Published credit minimums
| Provider | Minimum credit score | States served | Leverage limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point | 500 | 32 | 80% (assumed) |
| Unlock | 500 | 26 | 70% |
| Splitero | 500 | 17 | 80% (assumed) |
| Hometap | 585 | 27 | 75% |
| CHEIFS | 680 | 22 | 65% |
| Unison | Not published | 23 | 80% (assumed) |
From each provider's published terms, verified September 23, 2026; state lists as of September 23, 2026. Providers set final terms after underwriting. Each name links to its full requirements and a "Do you qualify?" checker.
What the credit check involves
Point says it does a soft pull at pre-qualification and a hard pull once you submit a full application. The hard pull shows on your report as an inquiry and "may lower your credit score temporarily." (Point help center)
Unlock says it makes a soft inquiry during the application, visible only to you, that doesn't affect your credit score. (Unlock FAQs)
The other providers' FAQs we checked don't describe their credit check. Ask before you apply.
What matters more than your score
- Equity. Every provider limits your mortgage plus the investment as a share of your home's value: from 65% to under 80%. With little equity, credit won't be the problem.
- Your state. Each provider serves only some states. Texas has none.
- Income, sometimes. Point says it doesn't review income as part of an HEI application (Point help center).
Check every provider at once
Enter your credit range, home, and state in the HEI Offers matcher to see which providers fit. Turned down for a HELOC over credit? See Denied for a HELOC? And before you sign, compare what each would cost on the HEI Calculator: a lower credit bar doesn't make an HEI cheap.
Questions
Can I get a home equity investment with a 500 credit score?
Possibly. Point, Unlock, and Splitero publish a minimum credit score of 500. Meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee an offer: providers also check your equity, your home, and your state.
Does applying for an HEI hurt my credit?
Point says it does a soft pull at pre-qualification, then a hard pull when you submit a full application, which may lower your score temporarily. Unlock says it makes a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your score. Ask each provider before you apply.
Do HEI providers check my income?
Point says it doesn't review income as part of an HEI application. Unlock describes a qualification process with no income requirement. Other providers may review your finances; ask before you apply.
Is bad credit the only thing that matters?
No. Equity usually matters more. Every provider limits your mortgage plus the investment as a share of your home's value, and each serves only some states.
Want someone on your side?
Tell us where you are. Kevin, Jason, or Mike will look it over and reply by email.
