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First Financial

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2.9

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: March 23rd, 2024

First Financial provides consumers with the ability to obtain small personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, cash advances, credit cards, and student credit cards based on income rather than credit. Consumers also using First Financial banking services have all the features of online banking available to them, including the ability to open a debit account or savings account. First Financial is providing those consumers who do not have credit or that have poor credit with the opportunity to obtain financing through their network of lenders. 

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The Good

  • Income-Based Approval System
  • Accepts Most Credit Scores
  • No Origination or Prepayment Fees
  • Simple Application Process
  • Digital Services
  • Time in Business

Income-Based Approval System

First Financial is giving consumers the opportunity to obtain financing through its trusted lender network, regardless of bankruptcies, repossessions, liens, judgments, charge-offs, and outstanding debts. The financial institution lends based on income instead of credit score and credit history, using bank statements, government benefits letters, and payroll stubs rather than just a score—believing in the philosophy that everyone deserves a second chance. This helps borrowers get a reasonable loan offer even with lower FICO scores.

Accepts Most Credit Scores

To qualify for First Financial personal loans, such as a mortgage or auto loans, applicants must have a minimum credit score of at least 600. This would be considered a "poor" score and is lower than just about any lender from other institutions will allow. This is convenient for potential borrowers who have bad credit but are still looking to improve it and take out a personal loan. 

No Origination or Prepayment Fees

First Financial personal loans do not require a loan origination fee or prepayment fees. This means no added fees will be taken out of your personal loan funds, and you can make extra payments and repay your loan sooner than the required due date without incurring any penalties. Having no prepayment penalties allows borrowers to pay back their loans as soon as they'd like and has the potential to save them a great deal of money in interest fees. 

Simple Application Process

Customers of First Financial Bank who apply for this type of loan have an advantage because the institution already has all its personal information and financial data (review the First Financial privacy policy). All you have to do is go into a branch to apply or fill out an online application.

First Financial will then pull the credit score, and a representative will be in touch with you the same business day. First Financial reviews applications online and, upon approval, your loan amount will be added to your accounts within one business day. This quick and easy process is especially helpful when the cash is needed for immediate use and payments. In the rare instances where there are problems with application materials, the money available could be delayed a few business days.

Digital Services

To further assist with financial planning, First Financial offers an array of online banking services. Consumers can access their debit card and checking account, make person-to-person payments, and find other personal finance tools at any time from a smart device. This is especially useful in preventing non-performing loans.  

Time in Business

First Financial has been in business for 18 years, giving the lender almost two decades of experience. This can provide peace of mind to consumers that First Financial is an experienced lender and isn't new to the personal loans industry.  

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The Bad

  • Potentially High APR
  • Small Max Loan Amount
  • Missing Information

Potentially High APR

At First Financial Bank, an applicant can secure a personal loan at an annual percentage rate of anything between 16 percent and 420 percent. This incredibly large range is due to applicants' variations in income and other factors. As one would imagine, better income would equal a much better rate. Conversely, if the applicant has a low income, he or she will be restricted to have a very high interest rate.

Small Max Loan Amount

The maximum loan amounts through the financial group vary from borrower to borrower, though $1,000 appears the be its average maximum among borrowers. First Financial Bank advertises that this type of loan is designed for a customer who is trying to repair or establish his or her credit.

Missing Information

First Financial does not have a very transparent website with easy-to-find information. We had difficulty finding basic information, such as maximum and minimum loan amount, loan term length, loan payments, monthly fee, exact APR range, and state availability. You will have to contact a First Financial employee to learn more about its personal loan offerings. This may prove to be an inconvenience to many potential borrowers, especially if they are looking to quickly and easily compare First Financial to other lenders. 

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The Bottom Line

First Financial has a very different approach to personal lending compared to its competitors. Most lenders rely heavily on credit scores and a borrower's credit report to help them approve or deny loans, while First Financial relies on current income. This is helpful for those customers in the low credit score bracket, as First Financial has a minimum credit score of 600. With that being said, First Financial offers small loan amounts, with the max being $1,000. There is also a possibility that the interest rate for payback could be in the 400th percentile. The company's website did not list information regarding its minimum loan amounts. 

