Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Home Equity HELOCs Oregon HELOC Rates and Lenders Updated Sep 23, 2024 11-min read Expert Approved Expert Approved This article has been reviewed by a Certified Financial Planner™ for accuracy. Written by Sarah Sheehan, MAT Written by Sarah Sheehan, MAT Expertise: Tax planning, retirement planning, debt management Sarah Sheehan is a writer, educator, and analyst who focuses on the impact of health, gender, and geography on financial equity. Her ultimate goal? To live beyond the confines of chasing the next dollar—and to teach everyone else how to do the same. Learn more about Sarah Sheehan, MAT Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP® Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP® Expertise: Insurance planning, education planning, retirement planning, investment planning, military benefits, behavioral finance Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®, works as a financial planner at AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust. Erin prepares comprehensive financial plans for military veterans and their families. Learn more about Erin Kinkade, CFP® Opening a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can turn your home into a free-flowing funnel of cash. Of course, you must repay that cash, so it’s important to secure a low rate. To help Oregon homeowners find the best HELOCs at the most competitive rates, we’ve researched dozens of lenders. Keep reading for our top picks—and a few suggestions on how to choose the right HELOC for you. CompanyBest for…Rating (0-5) Best Overall 4.9 View Rates Best Customer Reviews 4.8 View Rates Best Credit Union 4.7 View Rates Best Marketplace 4.5 View Rates Best online HELOCs in Oregon Online lenders exist primarily in the digital space. You won’t need to wait in line or rush to the bank before 5 p.m. to apply for or manage your HELOC. Instead, you’ll use your lender’s app or website. If you’re looking to save time and hassle, take a look at these online HELOCs. Figure Best Overall 4.9 /5 View Rates Why we picked it Figure is an excellent choice for Oregon borrowers due to its streamlined online application process and quick approval times. The company uses blockchain technology to offer a more efficient and transparent lending experience, which can appeal to tech-savvy borrowers. With competitive rates and no hidden fees, Figure stands out as a modern and reliable option for accessing home equity. Fixed interest rates No in-person appraisal is needed Option to redraw up to 100% of funds Funding can be available in as few as 5 days Check your rate without affecting your credit score Loan details Rates (APR)6.55% – 15.54%Loan amounts$15,000 – $400,000Draw period5 yearsRepayment term5, 10, 15, or 30 yearsFunding timeAs few as 5 daysPropertiesPrimary home, second home, or investment propertyCredit score640 Aven Best Customer Reviews 4.8 /5 View Rates Why we picked it Aven is a strong choice for Oregon homeowners who want a simple and efficient way to utilize their home equity through a HELOC. With fixed interest rates, borrowers can enjoy consistent payments throughout the loan term. Aven’s Lowest Rate Guarantee ensures you receive competitive pricing, and checking your rate won’t affect your credit score, which adds convenience to the process. Aven also offers an optional protection plan through Securian, covering your minimum payments for up to six months in the event of job loss. Fixed interest rates Lowest Rate Guarantee Optional debt protection through Securian Fully digital application process 3,600 5-star reviews on Trustpilot (as of September 2024) 3-day funding after signing Loan details Rates (APR)6.99% – 15.49%Loan amounts$5,000 – $250,000Draw period5 yearsRepayment terms5, 10, 15, or 30 yearsFunding time3 days from signingPropertiesAll typesMin. credit score640 Bethpage FCU Best Credit Union 4.7 /5 View Rates Why we picked it Bethpage Federal Credit Union is known for its member-focused approach and competitive HELOC rates, making it a solid choice for Oregon residents. As a credit union, Bethpage offers lower fees and favorable terms. The personalized customer service and community-focused values of Bethpage FCU provide a supportive environment for managing your home equity line of credit. No application, origination, or appraisal fees Convert part of your HELOC to a fixed-rate option 12-month fixed introductory rate for qualified borrowers $0 closing costs Loan details Rates (APR)6.99% for 12 months, then variableLoan amounts$10,000 – $1 millionDraw period10 yearsRepayment term5, 10, or 20 yearsFunding time36 – 70 days, on averagePropertiesPrimary homes, second homes, or condosCredit score670 LendingTree Best Marketplace 4.5 /5 View Rates Why we picked it LendingTree is an excellent option for Oregon borrowers who want to compare multiple HELOC offers in one place. The platform allows users to retrieve quotes from various lenders, making it easier to find the best rates and terms. This comprehensive comparison tool saves time and provides borrowers with a broad view of available options, ensuring they can make an informed decision about their home equity line of credit. Multiple HELOC offers in one place Easy comparison of rates and terms Saves time in finding the best deal Broad view of available options Loan details Rates (APR)Starting at 6.24%Loan amounts$10,000 – $2 millionDraw period2 – 20 yearsRepayment term5 – 30 yearsFunding timeVariesPropertiesVariesCredit scoreVaries, 620 advisable Local HELOCs in Oregon Local HELOCs offer the in-person support online lenders can’t. Many regional banks and credit unions also provide some degree of online account access. For a HELOC that bridges old-school and new-school lending, check out these local Oregon lenders: CompanyRates (APR)LocationsNorthwest Community Credit Union8.50% – 18.00%Willamette Valley, Southern OregonMidOregon Credit Union8.99% – 18.00%Central OregonFirst Community Credit Union6.27% – 18.00%StatewideAdvantis Credit Union8.65% – 18.00%Portland area Here are a few questions to ponder as you explore local HELOCs: Where do you qualify for membership? Which lenders are within a reasonable driving distance? How long is each lender’s draw period? Do any credit unions offer fixed-rate conversion options? Which lenders have the lowest starting rates? Some of these criteria, such as membership eligibility, may automatically narrow down your list. Others are best considered holistically. Take First Community Credit Union: It has the lowest starting APR on our list, but its draw period is only five years. Northwest Community Credit Union has a higher APR floor, but you can draw from your HELOC over 10 years. In other words, weighing these factors against