When I left the fast-paced world of news broadcasting, I found myself on a different kind of deadline: renovating my home office while juggling business costs. That’s when I started looking into home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). I’ve tried traditional banks, credit unions, and even other fintech lenders. But after experiencing Better’s HELOC process firsthand, I can confidently say—it’s my go-to.
Here’s why Better stood out in a side-by-side comparison with other mortgage and HELOC providers, across five key areas that matter most.
1. Easy to Apply → Better Takes the Lead
I’ve filled out my fair share of financial paperwork over the years—long forms, slow approvals, endless emails. Traditional lenders often still require in-person visits or outdated portals.
Better changed that experience for me. Their fully online application felt like it was designed for someone like me—busy, goal-oriented, and not in the mood for fine print. I completed it in under 3 minutes on my couch. No piles of paperwork, no phone tag—just a seamless start.
2. Time to Cash in Hand → Better is Lightning Fast
When you’re self-employed and in the middle of a home update, time is money. I’ve worked with traditional banks where the HELOC process stretched out for weeks, sometimes longer.
Better’s timeline? I had funds within seven days of approval. It felt more like a fast-track experience than a financial product. That speed gave me peace of mind and the flexibility to make smart decisions quickly—something I hadn’t experienced with any other lender.
3. Interest Rates & Transparency → A Surprising Tie
We all want the best rate. While Better’s HELOC rates are competitive (and in my case, lower than what my local credit union offered), I have to give some credit to traditional lenders here, especially if you have a long-standing relationship with them. They may be willing to offer personalized discounts or incentives that can slightly lower your APR.
That said, Better’s transparent pricing—clearly displayed with no hidden fees or vague estimates—was a breath of fresh air. Everything was upfront, no guesswork. Plus, they offer up to 90% of your property’s value—most banks only offer 80%.
4. Access to Funds & Flexibility → Better Stands Out Again
With traditional banks, I’ve often been boxed into rigid structures: specific draw periods, frustrating limits, or penalty-laden early payoffs. Better’s HELOC gave me control over when and how I accessed my funds. It acts almost like a credit card, but with a much lower rate, and you only pay interest on what you actually use.
The flexibility to borrow what I need, when I need it, without jumping through hoops? That’s powerful.
5. Customer Experience & Support → Better Feels Like a True Partner
This might be where Better surprised me most. With big banks, I’ve often felt like just another account number. With Better, I had a dedicated loan consultant who was communicative, friendly, and—most importantly—empowered to help. No bouncing between departments, no “we’ll get back to you next week”.
Even through the app, it felt like someone was right there with me. That kind of support matters.
The Final Verdict: Better is My HELOC Hero
From my career in journalism to navigating the world of financial tools as a content creator, I’ve seen it all—and I’ve used plenty of mortgage and HELOC providers. But Better’s combination of speed, ease, transparency, and flexibility has earned my trust and loyalty.
Whether you’re renovating, consolidating debt, or investing in your future, Better’s HELOC product doesn’t just stand up to the competition—it beats it. If you’re looking for a smarter, faster way to tap into your home equity, skip the hassle and go straight to Better.
It’s the choice I’d make again and again.
*“Not an actual customer experience”
