People who search for stax payments usually want a clear look at lenders beyond the big banks. Below we compare 22 smaller US online and regional installment lenders by loan amounts, APR range, published credit score minimums and funding speed, so you can see which ones may fit your situation before you request offers.
How We Chose and Compared These Stax Payments Lenders
We picked 22 lesser-known US lenders that make fixed-payment installment loans, then compared the loan amounts, APR ranges, credit score minimums, funding speed and fees listed on each lender's site at the time of our review.
Our goal was a stax payments comparison that covers the part of the market most borrowers never see in big advertising campaigns: online lenders for fair credit and debt payoff, regional branch-based finance companies, small-loan storefront lenders, higher-cost online installment lenders and a few specialty lenders. We left out the largest national banks and the best-known national online lending brands and excluded any company whose main product is a single-payment cash advance, because those products work very differently from an installment personal loan with a set schedule of equal payments.
For each personal loan lender we recorded what was listed on the lender's site at the time of our review. Where a lender did not publish a figure, such as a minimum credit score or an APR range, we wrote "not published" or "varies" rather than guessing. Figures change often, and many lenders set different minimum amounts, maximum rates and fee rules state by state, so treat every number here as a starting point to confirm, not a quote.
We did not rank the lenders against each other. A personal loan that suits a borrower with a 720 score and a $20,000 balance to consolidate may be a poor fit for someone who needs $1,200 with fair credit. Instead, we grouped them by the type of borrower they seem built for and noted what to watch with each one. None of these lenders paid to be included, and inclusion is not a sign that any lender is part of our lender network.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
The table below lists loan amounts, APR ranges, published minimum credit scores and funding speed for all 22 lenders, as listed on each lender's site at the time of our review; "varies" means terms depend on state.
| Lender | Loan amounts | APR range | Min. credit score | Funding speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LendingPoint | $1,000–$36,500 | 7.99%–35.99% | Not published | As soon as the next business day |
| Happy Money | $5,000–$50,000 | 8.95%–35.99% | Not published | Not published |
| Reach Financial | $3,500–$40,000 | 5.99%–35.99% | Not published | Not published |
| Universal Credit | $1,000–$50,000 | 11.69%–35.99% | 560 | Often about one day |
| Mariner Finance | $1,000–$25,000 | 15.99%–35.99% | Not published | Not published |
| Regional Finance | Varies by state | Varies by state | Not published | Branch check may be same day |
| Republic Finance | Varies by state | Varies by state | Not published | Varies; branch or ACH |
| Lendmark Financial Services | Varies by state | Varies by state | Not published | Varies |
| 1st Franklin Financial | Up to $15,000 | Up to 35.99% | Not published | As little as a few hours |
| Heights Finance | Up to $10,000 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| World Finance | About $450–$10,000 | Varies by state | Not published | Same-day loans advertised |
| Security Finance | About $494–$2,600 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Tower Loan | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Western Shamrock Finance | $150–$3,750 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Sun Loan Company | $150–$10,000 | Not published | Not published | Same-day funding available |
| OppLoans | Up to $4,000 | Varies by state | Not published | Same-day funding available |
| RISE | $500–$5,000 | Varies by state | Not published | Often next business day if approved before 6 p.m. ET |
| NetCredit | $1,000–$10,000 | 34.99%–99.99% | Not published | Same day if approved before the morning cutoff; otherwise next business day |
| Personify Financial | Varies by state | Varies by state | Not published | As little as one business day |
| Integra Credit | Varies by state | Varies by state | Not published | As early as the next business day |
| Pioneer Military Credit | $500–$10,000 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Oportun | $300–$10,000 | Not published | No credit history required | Not published |
Two patterns stand out for anyone running a stax payments search. First, most mainstream online lenders cap APRs at 35.99%, while several lenders built for thin or damaged credit charge far more, sometimes several times that ceiling. Second, many lenders start well above $1,000, so if you only need a few hundred dollars your realistic list is shorter than it looks. Check the minimum in your state before you spend time on an application.
