MyExpressHELOC™ • Credit Score Guide

Experian FICO 9 and HELOC Approval

MyExpressHELOC™ uses a soft-pull Experian FICO 9 review to check HELOC eligibility without impacting your credit score.

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What Is Experian FICO 9?

FICO 9 is a credit scoring model that may be used by lenders to evaluate borrower credit risk. For MyExpressHELOC™, the initial eligibility check uses Experian FICO 9.

This is important because the score you see from some free credit apps may not be the same model used during a mortgage or HELOC review.

Soft Pull

The initial eligibility review does not impact your credit score.

Experian

The program uses an Experian-based review for the initial eligibility check.

FICO 9

The score model used is Experian FICO 9, not a generic educational score.

Why Your Credit Score Source Matters

Many consumers check credit scores through banking apps, credit card dashboards, or free score apps. Those tools may show VantageScore or other educational scoring models.

Those scores can be helpful for monitoring trends, but they may not match the score model used for HELOC eligibility.

Minimum FICO Requirements

✓ Primary residence: generally 600 minimum FICO
✓ Second home: generally 600 minimum FICO
✓ Investment property: generally 680 minimum FICO
✓ Final approval depends on full eligibility review

Check Your Credit Before You Apply

If you want to review your credit profile before starting the HELOC application, use the credit-check resource below.

Check Your Credit

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What Can Affect Your HELOC Eligibility?

Soft Pull vs Hard Pull

A soft pull is used to check eligibility and does not impact your credit score.

A hard pull may be required later in the lending process depending on program requirements and underwriting steps.

MyExpressHELOC™ starts with a soft-pull review so you can check options first.

How to Prepare Before Applying

✓ Check your credit profile
✓ Review your mortgage balance
✓ Estimate your home value
✓ Gather income information
✓ Decide your desired loan amount
✓ Know your property type and occupancy

MyExpressHELOC™ Program Highlights

Credit Review:
Soft-pull Experian FICO 9

Maximum Loan Amount:
Up to $750,000

No Full Appraisal:
Loan amounts ≤ $400,000

Availability:
All 50 states

Ready to Check Your HELOC Options?

Start online with a soft-pull Experian FICO 9 review. It is fast, digital, and does not impact your credit score.

Apply Online — Soft Pull Only Read HELOC FAQ

Experian FICO 9 FAQ

Does checking eligibility hurt my credit?

No. The initial MyExpressHELOC™ review uses a soft pull and does not impact your credit score.

Is Experian FICO 9 the same as the score in my banking app?

Not necessarily. Many consumer apps show different credit scoring models.

What score do I need?

Generally, 600 minimum FICO for primary and second homes, and 680 minimum FICO for investment properties.

Can I check my credit before applying?

Yes. Use the credit-check resource above once your preferred Experian link is active.

MyExpressHELOC™ | Matthew Brown | Loan Factory, Inc. | NMLS #1254250 | Company NMLS #320841. Equal Housing Lender. Program details subject to change. Terms, conditions, and eligibility apply.