Big Picture Loans (formerly known as CastlePayday Loans) is a direct lender specializing in installment loans, or personal loans. The company's goal is to help borrowers find an easily accessible short-term solution without worrying about hidden fees and regulations.

Big Picture Loans is one of several loan companies operated by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, a federally-recognized American Indian Tribe.

As such, BPL claims Tribal sovereign immunity from lawsuits, but consumers can still report the company to the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (see below).

report_problem

Attention: Regulation notice

In 2014, a US District Judge ruled that the FTC has the authority to regulate certain arms of Indian Tribes, including payday loan companies operating under Tribal Law.

If you feel that you have fallen victim to a predatory lender, even one claiming Indian tribal affiliation, we advise you to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Continue reading this Big Picture Loans review to learn more about the lender and to read customer lending experiences.

View Best Payday Loans

Top Ranked Companies

#1 Fig Loans

7.8 Overall Score

4.8

star star star star star

(552)

View Profile View Profile

#2 MoneyKey

7.3 Overall Score

4.6

star star star star star_half

(288)

View Profile Visit Site View Profile

#3 1F Cash Advance

6.3 Overall Score

4.8

star star star star star

(98)

View Profile View Profile

thumb_up

The Good

Offers Installment Loans
One-Day Loan Approval
Customer Support Options

Offers Installment Loans

Big Picture Loans offers payday installment loans, meaning that loan payments are due every payday over a longer period of time rather than in full on the next payday. Typically, borrowers with BPL have 6 to 22 months to repay the loan, so the loan functions more as a short-term loan.

Big Picture does not require an applicant's credit score for an installment loan, or personal loan, and because it does not require that credit score, BPL's payday lenders can potentially approve a personal loan to even those with bad credit history.

One-Day Loan Approval

Big Picture Loans boasts a quick payday loan approval, getting money to a consumer's bank account within 24 hours. It can give a quick payday loan because of its relatively simple loan approval process.

The minimum requirements that consumers must meet to receive a Big Picture payday loan are:

A steady and verifiable source of income of at least $700 per month
An open bank account in good standing
A reachable phone number
Be at least 18 years old
Be a U.S. resident

Applicants can expect to hear back from Big Picture lenders generally within one business day of submitting a loan application to verify information.

The loan amount that applicants are approved for depends on several criteria points, including income level. Most lenders ask for more information than does BPL, requiring information such as credit card history, credit score, personal debt amount, and debt-to-income ratio.

At BPL, most first-time applicants are usually approved for loans from $200 to $1,000. Because payday lending and short-term lending can be risky, annual interest rates typically range from 780.03% to 788.62% APR but the annual percentage rate varies according to the loan amount, pay frequency, and total loan duration.

Because BPL offers installment loans, payments are stretched out over anywhere from 12 to 44 payments. The high interest rate and stretched out repayment schedule mean that borrowers often end up paying quite a bit more than the original loan amount.

Customer Support Options

The customer support department provides a phone number, fax number, email address, physical address, and mailing address for contacting company representatives.

Emails are generally responded to within a few hours and the phone number connects directly to an available representative.

thumb_down

The Bad

Negative Reviews
Misleading Fees and Information
Availability Subject to Change

Negative Reviews

This payday lender's reviews are overwhelmingly negative. These complaints generally fall into several consistent categories:

Misleading information about due dates, fees, and total loan repayment amounts
Incorrectly stating or implying that the finance fee was a one-time charge instead of an ongoing interest rate charge
Initial payment amounts customers were promised were later changed without warning
Applicants' information was reportedly sold to other lending companies

Because of these negative reviews, many potential borrowers looking for a payday lender may go elsewhere to borrow money.

Misleading Fees and Information

Many frustrated customers have expressed that, because of misleading or false information, they ended up owing much more than the original loan amount or that was originally communicated to them in their loan agreement.

Also, when the due dates were incorrectly conveyed, customers often had to pay insufficient funds fees. Although BPL states that there are no early payoff fees, it appears that the company makes it difficult to repay the whole loan early.

While there are also positive reviews, they make up a small portion of the total number of online reports about Big Picture's services. The positive feedback focused mainly on the ease of applying and the speed of receiving funds, rather than on the repayment portion of the loan process.

Availability Subject to Change

BPL's services are not available in all states and the number of states serviced may change from time to time or without notice, making BPL a nerve-wracking payday lender for some individuals.

However, all transactions with Big Picture are considered to have occurred on Tribal land, so the laws of the applicant's state of residence do not apply. This means that Big Picture Loans does not have to comply with the regulations set forth by an individual state in order to issue a loan.

Potential customers should be aware that if any problems or issues arise with their payday lenders at BPL, they will not be able to report the problem to their state's regulatory departments, but they can still go to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

gavel

The Bottom Line

Big Picture Loans is a direct lender for payday installment loans, and the loans are repaid over several months instead of being due on the borrower's next payday. Big Picture Loans' application process is free, quick, and easy, and funds can be received within 1 to 2 business days.

First-time applicants are usually eligible for loans of $200 to $1,000 with payments due over 6 to 22 months. BPL's interest rates are extremely high, ranging from 780.03% to 788.62%.

Because monthly payments are made over several months instead of in one lump sum, borrowers will end up needing to pay back much more than the original loan amount.

