They sent me 500 and I never applied for a loan. Nor have I ever been on their site. Called the customer service number after my bank told me who sent me the money. And the guy couldn’t even find my account no matter what he used to look up my information. And then told me that since he couldn’t find my application that they didn’t send me the money. So now I gotta dispute it with the bank so I don’t get charged anything
She was bubbly and had a great attitude and handled all my questions and problems quickly and decisively. Even made sure I knew what was going on and was very professional. Basically she was the best support person I ever talked to. I sure hope you guys recognize her talents and made aware she did a great job and this is a genuine statement and review.
My experience has been wonderful LOREGIE has been a lot help. All my questions were answered, not a long waiting time. VERY FAST SERVICE. The agents are always caring and understanding and very respectful and considerate. Thank you!!
Dear Valerie, We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. We are happy to see this dedication reflected in your recent experience with us. We’ll make sure that your agent will get a recognition that she deserves. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
This situation Im in is tough. To have a company that gives you a chance to make things right without making things painful. Is definitely a blessing. Straight forward questions to instant decision on your approval. I couldnt ask for more
In tough times I needed help in first long came to do my assistance you guys did a great job thank you very much have a great day now if we can only bring our gas prices down
Dear Customer, We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. Our goal is to help borrowers get the money they need, especially when other lenders won’t consider. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
Had a pretty good experience; I was getting a bunch of robo-calls after I thought everything had been set, so I opened up a customer service chat and someone named Loregei helped me out and was really nice to me. Thanks.
Dear Josh, We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. We are happy to see this dedication reflected in your recent experience with us. We’ll make sure that your agent will get a recognition that she deserves. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
Originally reached out as I only needed a small very short term loan to bridge my paychecks. A lot of other declined me due to credit score as the pandemic drug my score through the mud as it did most peoples. Could not get another creditor to approve me. First loan approved me and helped me out when it was needed most! Thank you!!
Dear Andrew, We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. Our goal is to help borrowers get the money they need, especially when other lenders won’t consider. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
First loan is really convenient and fast if you’re really need money fast. Also, the customer services are nice and patient. Just chatting with Jun online and helping for pay my loan off on the weekend. Really helping in many ways.
Dear Customer, We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. We are happy to see this dedication reflected in your recent experience with us. We’ll make sure that your agent will get a recognition that he deserves. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
The process and application was very easy to take care of. Once approved it was about 3-4hours and the loan was in my bank. I was given a loan payment schedule and advised of Customer service #if I needed assistance
My experience with this company has been a great one! Tim, the agent who took care of my call was very polite and patient! Thank you for your excellent customer service!
Dear Customer, We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. We are happy to see this dedication reflected in your recent experience with us. We’ll make sure that your agent will get a recognition that he deserves. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
Yes at first I was upset then I was connected to a patient costumer service agent named Michelle that explained my situation..nicely well understood
Dear Jesus, We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. We are happy to see this dedication reflected in your recent experience with us. We’ll make sure that your agent will get a recognition that she deserves. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
The application & approval process was fast and easy! This is the 2nd time that I have received a loan through First Loan and each time it’s been a positive experience!:-)
Dear Customer, Thank you so much for your kind words. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. We count ourselves lucky for having customers like you. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Thank you for being such a great customer. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
Geraldine was my agent today and she was able to help me solve my problem in a fast and timely matter. I really appreciated her suggestions and help through the process.
Dear Customer, We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. We are happy to see this dedication reflected in your recent experience with us. We’ll make sure that your agent will get a recognition that she deserves. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
All the attention they gave me was excellent, the patience, the honesty that you show when explaining to us and giving us all the options that we have to be able to pay off our loan, thanks to the entire team for their support and consideration, thanks to the company for the trust you give us and I hope to continue doing business with you for a long time. Thanks for everything.
You should say when and time the funds will be available so we can be able to use the funds when your customer apply for a loan for emergencies
First loan website always does not work. You cant view your account info and calling is a joke. You can never get someone to answer. Horrible.its amazing how firstloan can contact you for a review but fails to contact you when needing assistance.
Dear Alvina, We apologize for any inconvenience that youve had encountered. Our online portal is undergoing a system update but rest assured that our team is working so hard to fix the issue as quickly as possible. We would appreciate if you can provide the details of your account so that we can further investigate and provide necessary actions as required. As an alternative, you may chat with one of our chat representatives in our website, email us or call us to access and discuss the details of your account. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
well at first i like them but at the moment im not because im behind on my payments but i havent heard one word from anyone to me
Dear Customer, We understand youve put so much time and effort into this, and it has to be difficult for you. Please accept our deepest apologies for the inconvenience. We encourage you to contact us (855)-625-8292, and we will make every effort to address your concern. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
If I could give this place 0 stars I would, Although the loan I received did help me at my urgent time of need, I was approved for $225.00 and had to pay back total of 1717.21 that’s 1492.21 I finance charges! I did express my opinion on that matter and I was treated fairly and was assisted with a payoff schedule that gave me a much reasonable finance charge and I did pay off my loan on the new scheduled dates, Unfortunately because I voiced my opinion I can no longer apply or renew my loan now that I’m in a much better position of being able to afford the finance charge, at that time I wasn’t able to do so! But I have been turned down 3 times!
