Aven HELOC Card* vs. AFCU Supreme Visa Card*

If you need to carry a balance and your goal is to find the lowest APR you can, a credit card issued by a credit union is likely your best bet. Unlike credit cards offered by banks, credit unions require membership to apply. Any U.S. resident can join Andrews Federal Credit Union (AFCU). If you don’t live in Washington, D.C. or work for one of the eligible employers, you can join the American Consumer Council at no cost.

AFCU members can apply for the Supreme Visa credit card with a regular APR of 13.24% to 18.00% variable. Qualified applicants will receive an 18% APR which is lower than the national average, it making a low-rate card for all cardholders. This card also offers a 0% APR introductory rate for 6-months on purchases made within the first 90 days, $0 annual fee and $0 foreign transaction fees.

You can also shop around as some credit union credit cards offer rates as low as 6.90%. The credit unions with the best rates have more strict membership requirements, but if you qualify this may be the way to go.

Aven HELOC Card* vs. Citi Double Cash® Card

If your goal is to earn a flat 2% cash back, the Citi Double Cash® Card is a solid option. You’ll earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off. That means you could earn the same rewards as the Aven HELOC Visa without submitting your home as collateral. Citi also offers a welcome bonus: $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points.

If your goal is debt reduction, Citi Double Cash also includes a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the standard variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on creditworthiness. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies to transfers completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, the fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). That means you’d have some time to pay down debt and get an intro balance transfer fee.

Any way you slice it, this card is better than the Aven HELOC Visa.

Aven HELOC Card* vs. Personal Loans

Unlike a HELOC, a personal loan is an unsecured loan. Personal loans are a way to consolidate debt without providing collateral. Before considering a HELOC, you may want to evaluate whether a personal loan could meet your needs. Discover offers personal loans with no origination fees or closing costs with a fixed-rate APR and repayment terms of 36 to 84 months.

Unlike credit cards, personal loans allow you to shop around for the best rate. You can get quotes and compare terms for multiple personal loans within a two-week period and your credit will usually only be impacted by one hard inquiry.

Read more: Best Personal Loan Providers 2024