Summary of CashAdvance.com
CashAdvance.com was founded in 1997 as a way to provide short-term loans to consumers regardless of their credit score. CashAdvance.com helps consumers apply for and receive loans through a network of lenders. They cater to people who need money quickly for unexpected expenses or emergency situations by offering a selection of loan options.
CashAdvance.com is free no matter how many times you submit a request for a loan; however, once consumers sign a loan contract after selecting a vendor, they are responsible for fees associated with that loan, like APR (Annual Percentage Rates). These rates can range from 200-2000 percent, which is why CashAdvance.com advocates for thorough inspection of lender terms and advises consumers to only use these loans when necessary.
CashAdvance.com Process
When using www.CashAdvance.com, consumers can apply for a loan in as little as five minutes and will see the funds deposited into their account as soon as the following business day.
Image Source: CashAdvance.com Review
Applications can be filled out online and include banking, location, and social security information. CashAdvance.com staff are also available via phone or email to walk consumers through the application process or to answer questions.
All applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Maintain status as a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
- Have maintained employment for 90 days or more
- Earn at least $1,000 per month post-taxes
- Hold a valid checking account in their name
- Provide home and work phone numbers and a valid email address
After the application is completed and submitted, consumers’ data is shared with the lenders that are associated with CashAdvance.com. Consumers can then choose from a list of advance lenders who offer a variety of terms and associated fees for their loans.
Typically, borrowers are contacted by the lender via email or phone, but speaking with the lender does not lock them into any terms. At any point before the consumer accepts the offer, they can cancel the transaction and will not be charged any fees. The consumer will be presented with an offer, which they are then able to accept or decline.
Repayment of the loan occurs through regularly scheduled deductions from the consumer’s bank account. If the consumer is not able to repay the lender, the loan will be transferred to a collection agency, and their credit score will be negatively affected. Consumers are advised to pay back these loans as soon as they are able.
Credibility of CashAdvance.com
CashAdvance.com is a member of the Online Lender’s Alliance, meaning that they are compliant with all state and federal credit laws.
However, CashAdvance.com is not accredited with the BBB (Better Business Bureau.) In most state BBBs, CashAdvance.com has received an F rating. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including complaint history, the size of the business, the business’s response to customer complaints, transparent business practices, and advertising issues.
Many CashAdvance.com reviews do note that the site is very upfront that consumer should only use their services in emergency situations after other options have been pursued. Short-term loans like these should never be used as a long-term financial tool, since fees can range from $30-60 for a loan and the associated APR can range from 200-2000 percent.
CashAdvance.com also provides free educational material on its site for use by potential borrowers. Its glossary of key terms is helpful for consumers who are borrowing for the first time and need some help navigating the often-confusing landscape of short-term loans. This also ensures that consumers aren’t confused when presented with fees later on in the borrowing process, and it helps them protect their credit.
Another helpful section of CashAdvance.com is the state info section. This part of the site features an interactive map of the U.S. Users can click on the state where they will be borrowing and view the specific state laws and restrictions that they are expected to abide by when taking out a short-term loan. Some states, like Massachusetts, Maryland, and Arizona, do not offer payday loans.
Despite this, there are many negative CashAdvance.com reviews stating that this company isn’t credible and contacted them trying to scam money that they never borrowed. CashAdvance.com addresses this specifically on their site in their list of FAQs, stating that there are many companies that use the phrase “cash advance” in their brand name yet are not associated with this company.
CashAdvance.com also notes that their company will never charge for their services, and will never collect money from consumers. Their site includes a very comprehensive Scam Advisory section, which includes tools that help consumers report scams, alert borrowers to potential active scams, and provides resources to consumers to help them protect themselves.
Benefits and Positive CashAdvance.com Reviews
Many CashAdvance.com reviews do cite several pros of using this service:
- It provides direct access to online lenders, so consumers don’t have to do their own comparison-shopping when looking for a short-term loan.
- The site is user-friendly, and the application process is painless and quick.
- The site is free to use. Users can discontinue the loan application process at any time with no penalty.
- Repayment of loans is convenient, because funds can be automatically deducted from the borrower’s bank account.
- The service gives cash options to borrowers that may have bad credit or are stuck in a difficult financial situation.
- CashAdvance.com is upfront about their business practices and potential fees associated with borrowing a short-term loan.
One user notes in a CashAdvance.com review that their phone operators were kind and patient as they explained their situation, and walked them through all their options for loans for over an hour.
Other users note that though the APR charged through one of CashAdvance.com’s lenders was higher than most other loans, they were pleasantly surprised at the rate they received. They note that because of CashAdvance.com’s long history, they were confident that their personal information was in good hands.
Cons and Negative CashAdvance.com Reviews
There are also several drawbacks to using this service, as stated in several CashAdvance.com reviews.
- Interest rates, APR, and other fees are often exorbitant. Many borrowers could find themselves paying back more in fees than they originally borrowed, which can lead to a continuing cycle of debt.
- Though CashAdvance.com does give some information regarding the types of fees that could be charged for short-term loans, they don’t give exact metrics until users submit their personal information and are presented with a list of potential lenders.
- When it comes down to it, payday loans are mostly only used in dire circumstances, which causes many CashAdvance.com users to not associate the service with positive feelings.
There are many negative across the Internet, but in many cases, it is unclear whether reviews are against their services or against lenders that these consumers found through . Other reviewers seem to be confusing scammers that use phrases similar to “cash advance” for .
However, some reviews do point to some negative parts of CashAdvance.com’s services. One review in particular notes that the company took their personal information even after it was identified that the potential borrower lived in a state that wasn’t serviced by them. The reviewer reported that the lenders that contacted him harassed him via phone and email multiple times a day.
Other reviewers report that the lenders they spoke to were confusing, and that they felt they were being misled in an effort to get them to agree to a loan with unfair terms. They note that when a lender they found through CashAdvance.com contacted them via phone, the lender asked for more personal information than they had previously provided. CashAdvance.com does warn against this kind of business practice on its website.
Who Should Use CashAdvance.com?
Though using short-term loans should be avoided and should mostly be used as a last resort for unexpected situations, there are some circumstances where investing in a short-term loan is necessary.
Image Source: CashAdvance.com Short-term Loans
Fees for short-term loans are typically less than what borrowers can expect to pay for a check bouncing, a late credit card bill, or utilities being disconnected; therefore, in any of these situations, it would make sense for consumers to use a payday loan instead of defaulting on these payments.
The average overdraft fee in most banking institutions is $35 per occurrence. Therefore, if a borrower pays a smaller fee for a small short-term loan to avoid these charges, this could make financial sense. This also helps borrowers avoid late fees and protects their credit score.
Contractors or freelancers who have more lag time than usual between jobs also find that short-term loans are valuable for tiding them over until they have more work.
It’s important to note that these loans are not contingent on the purpose for which they are needed. Consumers are free to use the money in the way that they deem necessary and don’t need to disclose what the money will be used for in the application process.
Additionally, the process for short-term loans is very quick, especially compared to other lending methods. For situations where money is needed within 24 hours, short-term loans are a suitable option.
Final Recommendations for CashAdvance.com
In situations where short-term loans are necessary, it is obviously ideal to receive a loan from a close personal connection or a friend who won’t charge excessive fees and APR.
However, not all consumers have access to these kinds of emergency funds, and this is why short-term loan companies exist: to assist people who are in need and require quick cash.
With this in mind, CashAdvance.com is a long-standing, reputable company that provides access to lenders who can give loans regardless of credit score. Users should be selective when reviewing the terms, conditions, and business practices of these lenders, as this seems to be where most CashAdvance.com reviews note that they run into problems.
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