First Access Lending: 2025 Home Equity Review

Affordability: 5/5

• APR: At this writing, First Access’ lowest APR was more than one and a half points below the Bankrate national average. And this was a regular rate, not a temporary introductory offer.

First Access scores 5 out of 5 stars for affordability because of its low APRs, offering buyers significant cost savings. 

Availability: 3.9/5

• Licensing: First Access is licensed to operate only a third of the country (CT, DC, DE, FL, MD, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, WI and WY). The company operates solely online, which can be convenient for digital-first borrowers, but less than ideal for homeowners who prefer face-to-face support. 
• Credit score: While a minimum credit score of 640 is fairly typical among home equity lenders, First Access’s 50 percent maximum debt-to-income ratio is higher than the 43 percent standard and may be appealing to debt-strapped borrowers. 
• Loan minimum: First Access’ loans start at $20,000, which is in line with most home equity lenders. 
• Draw requirement: Borrowers have to withdraw at least 75 percent of their HELOC balance at origination – a high amount. There are no penalties for prepaying the loan early. 
• Loan products: Ranging from standard to unusual, First Access’ large array of offerings is more robust than most lenders’. 

First Access scores a 3.9 out of 5 for availability, because while they have a strong product variety and a competitive minimum loan amount, they don’t have a national reach or any physical branches.

Borrower experience: 3.8/5

• Rate transparency: First Access doesn’t post home equity loan or HELOC rates. To get an emailed quote, you will need to call them or answer more than a dozen questions online, including the type of loan you want, how much equity you want to access, your address, your credit score and other details. 
• Customer service: While the company lists a phone number at the top of their webpage, multiple calls during several business days were not answered, though an automated message directed callers to leave a message. 
• Convenience: The company’s primary method of contact is a web form where you submit information, including your name, property address and the type of loan you want. Once approved, you can manage your loan at the online borrower portal. 

First Access scores a 3.8 out of 5 stars for borrower experience because of unposted rates, limited contact options, and unresponsive customer service.

At this time, First Access Lending does not seem to be rated by the Better Business Bureau or TrustPilot.