Our take: The Aven Home Equity Visa Card offers HELOC-style rates with the convenience of a credit card. It is fast to get, comes with no appraisal or origination fees, and works well for short-term, flexible borrowing. Just be mindful of the 2.5% transfer fees and the discipline required when using a credit line tied to your home. Aven Home Equity Cash is still the better fit for most long-term HELOC needs.
Home-Equity Backed Credit Card
- Easy online process
- Lower rates than typical credit cards
- High credit limits
- No appraisal or origination fees
- You only borrow what you need
- Unlimited 2% cash back
- 2.5% fees on cash and balance transfers
- Risk of overspending due to card convenience
- Credit limit may be reduced if inactive
- Daily and monthly transfer limits
| Rates (APR) | 7.99% and 15.49% (variable) |
| Limit amounts | Up to $400,000 |
| Annual fee | $0 |
Table of Contents
- What is the Aven HELOC card?
- How does the Aven card work?
- Repayment?
- Aven HELOC credit card vs. HELOC
- Aven home equity card vs. traditional credit card
- Eligibility requirements
- How does your home’s value affect your terms?
- Pros and cons
- Customer reviews
- Contact Aven
- Is Aven a good credit card to use?
- How to apply
What is the Aven HELOC card?
Aven’s Home Equity Visa Card is essentially a HELOC you can swipe. It gives you interest rates that look more like home equity rates and pairs them with the speed and convenience of a credit card. For anyone who needs fast access to funds, it can feel far more streamlined than going through a full HELOC application.
Because the card draws on your home equity, it tends to work best for borrowers who manage credit responsibly. You only borrow what you spend, which is a real advantage. The flip side is that the ease of using a card can make it easier to spend more than planned if you are not intentional.
Aven’s traditional HELOC, Aven Home Equity Cash, continues to be one of the strongest HELOC products we have reviewed, thanks to competitive rates and consistently high customer feedback.
For most homeowners comparing options, we often recommend starting with Aven Home Equity Cash. If you want fast, flexible access to your equity with no closing costs and a quick approval process, the Aven Home Equity Visa Card may be worth a closer look.
Aven also offers a separate Visa Rewards credit card that is not backed by home equity. This review covers only the home-equity version, since it works very differently from Aven’s standard rewards card.
How does the Aven card work?
The Aven Home Equity Visa Card works like a credit card that is secured by your home equity. It functions similarly to a HELOC because you only borrow what you spend, but it also gives you the everyday convenience of paying with a card. This setup allows Aven to offer lower interest rates than typical credit cards and a faster approval process than most home equity products.
Rates and terms
Aven offers variable interest rates between 7.99% and 15.49%, depending on your credit profile, income, property value, and state of residence. Borrowers who enroll in autopay can receive a 0.25% rate discount.
Aven also offers a fixed-rate option through its Aven Simple Loan, which lets qualifying borrowers convert balance transfers or cash advances into predictable monthly payments.
Here is a summary of the card’s core terms:
| Term | Details |
| APR | 7.99% and 15.49% (variable) |
| Fixed-rate option | Available through Aven Simple Loan for qualifying borrowers |
| Credit limit | Up to $400,000 |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Appraisal | Not required; uses automated valuation models |
| Closing costs | None |
| Funding time | As little as 3 days after approval |
| Right of rescission | Available, similar to other home equity products |
Fees
Aven has fewer upfront costs than traditional HELOCs. There are no appraisal fees, origination fees, or closing costs. However, certain transactions have associated fees.
| Fee type | Cost |
| Origination fee | $0 |
| Cash transfer to bank | 2.5% of amount transferred |
| Balance transfer fee | 2.5% of amount transferred |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Late payment fee | $29 |
Prequalify in minutes
Aven uses automated underwriting, so you can see your potential rate and credit limit in a few minutes. Prequalification uses a soft credit check, so it does not affect your credit score.
100% online application and approval
If you move forward after prequalifying, you complete the entire process online. Aven verifies income through connected accounts or documents. You sign your closing documents with a notary through a short video call. Since the company uses automated valuation models, no full appraisal is required.
