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Valley Strong Credit Union HELOC Review: Fast Funding with Figure Technology (2026)
July 1, 2025
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Valley Strong Credit Union's HELOC delivers Figure's technology with credit union membership benefits. Get up to $400,000 with funding in as few as 5 days. Completely online.
Need cash from your home equity without waiting weeks for traditional bank approval? Valley Strong Credit Union has partnered with fintech leader Figure to offer a fully digital HELOC that cuts through the red tape. Valley Strong has combined the speed and efficiency of modern technology with the member-focused service of a community credit union. When paired with the right credit card strategy for managing your funds, you can build a powerful financial foundation.
What Makes Valley Strong's HELOC Different?
Valley Strong isn't your typical credit union HELOC. Instead of weeks of paperwork and appraisal appointments, Valley Strong uses Figure's advanced platform to deliver funding in as little as five days. This technology-driven approach is now available through a credit union with nearly 90 years of community banking experience.
Founded in 1938 by a group of teachers in California's Central Valley, Valley Strong has grown to approximately $4 billion in assets while maintaining its community-focused mission. The credit union is a designated CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution), serving the Central Valley region with a focus on making financial services accessible to working families.
Named by Forbes as the #2 Credit Union in California, Valley Strong operates 31 branches across Kern, Kings, San Joaquin, Solano, and Tulare Counties and serves over 360,000 Members.
Valley Strong HELOC: Product Details
Fast, Fully Digital Application Process
Valley Strong's HELOC stands out for its speed and simplicity:
- Application time: Minutes to complete online
- Funding timeline: As few as 5 days from application to cash
- Loan amounts: Up to $400,000
- Term options: 10, 15, or 30 years
- 100% online: No branch visits required
- Origination fee: Varies by loan terms and creditworthiness (CPA is $75)
- Property requirements: Primary residences, secondary residences, or investment properties, including single-family homes, condos, and townhouses
- Lien positions: Available for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lien positions
Important: This product is not available to residents of New York, Hawaii, or Alaska.
How the Technology Works
Valley Strong's HELOC uses Figure's proprietary platform to streamline what's traditionally a slow, paper-heavy process:
- No traditional appraisal: Uses Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) for property valuation in most cases
- Electronic verification: Digital processes replace time-consuming manual title work
- Income verification: Streamlined algorithms verify income documentation
- Advanced scoring: Uses modern credit scoring models
- AI-powered processing: Handles document verification and compliance checks automatically
This technology is why Valley Strong can deliver funding in 5 days instead of the 30-45 days typical of traditional HELOCs.
Understanding the Draw Structure
Valley Strong's HELOC has a unique structure: the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate.
However, this product contains an additional draw feature. As you repay the balance on the line, you may make additional draws during the draw period. If you elect to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin.
The fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw.
How Valley Strong's HELOC Compares to Alternatives
vs. Traditional Bank HELOCs
Traditional banks typically offer:
- 30-45 day approval and funding timelines
- In-person appraisals and title searches
- More flexible draw options (don't require full drawdown)
- Often lower origination fees (or none)
- Potentially lower rates for excellent credit
Valley Strong's advantage:
- 5-day funding for urgent needs
- 100% online process
- Streamlined approval using modern technology
- Credit union membership benefits
- Secured by your home as collateral (unlike personal loans or credit cards)
vs. Figure Direct
Applying directly through Figure offers nearly identical terms and process. The key difference:
- Valley Strong membership gives you access to other credit union products and services
- Direct relationship with a community-focused institution
- Potential for bundled services (checking, savings, credit cards)
vs. Cash-Out Refinance
A cash-out refinance might make sense instead if:
- Your current mortgage rate is significantly higher than today's rates
- You need a very large amount (over $400K)
- You prefer fixed-rate debt
Stick with Valley Strong's HELOC if:
- Your current mortgage rate is competitive
- You need funds quickly (weeks, not months)
- You want flexibility to pay down and redraw
Maximizing Your HELOC with Strategic Credit Cards
Once you have access to home equity funds, pair your Valley Strong HELOC with smart credit card usage to maximize value:
For Home Improvement Projects
Use your HELOC funds to pay contractors, then use rewards credit cards for materials and supplies:
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["510", "261", "2885"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Annual Travel Credit", "Cash Back Perks", "Flexible Cash Back Perks"]} ]]
For Debt Consolidation
If you're using your HELOC to consolidate high-interest credit card debt:
- Pay off high-interest cards with HELOC funds
- Keep one rewards card active for ongoing spending
- Use a flat-rate cash back card for everyday expenses:
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["580", "2894"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["No Annual Fee", "0 Annual Fee"]} ]]
For Investment or Business Use
Using HELOC funds for investment property down payments or business capital:
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["2290", "1100"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Versatile Perks for Businesses", "Valuable Rewards"]} ]]
Understanding the Application Process
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Valley Strong's HELOC, you need:
- Property in an eligible state (not available in NY, HI, or AK)
- Property types: Single-family home, condo, or townhouse
- Property can be your primary residence, secondary residence, or investment property
- Sufficient equity in your home (typically 15-20% minimum)
- Verifiable income
- Acceptable credit score (ideally 660+)
Valley Strong membership is required, but is easy to obtain if you:
- Live, work, worship, or attend school in Kern County, California
- Have a business in Kern County
- Are a family member of an existing member
- Are an employee of Valley Strong's Select Employee Groups
Step-by-Step Application
Step 1: Start your online application
Complete the digital form in minutes with basic information about yourself and your property.
