How long does it take to get a HELOC? Speed up the process

What you'll learn

• Typical HELOC approval timeframes
• Factors affecting how quickly you'll get funds
• Steps to accelerate your HELOC loan application
• How to avoid common delays

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Wondering how long it takes to get a HELOC? The answer varies—some homeowners receive approval and funds in just a few days, while others wait up to six weeks. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) gives you flexible access to your property's value, creating a revolving credit line you can tap into as needed during the draw period.

Your HELOC timeline depends on several factors: your lender's efficiency, your documentation readiness, and appraisal requirements. Traditional banks often take 2–4 weeks, while online lenders like Better can dramatically reduce this timeframe. Being prepared—with your mortgage statements, income proof, and credit details—can shave days or even weeks off your timeline.

Understanding these variables helps set realistic expectations and speeds up access to funds.

❓Not sure if a HELOC is right for you? Learn more about other ways to tap into your home’s equity via home equity loan or cash-out refinance.

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How long does the HELOC process take?

Typical time frame: 7 days to 6 weeks

A HELOC application can take anywhere from 5 days to 6 weeks. Traditional banks typically take 2–6 weeks. Online lenders have streamlined the process and may deliver faster approvals.

Better can get your funds in as little as 7 days².

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Why timelines vary by lender and borrower readiness

Factors influencing how quickly you’ll access your HELOC funds:

• Type of lender: Traditional banks use multi-step reviews. Online lenders like Better use tech-driven automation.
• Home appraisal method: In-person appraisals can take 1–2 weeks. AVMs (Automated Valuation Models) allow for instant valuation.
• Personal readiness: Fast document submission and prompt responses can significantly cut processing time.
• Loan details: Smaller loans (under $250K) may face fewer hurdles.

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What is the process to get a HELOC?

Getting a home equity line of credit follows a straightforward path from application to funding. Understanding each step helps you move efficiently through the process and access your funds sooner.

1. Determine your home equity

First, calculate your available equity—the difference between your home's current value and your remaining mortgage balance. Most lenders allow borrowing up to 80-85% of your home's value minus your mortgage balance. Better allows homeowners to borrow up to 90%³ of their home's value.

For example, if your home is worth $500,000 with a $250,000 mortgage balance, you might qualify for a HELOC up to $200,000.

1. Research and compare lenders

Next, evaluate different lender options carefully. Online lenders provide faster approvals and, sometimes, more competitive rates through digital processes than traditional banks. Compare interest rates, fees, repayment terms, and customer service reputation to find your best match.

1. Gather documentation

Before applying, collect all necessary financial documents. Most lenders require:

— W-2s / 1099s / tax returns
— Bank statements
— Mortgage statements
— Employment info

1. Submit your application

With documents ready, complete your application online. The lender will pull your credit report and verify your residence history, employment, and income information during this stage.

1. Underwriting and appraisal

After submission, the underwriting process begins. Your lender reviews your creditworthiness, debt-to-income ratio, and available equity. Simultaneously, a home appraisal occurs—either through an automated valuation model (AVM) or traditional in-person assessment—to confirm your property's value.

1. Final approval and closing

Once underwriting completes, you'll receive final approval. The lender checks your home title to verify existing liens. Finally, you'll sign loan documents, after which your funds become available.

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How to speed up the HELOC process

Want to cut weeks off your HELOC timeline? The key is making strategic choices about your lender and application approach. By understanding what causes delays and taking proactive steps, you can access your home equity much faster than the typical timeline.

Choose lenders that use digital tools and AVMs

✅ Faster processing:

Online lenders with automated systems often approve HELOCs in less than a week, compared to traditional banks' 2-6 week timeframe. With Better's One Day HELOC, you can get a decision in 24 hours ¹, cash in 7 days ² 

✅ Electronic verification

Digital-first lenders connect directly to your financial accounts rather than requesting paper documents.

Modern lenders using Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) skip the time-consuming traditional appraisal process entirely. Selecting a tech-forward lender can shave weeks off your waiting time.

Be prompt with document submission and communication

Your responsiveness directly impacts how quickly you'll get approved. 

