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LendUp is a company that offers short-term loans, also known as cash advances or payday loans. They are focused on changing the payday loan system so that customers do not get trapped in a cycle of debt. LendUp offers the LendUp Ladder, which provides the opportunity for customers in many states to earn access to more money at lower rates over time (where available).
The Good
- Easy-to-Use Loan Calculator
- Fast Application & Fast Decision
- Fast Customer Service
- Availability
Easy-to-Use Loan Calculator
LendUp values transparency and is upfront about what a loan with them will ultimately cost, providing consumers with a loan calculator directly on the main page of their website. With this calculator, customers can adjust the lending amount, which is typically from $100 to $250 for first-time borrowers, and the repayment term length, which is typically from 7 days to 30 days (varies by state).
Fast Application & Fast Decision
LendUp's application is free and takes as few as 5 minutes to fill out. Applicants are then given an instant decision.
LendUp Ladder Rewards Responsible Behavior
Uniquely, LendUp states that one of their goals is to move beyond a traditional payday loan format (where available), so they encourage responsible financial behavior. As they do so, customers in certain states can receive larger loan amounts, longer terms, and lower interest rates as they earn more points (where available).
Eligible customers move up the LendUp Ladder by paying off their loans on time, taking education courses, and referring friends, among other things.
Fast Customer Service
LendUp provides clients with an online email form and a physical mailing address for contacting the company. Emails are generally responded to right away with an automated message, and from someone on the LendUp team within an hour or so. No phone number is provided.
Most reviews of LendUp's customer service have been positive, and LendUp has even received positive notice and reviews from several reputable national news sources, including TIME, Fortune, and TechCrunch.
Availability
LendUp and its services are available in more than 20 states. The specific terms of the loans will vary from state to state; for example, some allow for longer repayment periods. The terms and conditions for each state are clearly outlined, and several states even include links to longer pamphlets officially issued by the states. Borrowers should thoroughly review the details for their state before applying and accepting a loan.
The current states where LendUp is in operation: AL, CA, FL, ID, IL, IN, HI, KS, LA, MO, MS, NM, OH, OK, OR, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, and WY
Company Highlights
- Good Credit Not Required
- Up to $250 for first-time borrowers
- Instant Decision on Loan Approval
- Ability to earn better rates over time (where available)
- Direct Lender
The Bad
- High Interest Rates
- Potentially More Fees
Although LendUp is interested in providing help and more transparent funding than traditional payday loan companies, their interest rates are still very high. The annual percentage rates vary depending on the state of the applicant, ranging from 96.82 to 446.90 percent. LendUp breaks down that rate for each state as a percentage of the loan amount. While these rates are potentially much better than the rates offered by other payday loan companies, they are still quite high.
LendUp is dedicated to remaining transparent about their borrowers' responsibilities, and in accordance with that, state that there are or may be additional fees. In particular, there is a fee for receiving an instant deposit and an insufficient funds fee (NSF) if the money is not in a bank account when repayment is due, although the amount of the NSF varies by state.
The Bottom Line
Although LendUp is a short-term direct lender and therefore charges higher interest rates and fees, they have set out and worked to change the payday loan system to encourage smart financial decisions and reward responsible borrowing and repayment.
They offer first-time borrowers loans of $100 to $250 (though that amount may go up depending on the state). Their services are available in more than 20 states, and the specific terms and rates of their loans vary from state to state. They offer a reward system called the LendUp Ladder in which customers can earn points for paying off loans early and taking education courses, among other things (where available). LendUp has received positive reviews and feedback in the news, with most of the attention focused on their different approach to the payday lending system.
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User Reviews
Straight forward payday loan. Good customer service.
This company is a money hungry and selfish institution othet loan companies will give u a discount if u pay the loan off ahead of time but Big Picture loan added $68.00 to my statement.
Up front with fees and no hassle application. Just what you need for quick cash and payback
I've been doing business with this company for 6 months and they were a life savior. The rates are perfect, and as long as you conduct timely payments, or even able to sooner, the rewards are even greater in amount requests. I haven't yet seen an APR reduction, but still, I am satisfied with the 10%.
I have had a great experience with this company. I have worked with them for about a year. Very flexible. Offers payday and installment loans. They don't seem to approve more than what they feel you can handle. You have to earn higher loan amounts with consistent on time payments and responsible borrowing. Customer is in control of what they borrow and the dates of repayment. Good payment history gets you better loan offers. After a while, offers choice to report positive payment history to credit bureaus. Provides financial education. Reasonable payment plans that don't invade your bank account multiple times per month. Everything is done online but customer service reps are readily available by phone call. They are very nice and if you get a message saying someone will call you back, they actually do. Interest rates are high but you can pay extra on your loan anytime you want, and when you do, it actually decreases the amount of interest you pay, unlike other "loan shark" companies. Everything is clear cut. No surprises. I recommend this company above all others if you find yourself in need of a quick loan. When I pay off my loan, I will actually miss this company. LOL
No hidden interest fees, allows you to borrow again 24 hrs after paying loan back for those times when things are really tight. Interest is reasonable and although the starting amount of $250 is not much it is easy to move up the lending ladder to higher amounts fairly quickly.
This review gave me what information I needed in getting a simple loan to pay off some of my existing bills.
They have helped me out in the time of need. I cannot thank them enough. It's like having an angel . Thanks guys.
I personally have never had any regret's and I have never been displeased ,
This will be very helpful and when it is approved it will go a long way to alleviate some of my problems. Thanks in advance
It is awesome and it's very helpful thank
Sending to much mail and I've tryed alot and neaver got a loan. I ask them to stop sending me mail and still do
Fair and honest lending and offers education and coaching on how to lend and credit information.
great loans love it much...
I have never had an issue with them. I'm from Illinois, and live in Chicago. The process is pretty easy and you definitely get your money deposited in your account. I've so far have done about 5 loans with them. I've never been late on my payments so I really don't know what happens if you're ever late. But I've heard they're flexible with your situations. I found hem thru credit karma. I'd totally recommend it.