How Lending Buddy Works, Step by Step

Lending Buddy is designed to make borrowing simpler without hiding anything. You complete one free, secure request for $200 to $5,000, and we may connect you with lenders in our network that could make you an offer. We're a loan-connection service, not a lender—so the lender reviews your request, sets the terms, and funds the loan. Below is a clear walk-through of every step, what to expect, and where you stay in control.

The Lending Buddy Process at a Glance

1. Submit your request online in a few minutes.
2. We review and route it to lenders in our network that may be a fit.
3. A lender connects with you, often within minutes, if there's a match.
4. You compare the offer, including the APR, fees, and payment schedule.
5. You e-sign only if the terms work for you.
6. Funds are deposited, as soon as the next business day.
7. You repay the lender according to your agreement.

Step 1: Submit One Secure Request

You'll tell us how much you'd like to borrow and why, then share basic details: your name, address, date of birth, contact information, income source and pay schedule, and checking account information. Lenders need this information to verify your identity, assess your ability to repay, and deposit funds if you're approved. Submitting is free, and it doesn't commit you to anything.

Step 2: We Review and Route Your Request

We check your request for completeness and share it with lenders in our network whose criteria and state availability may match your situation. We don't make credit decisions and can't guarantee that any lender will respond with an offer. Offers aren't available in every state, and each lender decides independently.

Step 3: Lender Connection

If a lender is interested, you'll typically be redirected to its website or contacted by phone or email, often within minutes. At this point, the lender may ask you to confirm details, verify your bank account, or upload documents. Many lenders perform a soft credit check, which doesn't affect your score; some may perform a hard check before final approval, which can have a small, temporary effect. If no lender is a match, you won't be charged anything.

Step 4: Compare Your Offer

This is the most important step, and it's entirely yours. Before you agree, review the lender's Truth in Lending disclosure, which shows:

• APR—the yearly cost of credit, including certain fees
• Finance charge—the dollar cost of borrowing
• Amount financed—the credit provided to you
• Total of payments—everything you'll pay if you make every payment on schedule
• Payment schedule—how many payments, how much, and when

APRs across our network vary widely and can be high, especially for short-term and tribal lenders. Our rates and fees page explains how to read these numbers, and our blog guide on how to compare loan offers gives you a checklist.

Step 5: E-Sign the Agreement

If the terms fit your budget, you'll sign the agreement electronically on the lender's platform. Save a copy of the signed agreement and the lender's contact information. If the offer doesn't feel right, simply close the page. There's no cost or penalty for declining.

Step 6: Receive Your Funds

Once you've signed and the lender completes any final verification, funds are sent by direct deposit to your checking account—as soon as the next business day in many cases. Timing depends on the lender's funding cutoff, your bank's processing, and weekends or holidays.

Step 7: Repay the Lender

Your repayment relationship is with the lender. Most set up automatic payments from your checking account on each due date. Keep a small buffer in your account, mark due dates on your calendar, and contact the lender right away if you anticipate a problem—many lenders are more flexible before a payment is missed than after. If you'd like predictable, equal payments, learn more about installment loans.

What Happens After You Submit

• You may be redirected to a lender's site immediately.
• You may receive emails, texts, or calls from a lender or partner about your request, as described in our privacy policy and the consents on our form.
• You can opt out of marketing messages using the instructions in each message.
• If there's no match, you may be shown other options or simply not hear from a lender. You can try again later.

How We Protect Your Information

Your request travels over an encrypted connection, and we use your information to try to connect you with lenders and partners as outlined in our privacy policy. To protect yourself, submit from a private device and network, confirm a lender's identity before sending documents, and never share passwords or one-time codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.

Before You Start

Have these ready: a valid ID, your income details, your checking account and routing numbers, and a working email and phone. See our eligibility page for full requirements, or explore personal loans to see what you can request.

Get Started in Minutes

That's the whole process: one free request, a possible connection with a lender in our network, a clear offer you can accept or decline, and funding as soon as the next business day if you're approved and sign. Lending Buddy keeps the first step simple so you can focus on choosing the right loan. Select Apply Now to begin.