Dear Brandy Favella, We understand youve put so much time and effort into this, and it has to be difficult for you. Please accept our deepest apologies for the inconvenience. We encourage you to contact us 855-625-8292, and we will make every effort to address your concern. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
GERALDINE WAS AWESOME L!!! I HAD ALL MY QUESTIONS ANSWERED AND MY ANSWERS WERE PROVIDED IN A TIMELY MANNER.GREAT EXPERIENCE OVERALL
Dear Danielle, We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. We are happy to see this dedication reflected in your recent experience with us. We’ll make sure that your agent will get a recognition that she deserves. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
Quick application and approval process. Wish the retrieval of funds could be a bit more faster. Over all great service!
Dear Customer, We truly appreciate the time you took to write such a great review. Thank you for your kind feedback. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Sincerely yours, First Loan Customer Satisfaction Team
Information written by the companyFirst Loan is a lender which makes personal installment loans to individuals with varying levels of credit and believes that many consumers have a credit background and alternative credit attributes that should be considered when they apply for credit. First Loan offers installment loans to help you quickly cover your expenses. It is a fast and easy way to borrow. First Loan originates personal installment loans that meet all applicable federal laws and regulations as well as the tribal law of the Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians, a sovereign Tribal nation, under which it was established and licensed as a tribal lender.
Getting a personal loan can be a lifesaver when you need emergency cash or funds for a major purchase. With so many lenders to choose from, it can be challenging to know which one to trust. First Loan markets itself as a go-to option for installment loans and cash advances, but what do customers really think?
I decided to dig into First Loan reviews and feedback to find out if this lender delivers on its promises. As someone who has been in the unfortunate position of needing quick cash, I know how nerve-wracking and frustrating the loan process can be when dealing with a shady lender
After analyzing reviews from sources like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), here’s what I learned about peoples’ experiences with First Loan cash advances and loans
An Overview of First Loan and Its Offerings
First Loan provides personal installment loans and cash advances ranging from $200 to $5,000. Loan terms range from 4 to 26 months. To qualify, you’ll need:
- A source of income
- An active checking account
- A working phone number and email address
The company markets itself as an alternative lender that looks beyond credit scores. They claim to offer a quick and easy borrowing experience.
In addition to loans and advances, First Loan offers:
- Fast funding, with money deposited as soon as the next business day
- Multiple repayment options
- No prepayment penalties
- Customer service over phone, email, and live chat
The company’s website and marketing materials seem to check all the right boxes. But does the reality line up with the promises? Here’s what actual customers have to say.
Experiences with the Application and Approval Process
The application process is one of the first interactions borrowers have with a lender. Based on First Loan reviews, experiences seem to be mixed.
Positive feedback includes:
- Quick and easy application that can be completed in minutes
- Instant decision on loan approval
- Loans funded as quickly as the next day
However, many borrowers report frustrations like:
- Glitchy online application
- Requested information that was not clearly explained
- Asked for a lot of personal and employment details upfront
- Long wait times for a decision on loan approval
Some people mention receiving loan funds without ever applying. Others report applying and being approved for one loan amount but then funded for a different (often lower) amount without explanation.
Feedback on Interest Rates and Payment Terms
One of the biggest complaints focuses on high interest rates and payment terms that are not adequately explained. According to reviews:
- Interest rates are often 300-700%, which customers call predatory and absurd
- The true cost of the loan in interest and fees is obscured during the application process
- Loan terms are shorter than advertised (e.g. 4 months instead of 12 months)
- Options for extending repayment are refused after the loan has been funded
Many people characterize the rates and repayment requirements as “a trap” and share horror stories of repaying 2-3 times the amount borrowed. However, First Loan denies allegations of failing to properly disclose rates and fees.
Problems with Account Access and Payments
Numerous negative reviews center on issues borrowers encounter after receiving the loan. Some of the most common grievances include:
- Unable to access account details and payment information on the company website
- Sudden repayment deductions from bank accounts without notice
- Payments “mysteriously” stopped being auto-debited, then large sums suddenly deducted later
- Inconsistencies with amounts owed and payment due dates
- Payments made over phone rejected, with customers always being directed back to the non-functional website
Based on the feedback, the lack of transparency and errors with payments after funds have been issued are particularly frustrating for borrowers.
Quality of Customer Service and Communication
In the modern lending landscape, customer service can make or break the borrowing experience. According to reviews, communication and support from First Loan are severely lacking.
