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1st Franklin Financial

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5.4

Overall Score

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LAST UPDATED: April 25th, 2023

1st Franklin Financial Corporation has been in the consumer finance industry since 1941, providing personal loan services in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Loans are available as both short and longer-term installment loans, with terms generally ranging from six to sixty months. All personal loans have fixed-rates and your annual percentage rate (APR) will depend on your state and creditworthiness.

In addition to providing loans to consumers, 1st Franklin takes pride in each of its branches doing its civic duty. The company donates and is involved in many local charities and has also helped raise money for various charitable organizations. 

Read 1st Franklin Financial reviews below to see what consumers have to say about this lender's financial services and more.

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The Good

  • High Location Density
  • Fast Approval Time
  • Clear Terms
  • Tailor-Made Interest Rates

High Location Density

1st Franklin Financial serves six states: Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Georgia has 110 operating branches, Alabama has 39, South Carolina has 45, Mississippi, has 36, Louisiana has 31, and Tennessee has 21. Individuals and families living in these states are likely to find a branch close to them that will be able to provide them with a personal loan.

Fast Approval Time

1st Franklin Financial states that approval time for a loan application can be as fast as the next day. Applications submitted on the weekends will not be viewed until the following Monday, and responses will be received shortly after they are viewed. 

Funding will be dispersed to a bank account after the borrower meets with a 1st Franklin Financial associate at one of the many branch locations. Funds will likely take until the next day or longer to be transferred to your bank account.

Such a quick loan process makes it so you can get a handle on your expenses quite quickly, which can provide peace of mind to customers in a financial hurry.

Clear Terms

A personal loan with 1st Franklin Financial has no hidden fees, including no prepayment penalty if a borrower would like to pay off their loan sooner than the completion of their loan term. In addition, personal loans have fixed rates and payments. 

However, it is unclear whether or not 1st Franklin Financial charges a loan origination or late fee. If the lender does not charge an origination fee, this will likely entail a higher interest rate on a loan.

Tailor-Made Interest Rates

While there are no specific interest rates available, it is stated that interest rates are determined case-by-case, depending on the type of loan, the amount borrowed, the borrower's credit history and the repayment terms set for that specific loan. 

This can be a positive aspect for 1st Franklin Financial because it shows that the company takes an interest in the customer's specific circumstances, and it is more likely that a borrower with bad credit could be approved, which may not be the case with other larger lenders. 1st Franklin Financial does not treat every case the same and takes the time to discuss the different terms of the loan before they are assigned.

1st Franklin Financial also has fixed rates, so whatever rate you receive when finalizing your loan, that rate will stay the same throughout the lifespan of your loan. It will never be subject to change, so your monthly payment will also stay the same. This makes for an easy loan process and ensures you won't have to experience fee changes.

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The Bad

  • Poor Online Transparency
  • Maximum Loan Amount
  • Required Branch Visit

Poor Online Transparency

There is very little personal loan information available on the 1st Franklin Financial site. The maximum loan term, annual percentage rates, and minimum credit score needed are unavailable. 

In addition, with limited consumer reviews, it's also unclear what 1st Franklin Financial customer service is like and whether or not it elicits a positive customer experience. 

Maximum Loan Amount

1st Franklin Financial only has personal loans for up to $15,000. This is much smaller than what most personal loan lenders offer, many offering at least $35,000 loans. Some lenders even provide loans for up to $100,000. If you're a consumer looking to borrower more than $15,000, 1st Franklin Financial is likely not for you and we suggest looking into another personal loan service.

Required Branch Visit

The application process includes a face-to-face meeting with a 1st Franklin Financial associate at one of its many branch locations. In this meeting a potential borrower will discuss rates and terms before completing their application, in addition to providing required documentation.

Although this in-person branch visit can ensure that your personal loan is fit to your specific needs, it may be inconvenient for borrowers who would would prefer an online application process that could guarantee funding more quickly.

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The Bottom Line

It is difficult to know how 1st Franklin Financial compares to other personal loan options because of the lack of information available on their website. However, as a smaller company providing service specific to each borrower, information regarding rates and terms can likely be received by speaking to a company representative, thus resulting in information tailored to your financial needs and circumstances. 

1st Franklin Financial has been in business for many years and has a lot of experience in personal loans. Although the maximum loan amount of $15,000 is relatively small compared to other lenders, 1st Franklin Financial seeks to provide loans for emergencies that may arise, while also helping customers make payments and find financial stability.

If you live in one of the six states that 1st Franklin Financial services (Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, or Tennessee), it could be worth your time to take a look at its services.

Have you borrowed a personal loan from this provider? Let us know about your experience with a quick review below.

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Star Rating

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3.9

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21 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

71%

4 grade

0%

3 grade

0%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

24%

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Don H. Madison, AL

My husband and I have used First Franklin for years and they have provided us with the utmost in quality customer service and customer satisfaction. Constance and Beth are very professional and will tell you upfront what they can do and will get it done. They go the extra mike to ensure the customer is satisfied. If they cannot give you exactly what you want, they go the extra mile to tell you how to achieve your goals and ensure they are realistic based on your situation. If you ever need a loan and for whatever purpose they should be your first call. They are number one in our book. Don H. Huntsville, Alabama

3 years ago

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Sheila Dunaway McComb, MS

My husband and I have been using First Franklin Financial for a few years now, and we can't be happier with the staff and service there. Mrs. Rose and the staff here are so very helpful, and very kind. The office is always clean , and they always welcome everyone with a smile. We have never had a problem with them , i would refere anyone to use this financial company. Anytime you call, they are always ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have, as well as going in the office. We will continue to use this company for any financial needs we may have. We are 100% + satisfied with them.

