Neo-Bank
Rating by Finanso®
i

The rating by Finanso® is determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula includes a financial product type as well as tariffs, fees, rewards and other options.

Aven

Advertiser Disclosure

About company

Aven, a financial institution based in the United States, offers a range of services to its customers. These services include the provision of credit cards that leverage home equity to offer competitive rates. Through its approach, Aven aims to provide simplicity and convenience to users, enabling them to access cash and make purchases while benefiting from low-interest rates. Additionally, Aven offers flexible repayment options, allowing customers to tailor their payments according to their preferences and financial situations.

Furthermore, Aven emphasizes transparency and customer empowerment in its operations. By providing tools and resources to help customers manage their spending and debt effectively, Aven aims to foster financial literacy and responsibility among its user base. Through its partnership with Coastal Community Bank, Aven ensures that its services are backed by the security and trust associated with traditional banking institutions, thereby offering customers peace of mind in their financial transactions.

Aven

Key features

  • Credit Card Utilizing Home Equity. Aven offers a credit card that taps into the equity in customers' homes to provide exceptionally low-interest rates. This approach allows customers to leverage their assets to access credit at favorable terms.
  • Flexible Repayment Options. Aven provides flexible repayment options, empowering customers to manage their finances according to their individual preferences and circumstances. Customers can choose between making regular credit card payments or opting for fixed monthly payments, depending on their needs.
  • Built-in Safeguards. Aven prioritizes security and control, providing customers with built-in safeguards to monitor their spending and debt. Through real-time alerts and approval mechanisms for large purchases, Aven empowers customers to stay informed and in control of their financial transactions.
  • Savings on Interest Payments. By offering significantly lower interest rates compared to traditional credit cards, Aven helps customers save money on interest payments. Through its competitive APR range and flexible repayment options, Aven enables customers to reduce the cost of borrowing and achieve their financial goals more efficiently.

Pros and cons

Pros

Transparent Fee Structure. Aven prioritizes transparency in its fee structure, ensuring that customers are aware of any associated costs upfront. By minimizing fees such as annual fees, sign-up fees, and prepayment penalties, Aven aims to provide a straightforward and cost-effective financial solution.

Seamless Application Process. Aven offers a streamlined application process, allowing customers to apply for a credit card quickly and easily. With as fast as 15-minute approval times, customers can access their new accounts promptly, enabling them to start using their cards without delay.

High Cashback Rewards. Aven's credit card offers high cashback rewards, providing customers with unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase. This incentivizes card usage and allows customers to earn rewards while managing their everyday expenses.

Cons

Risk of Using Home Equity. Utilizing home equity for credit may pose risks to homeowners, such as potential loss of equity or foreclosure if payments are not made on time.

Variable Interest Rates. While Aven offers competitive interest rates, the variable nature of these rates means they may fluctuate over time, potentially impacting customers' repayment amounts.

Potential for Additional Fees. While Aven strives to minimize fees, customers should be aware of potential fees associated with cash outs, balance transfers, and late payments, which could impact overall cost.

Reliability

Aven positions itself as a reliable financial institution, underscored by its partnership with Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. This collaboration ensures that customers' deposits are backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, offering a layer of security and protection for their funds.

The reliability of Aven is reflected in the feedback from its users across various platforms. With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 on the App Store based on over 1,700 reviews, Aven demonstrates a high level of satisfaction among its mobile app users. Additionally, on Trustpilot, Aven has received a total of 3,400 reviews, further indicating the trust and confidence customers place in the platform.

Products

Aven Home Equity Credit Card. This credit card leverages the equity in customers' homes to provide exceptionally low-interest rates. Customers can access funds conveniently while benefiting from the stability and security of their home equity.

Other services Aven offers

  • Financial Education and Resources. Aven is committed to promoting financial literacy and empowerment among its customers. Through educational resources, tools, and personalized support, Aven helps customers make informed financial decisions and achieve their long-term financial goals.
  • Aven Simple Loan Option. For customers looking for fixed monthly payments, Aven offers the Simple Loan Option. With this feature, customers can lock in their payments for 5 or 10 years, providing predictability and stability in their repayment schedule.

Conditions and requirements

Conditions

  • Competitive Interest Rates. Aven offers competitive interest rates on its financial products, with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) range of 7.99% to 15.49% for primary residences. The APR may vary depending on occupancy type and is based on the Federal Funds Target Rate - Upper Limit (FFTR-UL) index. The maximum APR will not exceed 18% during the life of the account.
  • Flexible Repayment Options. Aven provides flexible repayment options for its credit cards and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Customers can choose between making regular credit card payments or opting for fixed monthly payments for HELOCs, with payment options available for 5 or 10 years. A one-time 2.5% fee applies for fixed monthly payments.
  • Transparent Fee Structure. Aven prioritizes transparency in its fee structure, minimizing fees such as annual fees, sign-up fees, and prepayment penalties. However, there is a 2.5% fee for cash outs and balance transfers, and a $29 late fee for missed minimum payments.
  • Streamlined Application Process. Aven offers a fast and straightforward application process for its financial products. Customers can apply online and receive approval in as fast as 15 minutes. The process involves confirming identity and home details, verifying income, and scheduling digital signing with a notary.