Credit limits up to $400,000
Depending on your credit profile and home value, Aven may approve a line as high as $400,000. Your approved amount depends on your equity and Aven’s maximum combined loan-to-value requirements.
Funding in as little as 3 days
Once your documents are notarized, Aven typically provides access to funds within about three business days.
Lowest rate guarantee
Aven advertises a lowest rate guarantee on its website. If you meet program rules and submit a qualifying offer for a lower rate from another lender, Aven may match it. Terms and eligibility apply.
Unlimited 2% cash back
The Aven card earns unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase. Rewards apply automatically and do not have spending caps.
Send cash to your bank
You can transfer funds from your Aven card to your bank account at your card’s APR. A 2.5% transfer fee applies.
Balance transfer flexibility
You can transfer high-interest credit card or personal loan balances to the Aven card and repay them at the lower Aven APR. A 2.5% fee applies for each transfer.
Homeowner protection guarantee
Aven offers a Foreclosure Protection Guarantee and flexible repayment options intended to help protect your home if you experience financial hardship.
How do you repay an Aven credit card?
Repaying an Aven Home Equity Visa Card works much like repaying a traditional credit card. Your minimum monthly payment is about 1% of your outstanding balance plus any interest and fees for the cycle. The minimum is intentionally low, which can help with flexibility, but paying only the minimum will slow your progress.
Most borrowers will want to pay more than the minimum to reduce interest costs and pay down the balance faster. Aven also offers a fixed-rate repayment option called the Aven Simple Loan. It lets you convert qualifying balance transfers or cash transfers into a set monthly payment with a defined payoff schedule.
If you use your card to transfer cash to your bank account, those amounts are added to your revolving balance unless you choose to move them into a Simple Loan. In that case, your required monthly payment may increase because you are now repaying an installment plan rather than a revolving line.
Overall, repayment on the Aven card is flexible. You can pay more when you want to accelerate your payoff or rely on the lower minimum during months when cash flow is tight. The Simple Loan option adds a way to create predictable payments for larger balances.
Aven HELOC credit card vs. Aven HELOC
Aven offers two ways to access your home equity: the Aven Home Equity Visa Card and Aven Home Equity Cash, its fixed-rate HELOC. Both rely on your home equity, but they function very differently. The card focuses on fast access, flexible spending, and rewards. Aven Home Equity Cash focuses on predictable repayment and long-term borrowing power.
| Feature | Aven card | Aven Home Equity Cash |
| Collateral required | ✅ | ✅ |
| Interest rates | Variable | Fixed, with a new fixed rate assigned at each draw |
| Credit line | Up to $400,000 | Based on home value and income, up to 89% combined loan-to-value |
| Cashback rewards | Up to 2% | Not offered |
| Application | Fully automated and online | Online application with full underwriting review |
| Fees | 2.5% on cash transfers and balance transfers | No appraisal, no origination fee, no closing costs |
| Valuation | Automated valuation model | Automated valuation model |
| Repayment | Revolving, similar to a credit card | Fixed-rate repayment for each draw |
| Minimum credit score | 640 | 640 minimum listed; 720 recommended for best approval odds and rates |
Aven Home Equity Cash operates as a fully fixed-rate HELOC. Each time you draw from your line, that draw receives its own fixed rate and repayment schedule. This gives you rate stability while still allowing multiple draws over time. Combined with no appraisal fees, no origination fees, and no closing costs, it remains one of the strongest HELOC options we have reviewed.
If you want predictable repayment and the long-term stability of fixed rates, Aven Home Equity Cash is usually the better choice. If you want fast access to equity with a card you can use anywhere and a streamlined approval process, the Aven Home Equity Visa Card may be a better fit.
Aven home equity card vs. traditional credit card
The Aven Home Equity Visa Card works like a traditional credit card, but the experience is different in a few important ways. Because it is backed by your home equity, the Aven card can offer lower interest rates, a much higher credit limit, and the ability to transfer cash to your bank at the same rate.
