Loans similar to LendUp provide cash advance loans for people that don’t have savings and need quick emergency cash for unexpected expenses. For example, you may need a new catalytic converter for your car. The cost of a catalytic converter repair is typically between $945 and $2,475, which many people do not have readily available.1
If you need money now, keep reading to learn how installment loans work and how you can apply.
Finding the Right Personal Loan
There are a lot of loan companies to choose from if you need a personal loan. You may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of . But finding the right personal loan option for your financial situation is easy once you know what to look for.
How To Find the Best Loan Offer
By doing some online research and considering your personal finances, you can find the best loan offer for your current financial situation.
Take Time To Research Lenders
There are a lot of loan companies online, but they are not all good choices. Taking time to research lenders before working with them can help you get a better understanding of what it’s like to work with them. Read online reviews from past customers and check if the company has any complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website.
Consider What Type of Personal Loan You Want
Before you apply with a lender, it’s in your best interest to consider what type of loan you want. There is more than one type of personal loan available. Take a look at some common personal loan options below.
- Unsecured Loans — An unsecured loan does not require any collateral from the borrower. But that means that eligibility will be largely based on creditworthiness.
- Secured Loans — Secured loans are typically easier to get for bad credit borrowers because collateral is used to secure the loan. However, borrowers can lose their assets if they fall behind on payments and default on the loan.
- Variable Rate Loans — A variable rate changes over time because it’s based on market conditions. This means that monthly payments can increase or decrease unexpectedly on a variable rate loan.
- Fixed Rate Loans — Unlike a variable rate, fixed rates do not change throughout the repayment period. Budgeting is easier with fixed rate loans because monthly payments are predictable.
- Cosigner Loans — A cosigner loan is a loan where two borrowers share financial responsibility. If the primary borrower fails to make on time payments, the cosigner is responsible for paying back the loan balance. In fact, as many as 3 out of 4 cosigners are asked to repay the loan!2
Consider Your Repayment Length
The repayment length for installment loans varies depending on the lender. Some lenders require repayment within a few months, while others may have repayment plans that last several years. A longer repayment plan may result in lower monthly payments, but the overall cost of the loan may be higher. Consider your finances and whether you can afford to repay the loan within a few weeks, months, or years.
Calculate Your Total Loan Cost
It’s critical to understand how much installment loans will cost. Before you sign a personal loan agreement, use a financial calculator to determine how much you will pay for borrowing money. Financial calculators are easy to use, all you need to do is input your loan amount, APR, and repayment length. You’ll be able to see the total loan amount and your interest fees.
How Do Personal Loans Compare To Payday Loans?
When most people are looking for short term loans, they typically get personal loans or payday loans. Payday loans are also known as cash advances or cash advance loans. The right loan option for you depends on your financial situation.
Take a look at this comparison chart to better understand the difference between a personal installment loan and a cash advance payday loan.
| Feature | Personal Loans | Payday Loans |
| Interest Rates | Generally lower, ranging from 5% to 36% depending on creditworthiness and lender. | Extremely high, can exceed 300% APR (Annual Percentage Rate). |
| Loan Amount | Typically ranges from $1,000 to $50,000, sometimes more based on creditworthiness and lender. | Usually small, ranging from $100 to $1,000. |
| Repayment Term | Longer terms, usually from 1 to 7 years. | Very short terms, typically 2 weeks or until the next payday. |
| Collateral | Unsecured personal loans don’t require collateral. Secured options are available. | No collateral required, but loans are secured against a future paycheck. |
| Credit Check | Usually requires a credit check. Better credit scores often lead to better interest rates. | Often no credit check required, making them accessible to people with poor or no credit. |
| Usage | Can be used for a variety of purposes like debt consolidation, home improvement, medical expenses, etc. | Generally used for emergency expenses and often for recurrent basic needs, which can lead to a cycle of debt. |
| Fees | May include origination fees, late payment fees, and prepayment penalties, but generally more transparent. | Often have high fees in addition to high interest rates, including late fees and rollover fees. |
| Impact on Credit Score | Timely payments can improve credit score. Defaulting can hurt credit score. | Typically do not help in building credit history as they are not reported to credit bureaus. Defaulting can lead to debt collection, impacting credit score. |
Loans Like LendUp: What You Need To Know
If you are looking for loans like LendUp, you should know that the company is no longer operational. LendUp was a direct lender that offered online payday loans, installment loans, and credit cards. They specialized in helping low-credit borrowers get quick financial relief.
In December 2021, LendUp was fined $100,000 by The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for deceptive marketing and fair lending violations. LendUp was required to stop issuing new loans and stop attempts to collect on certain loans. In January 2022, LendUp completely ceased providing online personal loans.
How Do They Work?
As of July 10th 2022, the LendUp.com domain and website have no relation to the former LendUp company. LendUp.com is now an online platform where borrowers can make loan requests and lenders can make loan offers.
When a consumer submits a loan application through LENDUP.com, an agent will attempt to connect the applicant with direct lenders.
What Can I Expect if I Get One?
Installment loans range from $200 up to $5,000. However, the amount you can get depends on your state of residence, income, particular direct lender, and other factors. LendUP.com provides loan rates and fees for every state they conduct business in. The APRs generally range from 28% to 1,950%.
