Frequently asked questions

A personal loan is typically unsecured, meaning it doesn't require collateral. People often use one for things like debt consolidation or paying down credit cards. Always review the terms before accepting any offer.

No. Lighter Lending is not a lender and makes no credit decisions. We connect consumers with third-party lenders and partners in our network.

Submitting a request on our site does not affect your credit score. If you continue with a lender you're connected to, that lender may perform its own credit check.

Our service is free to use. We may receive payment from lenders or partners when we connect you with them.

Eligibility is set by each lender and may consider factors like income, identification, and a bank account. Perfect credit isn't required, and qualifying, or qualifying for any particular amount, is never guaranteed.

Availability varies by state and by lender, and some states may not be serviced. The lenders in our network determine where they operate.

Rates depend on the lender and your individual profile, so we can't quote a rate. Any rate or APR example shown on this site is for illustration only.

You fill out one short form with a few details about what you need. We compare options across our network of third-party lenders based on that information, and if there is a fit, you continue with the lender directly. The lender makes the credit decision and sets your rate and terms.

The form takes about two minutes. You may see options shortly after you submit, though timing depends on the lenders in our network and the information you provide.

Generally some basic details such as your name, contact information, the amount you have in mind, and a few facts about your situation like income and employment. You will also review and agree to our disclosures before submitting.

We use encryption when you submit your request, and we explain how we handle your data in our Privacy Policy. As a marketing and matching service, we share the information you provide with the lenders or partners we connect you with.

How we share information is explained in our Privacy Policy and CCPA Notice. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information at any time using our Do Not Sell or Share page, and we honor Global Privacy Control signals.

You can reply STOP to any text message to stop texts, and you can manage or withdraw your communication preferences anytime through our Manage Preferences page. Opting out does not affect a request you have already submitted.

The consent box explains that you agree to be contacted by Lighter Lending and its network of lenders and partners at the number you provide, including by automated technology or prerecorded message, even if your number is on a Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition of any purchase, and you can opt out at any time. The full disclosure is shown on the form.

Debt consolidation means using a single new loan to pay off several balances at once, leaving you with one fixed monthly payment and a payoff date. Our debt consolidation guide walks through how it works and who it tends to fit.

Consolidation combines what you owe into one loan that you repay in full. Debt settlement is an attempt to resolve a debt for less than the full amount, usually with significant credit and other risks. Our guide comparing the two explains the trade-offs.

It might, if you qualify for a loan with a lower rate or a longer term, but that depends on the lender and your situation and is never guaranteed. Compare the total cost over the life of the loan, not just the monthly payment.

You tell us the amount you have in mind. How much you may qualify for is determined by the lender based on the information you provide and your profile.

People commonly use personal loans for debt consolidation and paying down credit cards, which is our focus. Allowed uses are set by the lender, so review the terms before you accept any offer.

No. There is no obligation. Being matched is not approval, and you are free to review any options and walk away.

We compare options from our network and, if there is a fit, connect you with one or more third-party lenders or partners who may contact you. You decide whether to continue with any of them.

If a loan is not a fit, you may be presented with other options from third-party providers, such as a debt-relief program. A debt-relief program is not a loan, may negatively affect your credit, is not available in all states, and is not right for everyone. The provider discloses all costs and terms before you enroll.

No. Submitting a request through Lighter Lending does not affect your credit score. If you choose to continue with a lender, that lender may perform its own credit inquiry.

We work with a network of third-party lenders and partners. They make their own credit decisions and set their own rates and terms. We do not endorse or guarantee any particular lender or offer.

No. Our service is free to you. We may be compensated by lenders or partners when we connect you with them. Any fees tied to a loan or program come from the provider and are disclosed by them.

No. A debt-relief or debt-settlement program is not a loan and does not provide you with funds. It may reduce what you owe but can hurt your credit, may have tax consequences, is not available in all states, and is not suitable for everyone.

You can reach us through our Contact page, or email our privacy team at privacy@lighterlending.com for questions about your information or to request a correction.