To speed up your application:

— Submit all requested documentation immediately
— Answer lender questions the same day they're asked
— Review and sign disclosures without delay
— Make yourself available for appraisal scheduling (if applicable)

Nearly every mortgage professional highlights this point—borrower delays account for a significant portion of extended timelines.

Understand your credit and debt-to-income ration

Checking your credit score and calculating your debt-to-income ratio before applying helps prevent unexpected roadblocks. Better's HELOC requires a minimum credit score of 640 and a maximum debt-to-income ratio of approximately 50%.

Organize these essential documents before applying:

— Recent pay stubs and tax returns
— Current mortgage statements
— Proof of homeownership
— Bank and investment account statements

This preparation creates a smooth application process from the start, eliminating back-and-forth requests that extend your timeline.

Common delays and how to avoid them

Even with careful planning, HELOC applications can hit roadblocks that extend your waiting time from days to weeks. Understanding these potential hurdles beforehand helps you navigate around them, keeping your application on the fast track.

Missing or incomplete documents

Documentation issues stand as the primary cause of HELOC processing delays. 

To prevent documentation delays:

— Create a checklist of required documents before applying
— Submit all requested materials in your initial application
— Keep recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements easily accessible
— Double-check information for accuracy before submission

Slow appraisal scheduling

Home appraisals often become bottlenecks in the HELOC process. Traditional in-person appraisals require scheduling, property visits, and detailed reports—activities that may take 1-2 weeks depending on appraiser availability.

To expedite the appraisal process:

✅ Choose lenders using Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) for instant assessments

✅ Be flexible with scheduling if an in-person appraisal is required

✅ Ensure your property is accessible and presentable on appraisal day

Unresponsive communication with lender

Delays frequently occur when either party fails to respond promptly. Questions remain unanswered and critical decisions await approval.

To maintain efficient communication:

— Check email (including spam folders) daily
— Return calls from your lender immediately
— Set up alerts for lender messages
— Designate a specific contact person with your lender
— Review and sign disclosure documents promptly

When working with Better, you'll have a borrower portal that allows you understand clearly where you are in the process and contact your loan officer directly. 

Conclusion

Getting a HELOC doesn't have to feel like waiting for paint to dry. While traditional banks often take 2-6 weeks to process your application, digital lenders can cut this timeline to just days. Your own readiness—having documents organized and responding quickly—plays a huge role in how fast you'll access your home's equity.

The lender you choose makes all the difference. Digital-first companies using automated valuation models offer a much smoother path to approval than conventional banks with their manual processes. Your responsiveness to lender requests directly impacts how quickly your application moves forward.

The steps we've outlined—calculating your equity, choosing the right lender, gathering documentation, and avoiding common delays—create a clear path to accessing your home's value efficiently. These strategies help whether you need funds for renovations, debt consolidation, or unexpected expenses.

Your time matters. Though the average HELOC takes about 30 days to approve, you can significantly shorten this timeline by applying our acceleration strategies.

Better stands out in the industry with their One Day HELOC™ decision process and funding in as little as 7 days—proof that the right lender makes all the difference.

✅ Fast decisions: Get an answer in as little as one day

✅ Quick funding: Access your funds in as few as 7 days

✅ Streamlined process: Skip the paperwork headaches

Accessing your home equity shouldn't be complicated or time-consuming. With the right preparation and lender choice, you can navigate the HELOC process smoothly and get your funds when you need them—not weeks later.

...in as little as 3 minutes – no credit impact

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Disclaimers

¹ One Day HELOC offers customers who provide required financial documentation within 4 hours of rate lock the opportunity to receive an underwriting determination (additional requirements may apply) within 24 hours of rate lock. Initial approval does not guarantee final underwriting approval. See One Day HELOC Terms and Conditions. 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 is required to calculate a borrower’s home value. 

² Assumes borrowers are eligible for AVM to calculate their home value, their loan amount is less than $400,000, and all required documents are uploaded to their Better Mortgage online account within 24 hours of application. Closing timelines may vary. 

³ $50,000-$500,000 loan amount at up to 90% of your property’s value. Maximum LTV dependent on borrower eligibility.