It is clear that First Financial has a specific target market that it is seeking to help. The lender is best for consumers with lower credit scores looking for lower personal loan amounts. The company's financial services also include online banking that gives you access to a checking and savings account.

First Financial reviews are limited, but not very positive. For those customers who have poor credit scores, First Financial is worth a look (keeping in mind the high annual percentage rates). But for those customers who are looking for larger loan sizes and better rates and terms, we suggest checking out another top-rated lender with a better loan offer.

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Star Rating

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1.4

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18 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

6%

4 grade

6%

3 grade

0%

2 grade

0%

1 grade

89%

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Lorraine Henry

Received a loan of around $1,138 was given an estimated amount of $918 dollars after accepting the loan. Then for repayment it's around the same $1100 . And after they're paid in FULL! They continue to charge annual fee monthly including more interest to keep the account open. I was charged $37.99 for what they can't even explain. And then they call harassing you for that money that shouldn't even be charged. This place is a RIPOFF!! IN BLACK AND WHITE..STAY..AWAY FROM THERE LOANS..NOT UNLESS YOU'RE DESPERATE! I WANT TO CLOSE MY ACCOUNT OUT BUT I HAVE TO PAY WHAT THEYRE HUSSLING OUT OF ME 1ST. AND 1ST I OWED $3 THEN 5 DAYS LATER IT WAS $37.99. . AGAIN MONTHLY (ANNUAL FEES & INTEREST) I WISH I COULD'VE GIVEN THIS FRAUDULENT PLACE A ZERO!!!

8 months ago

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Brenda Vassos

Kesha went above n beyond her duties to assist me while I was hospitalized. All the people that helped me to get my loan paid n reloaned were amazing, the encountered several issues n pushed through to get me loan done, thank u so much u r amazing ( denbeigh store)

1 year ago

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LEE Branch Baltimore, MD

Just found out somebody stole money out my account and never got an ALERT I signed up for know they closed my debit card now I can't pickup my MARKET I ordered yesterday.i am going to get in CONTACT with CORPORATE OFFICE .the ALERT team at FIRST FINANCIAL is suppose to let CUSTOMERS know when anybody take MONEY out of there ACCOUNTS. Now I have no FOOD or ESSENTIALS, I am so MAD.why did the PRESIDENT and CEO of FIRST FINANCIAL HIRE an ALERT STAFF they don't do there JOB 100 percent.know I have to SUFFER.and the associate name JIFFY very RUDE I asked him let me just pay for the MARKET I ordered yesterday online he told me NO your card is SHUT OFF. I again BLAME The ALERT team.this is the 3 time some one STOLE MONEY from my ACCOUNT.and everytime they send new card then why do FIRST FINANCIAL have an ALERT team.😡😡😡😡😡😡

1 year ago

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Stacey Blakley Waller, TX

Be aware, when you leave your employer, if your employer is not responsible to let you know, First Financial will literally lie to you about the left over money in your account and then keep it. And their call center will lie to you and make you think you can use it but you cannot. Because of COVID I had an extension on my 2019-2020, $860, until the end of December 2020. Plus my 2020-2021, $1000, that did not get used and was no longer available to me after the 15 day grace period. Even after I called and talked to 2 of the representative, the both told me I could still use the 860 until the end of the year. So I made an appointment, got a tooth fixed, paid for it out of my pocket, submitted for reimbursement, just to get denied. I called to check on it and nope... you lose. You are welcome First Financial for the $1860 from this unemployed person. I hope karma bites you.

