The Wealth Builder HELOC has a minimum FICO score requirement of 620. However, credit score plays a significant role beyond just qualification — it directly affects the maximum LTV you can access and the rate margin applied to your loan.

How FICO Affects LTV

The program uses a tiered LTV matrix where higher credit scores unlock higher loan-to-value ratios. A borrower with a 740 FICO score will typically qualify for a higher LTV than a borrower at 620, all else being equal. This means that if you are close to a FICO tier boundary, improving your score before applying could meaningfully increase your available line amount.

How FICO Affects Rate

The Wealth Builder HELOC rate is calculated as 30-day SOFR plus a lender margin. The margin applied can vary based on credit score — borrowers with stronger credit profiles typically receive a tighter margin, resulting in a lower note rate.

Which Score Is Used?

Like most mortgage programs, the Wealth Builder HELOC uses the middle score of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) for a single borrower. For co-borrowers, the lower of the two middle scores is used for qualifying purposes.

Tips for Borrowers Near a Threshold

• Pay down revolving balances to reduce credit utilization before applying
• Avoid opening new credit accounts in the 90 days before application
• Dispute any inaccurate derogatory items well in advance of applying
• Ask Lendia about a rapid rescore if your score is just below a key tier