- Phone calls consistently routed to voicemail
- Emails and in-app messages go unanswered for weeks
- Confusing and contradictory information provided by different agents
- Rude and dismissive attitude from many customer service reps
- Harassing calls demanding payments with wrong due dates/amounts
While some customers share positive stories of reps resolving issues, the majority of feedback indicates serious problems reaching knowledgeable support agents.
Collections Practices and Default
Harsh collections tactics are a common theme in critical reviews. Many customers share alarming stories like:
- Threats to garnish wages and report to credit bureaus over small misunderstandings
- Aggressive calls from collections demanding full payment of inflated balances
- Continued withdrawals from bank accounts after loans are paid in full
- Refusal to provide detailed records of payments made and balance owed
- Being sent to collections after just 1-2 late payments
These kinds of stories demonstrate why it’s so important for lenders to offer clear information and responsive support. When customer service fails, situations can escalate unnecessarily.
The Better Business Bureau Weighs In
One revealing source of information on First Loan comes from the BBB. The company currently has a rating of just 1 out of 5 stars based on over 70 customer reviews.
- 17% of the reviews are 1-star, highlighting shady business practices.
- Only 9% gave 5 stars.
- The most common complaints involve billing/collections issues, misleading business practices, advertising/sales problems, and poor customer service.
First Loan has failed to respond to 100% of the negative complaints on their BBB profile at the time of this writing. This apparent disregard for addressing customer issues is quite troubling.
Can First Loan Reviews Be Trusted?
Whenever basing major financial decisions on customer feedback, it’s wise to proceed with a healthy dose of skepticism. With First Loan, however, the negative experiences are too widespread to simply dismiss.
Review patterns on Trustpilot, BBB, and other third-party sites point to systemic issues instead of isolated incidents:
- Consistent themes of hidden fees, lack of transparency, billing problems, and poor communication
- Issues persist over years, demonstrating failure to improve
- Hundreds of similar complaints from customers with no evident connections
While it’s possible a few reviews could be fake or competitors trying to cause issues, the overwhelming evidence cannot be reasonably ignored.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
First Loan markets quick cash solutions for people in need. Based on the available reviews and my own analysis, here are the key pros and cons borrowers should consider:
Pros
- Fast and easy application process
- Quick funding as soon as the next business day
- Provides loans to borrowers with poor credit
Cons
- Egregiously high interest rates
- Lack of transparency about full costs
- Account and payment issues
- Poor customer service and communication
- Aggressive collections activities
For people with good credit and options, the risks clearly outweigh any benefits. However, for borrowers with nowhere else to turn, First Loan may still beat the streets. Just go in with eyes wide open.
How to Borrow From First Loan More Safely
If you decide First Loan is your only or best option, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Read everything carefully – Don’t breeze through forms. Make sure you understand repayment terms.
- Look for red flags – Don’t ignore confusing info or inconsistencies. Ask clarifying questions.
- Keep detailed records – Save all loan docs, correspondence & payment receipts.
- Use debit cards wisely – Link to an account with minimal funds to limit access.
- Pay early – Avoid interest charges by paying off the balance early if possible.
- Communicate politely – Being rude or aggressive can escalate things if issues arise.
While these tips can help, they don’t eliminate the inherent risks. Avoid using First Loan unless you have no better options and enter with extreme caution.
The Final Word on First Loan Reviews
After combing through customers’ input from a variety of sources, I feel confident saying First Loan has some serious issues it needs to address. Between absurdly high rates, lack of transparency, website problems limiting account access, billing errors, poor support, and aggressive collections tactics, the negatives clearly outweigh the positives of quick cash.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal circumstances. If you have decent credit, absolutely explore other lenders first. If you’re truly out of options, proceed with extreme caution and safeguard yourself as much as possible. Based on the experiences so many people share, First Loan should be considered a lender of absolute last resort.
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How good is first loan?
First loan is really convenient and fast if you’re really need money fast. Also, the customer services are nice and patient. Just chatting with Jun online and helping for pay my loan off on the weekend. Really helping in many ways. Date of experience: March 13, 2022 We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us.
Is firstloan a good loan provider?
FirstLoan is an online, short-term installment loan provider. They admit to being a “ very expensive form of borrowing” that people should only use to pay for their short-term needs. For example, people may need to cover medical emergencies, home repairs, or their rent. That’s eerily similar to the excuses that payday lenders use.
Is first loan a payday loan lender?
First Loan is a tribal lender that gives customers access to the cash they need quickly (at the cost of an astronomically high interest rate). Customers can receive up to $5,000 in just one business day when taking out a loan with First Loan. Although First Loan is not technically a payday loan lender, they are a tribal lender.
Is first loan a good company to get a loan from?
First Loan ia a great company to get a… First Loan ia a great company to get a loan from. They have friendly staff working for them. It didn’t take no time for my loan to get approved. I will definitely be referring them to my family and friends.