Potential customers should also be aware that there are many negative reviews about Big Picture's transparency regarding payment amounts, due dates, finance charges, and the total repayment amount.

In many instances, customers claimed that Castle Payday outright misled them and that their customer service department was very difficult to work with.

Because BPL is operated by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, they are regulated by Tribal law and not by the laws and regulations of the applicants' states of residence.

While there are customers who report having positive experiences with BPL, there is quite a bit of evidence that Big Picture's services are not as advantageous as advertised and potential borrowers should be wary of using their lender services to borrow money and receive loans. We recommend that individuals research other payday loan companies.

View Best Payday Loans

Was this content helpful?

thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

border_color Write a Review

User Reviews

Star Rating

1.2

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

175 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

4 grade

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

93%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star_half star_border star_border star_border

Quality

star star_half star_border star_border star_border

Service

star star star_border star_border star_border

Trustworthiness

star star_half star_border star_border star_border

cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Tracey Furman Port Richey, FL

I applied for a loan with this company. No surprise that I got approved for a $1600 amount. I would not do business with this company under any circumstances. They are charging 493.64% APR - 26 Biweekly payments at $296.62 each payment - Total out of pocket $7,713.51. Disgusting that they are taking advantage of people like this - I don't care if they are Tribal or not. Those that need loans clearly need it (in most cases) because they do not have the funds which also means they don't make that kind of money. If I had an extra $6k + I wouldn't need the loan to begin with. Also read everything before you accept any loan terms.

2 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Tammy Morez CA

A bunch of BS! Beside the interest rate n late fees if u have them... the amounts they collect is way more than whats expected and understood through the loan agreement! Unbelievable how they will rip you off anyway they want to! As a native company you think theyd understand the hardship people endure over time and instead of "helping when needed" its just more of a scam to drain you of everything you have n more! Definately will be spreading the word about this company and never ever borrow with them again! SMDH for involving myself with this BS company! DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT TAKING A LOAN FROM THEM ITS DEFINATELY NOT WORTH IT!!!

3 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

mike sean Land O' Lakes, FL

Very bad place they are scammers they are thieves they are liars I had a $1,000 loan ask for the covid-19 forgiveness hey said yes a free game one payment they started collecting the other payments I called because they said that I was late and I told them they been taking payments out every time on time $700 worth of payments I asked for my balance and they told me after eight hundred and something dollars of pain that my payoff would be $64 in my original loan because of the payment day said I didn't have to pay was collecting late fees the whole time even as they took out the new payments don't ever use the scammers again that's why they won't let you post any reviews on Google or any of the other sites

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Michael T. Crestwood, KY

This place is a joke, I have a good credit score and am able to get a loan from a normal bank, but I just need a really small loan for about a month, once I applied, it came back with a denied response within 5 seconds. When I called, I was told because I was self employed and my own boss, that it was not an except-able source of income, I told them I could show were I pay myself once a month, and it is usually over $10,000 per month. They said they did not care, and were basically saying that self employed people are crooks. I only needed about $700 to help buy my boy a new car, luckily, 5/3rd approved me for $5,000.00, even though I did not need that much. This place is disrespectful, rude, and just down right pathetic.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

v1027 Merrillville, IN

If there was a way to do this with 0 stars, I would. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. I know times are hard and these loans are fairly easy to get, but this place will rob you blind. There interest charges are freaking ridiculous. Made all my payments on time only to check and see that no more than $20 was going to the principal and the rest of the $230 was going towards the interest. I only used them because I had to take a medical leave from work and needed some cash quick. Never ever again!!! Please look for other places before you use these people. I would go without before I use these people ever again.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Andrea Milwaukee, WI

Would not recommend to anyone. I paid off my loan early, and inadvertently paid over the amount due. Getting a refund for the overpayment is like jumping through hoops. A three way call to my bank was expected for them to verify information in order to receive my refund, which I declined, as I prefer not to have my personal bank information, including my bank identification code announced to someone other than my bank representative. I was told that was the ONLY way to receive my refund. Apprently they do not send refund checks. Also, question if I would have been contacted about the over payment. At any rate I sacrificed my refund. Not worth the potential for fraudulent activity on my account, as I've experienced in the past.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