3 years ago

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Ann Gainesville, FL

On Monday I paid 1,400, made arrangements for Friday pay $300 then in two weeks pay 300 more. Then2 days later employee calls me to say Friday I need to bring in $1000.so I said we had a agreement n she said no we didn’t, she even write it on my receipt.and I still had 3 days befor it was due.And I said I’ll call later when I have time when I’m off work n then I hung up. I go to leave work at 530 n pick up baby from daycare n the lady had killed switched my car. And when I called she said she wants the $1050 to turn it back on, then after talking with her coworker she says the least she will except was $450 now then $315 on Friday. Then when I called automated payment it said I only need to pay $150. She killed switched my car cause she didn’t like how our conversation. That was wrong,I was 1 hr late for pick up baby n cost me a extra $75. I am filing a complaint with BBB and the headquarters. This lady wants to play games. And if she did this to me(single mom,full time worker) imagine who else she scammed and treated and lied to, if I didn’t need my car I would of took it back n left it in front of her door, very professional ,ignorant,dishonest employee.she really made u guys look so bad n this was horrible horrible business. And mind u in 2 weeks I gave them over $3500.i work hard for my money,

6 years ago

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kasey layton Pekin, IL

Terrible I never received my loan then when I asked for a refund for the insurance I paid for the loan I never received that either so I lost 180 Dollars .it happened at the worst time in my life as well .the never returned my calls

11 months ago

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Sharonda Wess Florissant, MO

In November I had an accident that totaled out my car. My insurance company them a month later and the loss or should I say put my money on someone else account and now charging me daily interest for their mistake. I had two late payments in which they said equaled up to 700 dollars of interest. The loan was ironically was for 27,000 and my insurance and my Gap paid all but 683.00 of it but now they are saying that I owe an extra 700 dollars of daily interest . This company is a total rip off

2 years ago

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Brandi Alvin, TX

I have been a customer for 15 years and they treat me more and more like excrement every year. They have decided to charge a $55 yearly fee just to be a member. I did not agree to this. They will close my account if I don't pay. I have a 755 credit score and no late payments but my APR is at 31 PERCENT! don't believe their hype. Get a card from your local credit union instead; They only charge me 5%.

5 years ago

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A 1 Mesquite, TX

Expensive to borrow! Makes you not even want to borrow. Once I paid my loan back I started my own personal loan account involving me borrowing money as needed out of a misc account

2 years ago

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angi bowerman Tipp City, OH

A personal loan got transferred to this place. It is AWFUL! The amount of run-around and time invested in just getting through hoops to set up account so that one can just see the loan - unbelievable! Once in - there is no way to pay online. Thought refi for lower interest rate was a good idea. I am so paying a price .

1 year ago

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Charissa Arverne, NY

They scammed me out of 450$$$ than lied to me about getting my vehicle off a mechanical lien. Told me to file chapter 13 bankruptcy I don’t know about you but Marcella L and the rest of them are going to be reported to the attorney general and I’m filing a law suit. All who want to do a class action law suit. Is more than welcome

5 years ago

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Denzlo Hagerty Fort Wayne, IN

Took out 1st 2 payments 3 days before they were supposed to, about messed up our checking account. Bought a $1500.00 bed and mattress and now they want over $3000.00 and if you pay off early there's a penalty you have to pay. Will never us them again and highly don't recommend them. Plus they never answer any correspond unless THEY need something.

5 years ago

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Mike Mathis Hamilton, OH

My Family been with FFB since 1995 and it has great but now They have no banks in FF twp and have to drive out of are way to get money out genie machine or deposit!!!! STOP CLOSING YOUR BANKS ITS VERY INCONVENIENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6 years ago

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Jen Oneida, NY

Not sure about being available in all states....the first question it asks is your zip code. I live in West Virginia. I put in my zip code and it immediately responded with I'm sorry but we can't help you.

9 years ago

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Daniel Powers Loveland, OH

Got locked out of my brand new account. Went to local branch for help. Have to instapl the app, have to update firefox. Just to be told I am locked out. Terrible bank.

1 year ago

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Rob Saint Charles, MO

Terrible service. If you're one minute late with your payment, they start calling you relentlessly. Then they will repossess without notice. Avoid at all costs.

7 years ago

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Jimmie Wilson, NC

They tell u to put in ur zip code first within seconds that's when you realize these people are scammers

6 years ago

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Anbrielle Smith

The worst service ever how you going to ask for 209 and I don't have it... never heard of you guys it's a scam

7 years ago