MaxLend Review: Expensive Way to Borrow Fast Cash
MaxLend Installment Loans isn't available on Finder right now.
- Max. Amount
- $3,750
- Turnaround time
- As soon as the same day
Our verdict
Get emergency funds fast, but beware of APRs up to 841%.
MaxLend is a tribal lender offering installment loans up to $2,000 for first-time borrowers or $3,750 for repeat borrowers. The application process is simple and open to all credit types, with funds disbursed in one business day or less. But APRs run high — between 471% and 841% — making this a very expensive form of borrowing. Explore other options first and use this lender as a last resort.
Best for: Emergency situations when you don’t qualify for better terms elsewhere.
Pros
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Open to borrowers with bad or no credit
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Fast funding in one business day or less
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Easy application process
Cons
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High APRs between 471% and 841%
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Limited loan amounts of $2,000 max for first-time borrowers
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Not available in all 50 states
Is MaxLend legit?
Yes, MaxLend is a legitimate provider of installment loans. Founded in 2012, the company has a solid reputation on Trustpilot for providing fast loans for borrowers with bad credit or limited credit history. It uses standard security measures to protect user data and doesn’t share your data with third parties.
But as a tribal lender, it doesn’t have to follow state laws regarding interest rate limits. That’s how it’s able to charge APRs of 471% and up.
Where MaxLend falls short
The biggest downside of borrowing from MaxLend is the high interest rates the company charges. APRs range between a whopping 471% and 841%, including origination fees. With rates this high, many customers complain that they’re making large payments with barely any of it going towards the principal balance, keeping them locked into a debt that’s difficult to repay.
A personal loan offers much better rates if you can qualify for one. If credit is a barrier and you only need a small amount to get you through to the next payday, maybe try a cash advance app instead.
Loan limits are also low. First-time borrowers qualify for a maximum loan of $2,000, while repeat users can borrow up to $3,750.
MaxLend also isn’t available in all 50 states, either. If you live in Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Washington or West Virginia, you’ll need to look for other loan options.
What makes MaxLend shine?
MaxLend shines in its ability to provide emergency installment loans to borrowers with bad credit or no credit history. The application process is simple and straightforward. You can apply over the phone or fill out an online application, then speak to a representative. Funds arrive quickly, with many receiving loans within one business day.
MaxLend loan details
| Loan amounts | Up to $2,000 for first-time borrowers Up to $3,750 for repeat borrowers |
| Terms | 9 months |
| Turnaround | As soon as the same day |
| Minimum credit score | No minimum |
| Additional requirements | At least 18 years old Resident of the United States Checking account with direct deposit No current bankruptcies |
| APR | 471% to 841% |
| Fees | Origination fees, late payment and non-payment fees may apply No early payment penalties |
| Availability | Not available in: Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia |
MaxLend contact information
| Phone number | 877-936-4336 |
| Customer service hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| CustomerService@MaxLend.com | |
| X, formerly Twitter | @MaxLendLoans |
Calculate your monthly loan payments
If you’re curious about how much a loan will cost you, simply plug your expected loan amount, repayment term and interest rate into the calculator below to find out.
Monthly Repayment Calculator
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How to qualify for MaxLend
MaxLend’s online loan application is easy to complete. For loan approval, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a US citizen
- Have a valid checking account
- Have verifiable income deposited into your checking account
- Not be in an active bankruptcy or planning to file for one
MaxLend assesses your application based on your ability to meet its minimum income requirements, which confirms to lenders your ability to repay your loan on time.
How to apply
You can apply online or by phone. To apply by phone, call 877-936-4336 and speak with a MaxLend representative who’ll complete your application.
To apply online, follow the four steps below:
- Go to the MaxLend website, select the loan amount you’re interested in and then click Apply Now.
- Enter your personal information, including your email address, Social Security number and address.
- Provide your income and financial details, including your source of income, pay frequency, bank routing and account numbers.
- Continue through the remaining steps, confirm your information and submit your application.
After you’ve submitted your information, a MaxLend representative calls you during business hours to verify your information. If your loan is approved, you receive an email confirmation that contains a copy of your application. MaxLend deposits the funds into your account within one business day.
How MaxLend compares to other lenders
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How we picked theseWhat is the Finder Score?