NeverAgain Lake Orion, MI

The proverbial “0 stars if I could” applies here. I knew the interest rate, I knew it’s not wise to do business with a company like this but I was in a bind and already had plans laid out to pay it off much earlier than the term stated. I was prepared for all of that but NOT the other shady stuff involved. The only stipulation I was told about paying off the loan early was “We just have to make at least one debit to your checking account for the first payment, then you can pay it off at any time”. Fine. I had to extend paying it off about 3 or 4 weeks later than planned so racked up some additional interest, unfortunately. I called to get a pay off balance a week before the next payday when I knew I’d pay it off. No problem, got that figure easily. When I did call a week later to pay it off, this is where the problems started. First, you’re recorded and there are a slew of questions as if you’re being interrogated by an attorney in a courtroom. Fine. “Would you like to use a debit card to pay off the balance”? Sure. “Well just be advised that if you use a debit card this is a foreign transaction and your bank will probably reject the payment”. Then what are my options? “Do you want to use the same bank routing and account number used for your past payment?”. Of course, is there a problem with the payment being rejected in this manner too? “No”. (Fortunately I had a voided check in my wallet when calling from the car – I wanted this monkey off my back asap – I’ll bet she wasn’t prepared for me to have that voided check on hand and her voice reflected as such). I called on 4/22 to pay this off. “O.K., I will process this payment for 4/26 or after”. What? Why not today?! “Well, because….blah, blah, blah……please state ‘yes’ if you agree to the transaction taking place on 4/26 or after”. Why “after”? 4/26 then, but I’m not agreeing to “or after”. (Again, you’re being recorded). “Sir, o.k., I will process the transaction ON 4/26 but just state ‘yes’”. Yes. Anyway, this is how they ripped another $60+ of interest out of me. Could be more or less for you but this was VERY shady delaying that final payment. That’s how they get their additional money out of you. Imagine if I was recorded agreeing to the “or after”. It would have been processed on 5/15 and I’d be out another $200 of interest along with days on the phone fighting. I also asked if I’d get a confirmation that this loan was paid off and she advised I’d get an email on the day of or after the final payment transaction. I never received that email. The automatic debits to my checking account did stop though so I’ll hand them that. Please note she was VERY p.o.’d throughout this process to get that paid off when they were very, very pleasant when getting you to take out a loan with them. DO NOT use this company. I’ve used payday loan stores in the past when in a bind and it was a much more non-BS and pleasant experience and, in my opinion, their fees/interest were fair and reasonable. Fortunately I’m out of this financial nightmare that my employer placed me in and hope to be beyond this for the rest of my life. Donate plasma, sell parts off of your car or just let your house go in foreclosure before dealing with this shady company.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Jill M North Andover, MA

RUN. DON'T TAKE A LOAN FROM THIS COMPANY! I was desperate and took out at $1,100.00 loan in January. The payment sounded reasonable $165.70. Until I realized this payment is TWICE a month. The interest rates are ridiculous and these loans should be considered predatory. I made 5 payments = almost $850. When I made the payoff today (April 9th) the payoff amount was $1,195. I owed MORE than I borrowed despite making payments twice a month for three months. Had I not paid off the loan in full early and took the full 12 months to pay. I would have paid $3,000 in interest. Borrow money from family/friends or sell valuables before even CONSIDERING dealing with this company. Taking a loan from Big Picture loans might seem like a good idea when you are desperate, but - trust me. Run. Don't walk. Run. You'll be so much better off financially if you do not do business with this company which I believe is a predator.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Judie Taylor, MI

I applied got approved tried to log in couldn't. Called the number provided they said they could not issue the loan due to no email address on the application. The problem with that is, the loan process will not let you proceed without providing an email, phone number, address, place of employment, ect. I tried for several minutes to get an answer from them, all that they kept saying was I did not provide one. I repeated myself to her about the application process doesn't allow you to go forward with the application without it. I wanted an explanation, she could not provide me with one. I ASKED IF THIS WAS A SCAM. SHE SAID NO. I IMMEDIATELY CANCELLED MY APPLICATION AND STATED THAT I WOULD REPORT THEM TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. I WILL NOT BE UTILIZING THIS COMPANY IN THE FUTURE!

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Narry Fort Lauderdale, FL

This was my third time taking a loan from Big Picture Loans. I paid off the two payments early (within a week after funded) and they didn't charge me anything. Great!!! Now, I wanted to pay at least half of the loan amount , which is $500. So I setup a payment of $500 on Friday, which is my payday, the 14th of Dec, 2018. But, they took the money on the 13th of December. Then, my bank requested a return of the amount because my account went overdrawn. The bank charged me a $35 fee for a returned item fee. Let consider as it is okay for the charge. But when I call them to setup the payment again they said I have to wait 3 days before I make any kind of payments. I waited 3 days and call them back to setup the payment. Guess what? I can only pay the due amount and I have to wait another 4 days. GO TAKE A LOAN FROM THIS COMPANY IF YOU ARE ONLY IN DIE OR SURVIVE SITUATION.

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

MaryAnn Lady Lake, FL

Be Aware! Big Picture has worse people for customer care. Besides worse people I signed a loan for 4 month pay back, called customer service they told me was 12 months that would be totally insane. That interest amount is 5500.00 plus 1400.00 borrowed. There’s no way I would have ever agreed to such an arrangement. Top it I’ve been waiting for Big Picture send me copy of what they say I agreed, no copy! Little do did I realize there are numerous complaints n’ side ways business conduct conducted with customers. Whatever you do find another loan source. I had get an attorney straighten this out!

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

CAS Greenfield, IN

Big Picture Loans should not be in business! Taking advantage of Consumers like they do! Customer service is very very Poor! I called in to have my loan paid off. They took to much Money from Payoff Quoted! They owe me a refund! It has been six days and still no refund. All they do is give you the run around on the refund. If you would miss a paymnet, which I never did, they would be hounding you for payment. if they owe you money its a big run around! Amazing how a predator Lender can take money that is not owed to them and hold it! I would run from this company. I would not give them any stars but have to give one star!!!!!

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Tanya Somerset, MA

I received two pre-approval letters. I called to discuss the rates, and payment options because they are not mentioned in the letter. The representative told me to go to the website for every single question I had (he answered absolutely nothing). Then, at the end of the short, and useless conversation (where he repeatedly informed me that he couldn't answer my questions, and I had to go to the website) he had the audacity to ask me if I had anymore questions!!! I informed him that if I had anymore questions, I am sure that I would have to refer to the website LOL! I laughed, and hung up. I would give NO stars if I had the option.

