Won’t affect your credit score
4.6 Stars from 3000+ Google reviews
Fund your home renovation with a Better HELOC
Renovations rarely come in at one number. A HELOC lets you draw funds as the contractor bills you, pay interest only on what you've actually used, and keep your existing mortgage rate untouched. Better suits most renovation budgets.
Draw funds in stages as work progresses
Keep your current mortgage rate
One Day HELOC™ decision in 24 hours¹⁷
Won’t affect your credit score
Get a decision
in 24 hrs¹⁷
2025 Best HELOC
lender for low equity
2026 Best for Home
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2026 Best for speedy
approvals and low fees
2025 Best for
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2025 Best HELOC
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2025 Best HELOC
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Low Rates
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Customers who chose
Better Mortgage
Draw period
Borrow only what you need, when you need it. Pay interest only during this phase.
Repayment period
Fixed monthly payments on only what you borrowed. Your existing mortgage is untouched.
Your home is not at risk if you manage it responsibly
You only owe what you draw — you stay in full control.
How a Better HELOC works
No confusing steps. No hidden costs. The whole process is online.
Check your rate
See your real rate in as little as 3 minutes. Better uses a soft credit pull, so you can see what you'd qualify for without a hard inquiry that hurts your credit score.
Customize your line of credit
Choose how much equity you want to tap, up to 90% of your home's value¹. Draw funds whenever you need them during your draw period. Pay interest only on what you actually use.
Access your cash
Once you're approved and closed, funds can be available in as little as 7 days.¹⁶ Submit your required documents within 4 hours of locking your rate, and Better's One Day HELOC™ process delivers an underwriting decision within 24 hours.¹⁷
Why Better's HELOC beats the bank
Most homeowners default to their bank. Here's what else changes when you go with Better instead.
Renovation projects a Better HELOC is built for
Four common ways homeowners fund home improvement with Better.
Fund a multi-room or major renovation
Kitchen + bathroom + house addition projects can run $50K to $150K or more. A HELOC lets you draw funds as each phase is billed by the contractor. Pay interest only on what's been used so far, not on the full project total.
Pay for a kitchen or bathroom remodel
Kitchen remodels typically run $25K to $80K. Bathroom remodels run $15K to $50K. A HELOC matches how contractors actually bill: progress payments spread over weeks or months, not a lump sum upfront. You don't pay interest on funds you haven't drawn yet.
Build an addition or finish a basement
Bigger projects mean longer timelines and more uncertainty on final cost. A HELOC's flexibility means you don't pay interest on funds you haven't used, and you have headroom built into the line for the inevitable budget overruns.
Make energy-efficient or solar upgrades
HVAC replacements, solar installations, insulation, and window upgrades typically run $15K to $40K. A HELOC at a lower rate than most home-improvement-specific loans can be the cheaper option for funding the upgrade.
Mateo & Alejandra | Better Mortgage customers
Customers who chose
Better Mortgage
Will checking my rate affect my credit score?
No. Better uses a soft credit pull to show you your rate options — there's no impact to your score until you formally submit an application and consent to a hard pull.
How much of my home's equity can I actually access?
Up to 90% of your home's value, minus what you still owe on your mortgage.
Does a HELOC affect my existing mortgage rate?
Not at all. A HELOC is a second, separate lien on your property. Your first mortgage — including its rate, term, and monthly payment — is completely untouched. This is the primary reason homeowners with sub-4% rates choose a HELOC over refinancing.
What happens when the draw period ends?
Your line closes to new draws and payments shift from interest-only to principal + interest over a repayment period (typically 10–20 years). Your payment will increase — plan for this before you draw.
What's the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?
A HELOC is a revolving credit line — draw what you need, when you need it, and pay interest only on what you use. A home equity loan gives you a lump sum upfront at a fixed rate. If you know exactly what you need, a home equity loan may be simpler. If costs are phased or uncertain, a HELOC is more flexible.
Can I use a HELOC to pay off credit card debt?
Yes, and it's one of the most common use cases. The interest rate difference can be significant — HELOC rates are typically far lower than credit card APRs.
What if I don't use the full credit line?
You owe nothing on the unused portion. Interest accrues only on what you've drawn. Opening a $200,000 HELOC and drawing $50,000 means you're paying interest on $50,000 — not $200,000.
Will checking my rate affect my credit score?
No. Better uses a soft credit pull to show you your rate options — there's no impact to your score until you formally submit an application and consent to a hard pull.
How much of my home's equity can I actually access?
Up to 90% of your home's value, minus what you still owe on your mortgage.
Does a HELOC affect my existing mortgage rate?