Step 2: Soft credit pull
To check the rates and terms you qualify for, Valley Strong will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you continue and submit an application, they will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
Step 3: Income and asset verification
Valley Strong verifies your income through streamlined documentation processes.
Step 4: Property valuation
An automated valuation determines your home's value without requiring an in-person appraisal in most cases.
Step 5: Underwriting and approval
Advanced systems process your application, checking credit and debt-to-income ratios. Approval may be granted in five minutes but is ultimately subject to verification of income and employment, as well as verification that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report.
Step 6: Receive funds
Five-business-day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with Valley Strong's remote online notary. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing, or that require a waiting period before closing
Practical Strategy for Valley Strong HELOC Users
A Complete Financial Approach
Here's how to maximize both your HELOC and credit card rewards:
Step 1: Assess your home equity needs
Determine exactly how much you need and what term length makes sense for your situation (10, 15, or 30 years).
Step 2: Apply through Valley Strong
Complete the online application. The fast timeline means you can make decisions quickly.
Step 3: Understand the full drawdown
Since you must draw 100% at origination, have a plan for the full amount. Consider:
- Parking unused funds in a high-yield savings account
- Immediately paying down high-interest debt
- Making planned improvements or investments right away
Step 4: Use credit cards strategically for related expenses
Don't put everything on your HELOC. Use rewards credit cards for:
- Materials and supplies (5-6% back with category cards)
- Professional services that accept cards
- Travel related to your project (3X points on travel cards)
Step 5: Create a repayment plan
Set up automatic payments and consider paying extra during the draw period to reduce interest costs.
This integrated approach can save hundreds or thousands in interest while earning significant credit card rewards on related spending.
FAQ about Valley Strong’s HELOC
Is Valley Strong Credit Union safe?
Yes, Valley Strong is a federally insured credit union. This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration with coverage up to $250,000 per depositor. The institution has been serving California communities since 1938 and has approximately $4 billion in assets.
How is this different from applying directly with Figure?
The product is nearly identical - same technology, same process, same basic terms. The difference is you're working with Valley Strong as a Member, which gives you access to their other products and a relationship with a community institution.
What if I don't need the full amount right away?
You must draw 100% of the approved line at origination. However, you can immediately pay down the balance and redraw later during your draw period. Consider depositing funds you don't need immediately into a high-yield savings account.
How long does approval actually take?
While funding can happen in as few as 5 days, the exact timeline depends on how quickly you provide the requested information and the complexity of your situation. Most straightforward applications with readily available documentation move fastest.
What about the origination fee?
The origination fee varies based on your loan terms and creditworthiness. The platform typically shows you multiple options so you can pick the combination of fees and rates that works best for you.
Can I get this HELOC if I live in another state?
Yes, this product is available nationwide except for residents of New York, Hawaii, and Alaska. If you're in one of those states, you'd need to find a different lender.
What credit score do I need?
While specific minimums aren't published, Valley Strong typically works with borrowers who have credit scores of 660 or higher. Those with good to excellent credit will qualify for the most competitive rates.
What if the automated system can't value my property?
In cases where an automated valuation isn't available - unusual properties, recent major renovations, rural locations - alternative procedures apply. This might include a traditional appraisal, which would extend your timeline beyond the 5-day target.
What types of properties qualify?
Valley Strong offers HELOCs on single-family residences, condos, and townhouses. The property may be your primary residence, secondary residence, or investment property. Certain types of properties may not be eligible.
The Bottom Line
Valley Strong Credit Union's HELOC represents a new generation of home equity lending - fully digital, technology-powered, and dramatically faster than traditional options. With funding in as few as 5 days, up to $400,000 available, and flexible term options, it offers genuine value for homeowners across the country who need quick access to equity. The real advantage comes from combining your HELOC with strategic credit card usage. By using rewards cards for related expenses - home improvement materials, professional services, or investment opportunities - you can earn significant cash back or points while managing your home equity effectively.
Whether you're consolidating debt, funding a major renovation, investing in solar or energy upgrades, or pursuing business opportunities, Valley Strong's Figure-powered HELOC offers speed and efficiency that traditional lenders struggle to match. Just remember that the best HELOC is one that matches your specific timeline, property location, and financial goals.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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