Taking out a personal loan has become a problem these days. You must check your details and wait months, sometimes years, for the loan commitment. Fortunately, you can turn to trustful companies like Oportun.
As the official review of Oportun states, it was launched in 2005. Initially, Oportun Inc aimed to provide financial services to those who couldn’t apply to a leading bank or credit union.
The online application offers private loans, support programs, etc., for people with a small credit history or relatively low credit scores.
This Oportun review provides a comprehensive introduction to Oportun independent personal loans, considering an Oportun app review from other users. It also gives all the facts you need to determine if this is the right option.
Pros and Cons of Oportun
We focus not only on the company’s benefits but as it provides the viewer with objective information about the render. Here we present the pros cons of the lender, i.e. the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- It is a quick application. You can get a personal loan on the day of the application.
- Make a credit history. You can take a consumer loan without a credit history or a low FICO score, which will help you build your credit score.
- Competitive annual percentage rate. It offers an affordable annual percentage rate for borrowers with low creditworthiness.
- Doesn’t charge maintenance fees like credit cards.
Cons:
- The high effective annual interest rate for good creditworthiness. The annual percentage rate is high enough. It can’t be called a benefit.
- There are only a few lines of credit. You can borrow up to $ 10.000 of money.
- Lending fee. Oportun Inc charges a processing fee or tax stamp fee for all personal loans.
How Oportun Works?
A credit rating is usually required for a personal loan of 300 to 700 points in the United States. However, a borrower without a credit record on their bank statement of accounts is considered by the lender too.
The minimum deposit is $300. In particular, the loan amount available depends on many factors. It can be determined in many ways, including your state, your credit record (if any), and previous direct deposit loans with the same provider.
If you go through many Oportun reviews, you’ll notice it offers cheap personal loans on your bank account with fixed rates from 7 to 35 months. In addition, there are no hidden costly overdraft fees, prepayment penalties, or changes to the established payment amount.
You can also pay more than you usually pay, or pay in advance. The decision is yours, though, since everyone has personal references for making a decision.
By adjusting the payment period to the pick-up date, the procedure has become easier. The best thing is that you can constantly improve the creditworthiness of the existing bank account by making timely payments and taking out more deposit loans with a low effective annual interest rate.
Oportun Inc doesn’t require a proven credit record from linked bank statements, as it checks certain financial conditions of the clients and determines the result. You also don’t need to provide debit card collateral when applying for a loan.
The service provider procedure is very simple and can be divided into three important steps: “Start application,” “Submit documents,” and “Wait for personal loan approval.”
- First, you need to fill out your application.
- Then submit the checking account documents online or directly to your nearest Oportun Inc office. Only original documents are accepted.
- After submission, you need to wait for the approval of direct deposits and personal loan conditions like interest charges.
Oportun Features
Now let’s look at common loan types and their features.
Private Loans
They can be used to pay for a variety of personal expenses, including:
- Medical bills and utility payments;
- Apartment equipment;
- Car repair;
- Products and services;
- Holiday or wedding;
- Money borrowed from friends and family;
- Consolidation
These personal loans usually have some usage restrictions like credit cards. For example, it can’t be used for business or educational expenses. So, you should read the terms and conditions in advance.
Car Loan
Unlike private loans, which can be used for various purposes, including debt consolidation, car title loan funds can be used to buy a car or as a way of refinancing a car. Cars are one of the biggest purchases in people’s lives. According to the loan terms, you can pay back while using a new car and having fun while traveling. In case of late loan payments, your car may be confiscated.
Mortgage
For many, buying a home is a life goal; it’s one of their personal references. However, very few people can pay for a house at once. Mortgages allow you to diversify your financial solutions and payments over the years. You usually have to pay a certain percentage of the sale price of your home.
These costs are called a down payment. The down payment is about 20% (or more) of the house price. But it can be even much lower depending on the type of mortgage you are eligible for. After the down payment, the contract is repaid until all mortgages are paid off.
Your mortgage holder is your homeowner until you make the last mortgage payment. If payments are overdue, there is a risk of foreclosure, and the lender may seize your home. So, you have to track it carefully.
Student Loan Refinancing
Student loans can be used to pay for education-related expenses, such as:
- University fees;
- Dorm;
- Textbook;
- Transport facilities;
- Computer.
They are often the first budgeting loan a person lends out asides from credit cards. Most student loans don’t have to be repaid before graduation and usually need a co signer to make it a secured loan with a better chance of repayment. Some of them have a deadline of several months to look for a job before they start repaying.
Small Business Loan
Small business loans provide the cash flow businesses need to improve or expand their existing businesses. It is also an advanced feature for anyone starting a new business, depending on the loan amount. With the small business loan, the following business expenses can be paid:
- Daily work;
- Business-related assets;
- Commercial equipment.
Applying for a small business loan usually requires the presence of a formal financial products plan explaining how the loan amounts will be used. In addition, some small business loans require a personal guarantee. It promises to repay the unsecured and secured loan company with personal assets in case of default.