Online Lenders for Fair Credit and Debt Payoff
Online lenders such as LendingPoint, Happy Money, Reach Financial and Universal Credit often suit fair to good credit borrowers who want a fully online process, fixed payments and, in several cases, direct payment to card creditors.
Debt consolidation loans from these lenders can turn several card payments into one fixed payment, but they only save money if the new APR, including any origination fee deducted from proceeds, is lower than what you pay now and you avoid running the cards back up.
LendingPoint
LendingPoint listed personal loans from $1,000 to $36,500 at APRs of 7.99% to 35.99% and terms of 24 to 72 months on the lender's site at the time of our review. It does not publish a minimum credit score, but it does list a minimum annual income of $35,000, which rules out many part-time workers. Origination fees of up to 10% may apply depending on your state and can be deducted from proceeds. Funds may arrive as soon as the next business day; if more documents are needed, decisions can take one to three business days after you send them. Residents of Nevada and West Virginia were not eligible, and several states carry higher minimum amounts. LendingPoint may suit fair credit borrowers with steady income who want a moderate loan, but compare the fee carefully against lenders that charge none.
Happy Money
Happy Money listed personal loans of $5,000 to $50,000 at fixed APRs of 8.95% to 35.99%, with terms of two to seven years, on the lender's site at the time of our review. The loan is presented as a way to pay off credit card balances and combine them into one payment, so it is less suited to general spending. Rates shown include an autopay discount, and the minimum rate is higher for loans above $15,000. An origination fee based on amount, term and credit is deducted from proceeds; the exact percentage is not published up front. It does not publish a minimum credit score or a funding timeline. Loans were not offered in Iowa. There is no prepayment fee. Because the minimum is $5,000, it is not a match for small personal loans, but it may suit someone consolidating several cards.
Reach Financial
Reach Financial lists personal loans of $3,500 to $40,000 with APRs of 5.99% to 35.99% and terms of 24 to 60 months, according to its published lender disclosures; we could not load its own homepage during our review. It does not publish a minimum credit score or a funding timeline. The origination fee can run from 0% up to 8% of the amount borrowed. Reach focuses on debt consolidation, and after you sign it provides instructions for paying creditors, which some borrowers report can take around a week to settle. Prequalification is a soft check; the full application is a hard inquiry. Reach may suit borrowers with fair to good credit who need at least $3,500 to retire card balances. Ask what the net amount will be after the fee before you accept.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit offers personal loans of $1,000 to $50,000 at APRs of 11.69% to 35.99% with terms of two to five years, according to published lender disclosures; we could not load its own site during our review. Its stated minimum credit score is 560, one of the lowest among mainstream online lenders. The tradeoff is cost: origination fees of 5.25% to 9.99% are deducted before funding, so a $5,000 loan may deliver closer to $4,500 in cash. Funding often happens in about one day. Universal Credit has offered rate discounts for autopay and for sending money straight to creditors when consolidating. Loans are single-applicant and unsecured only. It may suit fair or bad credit borrowers consolidating cards, but calculate whether the fee wipes out any interest savings.
Regional Branch-Based Finance Companies
Regional consumer finance companies such as Mariner, Regional, Republic, Lendmark, 1st Franklin and Heights combine online applications with local offices, and many accept fair or limited credit for mid-size loans.
These lenders often finish each personal loan in person, may ask for a vehicle as collateral on larger amounts, and set terms state by state. Optional add-on products such as credit insurance are common, so anyone comparing stax payments choices should read every line of the loan agreement before signing.
Mariner Finance
Mariner Finance listed personal loans of $1,000 to $25,000 at APRs of 15.99% to 35.99%, with terms of 12 to 72 months, on the lender's site at the time of our review. Online loans run $1,500 to $14,000; smaller or larger amounts may go through its branches. It does not publish a minimum credit score or funding timeline. Origination fees and other charges may reduce the money you actually receive, so compare the amount financed with the cash you get. Mariner offers a 15-day satisfaction window: repay in full within 15 days with certified funds and finance charges are waived. Its sample loan of $5,000 over 48 months at 30.99% APR repaid about $8,780 in total, which shows how expensive long terms can become. Availability depends on your state of residence.
