Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Home Equity HELOCs Best HELOCs With No Closing Costs Updated Nov 08, 2024 9-min read Expert Approved Expert Approved This article has been reviewed by a Certified Financial Planner™ for accuracy. Written by Cassidy Horton Written by Cassidy Horton Expertise: Banking, insurance, home loans Cassidy Horton is a finance writer passionate about helping people find financial freedom. With an MBA and a bachelor's in public relations, her work has been published more than a thousand times online. Learn more about Cassidy Horton Reviewed by Natalie Slagle, CFP® Reviewed by Natalie Slagle, CFP® Expertise: Tax planning, employer benefit maximization, investments, education planning for young children, stock options, equitable household money management Natalie Slagle, CFP®, is a founding partner and financial advisor at Fyooz Financial Planning LLC. Natalie’s experience includes banking, tax preparation, financial planning, and wealth management. She currently resides in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and beloved small dog. Learn more about Natalie Slagle, CFP® Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to borrow against their property’s equity, but lenders typically charge various closing fees to recoup the administrative expenses of setting it up. These fees, such as application and origination charges, appraisal costs, and title insurance, often total 2% to 5% of your loan amount, representing an upfront cost hurdle for borrowers. We’ll explore your options to find the best HELOCs without closing costs. CompanyFeesRating (0-5) 0% – 4.99% origination fee (no out-of-pocket costs) 4.9 View Rates 4.90% first-draw fee 4.8 View Rates Waives closing costs for lines under $500,000 4.7 View Rates None 4.5 View Rates Reviews of the best HELOCs with no closing costs We’ve researched reputable lenders to pinpoint which ones offer no-closing-cost HELOCs with the best rates and terms. Explore our best picks below. Figure Best Overall 4.9 /5 View Rates About Figure’s HELOC 100% online application process with five-minute approval Get funded in as few as 5 days No out-of-pocket costs Figure is our highest-rated HELOC lender thanks to its streamlined online application and funding process. With Figure, you can access up to $400,000 of your home’s equity without ever leaving home. A Figure HELOC has no closing costs, so you don’t need to worry about out-of-pocket fees. That said, it charges a one-time origination fee deducted from your total loan amount. So if you borrow $100,000 with a 2% origination fee, Figure subtract $2,000 from your loan. Figure doesn’t charge annual fees or penalties for paying off your line of credit early. If you value speed, convenience, and competitive rates, it’s an excellent choice for a no-closing-cost HELOC. It approves applications in as little as five minutes and funds loans in as little as five days. HELOC details Rates (APR)7.10% – 15.70% fixedLoan amounts$20,000 – $400,000Funding time5 daysDraw period2 – 5 yearsRepayment term5, 10, 15, and 30 yearsMin. credit score640Max. LTV85%FeesOrigination fee (up to 4.99%) Aven Best Customer Reviews 4.8 /5 View Rates About Aven’s HELOC Offers lowest rate guarantee Optional debt protection program through Securian Approval in as little as 15 minutes Aven’s latest HELOC product, AvenCash, offers competitive rates and flexible terms without the burden of closing costs. AvenCash provides stability and predictability for borrowers looking to tap into their home equity. One standout feature is its fully digital process, including automated appraisals and online notarization, which makes applying and getting approved fast and straightforward. Aven charges a 4.90% first-draw fee, but it compensates with unique benefits, including a lowest rate guarantee, debt protection program, and the ability to refinance liens without additional fees. Aven’s HELOC is available for primary residences, investment properties, and new builds in more than 30 states. With no property restrictions and flexible eligibility criteria, Aven offers a strong option for homeowners seeking a HELOC with no closing costs and innovative borrower perks. HELOC details Rates (APR)6.99% – 15.49% fixedLoan amounts$5,000 – $400,000Funding time3 days after signingDraw period5 yearsRepayment term5, 10, 15, or 30 yearsMin. credit score640Max. LTV89%Fees4.90% first-draw fee Bethpage Federal Credit Union Best Credit Union 4.7 /5 View Rates About Bethpage’s HELOC Covers all closing costs on HELOCs up to $500,000 12-month introductory rate for creditworthy borrowers Bethpage Federal Credit Union offers competitive rates on its HELOCs, including a low introductory rate for the first year. It covers all closing costs for lines under $500,000, saving borrowers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fees. Bethpage’s funding time averages 34 days from application. Once approved, you have 10 years to draw from your line of credit as needed followed by a five to 20-year repayment period. Fixed-rate options are also available. To qualify for a Bethpage FCU membership and HELOC, you must open a $5 savings account. HELOC details Rates (APR)6.99% fixed for 12 months, then as low as 8.50% variable APRLoan amounts$25,000 – $500,000Funding time34 daysDraw period10 yearsRepayment term5 – 20 yearsMin. credit scoreNot listed (720 for best introductory rate)Max. LTV75%FeesMust pay back closing costs if HELOC is closed within 3 years LendingTree Best Marketplace 4.5 /5 View Rates About LendingTree’s HELOC LendingTree provides access to multiple lenders, allowing for comprehensive comparison tools to find competitive rates and customizable loan options. This platform is ideal for those who want to evaluate various loan offers to find the best fit for their financial situation. LendingTree’s extensive network of lenders ensures that you can access a wide range of HELOC products, making it easier to find a loan that meets specific needs and preferences. Access to multiple lenders Comprehensive comparison tools Competitive rates Customizable loan options HELOC details Rates (APR)Starting at 6.24%Loan amounts$10,000 – $2 millionDraw period2 – 20 yearsRepayment term5 – 30 yearsFunding timeVariesPropertiesVariesCredit