Not at all. A HELOC is a second, separate lien on your property. Your first mortgage — including its rate, term, and monthly payment — is completely untouched. This is the primary reason homeowners with sub-4% rates choose a HELOC over refinancing.
What happens when the draw period ends?
Your line closes to new draws and payments shift from interest-only to principal + interest over a repayment period (typically 10–20 years). Your payment will increase — plan for this before you draw.
What's the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?
A HELOC is a revolving credit line — draw what you need, when you need it, and pay interest only on what you use. A home equity loan gives you a lump sum upfront at a fixed rate. If you know exactly what you need, a home equity loan may be simpler. If costs are phased or uncertain, a HELOC is more flexible.
Can I use a HELOC to pay off credit card debt?
Yes, and it's one of the most common use cases. The interest rate difference can be significant — HELOC rates are typically far lower than credit card APRs.
What if I don't use the full credit line?
You owe nothing on the unused portion. Interest accrues only on what you've drawn. Opening a $200,000 HELOC and drawing $50,000 means you're paying interest on $50,000 — not $200,000.
How does a HELOC work for home renovations?
Renovations are rarely a single up-front cost; you typically pay your contractor in stages as the work progresses. A HELOC matches that pattern: you draw funds when you need them, pay interest only on the amount you've drawn, and keep the rest of the credit line available for later draws. Once the renovation is complete and the contractor is paid, you only owe interest on what you actually used.
Should I get a HELOC or a personal loan for a renovation?
A HELOC is usually the better option for renovations specifically because the cost is uncertain and phased. With a personal loan, you take a lump sum upfront and pay interest on the full amount regardless of whether you've spent it. With a HELOC, you pay interest only on what you've drawn, which is often a meaningful savings on a renovation budget that gets spent over months.
Can I get a HELOC before I start the renovation?
Yes, and it's the recommended approach. Open the HELOC, get the line in place, and then start the project. That way you have access to funds as the contractor bills you, instead of pausing the renovation to apply for financing mid-project.
What if my renovation budget grows mid-project?
This is one of the strongest reasons to choose a HELOC for a renovation. Because the line is sized at opening based on your equity, you typically have headroom built in for budget overruns. If the project comes in higher than expected, you can draw more from the same line, up to your approved limit, without re-applying.
Will checking my rate affect my credit score?
No. Better uses a soft credit pull to show you your rate options. There's no impact to your score until you formally submit an application and consent to a hard pull.
How much of my home's equity can I actually access?
Up to 90% of your home's value¹, minus what you still owe on your mortgage.
¹ Maximum LTV dependent on borrower eligibility.
³ Comparison reflects typical traditional bank HELOC terms as of May 2026. Actual rates, fees, and timelines vary by lender and by borrower.
⁵ Based on a comparison of average note rates. Better Mortgage's average rate of 6.56% reflects the mean note rate for all funded 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans originated by Better Mortgage Corporation between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, calculated using internal loan data. The national average rate of 6.66% is based on Bankrate's published 2025 annual average U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate, derived from nationwide lender survey data. Comparison is for informational purposes only and does not represent an advertised rate or guarantee of savings. Individual rates may vary based on market conditions, credit profile, loan characteristics, and other factors. Source: Bankrate historical mortgage rate data.
⁶ Based on internal Better Mortgage analysis of direct-to-consumer refinance loan files funded in 2025, measured from the time required documentation was submitted to the time a refinance decision was issued. Timing reflects the minimum observed decision time for certain loans; actual decision times vary based on borrower information, loan complexity, and other factors. Not all applicants will receive a decision in one second, and a decision does not guarantee loan approval or funding.
⁷ The stated average monthly savings of $2,423 reflects the difference between customers' total monthly payment obligations prior to refinancing — including their existing mortgage payment and monthly payments on other debts paid off as part of the cash-out refinance — and the new monthly principal and interest payment on a cash-out refinance loan funded by Better Mortgage. This calculation is based on all Direct-to-Consumer cash-out refinance loans funded by Better Mortgage between January 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025. Savings amounts are averages across this population and do not represent a guarantee or typical result. Individual savings will vary based on loan terms, interest rate, credit profile, property value, loan amount, market conditions, and the type and amount of debt refinanced. Monthly payment figures shown reflect principal and interest only and do not include taxes, insurance, HOA dues, or other applicable costs, which may increase the total monthly payment. Not all borrowers will achieve savings, and refinancing may increase total interest paid over the life of the loan.