Regional Finance
Regional Finance is a branch-based installment lender operating in roughly 19 states, mostly across the South, Midwest and Southwest. Its loan amounts and APRs vary by state and were not published as a single range on the pages we could access, so treat any quote as state-specific. It does not publish a minimum credit score and has long served borrowers with fair or limited credit. Larger loans may require a vehicle as collateral. A notable convenience is that some borrowers can pick up a check at a branch the day they sign, while ACH deposits take longer. Regional reports account activity to the three major bureaus, which can help you build history with on-time payments. Watch for origination fees, optional insurance products and processing fees on certain payment methods, and ask for the APR in writing.
Republic Finance
Republic Finance is a consumer installment lender with branches in about 16 states, including much of the Southeast plus Arizona, Ohio and Wisconsin. Amounts and APRs vary by state, and it does not publish a minimum credit score. Larger and secured loans are completed in person at a branch, where a paper check can sometimes be issued the same day; smaller online unsecured loans are typically sent by ACH within one to two business days. Origination, late payment and returned-payment fees may apply, and the origination fee was not clearly published. Republic reports account activity to the major credit bureaus. It may suit borrowers who want a local office to talk to, but get the APR, total of payments and any optional products in writing before you sign, and compare against at least one online offer.
Lendmark Financial Services
Lendmark Financial Services is a branch-based lender licensed in about two dozen states. It did not list loan amounts, an APR range or a minimum credit score on the pages we could access, so terms vary by state, amount and credit profile. Independent coverage indicates its maximum APR on new loans does not exceed 35.99%, larger loans may require collateral, and terms run roughly 12 to 72 months. Borrowers typically sign and receive funds through a branch. Origination and late fees may apply, and some borrowers report optional insurance charges added at closing, so ask which items are optional before signing. Lendmark reports to all three major bureaus. It may suit borrowers with fair credit who want face-to-face service, but its rate checks may involve a hard inquiry, so compare carefully before applying.
1st Franklin Financial
1st Franklin Financial is a Southern consumer finance company that listed personal loans of up to $15,000, terms of 15 to 60 months and a maximum APR of 35.99% on the lender's site at the time of our review. It operates in about ten states, including Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. It does not publish a minimum APR or credit score. Funds can arrive in as little as a few hours if you provide all verification documents by noon. Its sample loan of $3,600 at 35.99% APR over 24 months repaid about $5,100 in total, a useful reminder of what a top-of-range rate costs. Prequalification uses a soft inquiry. Fees were not stated on the main page, so ask for the full fee schedule before you commit.
Heights Finance
Heights Finance is a branch-based installment lender that listed personal loans of up to $10,000, depending on state, on the lender's site at the time of our review. It operates in about 13 states, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Heights did not publish an APR range, minimum credit score, fee schedule or funding timeline, and says it looks beyond the credit score alone. Because so little is published, the burden is on you to get every number in writing: the APR, the total of payments, any origination fee and the cost of any optional products. Heights may suit borrowers in its states who want a local office and a modest loan. Compare its offer with at least one online lender before signing, since branch pricing can vary widely.
Small-Loan Storefront Lenders in the South and Southwest
Storefront installment lenders such as World Finance, Security Finance, Tower Loan, Western Shamrock and Sun Loan focus on smaller loans, often a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, through local branches in a limited set of states.
Small personal loans from these lenders come with fixed payments and no balloon at the end, which beats a single-payment product. However, most publish little pricing information, and APRs on small, short loans can be high, so ask for the APR and total of payments in writing.
