How to find a fast online, short-term loan backed by your car.
Unlike other types of short-term loans, it isn’t always easy to find a title loan online. That’s because most title loan companies require you to bring in your vehicle for inspection. If you don’t have the time to drive to wait for an inspection — or just don’t want to — you have a few options, though they are limited.
Our top pick: Max Cash Title Loans
With a quick online application, Max Cash could help connect you with a lender, finding you options in minutes.
- Max. Loan Amount: $50,000
- Loan Term: Varies by lender
- Turnaround Time: As little as 1 business day
- No bank account requirement.
- Not available in 10 states: CO, HI, MD, MT, NE, NY, OH, SD, WA or WV.
Compare 4 lenders that offer title loans completely online
| Provider | Loan amount | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Cash Title Loans | Up to $50,000 | Must be a US citizen or permanent resident, 18 or older with a regular source of income. Not available in CO, HI, MD, MT, NE, NY, OH, SD, WA, or WV. | |
| Finova Financial | $750 to $5,000 | Must live in AZ, CA, FL, NM, SC or TN. Must own your car outright, have a valid car insurance policy and be a US citizen or permanent resident. | |
| LoanCenter | $2,000 to $50,000 | State-issued ID, proof of auto insurance, title, proof of residence and five references. Only available to residents of UT, AZ, ID, SC, NM, GA, MI or CA. | |
How online title loans work
Online title loans allow you to apply, get approved and receive your funds entirely online. While many title loan companies let you start the application process online, they generally require you to bring your vehicle in for an inspection, provide your title and pick up your cash.
With an online loan, lenders typically ask you to upload images of your vehicle and send in a copy of your title instead. And rather than asking you to pick up the funds, online lenders send the money to your bank account, often as soon as the next business day.
How to apply for a title loan online
- Complete a brief application. Most online lenders ask for basic information about yourself, your vehicle and your income.
- Upload pictures of your vehicle. Lenders have different instructions of the number of photos to upload when you apply for an online loan.
- Send in your car title. Some lenders might ask you to mail in your car title if you apply online.
- Upload other required documents. Depending on where you live, you might be asked to provide a copy of a state-issued photo ID, proof of income like a recent pay stub or proof or residency like a recent utility bill or lease.
- Review and sign your loan documents. Read the terms and conditions of your loan offer before signing and returning any papers.
- Receive your funds. Online lenders typically send funds to your bank account as soon as the next business day.
Why is it so hard to find a title loan with no store visit?
There are a few reasons it’s difficult to find a title loan that doesn’t require a store visit. First, many title loan companies prefer to perform the vehicle inspection themselves rather than rely on pictures that you send in — these can be less accurate and harder to verify.
Some lenders also install GPS trackers in the vehicles you’re using for collateral so it’s easy to find if you default on your loan. You can’t do this with an online title loan. Additionally, some state restrictions might make it a lot easier for title loan companies to provide financing with an in-person visit rather than over the internet.
Benefits of online title loans
- Spend less time applying. You don’t have to drive to a title loan company and wait to have your vehicle inspected to get a title loan online.
- Available if there’s no nearby location. The nearest location for a lender might be far or inconvenient — an online provider solves this problem.
- Money in your bank account. Online title loan providers automatically send money directly to your bank account so you don’t need to stop by and pick up cash or a check.
Drawbacks of online title loans
- Fewer choices. Only a small pool of title loan providers offer online options, which might not offer the most competitive rates and terms.
- Not available in all states. Some of the lenders that do offer online title loans might not have that option in your state — make sure yours is eligible before you apply.
- Not as fast. Applying in person can get you funds within 30 minutes.
- Potential scams. Online short-term loan scams are easier to carry out than storefront providers.
Watch out for no-inspection title loans
Some online title loan providers might advertise that you don’t need to provide an inspection. Like a no credit-check loan, these tend to come with less favorable rates and terms. It could also be the sign of a short-term loan scam or a predatory lender.
If it’s too much of a hassle to upload photos and provide detailed information about your title loan, you might want to reconsider having an inspection done in-person.
Compare other online short-term loan options
Bottom line
You have a handful of options if you want to apply for a title loan completely online. But between uploading photos of your car, mailing in your title and the limited choices, it might not be as convenient as it seems. You can learn more about how title loans work and compare lenders by checking out our comprehensive guide.
