Above Lending Review: Expensive Way to Consolidate Debt
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- Max. Amount
- $50,000
Our verdict
Consolidation loans appear to be available only to those enrolled in a debt settlement program.
Above Lending offers debt consolidation loans up to $50,000. More specifically, it works with debt settlement providers Beyond Finance and Five Lakes Law Group to provide “graduation loans” to customers enrolled in debt resolution programs. The point is to resolve your enrolled debts faster — in as little as 60 days — end calls from creditors and collection agencies and begin rebuilding your credit. But getting the loan could end up costing you more in the long run, and you’re essentially trading one debt for another. Plus, rates are often as high or higher than credit card APRs, and it also charges origination fees up to 6%.
Best for: Customers enrolled in a debt relief program with Beyond Finance and prefer the shorter, but potentially more expensive, route to resolving unpaid debts.
Pros
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Consolidation loans up to $50,000
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Settle enrolled debts faster than through debt resolution alone
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Helps to rebuild credit
Cons
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Rates potentially as high as credit card APRs
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Likely need to be enrolled in debt settlement to qualify
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Charges origination fees
Is Above Lending legit?
Above Lending appears to offer legit consolidation loans, but only if you’re enrolled in a debt settlement program with one of its partners. And the money has to be used to pay off your enrolled debt, which your debt relief provider does on your behalf.
However, if you prefer to have the funds in your control, you may be better off getting a direct consolidation loan instead, if you can qualify. Or, if you need a loan for another purpose, consider one of the top personal loan providers.
What makes Above Lending shine?
Getting a consolidation loan from Above Lending can help speed up the process of getting out of debt. You’ll typically have to be in a debt settlement program for a set period before qualifying for a graduation loan. But once you are, you could potentially wipe out the remainder of your enrolled debt all at once.
Of course, you’ll still have the loan to pay back, but making on-time payments is an important first step toward rebuilding your credit score.
Where Above Lending falls short
While repaying your enrolled debt faster with a loan can be a huge weight off your shoulders, it could also be more expensive. For example, rates on Above Lending loans could be as high as 35.99%, which is more than most credit cards. You may also have to pay an origination fee up to 6%. All that on top of the roughly 25% you’ve already paid for the debt settlement program.
Some customers also report having higher payments with the loan than they did in the program, which is another key point to consider. So be sure to understand the loan’s total cost and how the payments fit into your budget before deciding if a loan is the right decision for you.
How Above Lending compares to other lenders
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Above Lending loan details
| Minimum credit score/credit range | No minimum stated |
| APR | Up to 35.99% |
| Loan amount | Up to $50,000 |
| Terms | Up to 10 years |
| Approval turnaround | Not stated |
| Availability | May not be available in all states |
| Fees | Origination fees Late fees NSF penalties |
| Other fees | Unknown |
Above Lending contact info
| Phone number | 800-201-2295 |
| Customer service hours | Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| support@abovelending.com | |
| X, formerly Twitter | @abovelending |
| Above Lending |
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How to qualify for Above Lending
To qualify for Above Lending’s consolidation loan, you’ll likely need to be enrolled in a debt settlement program with Beyond Finance or Five Lakes Law Group. Above Lending says you’ll be notified if you’re eligible to apply.
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Fill out the online application form to prequalify.
- Review your loan offer and terms.
- Verify and sign your loan agreement if approved. Your debt relief provider uses the funds to pay off your enrolled debt.
- Repay your loan to Above Lending.
There’s only a soft credit check to prequalify, but a hard inquiry is required prior to loan approval.
Above Lending reviews and complaints
| BBB accredited | Yes |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | A+ |
| BBB customer reviews | 4.83 out of 5 stars, based on 628 customer reviews |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 3,833 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 05 September 2025 |
Above Lending has high ratings on both the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, with reviewers complimenting the professional, helpful service and fast and easy process.
But some customers feel the company isn’t transparent about interest rates and fees, and the rates are as high or higher than credit cards. There are also several complaints of excessive phone calls before signing the loan agreement, but poor communication once the contract is signed.
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