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Phyllis Ross Winterville, NC

I took out a loan with Big Picture in June 2018 for 750.00(which I was approved for up to 1500.00) to be paid back in 6 months at a APR of 276.1499% and my payments would be 229.92 which was ok. then I found myself needing more money so I called back and asked can I pay off my current loan and reapply for 1200.00 and they said yes since I was already approved before for more. Well I paid off my old loan and reapplied as I was told and was approved but the APR went from 276.1499%(the rate of my old loan) to 498.5064% and my payment is now $513.11 which is double payments and interest which is crazy!!! I was so upset because I realized that I just Shot myself in the Foot. The representative could not tell me why my payments and interest rate doubled. I had no other choice but to take it because I drained my bank account to pay off my original loan to get my current loan. No one can believe my payment or interest rate when I tell them. This is highway Robbery!! I financially able to pay the payment of 229.92 that I had but to have it doubled and not have a choice but to take it, I don't know what I am going to do now....

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Elizabeth Coronel Boca Raton, FL

STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY!!! I cannot stress this enough! This company lies and cheats people. I applied for a loan and was approved. I signed all of the documents and when I called in to finalize the application I was told it had been withdrawn and I would have to re-apply. When I did so, I was once again approved but for a much higher APR than the original approval. The time lapse from first approval to second approval was not even 10 minutes. When I questioned the phone rep I was told this is system generated. When I asked for the original application with the original terms to be reinstated I was told they can't do that because it is system generated. Only companies that are willing to cheat their clients would increase an APR in less than 10 minutes when provided with the exact same information. I have dealt with many credit card and loan companies and have never seen such blatantly dishonest business practices. Again, stay away unless you really want to be cheated. By the way, if I could give this company less than 1 star, believe me I would.

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

That guy from Fairfield, CA

I got a pre approved letter in the mail a few days ago. God or somebody was watching over me, because the application process kept restarting everytime I pressed submit. I gave up after the third time. Then while searching for a customer service number through google, I found this site and read the reviews. I am so thankful the website was acting up! Someone said upwards of 500% interest??? Watch the documentary "Dark Money" on Netflix. There is an episode that describes the predatory lending schemes that one company was performing on innocent hard working taxpayers. This company doesn't sound too far off! Watch your six!!!! If you borrow a $500 loan, you shouldn't have to pay $1300 back!!!!

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Gayle Edwards Bradenton, FL

Do not take out a loan with these people. I can relate to the Lady from St. Pete, I live Bradenton, Florida and the exact same thing happen to me. I call , finally got a hold of someone with some sense. On my contract it stated my maturity date was 3/2/2018 for 88.47, However when I checked my personal account they had taken out the payment. I received an email from Big picture stated my account was past due of 23 plus dollar. I hit the ceiling, my question was if they are doing ach withdrawals why am i past due. so I called and had told them they exact same thing, about getting lawyer and that i knew what the law states about payday loans etc. long story short my account is paid in full. I thank God as well . still going to be checking my personal account just in case. Do get a loan with Big Picture big ripoff is what they are.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

martha bacon St. Petersburg, FL

They are a scam,I had 800.00 loan was so happy to reach 3/3/2018,this loan would be paid off.I check my banking acct daily,waiting for payoff date to come,instead of BPL taking 473 as always,they took 324,then I went to their website to see what they were doing with my account,they had me past due for 149, I was pissed,I was never pass ,due,I pay ACH withdrawl after reading and figuring it out the past due and what they took from my ach equal my normal monthly payment.Mine you, I saw this on the 3rd when I finally got someone on the phone they said I owe 151,now payment was due the same day how do you tack on extra interest are you charging me hourly interest.Finally after an hour on the phone and reaching someone that was compent I told them you better let pay you this 149 via my debit today or come Monday I will be seeking an attorney that would help me draft a class action lawsuit against you and once that is in force, there would definitely be more people coming at them,long story I do save everything to mycomputer ,I wanted to see a paid in full on my account,which they did and it is saved with the orginal applications and paper work,I have the 6 months bank achs and how their contract read 6 payments of 473 and you do it for 5 and the 6 and only take 324 and right away trying to charge interest on the 149.I was embarass to ask anyone for help so I took this loan for 800 and paid 560% interest ,when I did tell my sister said next time come to her for help.You have to go back at these people hard,yes we all situations,but no one should abuse the laws.I reminded them I live in florida and yes they coud be held accountable not on payday loan but for fraud after I had been do diligent in doing the right thing.HARD LESSON LEARNED DO NOT PATRONIZE THESE PEOPLE.Just think if I had not noticed my account next month I would have owed them still 149 plus the 3.00 per days were tacked on. Finally,thank you Lord for letting me see and hopefully no one else will fall victim to corrupt people.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

C. Hammond

I received a pre approval letter in the mail. The first thing I did was check out the website trying to find information about repayment and APR. I called customer service to get some information the rep could not give me a straight answer. I went back to the website and I was able to find the information I was looking for. Unfortunately all the information is there. This company is crooked, but they are able to hide behind the laws of the Indian restoration and do not have to follow regular lending laws. I'm sorry that so many have been taken advantage of. I Am thankful to all of you that have put your stories out there so others do not fall into the same trap.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Samuel L Manning Norcross, GA