6 years ago

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veta johnson

They were very professional and understanding and overall nice and caring about my situation. They helped me very quickly and efficiently with my loan. I was approved within minutes and I am very satisfied and grateful!!Please take your loan needs to 1st Franklin Financial, they will definitely take care of you!! The one I visited was in Huntsville ,Alabama on Mastin Lake Rd!!!

2 years ago

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Bonnie Cody Alpharetta, GA

Even though the rates are not the best, 1st Franklin is great for small money at which to have fun!!! I usually borrow $1000-1500 just to keep my good account with this company! I am given 15-18 months to pay off these balances . I have probably gotten 10 or more separate small loans in the 15 years I have been a customer. These loans are great for family vacations, weekend getaways and other fun purchases. Also, 1st Franklin keeps me on record and always offer me more money when I have paid off previous accounts with them. It is super how they send me a ready to cash checks in the mail and all I do is sign these checks to deposit them using my mobile depository though my personal bank! Wow, you can not get more convenient and faster fir deposit that that! Thanks, 1st Franklin!!

1 year ago

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C. P. Covington, GA

Great lasting first impression and I still feel strongly that they are top notch in customer service and overall professionalism. They will really listen to your concerns which is vitally important, and if there’s any way they can assist, they will.

4 years ago

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Sean DiMaria Columbia, SC

I received a loan from 1st Franklin Financial to purchase something for my home. Their terms were acceptable; however, paying them off before the twelve-month period was important to avoid an exorbitant interest rate. I was able to get the loan approved quickly and paying the loan was easy via online.

11 months ago

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kimbie morganti Mandeville, LA

i would like to thank noelle and erica they were both vey helpful an understanding with me my daughter had passed away and they were really there for me and really worked with me treated me like family

1 year ago

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Lanny Morphew Huntsville, AL

My wife and I have been customers of First Franklin for over 20 years and have been extremely happy with the service and attention we have received. They have always been there for us.

3 years ago

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Bridget Walker Gulfport, MS

1st Franklin Financial is top of the line when it comes to needing a loan for debt consolidation. They helped me get my credit card debt consolidated with really good reasonable payments that didn't break me. They are quick to get you the money you need. I highly recommend them if you trying to get your debt consolidated.

1 year ago

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Nancy Camden, SC

Excellent!!!!! Wanda in your Camden SC Location does a excellent job!!!!We will refer Wanda at the Camden Store for Concern & Professionalism!!!! Thank's You for Wanda!!!!

4 years ago

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Ángela Mccants North Charleston, SC

First Franklin is the best loan company in North Charleston especially Ms Susan and staff in Summerville!! I know I can count on them when I am in need Angela Mccants!

5 years ago

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SMH Huntsville, AL

I have been trying to pay off this account & close it out for 2 months. They will not allow total payoff instead leaving just a few $ owed & then adding more interest every month. I owed $9 and they would not let it get paid off, now it's back up to $20 and will still not accept payment. I assume this will continue until the end of the original loan term even though I was assured when I accepted the loan that there was no penalty for early payoff. This is unethical & extremely frustrating.

3 years ago

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Debbie Clement Metairie, LA

I was sent a check for $2500 and decided to use it. Everything went ok at first until my payments took 10 days to clear my bank. I get paid on the 1st and on the 4th Wednesday of every month. Even when I make a payment on time they report me as delinquent and refuse to update my credit report. They add the next month's payment to the previous month even after I make a payment with the 10 day Grace period.

4 years ago

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April Warrenville, SC

I’ve been using 1st Franklin Financial for years. Great service and communication. They have always helped me with no problem

5 years ago

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Dwayne Holland

We took out a loan with first Franklin and they sure was nice people to deal with and very professional. I would recommend this company for your personal loan

1 year ago

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T B Dothan, AL

This company is nothing but a loan shark and s complete rip off!!!! How do you refuse a payment because you say you fo not take debit cards.... They are very nice at first until they get u realed in and then when you make a payment only 2 dollars went towards actual payment....Stay away from these crooks!!!!!

4 years ago

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doesn't understand Lebanon, TN

what company sends their managers to an evacuation area for hurricane Irma and takes up hotel space for evacuees just to have a training class? Selfish, inconsiderate folks that even care so much as to leave their employees stranded away from home without power and communication. 1st Franklin that's who does that.

6 years ago

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Nicky Martin Philadelphia, MS

Rates were e tremendously higher then what I was use to but it was an emergency so I had to go with them. The customer was great so that was a plus. Would I recommend this company? No, however a person with a high credit score might benefit from them. Overall high rates with great customer service.

1 year ago

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Sylvia Spears Nashville, TN

Great experience! I would recommend family & friends. Workers are very friendly & nice and they are there for your needs.

1 year ago Edited December 14, 2022

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Sharquana richardson Morgan City, LA

Well I don't understand if they send u to court and know u are paying them.. they still charging their interest even though it's included in the court system.. this company is a big rip off..

4 years ago

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Pam Jones Hixson, TN

Great personel and great service (Dayton Tn )

1 year ago