A standard credit card does not require collateral and is easier to qualify for, but it usually comes with higher rates and lower limits. If you want everyday swipe-and-go convenience with HELOC-style pricing, the Aven card fills that gap, although it still carries fees for cash and balance transfers that traditional credit cards may or may not charge.
| Feature | Aven card | Credit card |
| Collateral? | ✅ | ✖️ |
| Interest rates | Variable | Often variable and higher |
| Credit line | Up to $250,000 | Often lower |
| Cashback rewards | Up to 2% | Varies by card |
| Application | Automated, online | Often online |
| Fees | Cash-outs and balance transfers | Varies |
| Appraisal? | Automated | No |
| Repayment | Similar to credit card | Monthly minimum |
| Credit score | 640 | Varies |
Aven card requirements
Aven’s fully automated system evaluates your eligibility for the Aven card based on the following factors:
- You should own your home and have substantial equity.
- You should have enough income to support your monthly repayment amount.
- You must meet their credit score requirements, debt-to-income, and property value.
Aven doesn’t disclose many of the specific eligibility details for its credit card, but here’s what we’ve found:
| Requirement | Details |
| Properties | Primary residences, secondary homes, investment properties (additional requirements apply for the latter two) |
| State of residence | Licensed in 45 states and Washington D.C. |
| Maximum loan-to-value | 89% of primary residences |
| Maximum debt-to-income | Not disclosed |
| Minimum credit score | 640 for primary residences |
| Minimum income | Not disclosed |
| Age and identification | Must be 18 years of age or older and possess acceptable government-issued identification |
You must also provide proof of insurance for credit lines above $100,000. You must also add Aven/Coastal Community Bank as a beneficiary to that insurance policy.
You can contact Aven for more information or see whether you prequalify on its website, but this table should give you a solid starting point.
How does your home’s value affect your terms?
Aven allows a maximum combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio of 89% on primary residences for its credit card. This means that your loan amount combined with what you owe on your mortgage can’t exceed 89% of your home’s value.
For example, if you have a home worth $500,000, 89% of that is $445,000. If you have a mortgage for $300,000, that’s a potential $145,000 line of credit.
A higher value on the home could mean a higher loan amount or a lower combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio. A lower CLTV ratio could mean a better interest rate. But your income and debt levels also play a role in qualifying you for the card and the terms you get.
Pros and cons of an Aven credit card
Aven’s credit card is unique, so it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s the right fit for you. Here’s a rundown of its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
-
Easy process
The technology Aven uses speeds the application process along. You may be able to access a large credit line with favorable interest rates within a week.
-
Low interest rates
The APR on the Aven card can be around half of the APR on other credit cards.
-
High credit limit
In many states, you can get a credit line up to $250,000, which offers substantial borrowing power.
-
No appraisal required
Aven’s automated system means you skip the traditional appraisal, speeding up the application process.
-
No origination fees
Traditional HELOCs often come with origination fees. With Aven, you avoid that upfront cost.
-
Up to 2% cash back
By using your Aven credit card, you earn 2% cashback on your spending.
-
You only borrow what you need
Because the credit line is revolving, you only take on debt when you actually spend. This can be more cost-effective than a lump-sum home equity loan.
Cons
-
High qualifications for low rates
For Aven’s most favorable rates, you’ll need a high credit score and substantial home equity.
-
Fees for cash and balance transfers
Aven charges a 2.5% fee on cash transfers to your bank and on balance transfers. These costs are lower than many traditional credit card fees but higher than what you would pay with a standard HELOC, where drawing funds typically does not cost extra.
-
Aven can reduce your credit limit
If you’re not using your account, Aven reserves the right to reduce the credit line you can access on each account anniversary.
-
Daily and monthly withdrawal limits
Users report daily and monthly limits of $15,000 and $30,000, making it difficult to make larger purchases. CashOuts have a higher daily $50,000 withdrawal limit, but they’re still subject to the 2.5% fee.