My Name Is Samuel Lee Manning Jr !!! Norcross Ga I Want People To Know How This Pay Day Loan Really Works It Can Be Helpful Or A Nightmare To A Individual. On December 8th I Took Out A Loan Of 600 Dollars With a Interest Rate Of .6633 Percent Do The Math 20.00 A Day Until Pay Off Well FASTER YOU Pay It The Less Interest An Longer You Draw It Out More Intersest !!! EXAMPLE !!! December 8th I Got My Monies Of 600 .00 If I Paid it On December 15 Interest Only 34 Dollars Only Oweing 634.00 Back I Had To Take It Out To December 29th Interest Of 195 I Paid Back 795 . Before You Apply Set Down An Look At Your Pay Work Check Dates An Than Decide Which Check You Will Use To Pay Off This Loan. Please Break Down Your Interest Rate To Ur Loan Amount Mines Was 20.00 A Day Than Count Weeks an Weekends That You Keep Your Loan Open . My Advice As I Did Close Immediatley Or Soon As Possible. Good Luck Make It Work Positive For U Not Intersest Of War

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

m mcd Everett, WA

If I could give less than 1 star I would. These people are vampires!! I borrowed $800 just over a month ago and it's cost me over $1700 to finally pay them off. I'd tried to pay them last week and was told at the time one figure but the agent verified that I wanted to pay off the loan, put me on hold and came back on the line stating that I owed another $256 in addition. I'd already scraped together every last dollar I had to pay the original amount that they were asking (no Christmas at my house this year!) and didn't have the additional $256. In the meantime they took another $225 from my account on Tuesday. Two days later I put everything I had together to pay them off and they still wanted an additional $960. They said that they could take my debit info for payment but then said that there was an issue with their system and would be processing my payment thru a foreign processing system that might incur a fee from my bank. I said NO!! They then said that they would take it from my account the next day but I would owe additional interest. I stated that I'm prepared to pay them their blood money today and would not be paying them another single cent. We'll see how that goes. There are other payday loans available on line. DO NOT DEAL WITH THESE PEOPLE. OR ANY OTHER BUSINESSES OPERATED BY THIS SAME TRIBE. Be careful!!

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Diane Magiera Chicopee, MA

Not only are they crooks but they have horrible customer service. I took a loan for $800 and am paying back $3,033.42. I knew the minute I saw the amount I would pay back what a big mistake I had made. I called customer service and spoke with a young lady named Jennifer and requested my account number. She put me on hold and a long period of time. I knew then that there was an even bigger problem here. I have never had an issue getting an account number for any account I have had in the past. I was able to provide all the information they asked for to verify my identity. I also looked online for my account number and it was no where to be found, only the application number was available. Finally she came back on the phone and informed me that she was unable to give me that information and that this was for my protection. Now I really knew that they were even worse then I had originally thought. I did make a report with the Better Bussiness Bureau and I am also going to post this comment everywhere I can, to warn others.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Sara Eisenhower

This company outright steals from their customers. I knew going in that the interest rate was predatory but also knew I was going to make extra payments and pay it off as soon as possible. First off, they make it as hard as humanly possible to make extra payments. They say you can do it online but you can't. Their website is always having "technical difficulties". I did manage to finally make additional principal payments and when it came time for my final payment to come out my balance was less than $50 and yet they deducted my usual full loan payment of $118 out of my account. I spent close to an hour on the phone with them, part of which included a 3-way call with my bank to confirm the amount removed from my account which they did. Even after all that they wouldn't give me my money back. They said they were going to "escalate the matter" and call me back but never did. They are stealing from people with emergencies. They are criminals.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Joseph Pease Marinette, WI

I needed quick cash and used their services. The interest that was charged was over 500% apr so I tried to pay it off quickly. The first 4 payments I made went directly to the interest not 1 cent came off the balance. I then scheduled a early payment and less than $700.00 came off the more than $900.00 payment, as I sad this was an early payment. When I noticed this I contacted the company and they informed me the payment was made against the next payment due, the interest and the remaining came off the balance. due. I then attempted to pay off the final amount via the website and it would not let me set up the payment because of a glitch. I then called the company and was on hold for more than 35 min when I was disconnected. Finally the next day I called and set up the final payment however since it was a Friday I was unable to pay off the loan until Monday since the next day was a weekend, however that didn't stop the interest from accruing over the weekend so that cost me another $35.00. I am so glad to be done with this company.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Robert Norwood

Customer service was awful and couldn't get my information right. They are not short term, that's a lie. I got a pre-approval letter, one of many, and thought what the heck. I'd just taken out a car loan and there were some other short term expenses. The lowest terms I could get for $550 was 21 mos. at 124/mo. Do the math - I headed for the hills. Fortunately they screwed up my income verification and declined me which, even though they'd wasted an entire morning, saved me from not accepting any offer. $1,950 plus the $550 borrowed is completely nuts. Stay away - they'll only drive you into debt and are horrible to deal with.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

ria

I tried to pay off my loan on their website at 4:32 pm on a Wednesday I saw that the funds had not been debited by Friday called in the rep told me that it did not go thru because of the time I submitted I don't understand since the time for most is 5 pm but ok I'm speaking with her on a Friday which is a business day all day long at 11:14 am and she says we can take the payment but it wont be processed until Monday so of course yall get three more days of interest I really needed the money and I understand how tight things get but if there is any way at all to get money do it because if you don't get a lumpsum of money you will never ever be able to pay this off