World Finance
World Finance listed personal installment loans of roughly $450 to $10,000 on the lender's site at the time of our review, with larger amounts possible in some states. It does not publish a single APR range because fees and terms vary by state; its own Georgia examples ranged from about 34% APR on a mid-size loan to over 100% APR on a very small, short loan. That spread is the main thing to watch: the smaller and shorter the loan, the higher the APR tends to be. It does not publish a minimum credit score, saying approval depends on its credit standards. World advertises same-day loans and says most applications can be approved in about an hour. It works through local branches and online. Ask whether payments are reported to the credit bureaus if building credit matters to you.
Security Finance
Security Finance listed personal installment loans of about $494 to $2,600 on the lender's site at the time of our review, noting that ranges vary by state. Its affiliated companies are licensed in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. Loans follow set terms with equal monthly payments, no balloon payments and no prepayment penalties, which makes budgeting simpler. Security Finance did not publish an APR range, minimum credit score, fee schedule or funding timeline, and says it looks beyond the credit score. Because loans are small and pricing is set state by state, the APR can be high relative to the amount borrowed. It may suit borrowers who need a few hundred dollars and prefer a local office, but compare the total of payments first.
Tower Loan
Tower Loan is a branch-based consumer installment lender whose site lists offices in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas, though the page also refers to six states, so confirm your location is served. It did not publish a loan amount range, APR range, minimum credit score or funding timeline; rates depend on your credit and state law limits. Origination fees apply and vary by state, and quotes typically feature terms of 12 to 36 months. Its sample loan of $6,000 over 26 months at $333 a month repaid $8,658 in total, which shows how much interest a mid-size loan can carry. Checking rates does not affect your credit. Tower may suit borrowers in its states who want a local office, but get the APR in writing.
Western Shamrock Finance
Western Shamrock Finance listed personal installment loans from $150 to $3,750 on the lender's site at the time of our review, with the maximum varying by state. Its branch locations are listed in Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Loans are repaid in installments with no prepayment penalties, so paying early can reduce interest. The lender did not publish an APR range, minimum credit score, funding timeline, fee schedule, term lengths or credit bureau reporting practices, which means you will need to ask for each of those at the branch or during the application. Small installment loans in these states can carry APRs well above mainstream online lenders, so the total of payments is the number to focus on. Western Shamrock may suit borrowers who need a small amount and want in-person service, but compare it with at least one other option.
Sun Loan Company
Sun Loan Company listed personal installment loans from $150 to $10,000 on the lender's site at the time of our review, with amounts varying by state. Its state list covers Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, and online loans are offered in most of those states. Sun Loan advertises same-day funding availability, with approval typically in less than an hour depending on when you apply. Prequalification uses a soft inquiry; accepting a loan triggers a hard inquiry. It did not publish an APR range, minimum credit score, fees, term lengths or bureau reporting details, so ask for each before signing. Sun Loan may suit borrowers who want a small or mid-size loan quickly with the option of a branch visit, but confirm the APR and total of payments in writing.
Higher-Cost Online Installment Lenders
Higher-cost online installment lenders such as OppLoans, RISE, NetCredit, Personify and Integra Credit often accept thin or damaged credit, but their APRs can run far above 36%, so they fit only short, carefully budgeted needs.
Bad credit personal loans from these lenders can be useful when nothing else is available, and several report payments to credit bureaus. Still, a small balance at a triple-digit APR can cost more in interest than the amount borrowed, so pay early if you can.
OppLoans
OppLoans advertised personal loans of up to $4,000 and same-day funding availability on the lender's site at the time of our review. It does not publish a single APR range; rates are set by state and can be very high compared with mainstream lenders, so check the state rates page before applying. It does not publish a minimum credit score, and it says applying does not affect your FICO score. OppLoans says it charges no hidden fees and reports payment history to the three major credit bureaus, which can help rebuild credit if you pay on time. It is not available in every state. It may suit someone with poor credit facing an urgent expense, but compare it with a credit union or a lower-cost lender first, and plan to repay ahead of schedule to cut interest.
