Advance America Overview and Alternatives
Advance America is one of the many reputable lenders in the country. The company was founded by William Webster and George D. Johnson in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1997.
The company offers payday loans, installment loans, lines of credit, and title loans. Additionally, the lender provides a Netspend Visa Prepaid Card and Western Union services. You can apply online or visit one of its 1,200 locations nationwide.
Products and Services
Here are the financial products and services offered by Advance America. Visit the site to get more information about these financing options.
Products
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A two- to four-week short-term loan due on the borrower’s next payday.
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The borrower can make the loan payments in multiple installments over a longer period instead of paying all at once.
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Line of credit (LOC) |
A flexible loan allows the borrower to access a fixed amount. The loan can be repaid in a lump sum or installments.
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Access to funds requires providing an asset as collateral, such as a car. The lender places a lien on the title, holds it in its store, and provides funds. The amount is based on the appraised value of the borrower’s vehicle.
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Services
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Netspend Visa Prepaid Card |
Preload the card with funds and use it like a regular debit or credit card.
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Western Union |
Allows users to transfer funds quickly and reliably. |
Rates and Fees
Advance America offers loans ranging between $100 and $5,000. However, these amounts can vary based on state regulations.
Additionally, loan rates and fees depend on several factors, including your income, credit score, loan type, and loan term. As a result, each applicant will obtain different rate offers based on their personal eligibility.
Advance America typically charges 533% APR for its products. In addition, the lender provides a sample fee calculator on its website to estimate your loan terms and fees, taking into account the amount borrowed and the state you reside in. For example, APR in California is about 460% for a payday loan.
How to Apply for a Loan with Advance America
To apply for a cash advance, payday loan, installment loan, or line of credit, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1. Apply
Choose your loan. Start your application online or in-store by providing some personal and financial information. The latter includes a government-issued ID, source of income, checking account, and Social Security Number.
Step 2. Review your terms
If you are eligible for a loan, the lender will present you with a loan agreement. The interest, terms, due dates, and additional fees will be outlined. Carefully and thoroughly review this information before signing any documents.
Step 3. Receive your funds
If approved, you may receive the funds in as little as one business day.
Pros and Cons of Advance America
All lenders offer both pros and cons to borrowers. Therefore, it is critical to consider both advantages and disadvantages of a funding provider before applying for a loan.
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FAQ
What Is Advance America?
Advance America is a lender offering payday loans, installment loans, lines of credit, and title loans. They offer flexible loan applications online and in their 1,200 locations nationwide.
What Is the Minimum Credit Score That Advance America Will Consider?
Advance America does not state their minimum credit score requirements. Instead, the lender may consider income alongside credit scores when determining an applicant’s eligibility. Therefore, consumers with lower credit scores may be eligible for financing.
Can I Have a Payday Advance and Installment Loan at the Same Time?
No. You can only have one active loan at a time.
What If I Miss a Payment?
Advance America does charge a late payment fee. However, missed or late payments can negatively affect your credit score.
If you cannot make the minimum payment on the due date, call the company at 1-877-505-0701. The lender may be willing to offer an extension.
Is Advance America Safe?
Yes. Advance America has several positive ratings on multiple consumer websites.
How Much Does Advance America Charge for Interest?
Your credit score, income, and state determine your APR. The rates vary by loan type as well. The interest rates the lender has set for its products can be as high as 533% in some cases.
What About Other Fees?
Advance America charges an origination and late payment fee. Other fees, such as administration costs, may be charged depending on the state you reside in. It is best to directly contact the lender to know what additional fees you will be charged. Moreover, it is vital to review your loan agreement to ensure all the rates and fees are correct.
Can I Get an Advance America Loan if I Am Not Employed?
Advance America does not state whether they work with unemployed applicants. Therefore, it is best to directly contact the lender to inquire.
How Many Times Can You Take Out a Loan?
The number of times you can obtain a loan depends on state regulations. Some states have strict limits on the number of loans you can get in a 12-month period. To ensure you comply with these standards, contact Advance America to clarify.
Alternatives to Advance America
If this lender is not the best fit for your financial needs, you can also try other options available in the industry. Below, you can find a few alternatives to this lender.
Alternatives:
- If you need flexibility: RISE Credit
- If you need a lender that may be willing to work with damaged credit: CashNetUSA
- If you need no minimum credit score requirements: OppLoans
RISE Credit
RISE Credit is an online lender that may offer more flexibility when choosing your payment schedules. Additionally, they offer a five-day risk-free guarantee. You can return the principal amount of your loan if you no longer wish to borrow the money.
RISE Credit has stores in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
CashNetUSA
CashNetUSA is an online lender that offers payday loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. The lender may be willing to work with borrowers who have limited or damaged credit scores. As a result, CashNetUSA may utilize an alternative-scoring mechanism to consider income and credit score when determining loan eligibility.
Payday loans range between $100 and $600, whereas installment loans and lines of credit are from $100 to $3,500. Terms range from six to 24 months, and APR is between 85% and 450%.
Additionally, CashNetUSA provides interactive tools and educational resources to help customers better manage their finances.
CashNetUSA offers financial products to borrowers in Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
OppLoans
OppLoans is a lender specializing in online personal loans with flexible credit score requirements. OppLoans offers payday loans, installment loans, and debt consolidation between $500 and $4,000. Loan terms range from six to 18 months and APR between 59% and 199%.
Additionally, the lender provides financial literacy courses in credit usage, debts, loans, budgeting, saving, and spending.
OppLoans has stores in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New, Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
Bottom Line
Advance America offers payday loans, title loans, lines of credit, and installment loans. The lender also offers Western Union services and prepaid cards. However, APR and additional fees can be hefty. Advance America provides online and in-store applications, giving consumers flexibility in finding financing options.
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