-
Required initial draw for credit lines over $100,000
If your credit line is over $100,000, you need to draw at least $50,000 in the first 90 days, or your credit limit will be reduced.
Aven credit card reviews
Customer reviews are a great way to set your expectations when considering any product from a company. Here’s a quick look at how Aven is rated on popular platforms:
| Source | Customer rating | Number of reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.9 out of 5 | 3,811 |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | 1 out of 5 | 7 |
Aven stands out on Trustpilot, where nearly 4,000 customers praise the ease of applying and its financial flexibility. The notary process, often a pain point elsewhere, gets particularly high marks for being smooth and user-friendly.
Aven also earns an A+ BBB rating and accreditation, although it has a lower customer rating based on a small number of reviews.
When considering the Aven credit card, we recommend weighing the Trustpilot ratings and A+ BBB rating more heavily, given the volume of Trustpilot reviews and the credibility of the BBB.
With only seven reviews on the BBB, it’s difficult to give as much weight to that score, although themes from the customer comments should be noted. These include customers reporting they didn’t receive all the funds they were approved for and being unable to access them.
Aven phone number and contact information
You may want to download Aven’s app to help manage your Aven card. This app allows you to check your balance, see your transactions, and pay your bills. You can also manage your Aven card online.
If you need to contact customer service, you have several options to get in touch:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Send a message via the contact form.
- Schedule a call back: Set up a time that’s convenient for you
- Call: 415-582-6613
Is Aven a good credit card to use?
Aven can be a good option if you want lower interest rates than a typical credit card and you feel comfortable using your home equity to secure the line. It works well for homeowners who need flexible access to funds for things like home improvements or who want to consolidate higher-interest debt without going through a full HELOC process.
It may not be the best fit if you prefer an unsecured credit card or if you know you are prone to overspending when credit is easy to access. Because the card is tied to your home, disciplined use is important. The 2.5% fee on cash and balance transfers is another key factor if you plan to move money out of the card frequently.
How to apply for an Aven credit card
Applying for an Aven card is much faster and easier than applying for a HELOC. The card also allows you to prequalify, which allows you to check your offer without affecting your credit score.
If you do proceed, you will be subject to a hard credit check later in the process. You will also need to provide proof of income and sign in front of an online notary.
Here’s what the application looks like from start to finish.
- Check your offer: Go to Aven’s homepage and click “Check your offer.” You’ll enter your mobile phone number to get started.
- Enter the max amount and purpose: You’ll give the lender your top value and specify a purpose (debt consolidation, home improvement, etc).
- Confirm identity: You’ll fill in your name, email, address, last four digits of your social security number, date of birth, property address, and joint applicant information.
- Review your offer: Check whether you qualify, and review the terms. You’ll see a credit limit, APR, and cashback percentage. Proceed to the next step if you can accept the terms.
- Income verification: You can verify your income by connecting a bank account or by uploading tax return documents, pay stubs, W-2s, retirement and benefit income.
- Credit check: Aven will do a hard credit check at this stage.
- Digital signing: An online notary will help you sign the required documents via video call.
- Get your card: Once loan documents have been notarized, you’ll usually get your card and access to funds within seven business days.
Why we recommend Aven
Aven’s credit card is a unique offering, but Aven’s traditional HELOC product, Aven Home Equity Cash, has already earned an impressive 4.8 rating. Based on this strong performance, we recommend Aven Financial as a trustworthy and reliable choice for your home equity needs, with Aven Home EQuity Cash being one of our top recommendations for a HELOC.
| Product | Best for |
| Aven HELOC credit card | Home equity-backed credit card with minimal fees |
About our contributors
-
Written by Alene LaneyAlene Laney is a personal finance writer specializing in mortgages, home equity, and consumer financial products. A credit card rewards enthusiast and mother of five, Alene enjoys sharing money-saving and money-making strategies.
-
Edited by Amanda HankelAmanda Hankel is a managing editor at LendEDU. She has more than seven years of experience covering various finance-related topics and has worked for more than 15 years overall in writing, editing, and publishing.