each other—and against your priorities—will help you find the lender that’s truly the right fit. What’s the difference between online and local HELOCs in Oregon? The most glaring difference between online and local Oregon lenders is how tech-heavy each HELOC is. But that’s not the only distinction. The table below will give you a better idea of how each type of lender differs from the other. OnlineLocalAccount accessWebsite, appWebsite, app, in-personContact optionsPhone, chat, emailPhone, chat, email, in-personAfter-hours support?OftenSometimesAppraisal processVirtual or traditionalTraditionalKnown forConvenienceCommunity ties Furthermore, most credit unions serve a limited geographic range. You can still use your HELOC if you travel outside that area, but you’ll have a much easier time accessing a HELOC that’s available everywhere. The trade-off there is that local lenders often have a smaller staff and offer more personalized service. The online lenders we recommend take care of their customers too, but if you prefer working with the same set of representatives, a local HELOC is likely a better choice. Still not sure whether an online or local lender is right for you? These scenarios may help you decide: Borrowers who…Should consider…Live in rural OregonOnline HELOCsNeed a one-stop banking and lending shopLocal HELOCsWork during typical business hoursOnline HELOCsAre already credit union membersLocal HELOCsAre tech-savvyOnline HELOCsPrefer in-person supportLocal HELOCs If you’d be content with a lender from either category, you can adapt the credit union criteria we mentioned earlier to help you choose. Compare lenders’ APR ranges, draw periods, fees, and initial draw requirements to make your selection. How do Oregon HELOC rates compare to other states? You may see some variation in HELOC rates by state, but not for the reason you might think. Fluctuations in HELOC rates have less to do with borrowers’ locations and more to do with their credit scores. Like home prices, average credit scores shift by state. This is often due to differences in state economies, but it gives the illusion that HELOC rates depend on where you live. As of April 2024, Oregon’s average VantageScore stood at 718. In other words, Oregonians have some of the highest average scores on the West Coast, second only to Washington State. Based on this data, it’s reasonable to assume that Oregon also has some of the lowest HELOC rates. Still, HELOC rates are individualized. Knowing how to lock in the best rate for your credit profile is crucial, regardless of your state’s typical credit score. How to get the best HELOC rates in Oregon Generally speaking, the higher your credit score, the lower your APR. The surest way to get a good rate is to improve your credit before you apply for a HELOC. Here are a few strategies you can try: Pay all your accounts as agreed. If you’re behind on any payments, bring those accounts current. Check your credit report, and dispute any errors you find. Make extra payments toward your debts. If you’re able to pay down your debt balances, try to direct some of those funds toward your mortgage. How much you can borrow with a HELOC depends in part on your loan-to-value ratio (LTV). Your LTV compares your mortgage balance to your home’s value. Reducing your principal could improve your credit standing and help you qualify for a larger credit line. You’re not the only one influencing your APR and credit line amount. Your lender plays a role as well. For that reason, we suggest shopping around for the right lender before applying for a HELOC. Here’s how to do it: Make a list of the lenders you’re considering. Note which ones let borrowers prequalify with a soft credit pull, which will not affect your credit score. Complete each lender’s prequalification process. Write down your personalized rates beside each lender. Cross out any lenders that exceed your maximum desired rate. Your remaining lenders may offer similar rates. In that case, you’ll want to research each one’s unique HELOC features and benefits to help you decide between them. Are there any Oregon-specific requirements or regulations? Based on our research, Oregon doesn’t appear to have many laws or regulations around HELOCs. On the one hand, this means borrowers don’t have legal protections beyond Oregon’s basic consumer rights laws. However, it also means homeowners aren’t subject to additional rules or requirements—at least not per the state of Oregon. Your lender can set its own borrower stipulations, such as requiring you to provide proof of homeowners insurance. These requirements vary by lender, so check with the lenders you’re considering about how to become and remain HELOC-eligible. How we picked the best HELOCs in Oregon 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. FAQ What credit score do you need for an Oregon HELOC? Many HELOC lenders require a minimum credit score of 620. However, a higher credit score—a FICO score above 700—is ideal to secure the best interest rates and terms. Lenders may have different requirements, so it’s important to check with the specific lender for its criteria. What are the typical fees for an Oregon HELOC? The typical fees for an Oregon HELOC can include an application fee ranging from $0 to $500, an origination fee of 0.5% to 1% of the credit limit, and an appraisal fee of $300 to $500. You might pay an annual fee of $50 to $100 and an early termination fee if you close the HELOC within the first few years. These fees vary by lender, so it’s important to compare different lenders to understand the total cost. Are there any special programs or incentives for Oregon HELOCs? Yes, some lenders in Oregon offer special programs or incentives for HELOCs, such as lower introductory APRs for the initial six to 12 months, discounts for setting up automatic payments, loyalty discounts for current customers, and no closing costs under certain conditions. It’s best to inquire with lenders about any available promotions or special programs. What happens if I move to another state with a HELOC in Oregon? If you move to another state with a HELOC in Oregon, your HELOC terms should remain the same. You are still responsible for repaying the HELOC according to the original terms, and if you rent out or sell the Oregon property, you may need to pay off the HELOC in full. Always notify your lender about your move, and discuss any potential implications to ensure compliance with the terms of your HELOC. How we chose the best Oregon 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 Oregon HELOC rates and lenders CompanyBest for…Rating (0-5) Best Overall 4.9 View Rates Best Customer Reviews 4.8 View Rates Best Credit Union 4.7 View Rates Best Marketplace 4.5 View Rates