Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Home Equity HELOCs Hitch Home Equity Review: What Happened to Hitch’s HELOCs? Updated Dec 20, 2024 4-min read Reviewed by Taylor Milam-Samuel Reviewed by Taylor Milam-Samuel Expertise: Student loans, credit cards, debt, budgeting Taylor Milam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator who is passionate about helping people take control of their finances and create a life they love. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching. Learn more about Taylor Milam-Samuel Hitch began as a fintech company offering home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) directly to homeowners but has since shifted to supporting small and mid-sized lenders with its innovative technology platform. While you can no longer get a HELOC directly from Hitch, its platform helps local banks and credit unions streamline their processes. For borrowers seeking fast, online solutions, top alternatives include Figure, known for its blockchain-driven efficiency and funding in as little as five days, and Aven, offering instant approvals, automated appraisals, and funding just three days after signing. Table of Contents How does Hitch work? Which lenders does Hitch work with? Can I still get a HELOC from Hitch? The best alternatives to Hitch How does Hitch work? Hitch operates as a “white-glove” technology provider, enabling small and mid-sized banks and credit unions to offer HELOCs efficiently and affordably. Its platform eliminates the traditional barriers that made HELOCs too expensive for smaller lenders by automating key parts of the process, such as: Income verification: Automated systems verify borrower income quickly and accurately, reducing the need for manual reviews. Appraisal coordination: Hitch uses automated valuation models (AVMs) or hybrid appraisals to minimize reliance on costly and time-intensive full appraisals. Compliance checks: The platform ensures all regulatory requirements are met seamlessly, saving lenders from navigating complex legal frameworks. By streamlining these processes, Hitch allows local lenders to offer HELOCs with faster approvals and less overhead. For consumers, this translates to more options for borrowing from trusted community institutions. Which lenders does Hitch work with? Hitch partners with small and mid-sized banks and credit unions, providing the technology they need to offer HELOCs efficiently. While Hitch doesn’t publicly disclose specific partnerships, borrowers may find its platform in use at local lenders that have traditionally lacked the resources to offer home equity products. In addition to HELOCs, Hitch has said it plans to expand its services to include home equity agreements, which could further increase borrowing options for consumers in the future. If you’re considering a HELOC, check with your community bank or credit union to see if Hitch powers their process. Can I still get a HELOC from Hitch? No, Hitch no longer offers HELOCs directly to consumers. Instead, it focuses on empowering small and mid-sized lenders to provide these products through its technology platform. While you won’t get a HELOC directly from Hitch, you might encounter its services indirectly if your local bank or credit union uses Hitch’s platform to streamline the application and approval process. For those who prefer working with a larger, well-established lender or an online-first option, there are several alternatives worth considering. In the next section, we’ll highlight some of the top HELOC providers that could meet your borrowing needs. The best alternatives to Hitch CompanyBest for…Rating (0-5) Best HELOC Overall 4.9 View Rates Best HELOC Customer Reviews 4.8 View Rates Figure Best Overall 4.9 /5 View Rates Why it’s a good alternative Figure is an online lender that excels at efficiency and convenience, making it a strong alternative to Hitch-supported lenders. The entire process, from application to funding, is handled digitally—no in-person appraisals or branch visits required. Figure also utilizes blockchain technology to expedite approval and funding, ensuring a highly secure and transparent experience. With funding available in as little as five days and a 15-minute application process, Figure is ideal for borrowers who need quick access to home equity. Its fixed-rate HELOCs offer predictable payments, which is particularly appealing for homeowners seeking stability in a fluctuating interest rate environment. Rates (APR)6.55% – 15.95%Funding amount$15,000 – $400,000Repayment terms5, 10, 15, or 30 yearsMin. credit score640 Aven Best Customer Reviews 4.8 /5 View Rates Why it’s a good alternative Aven‘s offers one of the fastest and most efficient HELOC processes available, making it a strong contender for borrowers who value speed and convenience. Its all-online application for its AvenCash HELOC allows you to be approved and even close in as little as 15 minutes, with funding available just three days after signing. The platform uses automated appraisals and instant prequalification, eliminating the delays often associated with traditional HELOCs. With automatic income verification built into the process, Aven ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for borrowers. The flexibility to draw funds as needed combined with competitive rates and loan amounts up to $400,000 makes Aven a versatile choice for homeowners looking for a modern home equity solution. Rates (APR)6.99% – 15.49%Funding amount$5,000 – $400,000Repayment terms5, 10, 15, or 30 yearsMin. credit score640