The Finder Score crunches 3+ types of short-term loans across 65+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.
To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like loans. So if you're comparing the best short-term loans for all credit types, you can see how each short-term loan stacks up against other short-term loans with the same borrower type, rate type and repayment type.
MaxLend reviews and complaints
| BBB accredited | No |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | C+ |
| BBB customer reviews | 2.47 out of 5 stars, based on 78 customer reviews |
| BBB customer complaints | 27 |
| Trustpilot score | 4.4 out of 5, based on 2,985 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 02 June 2025 |
Reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot sites paint two very different pictures of MaxLend. On the BBB, the vast majority of reviews are negative, with customers complaining about high, “predatory” interest rates and issues with the company’s website, including difficulty making payments and e-signing documents.
But on Trustpilot, 83% of all customers give the company a five- or four-star rating. Satisfied customers often comment on the easy application process, fast loan disbursement and helpful customer service agents.
There are also negative reviews on Trustpilot, with 12% of past customers leaving just a single star. The most common complaint is high interest rates in the triple digits. Several customers complain specifically about making large payments every other week, but making little progress on the principal balance.
What do people on Reddit say?
Frequently asked questions
What kind of company is MaxLend?
MaxLend is a company that offers installment loans. It is wholly owned and operated by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, a federally recognized sovereign American Indian Tribe. As a sovereign tribe, it doesn’t have to follow state laws that limit interest rates, which explains why the company is able to charge triple-digit APRs.
How does MaxLend work?
To get a loan through MaxLend, you can apply either online or on the phone. You’ll need to provide some basic personal and financial information to get a loan offer. Repayments are made either weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, depending on your loan amount, interest rate and rewards level.
How long does it take for MaxLend to deposit money?
MaxLend claims it can deposit funds into your account as soon as the same day, though some users report it took several business days.
Can you pay off a MaxLend loan early?
Yes, you can pay off a loan from MaxLend early with no prepayment penalties.
I recently filed for bankruptcy. Can I still get a MaxLend loan?
Probably not. MaxLend doesn’t approve applicants who are currently in bankruptcy or intend to voluntarily file for bankruptcy. You can contact the lender directly to discuss your specific circumstance, though. Or you could compare your options for bankruptcy loans.
How do I become a MaxLend Preferred Member?
Borrowers are automatically enrolled in the MaxLend Preferred Rewards program, which comes with access to larger loans and lower APRs. Log in to your MaxLend account to check the status of your level.
Your reviews
Christi Finder
Contributor
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Val Finder
March 04, 2019
Hi Bernadette,
Thank you for leaving a question. Have you already applied for a loan with MaxLend? This will depend on the repayment option that you will be selecting for the loan. You may send an email to customerservice@maxlend.com or speak to a Maxlend representative at 1-877-936-4336. Hope this helps!
Regards,
Val
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Joann platko
December 16, 2018
How do I pay off my loan early?
Val Finder
December 17, 2018
Hi Joann,
You can pay off a personal loan early by increasing your monthly payments or paying off your loan in a lump sum. Usually, lenders give an option to pay via ACH from your bank account or check.
If you have an existing loan with Maxlend that you’d like to pay off early, please contact their Customer Service to arrange your payment.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Val
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Ed
September 30, 2018
Can I make my monthly payment by credit card
johnbasanes Finder
September 30, 2018
Hi Ed,
Thank you for leaving a question.
Depending on your agreed upon method of repayment, credit card payments may be accepted. To know further on what options you have on making your repayments you may send an email to customerservice@maxlend.com or speak to a Maxlend representative at 1-877-936-4336. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
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Tammy
June 19, 2018
do you accept metabank bank accounts
Ash
June 19, 2018
Hi Tammy,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
MaxLend does not have specific list of banks where they can deposit your borrowed money. One of their requirements is having a valid checking account. See their other eligibility criteria below:
*Be at least 18 years old.
*Be a US citizen.
*Provide a verifiable source of income.
Your financial situation and repayment capability will also be assessed for the Lender’s approval.
I hope this helps.
Let us know if there is anything else that we may assist you with.
Cheers,
Ash
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Bernadette
March 01, 2019
Can I do monthly payment with a Loan of $2000