RISE
RISE listed installment loans of $500 to $5,000 on the lender's site at the time of our review and states plainly that it is an expensive form of credit. APRs vary by state and were shown on a separate rates page, while specific term lengths depend on state rules. It does not publish a minimum credit score; approval depends on income requirements that vary by state. Applications approved before 6 p.m. ET are typically funded the next business day. RISE charges no fee for paying off early and offers a five-day window to rescind and repay only the principal. It reports payment history to one or more credit bureaus. RISE may suit borrowers with damaged credit who need a smaller amount, but read the state rate table first and borrow only what you can repay quickly.
NetCredit
NetCredit listed personal loans of $1,000 to $10,000 at APRs of 34.99% to 99.99%, with terms of 6 to 60 months, on the lender's site at the time of our review, and it describes its loans as an expensive form of credit. It does not publish a minimum credit score; approval weighs income, debt-to-income ratio and credit history. Approvals before the late-morning cutoff on a weekday are often funded the same day, otherwise the next business day. NetCredit says it charges no application, prepayment, returned-payment or late fees, and it reports payments to the major credit bureaus. Some loans are made through partner banks. It may suit fair or poor credit borrowers who need a mid-size installment loan, but even the lowest APR here is near the top of mainstream ranges, so look elsewhere first.
Personify Financial
Personify Financial did not list a loan amount range or APR range on the main page we reviewed; it says both depend on creditworthiness and program parameters, and its rates page gives state-by-state terms. It does not publish a minimum credit score and says it looks beyond the score. Funds can usually be deposited in as little as one business day, or up to two depending on approval timing and your bank. Personify charges no application or prepayment fee and says it reports on-time payments to the credit bureaus. Independent reviews describe APRs well above 36% and an origination fee in many states, so ask for the full cost before accepting. Availability varies by state. It may suit borrowers with fair or poor credit who want a fixed installment schedule rather than a revolving line.
Integra Credit
Integra Credit offers installment loans and lines of credit and states on its site that this is an expensive form of credit. It did not publish loan amounts, an APR range, minimum credit score or term lengths; amounts and terms vary by creditworthiness and state law, with state-by-state rate pages for about 25 states. In many of those states, loans are made by partner banks rather than Integra itself. Funds can arrive as early as the next business day when the agreement is fully signed by 8 p.m. CT on a business day. Integra says it charges no hidden fees beyond what is disclosed. It may suit borrowers with damaged credit who need a fixed installment schedule, but make sure you are accepting an installment loan rather than a line of credit, and check the state APR first.
Lenders for Military and Thin-Credit Borrowers
Specialty lenders such as Pioneer Military Credit and Oportun serve narrower groups: active-duty and retired service members in one case, and borrowers with little or no US credit history in the other.
Both offer fixed installment payments, but each publishes limited pricing up front. Compare any offer with a credit union or, for service members, a military relief society before accepting a personal loan.
Pioneer Military Credit
Pioneer Military Credit listed loans of $500 to $10,000 for active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard on the lender's site at the time of our review, with a separate page for retired service members. Loans are originated by a partner bank and serviced by Pioneer. It offers fixed rates with set payments, instant decisions and a 15-day no-cost return window, which lets you change your mind without paying finance charges. It did not publish an APR range, minimum credit score, term lengths or funding timeline, and it notes that loan fees apply and state residency restrictions exist. Service members also have protections under the Military Lending Act, so compare any offer with options from a military relief society or credit union before you accept.
Oportun
Oportun listed unsecured personal loans of $300 to $10,000 on the lender's site at the time of our review, with typical first loans much smaller. It does not require a prior credit history, which may help newcomers to US credit, though it still reviews credit reports. Oportun did not publish an APR range; its sample loan carried an APR near 36%. The fee to watch is an administrative fee of up to 10% of the principal, which reduces the cash you receive. Loans may be repaid biweekly over long schedules, and some states offer a secured option using a vehicle. Payment history is reported to select nationwide credit bureaus. Oportun may suit borrowers with thin files who need a small loan, but compare the total of payments with any lower-cost alternative.
How to Compare Stax Payments Loan Offers on Total Cost
Comparing offers on total cost means looking past the monthly payment to the APR, the total of payments, the origination fee, the cash you actually receive and whether early payoff saves interest.