Payday Loan
Payday loans can only be used to receive funds for few expenses, especially for personal finance and bills. They are also often very limited and harsh with their fees, terms, etc.
This loan is equal to the loan amount of the previous one plus the accrued interest and fees. If you don’t repay by the next repayment date, your loan fees can be increased, and the APRs can make the sum unbearable to pay. Payday loans can have up to 400% APR, which can be very expensive to repay.
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Oportun Fees & Rates
Personal loans are usually subject to an annual percentage fee, but especially with alternative loan lenders, it is known that they require a fee from the borrower. It is important to keep an eye on how these overdraft fees will affect your total costs when considering whether you can repay your borrowed money.
No one needs to pay general fees such as a membership fee or monthly payments in Oportun LLC. But depending on your state restrictions, some taxes may be charged. States unaffected include AZ CA FL ID IL MO, etc.
These additional fees vary from state to state and are usually calculated as a percentage of the borrowed amount. For example, for a $ 1000 loan, you need to pay $ 30 for a commission of 3%. Oportun Inc also charges fees that are common to most personal loans, such as closing payments and check returns.
The interest rates are much higher than the interest rates that private money lenders usually take. Although it is positioned as an “alternative render” for people who don’t have a bank account or have a low credit score, it doesn’t charge the fees that payday renderers charge. This loan is very expensive. The cost of monthly payments is between traditional loans and potential rip-off loans.
Oportun: Details Of Loans
Oportun Loans is a loan company that specializes in providing personal loans to individuals with limited credit histories or no credit history at all. They offer loans with flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates, making them a popular choice for borrowers who may qualify for low traditional bank loans.
n the table below, you’ll find all the key features of Oportun personal loans, including loan amounts, APRs, repayment term, and more. This information can help you determine whether Oportun Loans is the right lender for your needs and budget.
|
APR |
26.86 – 35.95% |
|
Fees |
0-7% origination fee, $5-$15 late fees, and $0 to $30 returned check fee |
|
Minimum Credit Score |
None |
|
Repayment Term |
1 – 5 years |
|
Requirements |
$500 monthly income,18+ age, valid ID |
|
Where to get |
Online |
Oportun personal loans offer competitive rates and flexible repayment terms, making them a good option for borrowers with limited or no credit history. However, their loan amounts may be lower compared to other lenders, and it charges an origination fee and late fees, which may not suit everyone’s needs.
Additionally, their loans are available only in some states due to some state restrictions, which may be a disadvantage for some borrowers. Some of the states where the cash advance is available include AZ CA FL ID IL MO, etc.
Oportun Safety and Security
If we talk about the company’s safety and security policies, there is nothing special. Oportun Inc collects information only to improve its accredited products and services, regulatory requirements, and customized services.
Your information can also be used for typical website analytics, targeted digital advertising considerations, and promotions.
The good news is that you can opt out of this by clicking on the “Privacy Settings” link at the bottom of your webpage. It doesn’t seem to share any secure information with other third-party services. For security reasons, it is encrypted with an SSL certificate.
At least other reviews and customer experience didn’t raise any money security concerns.
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Trustworthiness & BBB Rating of Oportun
Oportun LLC is a Certified Business Support Authority. It has an A + rating from the Better Business Bureau. It is a non-profit organization consumer financial protection bureau centered around protecting consumers from loan scams and building trust with lenders. It evaluates lending companies online by assessing customer complaints, the truthfulness of advertising, and the transparency of business practices.
Still, remember that a good Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating doesn’t guarantee a good relationship with Oportun. You can also search for customer reviews on the Internet or ask friends if they used its services.
By the way, Oportun LLC was recently involved in a serious scandal. According to a ProPublica study, the company filed thousands of lawsuits against low-income Hispanic borrowers during the COVID-19 epidemic, threatening them to continue paying high-interest loans.
So, if you are worried about this case, perhaps you should consider another financial company. You could also go through the Washington D.C. and California financing law before applying with this creditor.
Oportun Mobile Support and Accessibility
Oportun’s mission is to provide meaningful and accessible financial services. It helps clients build a better future and involves developing products and services accessible to everyone, including people with different abilities. It strives to improve its usability and design so that as many people can use it as possible.
So, Oportun personal loan has an app for iPhone and Android. By working together, they can provide more opportunities to improve the financial state of customers. Everyone who has a smartphone or tablet can enjoy this new financial instrument.
It is a very simple app that allows you to save money, start investing and even reduce overdraft fees. Use the digital connection with your bank to calculate smart savings based on your income and spending habits. Then unknowingly save a small amount for your goal. This desktop app gives you financial freedom by doing other smart things about money, like budget management, banking, and more.
You can always turn to online mobile support and get an answer to any question.
Customer Service at Oportun
Oportun offers the best service when it comes to its customer experience representatives thanks to beautiful customer reviews on the internet. They wish their customers to feel good. Please turn to its customer service via the contact information if there are any questions.
