and debt-to-income ratio, so you may be approved for less.

Pros and cons

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 that HELOCs above $500,000 don’t qualify for the intro interest rate.

Cons

• Unclear income and debt-to-income (DTI) minimums

  The credit union considers DTI in HELOC applications, but it doesn’t stipulate the minimums for this factor.

• Longer funding amount

  While some competitors advertise HELOC funding in as little as three to five days, FourLeaf Credit Union’s funding time is typically 6 – 10 weeks.

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.

Customer reviews

Source	Rating	Number of reviews
Better Business Bureau	4.23/5	168
Trustpilot	3.8/5	216
Google	3.6/5	286

Ratings were collected on April 2, 2026

FourLeaf—formerly Bethpage FCU—has earned generally solid ratings across major review platforms. Looking at both current feedback and older Bethpage HELOC reviews, the overall sentiment appears fairly consistent before and after the rebrand.

Many customers highlight the credit union’s personal, service-driven approach, especially compared to larger banks or fully digital lenders. Positive reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) often mention smooth experiences and responsive support, though some note delays tied to approvals or appraisal requirements.

A recurring theme in both FourLeaf and Bethpage HELOC reviews is the value of in-person service. Borrowers frequently mention being able to work directly with a representative, which helps explain why some prefer a more traditional credit union experience over digital-first alternatives.

How to apply for a HELOC with FourLeaf

FourLeaf HELOC appraisals

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.

How FourLeaf compares 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.

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.

How to contact FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

Yes—FourLeaf offers several ways to get in touch, and its approach to customer service is similar to what many borrowers highlighted in older Bethpage HELOC reviews.

• In person: You can visit one of its 30+ branches across the Tri-State area.
• Phone: You can contact a local branch or call FourLeaf’s Lending Call Group at 855-546-0782, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern.
• Email: Members can also reach out through the secure messaging center in their online portal.

This range of options reflects the credit union’s more traditional, service-focused model, with an emphasis on direct access to support.

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.

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