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Rachel Wooden Bay City, TX

I received a $500.00 loan. After deposit into my account.i saw the payment schedule that I would end up paying$3000.00 back. My first prinicipal payment would be in Jan 2018. I immediately tried to pay them off. I was unable to pay them in website because they wouldn't allow it to go through so another day of interest built up. I called them 8 times to get through. My bank kept denying payment because it was coming back as a fraudulent UK company. So I had to use another method that they say would take a day to process, do another day of interest built up. This is a no good company. I dealt with another tribal company and they was not corrupt like this. Ok

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Jonathan Cape Girardeau, MO

This company is a fraud, they say the company is based out of Watermeet, Michigan but instead when you call to pay off your loan they are actually overseas, it seems when I called I asked the rep. where I was calling too, and she said Philippines, but when they withdrew the funds from my account to pay off the loan the transaction was from U.K. Not to mention I borrowed 400.00 and to pay my loan off 3 months later was 1254.00 dollars. The company misrepresented themselves showing that they where in the U.S, I should be able to get an attorney for misrepresentation and fraud. When you pull up google maps to locate them the address of "company" it takes you out to the middle of nowhere with no building insight.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Theresa Carlton, MN

Do not use! They make the sales pitch by making it sound like your installments will be monthly when in fact they will be bi-weekly. Thankfully I noticed it right away and was able to cancel my loan. They had already processed the deposit, but I contacted my bank and them and told them to take it back the next day and to cancel the loan. They did do this, but I put a stop payment on them anyway because now they have all my information and I don't trust them at all. No one should be so desperate as to make the mistake I almost made. They are predators. They are looking for desperate people and taking advantage of them. DON'T FALL FOR IT!

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Jon

DO NOT LOAN WITH THIS. OMPANY!!! Beware, seriously... I was lied to and mislead by their agent. I made it very clear over the phone when I first was opening the loan with this company what my total finance charge was and my payoff was, the agent told me on a $800 loan the finance charge was $280 for a total of $1080. That is already steep but I was in a pinch, I then asked him to setup automatic payments of $280 which he did. Now 1 month later after getting charged $280 every week totaling $1120 more already than the agent told me the total loan would be for. I call them and they try and tell me that those are only finance charges and I still owe my principal of $800 and another finance charge of $280. REALLY?! They are trying to charge me $1400 in finance charges plus my $800 loan repayment for a total of $2200 over a month and a half... These people are thieves and are lying and misleading people to steal from people who are already in need of money, really makes me sick to my stomach that these company's are out here. I tried to work it out with them and the resolution agent first tried to offer me payment installments to payoff the loan (which I was already under the impression I was doing) when I said no, she then asked me if I would do a payoff of $500, I told her no, I finally offered her to do a final payment of $280 and we could close my account and I would not do business with them again... She denied me and said she could not do that, these greedy people feeding off their customers is ridiculous. I wish I would have read reviews before doing anything with this disgraceful, crook of a company!

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

KESHA WOODS

NEVER BORROW MONEY FROM THESE PEOPLE! I BORROWED $725 IN JULY 2016 FOR A CRUISE. I DIDN'T READ THE FINE PRINT. COME TO FIND OUT MY TOTAL PAYBACK IS 4343.75 AND WON'T BE FULLY PAID OFF TILL SEPT. 2017....... I PAY EVERY 2 WEEKS A TOTAL OF $300, SO ALREADY I HAVE PAID $1800...... SO TELL ME WHY MY BALANCE FROM A $725 LOAN IS STILL $565 WHICH MEANS OUT OF $1800, I HAVE ONLY PAID $165 TOWARDS THE PRINCIPLE......SMDH THIS IS A RIPOFF AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT PEOPLE LIKE THIS!! HOPE PEOPLE ARE READING THESE REVIEWS BECAUSE EVERY WORD OF IT IS TRUE. I WISH I COULD ADD A PICTURE OF MY LOAN DOCS ON HERE SO THAT PEOPLE WOULD SEE WE'RE NOT LYING ABOUT THIS COMPANY

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Sabrina Goode Manassas, VA

Company advertises itself as an installment loan company vs a payday loan company, however, for a $400 loan the wanted $140 payment every two weeks. Well, I don't know of any installment loans that are paid on a bi-weekly basis so lie #1 and then lie #2, they claim that you can set your due date and payment amount now why would I pay $280 per month on a $400 loan when I've paid $215 per month on a $1500 loan over the course of a year. BeWare of this company! They sent me a guaranteed approval for only $400 when I have recently received and paid off monthly installments in a loan with a far larger amount than the measly $400 they were offering and my payments were lower.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Clarissa J. Orlando, FL

I almost fell for this loan. Up until I got to the end where a 250 loan will amount to 910. I then, X out of the page. Within minutes, I received an email stating that my application was in review. I immediately called the customer service line and they went on about a VIP status. I declined everything and they said they would cancel it. No confirmation number. Called back or course, the application wasn't cancelled. The next rep said she cancelled it and would send a confirmation email. Called again, the third rep said that it was cancelled. I still have no confirmation email, only the word of the reps. I really hope that the "application under review" email is just an automatic thing from completing your initial information. I got on here and read the reviews and I do not recommend this loan.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