For example, Indiana residents can get a loan worth up to $605 for a period of up to 14 days. These short term loans are similar to payday loans. But Wisconsin residents could get a loan up to $1,500 for a period of up to 90 days.
How Will the Application Process Work?
Former LendUp customers no longer have an account on the LendUp.com domain. If a consumer wants to apply for a loan, they do not have to register an account. Instead, they must complete the online form to get started.
Third-party lenders will require some personal information (such as your SSN, address, contact details, proof of income), and information for a valid bank account to receive direct deposit. The eligibility criteria in some states may require income documentation from the applicant.
Most eligible borrowers can expect to receive an electronic deposit of their loan money by the next business day. On the repayment date, the lender will debit the amount owed from the same bank account where they deposited loan funds.
CreditNinja: How Does It Compare?
CreditNinja is an online direct lender that provides installment loans as an alternative to bad credit payday loans. CreditNinja has been in the lending business since 2018. We have helped originate over 475,000 loans to more than 275,000 customers!
At CreditNinja, we prioritize borrowers because we understand that the customer experience is the most important aspect of lending. That’s why we are known for offering exceptional customer service that is incomparable. Check out our online reviews to get a better idea of what you can expect from working with us.
How Does CreditNinja Stand Out?
CreditNinja offers online personal loans. But how do we differ from other online lenders?
We stand out by offering exclusive benefits that make the borrowing experience less of a hassle. We know that many lenders out there aim to take advantage of people in stressful financial situations. But we aim to offer loan terms that make the borrowing process simpler.
To better help our customers, we offer the following perks:
- Quick Cash — Eligible borrowers can get money in their bank account as soon as the same day!* There’s no need to wait long periods to get the financial relief you need to get your life back on track.
- Simple Online Process — We know that convenience is key. That’s why there’s no need for applicants to leave their homes or wait in line. You can apply online at any time! Complete our simple online application form on our website or through the mobile app.
- Flexible Repayment Plans — Our repayment plans are flexible to help our borrowers save money. We do not charge prepayment penalty fees! You can make extra payments or repay your loan balance early to save on interest.
- Competitive Rates — Interest rates can be astronomical, which can result in financial issues for the lender. But at CreditNinja, we offer competitive rates!
Who Should Pick CreditNinja?
CreditNinja provides fast emergency cash to help consumers deal with all kinds of unexpected emergencies. Your car may break down, your heater may stop working, or you may even need to travel across the country to be with a family member during a medical emergency. There are situations that simply cannot be planned for, which is why we aim to be a solution during critical times.
If you have a bad credit score, you may think that you have to settle for bad credit loans, cash advances, or no credit check loans. While these loan options do provide money quickly, the interest and fees can be very costly. Instead, you could apply for a CreditNinja personal loan.
At CreditNinja, we understand that bad credit scores may limit your financial options. But when we make approval decisions, we look at more than your bad credit score. We also consider your income, payment history, outstanding debt, and much more.
If you do qualify for funding with bad credit, know that we do report payments to the major credit bureaus. This means that on-time payments may reflect positively on your credit and help you improve your score over time!
How Will the Loan Process Work?
The loan process requires only 3 simple steps to complete! We know that you may need money quickly, that’s why our application form is easily accessible and able to be completed at any time.
Take a look at the 3-step CreditNinja process:
- Apply Online — The first step is to complete our simple application form online. You will only need to provide basic information so we can verify your identity and better understand your financial needs.
- Review Your Loan Offer — If you are eligible, you will receive a loan offer with personalized loan terms. Your loan offer will have your loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and other detailed information.
- Get Your Money — If you agree to the loan terms we offer, you can electronically sign your personal loan agreement! You can then submit your bank information through the bank verification process to get your direct deposit!
FAQs About Loans Similar To LendUp
Hey there! If you’re wondering how installment loans differ from payday loans, it’s mainly about repayment terms and amounts. Installment loans usually offer larger amounts and longer repayment periods compared to payday loans, which are typically smaller and due by your next payday.
Absolutely! While your credit score is a factor, many lenders offer bad credit loans. These alternative lenders focus on your current financial situation rather than just your credit history. So, even with bad credit, you have options.
Cash advance apps provide quick, short-term access to funds, often with lower amounts than installment loans. They’re handy for immediate needs, whereas installment loans are better for larger expenses, offering longer repayment terms.
Yes, it can. Both positively and negatively. Timely repayments can boost your credit score, showing lenders you’re reliable. However, missed payments can hurt your score. So, it’s important to manage your loan responsibly.
It’s wise to consider the interest rates and fees, as they can be higher for bad credit loans. Also, assess your ability to meet the repayment schedule. Remember, a well-managed loan can be a stepping stone to improving your credit score.
Speed can vary, but many lenders offer quick processing times. Once approved, you might receive the funds within a few business days, sometimes even sooner. It’s one of the perks of choosing installment loans, especially when you’re in a pinch.
The Bottom Line on Financing Options Similar To LendUp Loans From CreditNinja
LendUp Loans was an online lender that provided payday loans, installment loans, and credit cards. But since 2022, LendUp has ceased providing online personal loans. If you need financial assistance, consider working with CreditNinja. Applicants can apply at any time through our website or app.
And if you want further information on financial topics, check out our blog! We answer all types of questions, such as “What is an unsecured note?”
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