Start with the APR, which includes most upfront fees and makes offers comparable across lenders. You can see current ranges on our personal loan rates page. Then check the total of payments shown on each personal loan in the Truth in Lending disclosure. Two loans with the same monthly payment can differ by hundreds of dollars once you multiply by the number of months. For example, borrowing $2,000 for 12 months at 24.99% APR gives an estimated payment of $190.08 a month and an estimated total of $2,280.94, while the same amount over 24 months lowers the payment to an estimated $106.73 but raises the estimated total to $2,561.59.
Next, look at the origination fee. Lenders may charge 0%–10% of the amount, and it changes the APR. Because many lenders deduct the fee from your proceeds, ask for the net amount you will receive. If you need $3,000 in hand and the fee is 8%, you may need to borrow more than $3,000, which raises your payment.
Finally, confirm there is no prepayment penalty. Most lenders in this comparison listed none, which means paying extra each month can cut total interest, especially on higher-APR loans. Run a few scenarios in our personal loan calculator to see how term length changes your total cost, and check the eligibility requirements before you submit a stax payments request so you know what documents to have ready.
- Compare APR, not just interest rate.
- Write down the total of payments for each offer.
- Ask for the net cash after fees.
- Check late fees and returned-payment fees.
- Confirm early payoff is allowed without penalty.
Personal loans online make it easy to collect several offers in a short time, and most lenders above let you check estimated terms with a soft inquiry. Use that to gather two or three real offers, then compare them side by side on the same term length.
Red Flags When Choosing a Lender
Common red flags include upfront fees before funding, pressure to sign immediately, promises of approval regardless of credit, missing state licensing details and a lender that will not show the APR or total of payments in writing.
A legitimate personal loan lender never asks you to pay a fee, buy a gift card or send money before your loan is funded. Origination fees are deducted from the loan proceeds or added to the balance, and they appear in your disclosure, not as a separate payment you wire to someone. If a caller or website asks for money first, stop and report it to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state attorney general.
Be cautious of anyone who promises personal loan approval before reviewing your information. Every lender in this stax payments comparison makes credit decisions based on income, debts and credit history, and none can promise an outcome. When you research stax payments lenders, check that each one lists its state licenses or the bank partner that makes the loan, because state rate caps and consumer protections depend on who the lender of record is.
Watch for optional products bundled into the loan, such as credit insurance or membership plans. They are allowed in many states, but they must be optional, and they raise your cost. Ask the loan officer to remove anything you did not request before you sign. Also be wary of a lender that will not tell you whether it reports to Equifax, Experian or TransUnion if building credit is one of your goals.
Tip: if a deal feels rushed, step away for a day. A real offer will still be there tomorrow, and the extra time lets you compare it against other personal loan options.
Putting the Comparison to Work
Using this comparison well means shortlisting two or three lenders that match your credit and amount, checking rates with soft inquiries, and choosing the offer with the lowest total cost you can comfortably repay.
Many borrowers who start a stax payments search need between $500 and $5,000. If that is you, note which lenders above start at your amount and serve your state; several begin at $3,500 or $5,000, while the storefront lenders start at a few hundred dollars. Borrowers with fair to good credit may get the best results from the online lenders, while borrowers rebuilding credit may compare a branch-based lender against a higher-cost online option and choose the one with the lower total of payments.
Our free request form is another way to gather offers. You submit one request, and lenders in our network may respond with offers you can compare on APR, term and total cost. We are not a lender and do not make credit decisions, and there is no obligation to accept any offer. Whatever route you choose, treat each personal loan as a fixed commitment: confirm the payment fits your budget even in a tight month, set up autopay to avoid late fees, and keep a copy of your loan agreement.
Whether you shop for installment loans online or visit a local branch, the same rules apply. Get every figure in writing, compare at least two offers, and never let a deadline push you into a personal loan you have not fully read. People comparing stax payments options often find that ten minutes of side-by-side math saves more than any single rate discount.