T.Bani Bessemer, AL

I thoroughly read the terms and conditions and I guess that's where I went wrong. I saw how much I had to pay monthly and so I decided to lower the loan amount to the point where it was affordable for me to be able to pay back. What they don't tell you is the MINIMUM REQUIREMENT with them is $700. So they FORCE you to pay back several hundred dollars a pay period. So I wasn't approved because I was under the loan requirement. What they should have done was to not even give an option to take out less than $700. I would say this company is a ripoff because they make most of their money off of people who desperately needs help. That is absolutely ridiculous

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Kesha Woods Memphis, TN

Big Picture Loans are a rip off seriously!!! Never ever will I borrow money from this place again. I borrowed $725 for a family trip. Never realizing I would be paying $350 monthly and my payments would not go down until I have made the 7th payment. Then you are paying for this loan ova a year before you actually pay these folks off. This is simply a loan shark company!!! No one should ever have to pay this much money to pay off such a small loan. They are getting over on people BIG time!!! Once I really realized how much money I was dishing out each pay period, I got pissed off at myself for being so desperate to take out a BS loan like this. They got me once, but never again!!!

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

albert morelli Oregon City, OR

NEVER EVER USE THIS company a big rip off it should be illegal for them to be in business. i tried once and will never ever do a laon through them again. a 1000.00 loan at a 700% intrest they fool you by telling you oh if you pay it off it will be this much.. but look at it clearly! they wanted to take 350.00 every 2 weeks for just intrest when the loan could have already been paid off so i just paid them off quick before that can happen. again NEVER EVER USE THIS COMPANY or any other comapny like it even for really hard times you will get more out of selling your soul to the devil before going to this company, DONT DO IT!

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Michele Chicago, IL

I did not know until today that they were formerly Castle Payday. The same situation I'm about to describe ALSO happened with Castle Payday. You get a pre-approved letter in the mail. You go online and fill out the information.When you get to the final page--requesting a $ amount by sliding the bar to the left or right--and then hitting submit--I HAVE STOPPED. I did not request any specific amount and I did not hit submit. In other words, I DIDN'T REQUEST THE LOAN. Two minutes later, you get an email saying that your loan request that you submitted is being reviewed. Except none of that's true, because you didn't request ANY dollar amount and didn't submit the request. I don't know how they get away with saying you've requested a loan when you haven't--and more than once. Stay away. Regardless of any other scurrilous thing they do, this is a HUGE red flag.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Joseph Roth Phoenix, AZ

My best friend wanted to borrow money to pay me back from an extension I'd given her. She was pleased that this company lent her $750. For the next 3 months she couldn't make ends meet however because her payment was $375. Nonetheless, on the 3rd month she was happy thinking that "They must be paid back in full by now". Instead, the $375 was the interest only and she still owed all the principal as well as any interest for future time. When we called for resolution we were naturally sent to India and had a communications issue with the attendant. I've been in lending all my life. My family and friends were humiliated when I used to write small loans between 24%-36%. This loan was at 562% and could never possibly help anybody out. It wasn't explained to my friend and they seemed perfectly OK with this on their end. The Indian person knew all the jargon "You're MINIMUM payment is $375. You can always pay more." "There is no penalty for early payment." etc... All designed to sound like the consumer is in control. They aren't taking advantage of you. Minimum payment is half of what you borrowed and not a penny of that goes towards principal??? That is as usurious as can be. Should be illegal. It begs one to ask if they have ever actually helped somebody out of a jam? Is there ever a case where somebody pays it back and thanks them? The few people that take these loans either have ZERO idea of how it works OR intend on filing a BK around this debt. Nobody in their right mind would willingly agree to these terms.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Donna Canupp Tucson, AZ

I needed to update my banking information with them. I called and was surprised to learn my account had been turned in to collections (payments were up to date). I stated I was not happy about not getting any notice before it was determined to send my account to collections. They transferred me to the collections department. First I was talking to a gentleman and explaining I was calling from work so I needed to hurry. Then all of a sudden, the conversation goes to Spanish. I then was disconnected. I called back and they said I could not provide the updated information over the phone (others do). I would have to download a document and then copy and paste something , then call them to give them the information. I get home from work, there's no email. So I call again and go through the same thing again. I am explaining I am trying to pay them, but they're not letting me do so. They said they still couldn't do it over the phone, but they would send another email. Guess what, it wasn't received. Customer service sucks.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Tony Daniels Garner, NC

