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Scoreboard · Home equity
Home Equity Scoreboard: Six Ways In, Same Five Criteria
Tapping equity now means choosing between three product types, not three banks: a HELOC, a fixed home equity loan, or a home equity investment with no monthly payments. This scoreboard scores six options across all three on published criteria. Point, which we have reviewed in depth, wins the long-term no-payment slot; a bank HELOC wins on cost for strong credit.
Our take in 10 seconds
Good credit and steady income: a bank HELOC or fixed equity loan is cheapest. Credit in the 500s or 600s, or no room for another monthly payment: a home equity investment trades a share of appreciation for cash now, and Point's 30-year term is the most forgiving structure in that category. Speed matters? Figure funds a HELOC in days.
Every option, scored 1–10 on the same five criteria
Scores and facts last verified September 5, 2026. Sorted by overall score. Rows marked Partner pay us a commission if you apply through them and are scored on exactly the same rubric. Non-partners are here because they belong here; we don't link to them.
Your credit · tap to highlight what fits
Point (Home Equity Investment)Fits you
Best for: No monthly payments, long term, lower credit
7.6/10
Min credit~500
Amount$30k–$600k
Term / feeUp to 30 yrs · ~3.9% fee (min $2k)
Time to fund~2–4 weeks
Cost6
Access9
Speed7
Transparency8
Fit8
Why this score: Wins access and the longest term in its category; cost reflects the appreciation share, which can exceed loan interest.
$30k–$600k with no monthly payments; Point shares in appreciation. Terms up to 30 years, credit from about 500 considered. Processing fee around 3.9% (min $2,000). The longest term in its category.
Why this score: Fastest funding by a wide margin; fee and less flexible draws cost it a little.
Fixed-rate HELOC with funding in as little as five days and a fully online process. Origination fee; less flexible draws than a traditional HELOC.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
Unlock (HEI)Fits you
Best for: Shorter HEI term, flexible buyout
7.0/10
Min credit~500
Amount$30k–$500k
Term / fee10 yrs · fee
Time to fund~2–4 weeks
Cost6
Access9
Speed7
Transparency7
Fit6
Why this score: Accessible with partial buyouts, but a 10-year horizon forces an earlier decision than Point.
Home equity agreement with a 10-year term and partial buyouts allowed. Credit from around 500. Shorter horizon than Point means an earlier settlement decision.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
Hometap (HEI)Fits you
Best for: HEI with strong customer experience
7.0/10
Min credit~500–600
AmountUp to ~$600k
Term / fee10 yrs · fee
Time to fund~2–4 weeks
Cost6
Access8
Speed7
Transparency8
Fit6
Why this score: Well-run process; same appreciation-share cost and 10-year term.
10-year term, up to a large investment amount, well-reviewed process. Same appreciation-share trade-off; credit requirements modestly higher.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
Home equity loan (e.g. Discover, Rocket)Fits you
Best for: Fixed payment, one lump sum
6.6/10
Min credit~660+
Amount$35k–$300k
Term / fee10–30 yrs fixed
Time to fund3–6 weeks
Cost8
Access6
Speed5
Transparency8
Fit6
Why this score: Predictable fixed payments; needs solid credit and takes weeks.
Fixed rate and payment on a lump sum. Predictable; needs decent credit and equity; closing takes weeks.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
Bank HELOC (e.g. Bank of America, U.S. Bank)Fits you
Best for: Lowest cost, good credit
6.4/10
Min credit~660–680+
AmountUp to ~85% CLTV
Term / fee10-yr draw · low fees
Time to fund3–6 weeks
Cost9
Access5
Speed4
Transparency7
Fit7
Why this score: Cheapest money for strong credit; slow, paperwork-heavy, and closed to lower tiers.
Variable rate near Prime plus a margin, minimal fees, interest-only draw period. Wants roughly 660–680+ and documented income; weeks to close.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
Match your situation
Who wins for whom
Good credit, lowest cost
Bank HELOC
Need money in days
Figure
No monthly payment, long horizon
Point
HEI but plan to settle within 10 years
Unlock or Hometap
Under $30,000 or do not want to touch the house? A personal loan keeps your home out of it. Check a rate at Upstart in two minutes, soft pull. (Paid partner link.)
How we score
The five criteria
CostRates and fees relative to the credit tier served. Origination and admin fees weigh heavily.
AccessHow far down the credit ladder the product actually approves, and how it treats thin files.
SpeedTime from application to money, quote, or first reported payment.
TransparencyClear pricing before a hard pull, plain disclosures, no bait terms.
FitHow many real situations it serves well, not just the ideal customer.
Scores use published terms, our own application tests, and reader reports. Facts are re-checked quarterly and after any partner change. Full method on our how we rank page.
Who gets paid on this page
Upstart — if you check your rate and take a personal loan through our linkpays us a commission
Every other company discussedpays us $0
If that changes, this box changes the same day. How we rank →
Questions
FAQ
What's the difference between a HELOC, a home equity loan and a home equity investment?
A HELOC is a variable-rate credit line; a home equity loan is a fixed lump sum; a home equity investment is cash now in exchange for a share of your home's future value, with no monthly payments. The first two are debt; the third is an equity sale.
Who should consider a home equity investment?
Homeowners with real equity who cannot or do not want to add a monthly payment, or whose credit is too low for a bank HELOC. The cost is a share of appreciation, which can exceed loan interest in a rising market.
Why does Point score highest among the HEIs?
Its term runs up to 30 years, versus 10 for most competitors, which removes the pressure of an early settlement. Fees and the appreciation share are in line with the category. Read our full Point review before deciding.
Is a HELOC better than a home equity loan?
For ongoing or uncertain needs, a HELOC's draw flexibility wins. For a single known amount, a fixed home equity loan's predictable payment wins. Both need decent credit and take weeks to close.
Can I get home equity financing with bad credit?
Bank HELOCs mostly want 660+. Home equity investments consider credit from around 500 because they are secured by equity, not repayment ability. See our HELOC alternatives guide for the full menu.