A loan should solve a problem, not become one.
Here's what we require of lenders, what we ask of you, and an honest self-check before you request anything. If the check says "don't", we mean it — the alternatives page is one tap away.
Should you borrow? The 60-second check
Answer honestly. Nothing is stored or sent — this runs in your browser only.
Is this a one-time expense, not a recurring shortfall?
Could you repay the full amount from your next 1–3 deposits and still cover rent and food?
Have you already asked the biller for a payment plan?
Are you free of any other short-term loan right now?
Is the amount you'd request the smallest that fixes the problem?
Answer the five questions
Your result updates as you go. Five "yes" answers means a loan is a reasonable tool. Two or more "no" answers means look at the alternatives first.
What we require of every lender
Part of the onboarding agreement. Lenders that fall short leave the network.
- Total cost before signatureAPR, finance charge, total of payments and every fee on the offer screen — not in a PDF after.
- No fee to applyNothing charged to the borrower to apply, to be considered or to receive funds.
- Soft inquiry to matchA hard inquiry only after you accept that lender's offer.
- Hardship plan on requestA documented extended-payment or hardship option, offered before any collections step.
- Honest credit reportingReport accurately or not at all; correct errors within 30 days of a dispute.
- State law and the MLALicensed where required, rate caps honored, no loans above 36% MAPR to covered military borrowers.
What we ask of you
Borrow the smallest amount
Not the largest you're offered. The $500 that fixes the car beats the $1,200 that's "approved".
Match the term to the problem
One paycheck away? Short-term. Longer than that? Installment — a fixed schedule costs less than repeated rollovers.
Call before you miss
One call to the lender before the due date usually gets a new date or a plan. Silence gets fees.
If you're already struggling
Free, nonprofit, and no sales pitch. Start with any of these before taking another loan.
Responsible lending — FAQ
What does 'responsible lending' mean on a short-term loan?
That the loan is sized to what you can repay from your next deposits without borrowing again, the full cost is shown before you sign, and there's a documented path if things go wrong. Lenders in our network must meet all three.
Can I roll over or extend a short-term loan?
Some states allow one extension; several ban rollovers. We'd rather you didn't: an extension adds another fee and the same balance comes due again. If you can't pay, ask the lender for an extended payment plan — most offer one at no extra interest.
What happens if I miss a payment?
The lender may charge a late fee (set by state law), retry the debit, and after an extended delinquency report it to credit bureaus or send it to collections. Contacting them before the due date almost always leads to a better outcome than silence.
Do you lend to active-duty military?
Lenders in our network don't offer loans above the 36% Military Annual Percentage Rate cap to covered borrowers under the Military Lending Act. Active-duty members and dependents should also look at on-base relief societies, which lend interest-free.
Where can I get free help with debt?
A nonprofit credit counselor through the NFCC (nfcc.org, 800-388-2227) can set up a budget or a debt management plan for little or no cost. Dial 211 for local emergency assistance with rent, utilities and food.
Passed the check? Request only what you need.
Soft credit check, the full cost on the agreement, and a hardship plan if life happens.