scoreVaries, 620 advisable Read More Best HELOCs Our expert weighs in on how to choose a HELOC Natalie Slagle CFP® Review the fine details of no-closing-cost HELOCs to understand the overall cost and what your financial situation can and can’t afford. A no-closing-cost HELOC may not require cash upfront, but it may charge annual or origination fees within the loan itself. For some, this may not be a problem. For others looking for the “cheapest” option long-term, it will require more work to calculate what is best for you. Is a HELOC my best option? If you’re considering tapping into your home equity, it’s important to explore whether a HELOC is truly the best vehicle for your needs or if an alternative may work better. Two common alternatives are a cash-out refinance or a home equity loan. A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, larger loan while providing cash at closing. It has a fixed rate and term like a traditional mortgage. But closing costs are typically higher than a HELOC. A home equity loan is a fixed-rate, fixed-term loan for a lump sum amount secured by your home. Closing costs may be lower than a refinance, but you’ll have two mortgage payments instead of one. Also, you won’t have the flexibility to borrow only what you need, like with a HELOC. Consider how you’ll use the funds and your repayment preferences to determine the best option. A HELOC offers flexibility because you can draw from it whenever needed, but it has variable interest rates that make payments unpredictable. A home equity loan or cash-out refinance is better for a one-time large expense at a known monthly cost. Evaluate costs, terms, and repayment comfort levels at different interest rates. Consulting a loan officer can also help you analyze the pros and cons based on your financial situation. How to get the best HELOC without closing costs Here are the actions you can take to get the best no-closing-cost HELOC: Shop around. Check with multiple banks and credit unions to compare their rates—and try to prequalify with a soft credit check if you can. This allows you to shop around without damaging your credit score. Look for special features. Some lenders might offer benefits such as HELOC rate locks, introductory periods, or discounts for automatic payments, which can help you save money in the long run. Check the details. Every HELOC is unique. Some require you to draw 100% of your line amount the first time you use it, while others let you only draw what you need. Likewise, most HELOCs have a 10-year draw period, but some may be shorter or longer than this. Choose a HELOC with terms that match your needs. Once you’ve shortlisted potential lenders, the next step is to apply for a HELOC and await approval. The full HELOC closing process takes two to six weeks. However, some lenders (such as Figure) can fund HELOC loans in as little as five days. During this time, gather tax returns, pay stubs, and any other required documents. Read all paperwork to understand fees and any prepayment penalties that will apply if you pay it off early. Our expert advises: What to ask Natalie Slagle CFP® Ask your banking institution how your payment will be calculated, especially on a variable HELOC. It’s important to ensure you can afford what could be the most expensive monthly payment. This may be the lender’s highest variable rate on the most amount of equity used. Also consider how your payment is being applied. I’ve worked with clients who paid interest only for years and years without realizing they were not making principal payments. Come up with a plan to pay both interest and principal payments so that your loan is paid off in a reasonable amount of time. FAQ How does a HELOC work? A HELOC uses your home equity as a line of credit you can draw on. With approval, the lender sets a borrowing limit based on your home value. You only pay interest on what you withdraw, letting you take what you need. You make interest-only payments at first, then transition to full payments later. You can use funds for home projects, debt consolidation, or other expenses. How do closing costs work? Traditional HELOCs charge closing fees like origination, appraisal, and title insurance. These can total 2% to 5% of your loan. So if you’re approved for a HELOC of $100,000, you’d pay $2,000 to $5,000 in closing costs. But some lenders offer “no closing cost” HELOCs that waive these fees, lowering your upfront costs. Is a no-closing-cost HELOC automatically cheaper than other options? Not always. Some lenders may waive closing costs to make it look like you’re getting a deal, but then they’ll recoup those expenses by charging higher interest rates or excessive fees on the back end. This can feel like a sneaky trick, so comparing rates, terms, and fees from multiple lenders is so important. How do I know whether I got the best deal on a HELOC? The only way to know if you got the best deal on a HELOC is to take your time and comparison shop. Get rate quotes from several lenders and compare all the details—not just the starting rate. Look at maximum loan size, credit requirements and terms too. Watch for sneaky fees, such as draw fees, annual fees, and early prepayment penalties. For instance, some lenders will waive all closing costs but charge you a termination fee equal to those closing costs if you end your loan within three years of opening. Are there other home equity options that don’t charge closing costs? Yes. Some lenders offer cash-out refinances and home equity loans with no closing fees. These function like a fixed-rate mortgage instead of a revolving line of credit. Shop around—credit unions and online lenders may also provide competitive offers on these products. How we chose the best no-closing-cost HELOCs Since 2018, LendEDU has evaluated home equity companies to help readers find the best home equity loans and HELOCs. Our latest analysis reviewed 850 data points from 34 lenders and financial institutions, with 25 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once. Recap of the best HELOCs with no closing costs CompanyFeesRating (0-5) 0% – 4.99% origination fee (no out-of-pocket costs) 4.9 View Rates 4.90% first-draw fee 4.8 View Rates Waives closing costs for lines under $500,000 4.7 View Rates None 4.5 View Rates