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Backed personal loans review
Last updated:
Must read: Beware of an expired online security certificate
Backed’s online security certificate is expired as of May 13, 2020. And its website isn’t properly loading any pages, making it difficult to confirm the rates and terms of its loan products. Instead, you might want to compare other personal loan providers.
$25,000
Max. Loan Amount
2.9% to 15.99%
APR
660
Min. Credit Score
Details
| Product Name | Backed personal loans |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $3,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $25,000 |
| APR | 2.9% to 15.99% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | 660 |
| Loan Term | 1 to 3 years |
| Turnaround Time | 2 to 4 business days |
Expert review
Review by
Aliyyah Camp
aliyyah.camp@finder.comAliyyah Camp is a writer and personal finance blogger who helps readers compare personal, student, car and business loans. Aliyyah earned a BA in communication from the University of Pennsylvania and is based in New York, where she enjoys movies and running outdoors.
Expert review
Backed personal loans offer competitive rates and flexible loan options to those with thin credit. It could be a good option if your looking to improve your credit and have friends or family members with excellent credit willing to cosign your loan.
However, if you plan to apply by yourself, Backed isn’t much different from other nonbank lenders offering personal loans. And if you prefer to speak to a representative on the phone about your loan, Backed isn’t the right lender for you.
Not sure Backed is right for you? Compare your other personal loan options below.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for a personal loan with Backed, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 18 years or older
- A US citizen or permanent resident
- Have a valid bank account
- Personal credit score 660+ or your backer must have a credit score 720+
- Annual income of $18,000+ or your backer has a minimum annual income of $50,000
- Must not have declared bankruptcy in the last seven years
- Must reside in New York, New Jersey, Arkansas, West Virginia, Florida or Arizona
Pros
- Competitive rates starting at 2.9%
- Notifies your cosigner when you’ve made on-time repayments
- Offers career investment loans for startup businesses
Cons
- Website and application unsecured as of November 2019
- Only available to residents of New York, New Jersey, Arkansas, West Virginia, Florida and Arizona
- Customer support is limited to email correspondence
- Origination fee of up to 2% of your loan amount
Compare more personal loan providers
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Backed reviews and complaints
| BBB accredited | No |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | Not rated |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 04 November 2019 |
Not much as of November 2019. While it has a page on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it doesn’t have any customer reviews or complaints listed — and it isn’t rated. In addition, there’s no page on Trustpilot. This means you may be left in the dark about how well Backed treats its borrowers until after you sign your loan contract.
How do I apply?
Follow these steps to apply for a Backed personal loan:
- Go to Backed’s website and select the term and loan amount you’re interested in. Click Apply Now.
- Choose your loan type. Click Next.
- Enter your basic personal information, including your date of birth and Social Security number. Review its terms of use and privacy policy, then click Verify.
What information do I need to apply?
When you apply for a loan through Backed, you will be required to provide some basic personal information:
- Color copy of your government-issued photo ID
- Copies of your last three pay stubs or your most current tax return and most recent bank statements
- Utility bill
- Bank account information
Step-by-step application process with screenshots
What happens after I apply?
If you’re eligible for a loan, Backed provides you with a quote detailing the loan terms you qualify for. Keep in mind that this initial rate is subject to change if you decide to add a backer to your application. At this point, you’ll provide supporting documentation to verify your personal and financial information.
If your final application is approved, review your loan offer from Backed. You loan funds will be deposited into your account within two business days if you accept your loan.
Apply through CompareFirst to be considered by Backed and other lenders with one application
How do repayments work with Backed?
Backed allows you to make repayments online for free. You can also pay by check, though Backed charges a $10 check processing fee. And if your check bounces — or you don’t have enough in your account to cover your payment — you’ll be charged a $15 unsuccessful payment fee.
If you included a cosigner on your loan, they’ll receive a notification every time you make a successful on-time payment. They’ll also be notified within a 15-day grace period if you miss a payment. If you or your cosigner makes the payment before the 15 days are up, your account remains in good standing. If not, you’re charged a $20 late fee and your credit score could be affected.
If you’re unable to make a payment or have any questions, contact Backed as soon as possible by sending an email to appsupport@backedinc.com.
Compare other providers and loan options to find the one that works best for your personal situation.