The following contact information about yourself should be specified:
- Your full name;
- Address;
- Phone;
- The last 4 digits of your account number (only for existing customers);
- Reasons for inquiries, disputes, compliments, and complaints.
All objections to the credit check must be made in writing.
If you have accessibility problems due to obstacles or obstructions, please contact the Oportun customer service team by phone or mail specified on the official website.
It works:
- Monday – Friday: 8 am—8 pm PT
- Saturday – Sunday: 9 am—7 pm PT
Please don’t include your social security number, account number, or other confidential information in your e-mail communication to protect your privacy.
Is Oportun Good Choice for You?
If you don’t have a credit history or perfect personal finance record and need cash for a sudden expense like rent and utility, Oportun personal loans may make a good short-term choice if you find the offers enticing enough.
According to a spokeswoman for Oportun, lenders have contacted two of the three major credit bureaus for bills – Experian and TransUnion to check the credit score rates of applicants. Meeting the paycheck deadlines will help build a credit history.
Oportun personal loan is great for people with bad credit score and who need to borrow money immediately. As a better alternative to payday loans, the minimum loan amount is only $ 300, and you can borrow up to $ 10 000. It is not the cheapest financial company, but it is much better than traditional financial ones.
Still, Oportun’s interest rates are higher than some other lenders. So, you should compare the interest rates to see if there are cheaper options elsewhere (e.g, a credit card), especially if you have a good credit score and your income is not high.
How To Apply For Oportun Personal Loan
Applying for a personal loan from Oportun is a simple and straightforward process. Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the Oportun website and click on “Apply Now” to begin the loan application process.
- Fill out the application form with your personal information, including your name, address, resident license, NMLS ID, and employment information.
- Provide information about the personal loan you’re seeking, including the loan amount and purpose of the loan.
- Once you’ve completed the application process, Oportun reviews your information and determines your eligibility for a loan.
- If you’re approved, you’ll be presented with the loan terms, including the APR, repayment terms, and any fees associated with the loan.
- If you agree to the terms, you’ll sign the personal loan agreement and provide any additional documentation that’s required.
- Once all documentation is submitted and approved, your loan amounts will be deposited into your bank account within one or two business days.
What Do I Need To Get Loan From Oportun
To apply for an Oportun Loan, you’ll need to provide a few documents, including a government-issued ID, proof of income, and proof of address. You’ll also need to have a minimum credit score of 500, although Oportun personal loan does not require a credit check to apply.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a personal loan with Oportun. However, if you currently have an outstanding Oportun personal loan or have had one within the past 90 days, you won’t be eligible for another loan.
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Apps Like Oportun
What are Oportun’s alternatives with the same features? Below are other loan options with similar features and services to Oportun.
Oportun
- It is a company that uses data analysis and technology. It provides personal loans to people with minimal credit histories. It’s located in San Carlos, California. Oportun Inc is the trademark holder of the company with all rights reserved.
- Founding date: 2005
- Type: public
- Tags: Financial Services, Personal Loans, Fintech
- Alexa Website Rank: 138646
- Market capitalization: $234.3 M
Blue Motor Finance
- It is a fintech company.
- Founding date: 1992
- Type: private
- Tags: Financial Services, Personal Loans, Fintech
- Alexa Website Rank: 625706
- Market capitalization: £63.9 M
Crédito Real
- It provides financial solutions for people who traditional banking systems can’t serve.
- Founding date: 1993
- Type: public
- Tags: Financial Services, Personal Loans, Financial management, Fintech
- Alexa Website Rank: 101444
- Market capitalization: $133.3 M
Crescent Bank & Trust
- This company provides financial services through an online platform.
- Founding date: 1991
- Type: subsidiary
- Tags: Financial Services, Loans, Banks, Fintech
- Alexa Website Rank: 549685
- Market capitalization: N/A
How We Review
The bottom line is that it’s evident from many Oportun reviews that this app has been accredited by the Business Support Authority since 2016 and has an excellent offer tool (opens with a new account). It has a generally positive reputation on many financial services sites, especially with its good customer reviews.
Unlike many loan lenders, it doesn’t have an online calculator. So, you will have to enter your client’s data during the bidding process. The applications are completed in at least 10 minutes. Theoretically, it is possible to withdraw your loan amounts within a day.
Regarding interest rates and customer service, Oportun personal loan is relatively easy to understand and respond to and has a low credit score requirement. The company supports lending only to those who can prepare repayments. For this purpose, they want to draw up policies (certificate of income, etc.) like in the California financing law.
It also works with credit report agencies in the United States to help clients with zero or extremely low credit scores build a better position for the future.
Oportun Personal Loans are expensive. But compared to payday lenders and some credit card offers, it seems like a greater option. If you don’t have a personal loan and need to raise money, you should get its contact information and reach out to Oportun customer service before asking for help from a loan financing company.
Sources Used in Research for the Article:
- Personal Loans, Oportun, https://oportun.com/personal-loans/
- Secured Personal Loans, Oportun, https://oportun.com/secured-personal-loans/
- FAQ, Oportun, https://oportun.com/faq/