⁸ The stated average monthly savings of $999 reflects the difference between customers' prior monthly mortgage payment and the new monthly principal and interest payment on a rate-and-term refinance loan funded by Better Mortgage. This calculation is based on all Direct-to-Consumer rate-and-term refinance loans funded by Better Mortgage between January 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025. Savings amounts represent an average across this population and do not reflect a guaranteed or typical result. Individual savings will vary based on loan terms, interest rate, credit profile, property value, loan amount, and market conditions. Monthly payment figures shown reflect principal and interest only and do not include taxes, insurance, HOA dues, or other applicable costs, which may increase the total monthly payment. Not all borrowers will experience monthly savings, and refinancing may increase total interest paid over the life of the loan.
⁹ Estimated savings are based on an analysis of a representative sample of Better customers who consolidated higher-interest debt through a Better Cash-Out Refinance, assuming a conservative average interest rate reduction of approximately 5% on the refinanced debt. Actual savings will vary based on individual loan terms, credit profile, property value, existing debt balances, interest rates, loan duration, closing costs, and market conditions. This example is illustrative only and does not guarantee savings or specific results. Refinancing may increase your total loan balance or extend the repayment period, which could increase the total interest paid over time. All loans are subject to credit approval and program eligibility.
¹⁰ $83,000 represents the average total amount of non-mortgage debt paid off using loan proceeds by customers who completed a Better Cash-Out Refinance between January and October 2025. This figure is based on internal Better Mortgage data derived from credit report information obtained in connection with the loan application process for completed refinance loans during that period. Individual results vary based on loan amount, available home equity, credit profile, and other factors. A cash-out refinance does not eliminate debt and may increase your loan balance and monthly payment. Not all applicants will qualify.
¹¹ Based on an internal analysis of Better Mortgage customers who originated a home equity loan or HELOC funded between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, and for whom FICO score data was available both at origination and after funding. The 36-point figure reflects the average change in credit score across this group. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed. Credit score outcomes depend on many factors, including overall credit profile, payment history, credit utilization, and how loan proceeds are used. Opening a new credit account may temporarily lower a credit score.
¹² Betsy evaluates loan scenarios using currently available data across participating investors, product types, loan terms, and rate assumptions. The stated number of scenarios reflects a mathematical combination of these inputs (including multiple investors, product categories, loan terms, and rate variations) and does not represent a guarantee that all scenarios are available to every borrower or that any specific rate or loan will be offered. Actual loan options, rates, and terms depend on individual borrower qualifications, credit profile, property characteristics, loan amount, market conditions, and lender requirements at the time of application.
¹³ Based on Better Mortgage internal analysis of 2025 HMDA-reported mortgage application data. The approval rate reflects applications received between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 that were considered "completed," meaning applications not withdrawn by the applicant or closed for incompleteness. Approval includes applications that were approved but not accepted, loans that ultimately originated, and loans that were approved and later purchased. Results are based on aggregate data and do not guarantee approval for any individual applicant. Approval outcomes depend on a variety of factors, including credit profile, income, assets, property details, and underwriting requirements. Individual results may vary.
¹⁴ The stated average monthly savings of $1,279 is based on an internal analysis of Better Mortgage customers who funded a HELOC or home equity loan through Better between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 and used the proceeds to consolidate existing high-interest debt. Savings represent the average difference between customers' prior monthly payments on the consolidated debt and their initial monthly payment on the HELOC or home equity loan at funding. Individual savings will vary based on factors including loan amount, interest rates, credit profile, repayment terms, and the type and amount of debt consolidated. Not all customers will achieve similar savings.
¹⁵ Better Mortgage's One Day Mortgage promotion offers qualified customers who provide certain required financial information/documentation to Better Mortgage within 4 hours of locking a rate on a mortgage loan the opportunity to receive an underwriting determination from Better Mortgage within 24 hours of their rate lock. The underwriting determination is subject to customary terms, including fraud and anti-money laundering checks, that take place pre-closing and which may trigger additional required documentation from the customer. Better Mortgage does not guarantee that initial underwriting approval will result in a final underwriting approval. See One Day Mortgage Terms and Conditions.
¹⁶ Assumes borrowers are eligible for the Automated Valuation Model (AVM) to calculate their home value, their loan amount is less than $400,000, all required documents are uploaded to their Better Mortgage online account within 24 hours of application, closing is scheduled for the earliest available date and time, and a notary is readily available. Funding timelines may vary and may be longer if an appraisal is required to calculate a borrower's home value.
¹⁷ Better Mortgage's One Day HELOC promotion offers qualified customers who provide certain required financial information/documentation to Better Mortgage within 4 hours of locking a rate on a HELOC loan the opportunity to receive an underwriting determination from Better Mortgage within 24 hours of their rate lock. The underwriting determination is subject to customary terms, including fraud and anti-money laundering checks, that take place pre-closing and which may trigger additional required documentation from the customer. Better Mortgage does not guarantee that initial underwriting approval will result in final underwriting approval. See One Day HELOC Terms and Conditions.
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