I called about an early pay off. I was told that I had to pay one fee of $350. But upon checking my bank account they took the $350 and an additional $250. When I contacted them they said that it was the finance charge from the last payment. However I was clearly told that as a first-time courtesy the only thing that I would have to pay was the remaining balance of $350. I called the company I was hung up on twice the third time I called back I pretended not to have called before and I finally spoke with someone. They told me that they could not reverse the money they could not send the money back to my account. I contacted my bank who I hope will help resolve the issue.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

uzy fatz Leesville, LA

I had a loan with big picture, when it was castle payday, they have mislead me on their fees and I got told that the fee is a one time payment included in the first payment and then followed by regular payments until it is payed off, come to find out that the fee is an ongoing payment for about 8 payments before you see a change in the amount owed going down, they told me the amount due and I put the payment in my account plus five dollars more, but they try to pull more then the amount owed out of my account and caused insufficient funds fee on my account, I tried to get them to pay for the fee was unsuccessful, the law is not protecting customers, they have to close these businesses down, these businesses are causing America to be and stay in debt. Don't trust these shark loans, take your business to a much more reputable company then wasting your money on these loan sharks.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

jackie g knuckles jr Atlanta, GA

When it was castle payday I've didn't have problems with them except most reps I couldn't understand. But since the switch it's garbage, the finance fee is not a one time fee it's the finance fee plus minimum payment of $25 towards loan. And I have to pay every other week so there goes one of my checks for the month already. I called to postpone a payment and rep had me waiting..then comes back and says yes it will be postponed then as we confirm and I'm waiting to start the lil survey you can do at the end, it never comes up. THEN, she returns and basically tells me they can't postpone because I postponed a payment already. I told her I did like a month or 2 ago. Turns out that payment was moved to may 13th so I couldnt. Go with the reviews they are misleading, payment dates, and finance fee is RIDICULOUS!!!!!

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Lynn Phoenix, AZ

Steer Clear of this predatory lender! I was told my interest would be $1250 on an $800 loan. Disclosures were not made available to me in any form until well after the funds were deposited in my account. They have since changed their name from Castle Payday to Big Picture Loans, changed my due dates AND the amount varies every payment which was not as expected. Additionally, the interest rate exceeds all reported figures at a whopping 927.7664%!!! The total cost of this sad little $800 loan will be $6811.25 if I am forced to make the remaining payments. I have already paid them over $3000 before I could even see my pay schedule and disclosures. Complaint filed with the Federal Consumer Financial Protection Agency today. Hope is helps me, but DO NOT use this pirate company!

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

A.M. Fort Payne, AL

I took out a loan in June of 2015, the maturity date on the loan was January 4, 2016. I have continued to have a payment taken out of my account since that date. I am due a reimbursement, but when I spoke to the company , I was told..."due to the inconvenience you are having and the fact that you have been such a loyal customer, we will consider your account paid in full." WHAT!!! I'm sure they will! They have almost $600 extra of MY money! When I asked to speak to a manager or supervisor, I was given an email. They told me there was no one to speak to directly. I will be taking this to a lawyer in the next day.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Clint Eastwood Columbus, OH

I applied for a loan of $2500 they sent me the electronic form to sign.I couldn’t find what the monthly payment would be and what the interest-rate was so I called them she put me on hold for a couple minutes and came back and said yeah my loan was approved the payment would be $711 a month for 12 months so they want you to re-pay $8500 only $2500 loan I did see somewhere where it said the interest-rate was 400% obviously I declined

3 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Amy Marie Bryson City, NC

They require you to hand over your personal banking information which is a huge red flag. This Native American says "don't do it!" One Main Financial or Stride is a lot better way to go. Any company that requires your banking information (literally having you give your password to your bank account so they can look) is a scam! They automatically denied me when I refused to give my banking information and I am forever thankfully! Miigwetch!

3 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Victim Hartford, WI

Harassment and publicly insulted. I don't know how or where these predators got my name and address, but all of a sudden I'm receiving uninvited and unwelcome mail from them with the words "BAD CREDIT WELCOME" in bold letters on the outside of the envelope addressed to me. This is publicly insulting and harassing. I'm a business owner that pays my bills! And I DON'T have bad credit. What a bunch of unpeaceful troublemakers.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Anne Moore Greenville, SC

THEIR AGENT MADE A MISTAKE AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR IT. That's this company's idea of resolving a customer service issue. If I could give 0 stars, I would. I have used them previously without an issue. However, they recently changed their website and you now have to call to set up a payoff instead of being able to set it up on their website where the terms are laid out in writing.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Barbara Santiago Largo, FL

They are HORRIBLE. I did my verification online, then 2 days later I get a call saying they need to do a 3 way call with my bank for verification. The supervisor I spoke with was not useful. He said after the verification process it would take a few days to deposit the money. NOT good right before christmas. I had the application withdrawn and told them stop sending me mail offers and put me on the do not call list. RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!!

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Sharon Plymouth, MN

DON'T, I repeat DO NOT apply for a loan with these people. They are the absolute worst loan company I've EVER encountered. They are VERY deceptive in the wording they use for their application/offers. Even if you are feeling desperate financially - don't apply here. You will end up paying triple of what you actually borrow. Also, their offer's will make you believe that you're paying a small amount monthly when in fact, you're paying them every other week. Reading the fine print won't help you here...unethical practices! They should be shut down and they don't deserve ANY stars!

6 years ago

Big Picture Loans

Key Details APR Range: 780%–788% Coverage Varies Quick Loan Approval Available for Select Customers

Summary

Top Ranked Companies

The Good

Offers Installment Loans

One-Day Loan Approval

Customer Support Options

The Bad

Negative Reviews

Misleading Fees and Information

Availability Subject to Change

The Bottom Line

User Reviews

Key Details

APR Range: 780%–788%

Coverage Varies

Quick Loan Approval Available for Select Customers