View Rates
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View Rates
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| Rates (APR) | 6.50% – 15.50% (fixed and variable) | 6.99% – 15.49% (fixed) |
| Rates (APR) | Rates (APR) | |
| 6.50% – 15.50% (fixed and variable) | 6.99% – 15.49% (fixed) | |
| Fees | Origination fee of up to 4.99% | First-draw fee of 4.9% |
| Fees | Fees | |
| Origination fee of up to 4.99% | First-draw fee of 4.9% | |
| Loan amounts | $15,000 – $750,000 | $5,000 – $400,000 |
| Loan amounts | Loan amounts | |
| $15,000 – $750,000 | $5,000 – $400,000 | |
| Funding speed | As few as 5 days | As few as 3 days |
| Funding speed | Funding speed | |
| As few as 5 days | As few as 3 days | |
| Min. credit score | 640, but 720+ advised | 640, but 720+ advised |
| Min. credit score | Min. credit score | |
| 640, but 720+ advised | 640, but 720+ advised | |
| See the top-rated HELOCs | ||
Figure and Aven are our highest-rated HELOC lenders here at LendEDU. At first glance, the companies seem very similar. Both are committed to fast HELOC funding and creating an all-digital experience for their customers. However, upon closer look, these companies offer slightly different terms, loan amounts, and draw periods.
Additionally, each company is known for specific innovations, and both offer unique perks that might appeal to different consumers. In this article, we will provide a background on both lenders, share rates, terms, and customer reviews. We’ll also present several scenarios that might resonate with you and suggest which company might be best to choose in each one.
Note: If your credit score is below 720, it is unlikely that you will pass the prequalification stage for most HELOC lenders. If your score is higher than 580, see our highest-rated HELOCs for fair credit. Below 580, look into home equity agreements as an alternative.
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What to know about Figure’s HELOC
Figure is an online lender that simplifies the HELOC process through a fully digital platform. Borrowers can access up to 85% of their home’s value, up to $750,000, and loans of $400,000 or less usually do not require an in-home appraisal. Figure offers both fixed- and variable-rate HELOCs, giving borrowers the choice between predictable payments and flexibility.
Applications are completed online using blockchain, AI, and eNotaries, and funding can arrive in as few as five days. Borrowers must withdraw 100% of the loan amount at closing but can redraw during the two- to five-year draw period, with each redraw having its own fixed rate.
- Rates and fees: APRs range from 6.50% to 15.50%, with an origination fee of up to 4.99%. Borrowers can reduce their rate by using autopay or selecting a higher origination fee.
- Eligibility: Borrowers need good credit, a positive payment history, a low debt-to-income ratio, and sufficient home equity. Figure allows borrowing up to 85% of a home’s value (maximum 85% loan-to-value [LTV] ratio). Availability varies by state.
- Reputation: Figure holds a 4.9/5 rating from LendEDU as Best Overall HELOC, a 4.8/5 on Trustpilot with nearly 4,000 reviews, and a 1.39/5 on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
What to know about Aven’s HELOC
While Aven is often best known for its Home Equity Visa Card, it also offers a more traditional, fixed-rate HELOC called Aven Home Equity Cash that closely resembles the product offered by Figure.
Aven’s Home Equity Cash HELOC includes a fully digital application that provides an offer in about three minutes and allows online signing and notarization. Borrowers can access between $5,000 and $400,000 with loan-to-value ratios up to 89% and repayment terms of five, 10, 15, or 30 years.
Aven stands out for its Lowest HELOC Rate Guarantee. If you find a lower rate on a competing HELOC within 30 days, Aven will beat it or send you $250. It also offers a Foreclosure Protection Guarantee for eligible borrowers with balances under $10,000, promising not to foreclose for one year even if payments are late.
- Rates and fees: APRs range from 6.99% to 15.49%. Aven charges a first-draw fee of 4.9% and a $29 late fee. Funding may arrive in as little as three days.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, meet Aven’s credit and income criteria, and live in an eligible state. Aven allows borrowing up to 89% of a home’s value (maximum 89% LTV).