Requirements

  • Home Ownership and Equity. To qualify for Aven's financial products, clients must own and have equity in their homes. The products are available for primary residences only, and eligibility may vary depending on occupancy type.
  • Income Requirements. Clients must have an income that can support their monthly bill payments. While specific income thresholds are not provided, Aven ensures that clients have the financial capacity to manage their debt responsibly.
  • Credit Criteria. Clients must meet certain credit criteria, including credit score, income, and property value requirements. While exact credit score thresholds are not specified, Aven evaluates clients' creditworthiness during the application process.

Network of ATMs

Through partnerships with leading ATM networks, including Allpoint and MoneyPass, Aven ensures that customers have access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs across the United States. This extensive network covers various locations, including retail stores, gas stations, and convenience stores, providing customers with convenient access to cash whenever they need it. Additionally, Aven's online banking platform and mobile app offer ATM locator tools, enabling customers to quickly find nearby ATMs and plan their banking activities accordingly.

Apps like Aven

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card. This card stands out in the secured credit world with its cash back rewards. Offering 1% cash back on all purchases and 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter), it's a great option for rebuilding credit. With no penalty APR, no annual fee, and the added perk of matching cash back rewards at the end of the first year, it provides a solid pathway to improving credit while earning rewards.
  • Capital One Platinum Secured. With no annual or hidden fees, the Capital One Platinum Secured card offers a straightforward approach to building credit. Users can start with a refundable security deposit as low as $49 to get an initial credit line of $200. Responsible use of the card, such as making timely payments, could lead to the return of the security deposit as a statement credit and automatic consideration for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months.
  • Citi® Secured Mastercard®. This no annual fee credit card is designed to help users build credit responsibly. With monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus, it contributes to building a positive credit history. Cardholders also gain access to their FICO score online once available. Although a security deposit is required (minimum of $200), users can use the card worldwide wherever Mastercard is accepted, making it a convenient option for building credit.
  • Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. Available exclusively to Chime banking customers, this secured credit card offers flexibility and convenience. With no minimum deposit requirement, no annual fee, and no interest charges, it provides a hassle-free way to build credit. Users can automate payments to avoid late fees and benefit from being a part of the Chime banking ecosystem.

Editorial opinion

Aven presents itself as a financial institution aiming to provide financial solutions and competitive offerings to its customers. While the utilization of home equity for credit cards and flexible repayment options may appeal to some consumers seeking low-interest rates and convenient financial products, others may approach such offerings with caution due to the potential risks associated with leveraging home equity. Furthermore, the transparency in fee structures and streamlined application processes may contribute positively to the overall customer experience. 

Additional Resources

  • Aven Reviews

Sources

FAQ

Is Aven legitimate?

Yes, Aven is a legitimate financial institution that offers a range of banking and financial products to its customers. Aven operates within the regulatory framework set forth by banking authorities in the United States, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing financial institutions. Additionally, Aven's partnership with Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC, provides customers with the assurance that their deposits are backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), up to the maximum allowable limit.

Is Aven a real bank?

While Aven may not fit the traditional image of a brick-and-mortar bank, it operates as a legitimate financial institution offering banking services and products. Aven partners with Coastal Community Bank, a Member FDIC institution, to provide its financial products and services. While Aven primarily operates online and does not have physical branch locations, its partnership with Coastal Community Bank ensures that it adheres to regulatory standards and offers customers the security and protections associated with traditional banking institutions.

Can I deposit cash into Aven?

While Aven primarily operates online and may not have physical branch locations for cash deposits, customers can still deposit cash into their Aven accounts through alternative methods. One option is to deposit cash at ATMs that accept cash deposits and are part of Aven's network of partner ATMs. Additionally, customers may be able to deposit cash into their Aven accounts by transferring funds from a linked bank account or by using a third-party service that allows for cash deposits and transfers to Aven accounts.

Does Aven give you money?

Aven, as a financial institution, provides various financial products and services to its customers, including credit cards, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and other banking solutions. However, Aven does not give out free money in the form of grants or gifts. Instead, customers may access funds through credit lines or cashback rewards associated with Aven's credit card offerings. Additionally, customers may leverage their home equity through Aven's HELOCs to access funds for various purposes, such as home improvements or debt consolidation.

What kind of accounts can you open with Aven?

Aven offers various types of accounts and financial products to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Some of the accounts you can open with Aven include credit card accounts, which provide access to credit lines and cashback rewards. Additionally, customers can open home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to access funds based on the equity in their homes. These accounts may offer flexible repayment options and competitive interest rates.

Our mission is to provide the lowest cost, most convenient, and most transparent access to capital.

© Aven Financial, Inc.
Your comment has been added
Error
Your complaint has been recorded
Invalid username or password
comment.alert.error-reg
Please log in to like/dislike
Invalid SMS code has been entered
Aven reviews 2024
Leave feedback
Similar companies
Greenlight
303 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 4300, Atlanta, GA 30308
+1 (888) 483-2645
BusyKid
1625 N. Market Blvd., Suite N-112, Sacramento, California 95834
+1 (201) 597-0827
Upside
1701 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Arro
-
Current
1440 Pacific Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2038