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5 Loans Like Fig Loans

These lenders offer similar loan amounts and terms — and might be what you’re looking for.

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By

Dhara Singh

Edited by

Holly Jennings

Reviewed by

Megan B. Shepherd

Updated

Fact checked

Fig Loans, based in Sugarland, Texas, started in 2014 to help working-class Americans build credit and solve immediate cash needs. While Fig Loans is a good option for borrowers who may not have an extensive credit history or aren’t eligible for personal loans elsewhere, Fig Loan’s high interest rates, ranging from 35.99% to 211%, may deter those looking for lower interest rates.

The lender also offers limited loan amounts ranging from $50 to $1,000 in six US states, which may not help borrowers seeking larger loan amounts. Borrowers typically have anywhere from four to six months to pay back their entire loan. We’ll break down loans with similar loan amounts and terms, some with a wider range of loan amounts and other perks.

Our Top 5 loans like Fig Loans

Alternative for credit building: Cleo

Cleo

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Cleo is a budgeting and cash advance app that allows users to access up to $250 of already-earned income to cover their expenses until their next payday. New users can borrow up to $70 right away, a higher initial limit than most other cash advance apps. However, users pay a monthly subscription fee of $5.99 to access cash advances, and a same-day transfer costs an additional $3.99.

Cleo's cash advance is interest-free and does not have late fees. The app offers cash advances without credit checks or employment verification, making it a good option for freelancers and gig workers. The app also includes tools to help users budget and track their spending better.

  • Available in all states

Alternative for short-term loans: CashNetUSA

CashNetUSA Loan

3.6
★★★★★

Finder score

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CashNetUSA is an online lender that offers same-day funding, instant approval decisions and quick online applications. CashNetUSA considers the overall financial picture of borrowers, not just their credit score. The lender offers lines of credit and installment loans like Fig loans with amounts between $100 and $3,000. Depending on the state, APRs can reach up to 579%, which is higher than Fig Loans. It also charges a 15% transaction fee in certain states.

While it's not the cheapest option, CashNetUSA's rates are regulated, and customers give it generally good reviews on Trustpilot as a source of quick emergency funds. However, the interest rates are high, and the loans are only available in certain states.

  • Available in: Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Alternative for installment loans: Possible Finance

Possible Finance Mobile Installment Loans

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Possible Finance offers an easy application process, and funds are deposited as soon as the next business day. Possible Finance is an app that lets you borrow short-term installment loans up to $500. Terms are very short, only lasting up to 2 months.

Rates vary by state, but plan to pay around $15 to $20 per $100 borrowed, which can work out to APRs as high as 460%. There's no credit check, repayments align with your pay schedule and Possible Finance gets decent customer reviews. However, Possible Finance has limited state availability — it's only available in 18 states.

  • Available in: Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington

Alternative for payment flexibility: Brigit

Brigit

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Brigit is an app that offers cash advances up to $250 per pay period for a monthly $9.99 fee. The app offers an easy application process, and funds are deposited as soon as the next business day. The company offers free repayment extensions on advances and in-app alerts to let users know if they're at risk of overdraft. However, to get an extension, users need to have at least two prior consecutive on-time payments.

Brigit's monthly fee includes a credit builder program and up to $1 million in identity theft protection. Brigit is a good option for users who need help managing their finances and avoiding costly fees.

  • Available in all states

Alternative for employee expenses: Upstart

Upstart personal loans

4.2
★★★★★

Finder score

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Upstart is a good option for borrowers who need a personal loan and have less-than-perfect credit. Upstart is known for its unique underwriting model that considers factors besides your credit score, including your education and career.

The lender is available in 46 states, including California, Florida and Texas. Upstart offers a range of loan amounts from $1,000 to $50,000, with rates between 6.4% and 35.99%. Upstart charges an origination fee on its loans, which can be as high as 12% of the loan amount. However, if you have bad to fair credit, expect your APR to be on the higher end.

  • Not available in: West Virginia

How does Fig Loans Compare?

Fig Loans is an online lender that offers installment loans as a payday loan alternative. Fig Loans doesn’t use credit scores to make lending decisions and may help borrowers build credit. The company states that 94% of its borrowers get their funds the following business day and the rest within three business days.

Compared to Possible Finance and other lenders, Fig Loans offers higher loan amounts but with higher interest rates. Fig Loans have APRs ranging from 35.99% to 211% depending on the state, and the loans are only small-dollar, short-term loans.

Pros

  • No credit score required
  • Easy application process
  • Funds usually deposited the next business day

Cons

  • High APRs up to 211% depending on the state
  • Smaller loans
  • Shorter payback periods

Alternatives to payday and installment loans

Payday and installment loans can be quite predatory and come with high interest rates. A typical $375 payday loan can come with $520 in fees due to repeat borrowing, according to a study by the St. Louis Federal Reserve. If you prefer to avoid cash advance apps altogether in addition to payday loans, consider these cash advance app alternatives:

1. Consider a loan from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)

These loans, called PAL, are regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). They are usually generally a low-cost borrowing option for those with a steady income and a debt-to-income ratio under 50%.

2. Secure an advance from your credit card

You can withdraw money from your credit card account. The average credit card rate is around 15%, but intro periods can be 0% for a limited time. This option is best for people who already have a credit card and haven’t maxed out their limit. One card to consider is the Discover it® Cash Back card, which offers 0% intro APR for up to 14 months and has a cash advance fee of 5% of the amount advanced or $10, whichever is the larger amount.

3. Ask your employer

If you need funds fast, ask if your employer offers paycheck cash advances. Some employers use apps such as Even or DailyPay, which let you grab larger portions of your paycheck ahead of time.

4. Apply for personal loans

Personal loans are unsecured loans that can be used for a variety of purposes, including emergency expenses. They typically have lower interest rates than payday loans and cash advance apps. Lenders such as Avant, OneMain Financial and Upstart work with borrowers who have lower credit scores and cap rates at 36% APR. You can use these loans for debt consolidation, home improvement and emergencies.

5. Ask your loved ones

Borrowing from friends or family can be a low-cost alternative to cash advance apps. Make sure to have a clear repayment plan in place to avoid creating tension in relationships.

  1. Fast Cash and Payday Loans,Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis,April 2019

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