- Reputation: Aven rates 4.8/5 in our editorial ratings and is recognized for Best Customer Reviews among the best HELOC lenders. It also has a 4.9/5 Trustpilot score with nearly 6,000 reviews, though its BBB score is lower at 1/5.
When to choose Figure vs. Aven
While both Figure and Aven make it easy to tap into your home’s equity through a fast, digital process, the right choice depends on your priorities.
- Figure tends to appeal to borrowers who want higher borrowing limits, a tech-driven experience, or access to both fixed- and variable-rate structures.
- Aven, on the other hand, suits borrowers who value speed, simplicity, and added protections like its Foreclosure Protection Guarantee and Lowest Rate Guarantee.
In short, Figure emphasizes flexibility and technology, while Aven focuses on predictable payments and customer-friendly safeguards.
Not sure which lender fits your situation? Here are a few examples.
You need to borrow a large amount
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Choose Figure if you need a higher borrowing limit. It allows access to up to 85% of your home’s value, capped at $750,000, which is nearly double Aven’s maximum of $400,000. That makes Figure a strong option for homeowners with significant equity who need to fund large expenses or consolidate multiple debts.
You want the fastest funding
Choose Aven if speed matters most. Its digital application and notarization process can deliver funds in as little as three days, while Figure typically takes around five. Aven’s fast turnaround can be especially helpful if you’re looking to tackle a time-sensitive project or expense.
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You want the lowest possible APR
Choose Figure if your top priority is securing the lowest rate. Figure’s APRs start slightly lower than Aven’s and can be reduced further by setting up autopay or opting for a higher origination fee. Its variable-rate option also gives qualified borrowers the potential to benefit from lower rates over time.
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You want extra borrower protections
Choose Aven if you want more built-in safeguards. Its Foreclosure Protection Guarantee gives eligible borrowers peace of mind by preventing foreclosure for one year on balances under $10,000, even with late payments. Combined with its Lowest Rate Guarantee, Aven offers additional protection that most HELOC lenders—including Figure—don’t provide.
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You want the highest possible LTV
Choose Aven if you want to borrow against more of your home’s equity. With a maximum LTV ratio of 89%, it allows slightly higher borrowing relative to your property value than Figure’s 85% cap.
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You prefer a lender with strong digital security
Choose Figure if you value advanced technology and security in your lending experience. Its use of blockchain helps ensure a transparent and tamper-resistant process, adding confidence for borrowers concerned about data protection.
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You want a seamless, tech-driven experience
Choose Figure if you prefer a polished digital process that minimizes friction. Its platform uses automation and eNotaries to streamline every step, allowing you to apply, verify, and close your HELOC entirely online with minimal hassle.
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You value customer reviews
Choose Aven if you care most about feedback from other borrowers. It consistently earns some of the highest customer satisfaction scores among HELOC lenders, including a 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot with nearly 6,000 reviews. Aven’s strong reputation for responsive service and transparency makes it a good fit if you value firsthand experiences from real users.
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You want a more established lender
Choose Figure if you prefer a lender with a longer history in digital home equity lending. Founded in 2018, Figure was one of the first companies to bring a fully online HELOC to market and has since built a reputation for reliability and innovation.
Aven is also a well-regarded fintech lender, but it’s newer to the space, so Figure may appeal more to borrowers who prioritize longevity and an established track record.
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How we rated Figure and Aven
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 Figure and Aven to several HELOC 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 on each company is represented in our ratings and best-for designations, recapped below.
Article sources
At LendEDU, our writers and editors rely on primary sources, such as government data and websites, industry reports and whitepapers, and interviews with experts and company representatives. We also reference reputable company websites and research from established publishers. This approach allows us to produce content that is accurate, unbiased, and supported by reliable evidence. Read more about our editorial standards.
- Aven, Aven Home Equity Cash
- Aven, Trustpilot
- Aven, Better Business Bureau
- Figure, Figure APRs
- Figure, Trustpilot
- Figure, Better Business Bureau
About our contributors
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Written by Catherine CollinsCatherine Collins is a personal finance writer and author with more than 10 years of experience writing for top personal finance publications. As a mother to boy/girl twins, she is passionate about helping women and children learn about money and entrepreneurship. Cat is also the co-host of the Five Year You podcast.
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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.