Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
If you find yourself facing unexpected financial challenges, you're not alone. Many individuals encounter sudden expenses that demand immediate attention. In times of urgency, when traditional financing options may not be quick enough to get the bills paid, car title loans can be a viable solution.
How exactly does this type of loan work? If you own a vehicle outright, you can use its title as collateral to qualify for a short-term loan. The beauty of this arrangement is that you don't have to park your car during the loan period. In fact, you can continue to use it as usual until the loan is fully repaid, and the title is signed back over to you.
Friday, October 4th
Max Cash is a heavy hitter among car title loan services, connecting borrowers with cash in 38 states: over $100 million since 2009. They work with you to find a lender, help you choose the one that's right for you, and help you get your funds quickly - often the same or next day, via direct deposit or pickup at a MoneyGram location. The company is "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB, and gets lots of five-star reviews from satisfied clients. Max Cash should be the first place you go if you need a car title loan.
LoanMart is one of the best options for car title loans. Although you'll have to live in one of their 20 service area states to qualify, you absolutely should apply here if you do. You can get an initial quote without even providing your contact info, and loan funds can be available within 24 hours (even via debit card or cash at Walmart). Both LoanMart and the two other companies associated with their title loans (ChoiceCash and CC Bank) have excellent reputations, including an "A+” from the BBB and plenty of positive reviews. If you want to ensure that your car title loan is coming from a lender that's 100% straightforward, LoanMart is a great choice.
5 Star Loans specializes in auto title loans and personal loans ranging from $2,600 to $20,000, available in all states except New York, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia. The application process involves an initial online form, but prospective clients will still need to speak with a representative. And FYI, borrowers are required to accept the installation of a GPS device on their car throughout the loan period. Despite somewhat scanty client reviews, 5 Star Loans boasts an "A+" rating from the BBB with no filed complaints. 5 Star Loans presents a solid option for those seeking car title loans.
LoanCenter, in business since 2001, has funded over $5 million in loans, offering both car title and personal loans with interest rates ranging from 35.50% to 199.99% APR. The prequalification process involves an online form with detailed information, and customer service can be reached through a toll-free number. Owned by Wilshire Commercial Capital, LoanCenter has an "A+" BBB rating. While customer reviews are limited, LoanCenter receives a good rating, offering a solid option for those seeking car title or personal loans from a provider with no major red flags.
Car title lenders don't often make huge improvements in their reputation, but Auto Cash USA has. Going from an "F” to an "A-” (or higher, depending on the specific location) with the Better Business Bureau is worthy of some praise. They've still got a very limited service area compared with other sources of car title loans, but the website is easy to use and the process of getting cash is straightforward. If you live within Auto Cash USA's covered states, you should check them out for your title loan.
Mid American Title Loans has been around for over three decades. At first glance, it's not a bad choice for your title loan: the website is clean and easy to use, letting you know if you qualify in just a few minutes. That's where the good times stop rolling, however: you'll have to wait for a call to find out how much you can borrow and under what terms, and the location to drop off your title could be hundreds of miles away. Plus, Mid American Title Loans usually funnels you over to a different lending partner, and there's almost no feedback from borrowers to go by. We don't necessarily recommend using this service for your car title loan.
What can you get at EZ Title Loans? Great question. We had a hard time getting a hold of anyone at their offices, the Better Business Bureau has no record for them, and there are no reviews to speak of that we could find. Borrow up to $15,000? That's no easy feat when no one picks up the phone. The only reason EZ Title Loans isn't at the absolute bottom of our list is because we didn't see anything intentionally bad about the way they do (or don't) do business.
TitleMax is an absolute wreck when it comes to car title loans. Despite having lots of five-star reviews (whose validity we question), the company has been fined more than once over the last few years for flagrant dishonesty in their business practices (most noticeably harming members of the military). It may be a good thing that TitleMax's service area has diminished since our last review, so that fewer unsuspecting consumers are taken advantage of by their sketchy lending practices.
One of the advantages of car title loans is that they often don't heavily weigh your credit history. The focus is on the collateral - your car's value - which makes this type of loan more accessible even if your credit score is less than stellar. However, this also comes with a warning: failing to repay the loan could result in the loss of your car, and the loan amount is capped at your vehicle's appraised value. So, while it's a great option for those with valuable cars, those driving older or less valuable vehicles might not benefit as much.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the high-interest rates associated with car title loans. It's not uncommon for these rates to reach triple digits. Before committing to such a loan, it's in your best interests to exhaust all of the options with lower interest rates first.
Your search for a car title loan provider can begin online. Keep in mind that most sites work as a referral service. They don't usually give you the money themselves, but instead connect you with partners in their network. That's largely because you'll always have to present your title in person somewhere.
All that being said, some websites are much better than others when choosing a car title lender. Here are some factors that can help you sort the good from the bad:
Navigating the landscape of car title loans can be challenging, but TopConsumerReviews.com has done the legwork to evaluate and rank the best options available today. Taking advantage of this information can help you secure the financial help you need right now, and hopefully relieve some of your money worries at the moment!
Select any 2 Car Title Loan Providers to compare them head to head