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Above Lending Reviews & Debt Consolidation Loan Requirements

7.3

Via Credible.com’s Website

Above Lending reviews for [tcr_current_year], including our personal loan review of the company, highlight ease of use and excellent customer service from a highly-rated lending institution that also functions as its own broker. Partnering with Cross River Bank, member FDIC, Above Lending offers debt consolidation and personal loans through its online platform, where consumers can check their eligibility without cost or obligations.

While Above Lending provides a mostly online experience where customers can fill out and submit documents, calling the company to begin the process is necessary. The extra step ensures the company can match you to the financial product you need before performing the next steps. However, the procedure differs from other online lending platforms that promote a higher level of convenience.

Above Lending ranks high on our list of the best personal loan companies while just slightly missing the mark in our best debt consolidation companies review.

Get Pre-Qualified Loan Offers From 15 Highly Rated Lenders

Pros


  • Pre-qualifying won't affect credit score
  • No pre-payment fees or penalties
  • No fees to apply
  • Funding available in 1 to 7 days
  • Borrow up to $50,000

Cons


  • Not available in all states
  • Minimum requirement information unavailable
  • Origination fee may apply
  • Minimal information on website

Above Lending Features and Benefits

Above Lending checks most of the boxes expected from an industry-leading debt consolidation lender. However, the company's general website provides limited company and borrowing details until consumers call to unlock the more detailed customer area of the site.

  • Loan amounts from $1,000 to $1,000

  • Pre-qualifying won't affect credit score

  • Direct lender payments unavailable

  • No early payment penalties

  • Repayment terms from 12 to 84 months

  • An origination fee of up to 5% may apply

  • Not available in all states

  • Direct lending organization

Above Lending Reviews for Debt Consolidation

Editorial Rating

Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for Above Lending Debt Consolidation: 7.3

Our rating criteria span a range from average to specific customer reviews, loan requirements and specifics, and customer convenience. While Above Lending scored highly across multiple factors, a lack of convenience details hurt the company on our debt consolidation ranking.

Our rating criteria span a range from average to specific customer reviews, loan requirements and specifics, and customer convenience. While Above Lending scored highly across multiple factors, a lack of convenience details hurt the company on our debt consolidation ranking.

Above Lending provides excellent features, such as–

  • a wide interest rate range

  • flexible debt consolidation loan terms

  • low origination fees.

However, we felt that a more user-friendly experience from the start would be a better fit for many debt consolidation customers.

Above Lending Debt Consolidation Facts

Potential Above Lending customers can check their debt consolidation or personal loan eligibility without affecting their credit score after contacting the company at the phone number on its website.

After the initial contact, customers can set up an online account to input personal and financial information without having to provide documentation. Above Lending will then review the information and respond with information regarding the loan or loans the customer may qualify for.

After choosing the desired debt consolidation loan, clients can formally apply for it by providing documentation of the facts stated in the pre-qualification step, identification, and other documents.

Above Lending offers debt consolidation loan amounts from $1,000 to $50,000 and terms ranging from 12 to 84 months. No prepayment penalties apply for paying off a consolidation loan early.

Above Lending provides excellent features, such as a wide interest rate range, flexible debt consolidation loan terms, and low origination fees. However, we felt that a more user-friendly experience from the start would be a better fit for many debt consolidation customers.

Above Lending Debt Consolidation Facts

Potential Above Lending customers can check their debt consolidation or personal loan eligibility without affecting their credit score after contacting the company at the phone number on its website.

After the initial contact, customers can set up their Above Lending login, where they can then input personal and financial information to get pre-approved loan options without having to provide documentation. Above Lending will then review the applicant's information and respond with information regarding the loan or loans the customer may qualify for.

After choosing the desired debt consolidation loan, clients can formally apply for it by providing documentation of the facts stated in the pre-qualification step, identification, and other documents.

Above Lending offers debt consolidation loan amounts from $1,000 to $50,000 with interest rates between 5.9 and 36% and terms ranging from 12 to 84 months. No prepayment penalties apply for paying off a consolidation loan early.

Origination Fee 0 – 5% Loan Terms 12 – 84 months Minimum Credit Score unknown Loan Amounts $1,000 – $50,000 BBB Rating 4.76 / A+

Above Lending Interest Rates

Most online lenders offer debt consolidation interest rates between 6% and 35.99%. Above Lending's rates are right in line with those averages.

For pre-qualifying and final loan approval, Above Lending will consider several factors, including the customer's credit score, credit history, debt-to-income ratio, financed amount, employment and income factors, and other indicators, to determine the approved interest rate.

How to Get an Above Lending Debt Consolidation Loan

Three steps are involved when applying for a debt consolidation loan with Above Lending. As a potential customer, you must first contact the company to open an online user account. Once online, you can input your personal and financial information into the website form.

Above Lending will then perform a soft inquiry on your credit report to determine your basic eligibility. The soft inquiry will not affect your credit score, and other entities won't have access to the information or the fact that an inquiry happened.

If you're pre-qualified based on the information provided, Above Lending will compile one or more loans that you'll likely receive approval for from its lending partner, Cross River Bank. You'll then have an opportunity to review the debt consolidation or personal loan options and detailed information about each.

Once you've chosen an option, if any, you can formally apply for the loan of your choice. If your information checks out after supplying the documentation and you're approved, Above Lending will transfer the funds to your bank account within a few days, minus any origination fees if they apply.

With the funds in your bank account, you'll be responsible for dispersing the money to your existing creditors. Above Lending doesn't provide an option to pay them directly.

Approval and Acceptance

Pre-qualification with Above Lending doesn't equal final loan acceptance. However, pre-qualification is an excellent indicator of probable final approval, provided the information given in the pre-qualification step is current and accurate.

Above Lending Debt Consolidation Loan Requirements

Above Lending provides no information or guidelines regarding minimum approval requirements. However, the initial consultation and pre-qualification steps are no-obligation and no-cost methods of determining your approval odds with the company. Basic legal requirements for acquiring a loan include the following items.

  • Social Security number

  • 18 years of age or older in most states

  • Legal identification

  • Verifiable address

Above Lending BBB Reviews

Above Lending is a licensed and regulated loan company. We verified Above Lending's licenses at the NMLS, the regulatory agency that regulates lenders' licenses.

Above Lending's office locations include the following locations:

  • 650 Dundee Road, Suite 150, Northbrook, IL 60062

  • 7322 Southwest Freeway, Suite 900, Houston, TX, 77074.

At the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Above Lending maintains a high rating and receives a low volume of complaints. Importantly, the company has achieved an A+ rating without even seeking BBB accreditation, further demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction.

  • Excellent customer reviews: Above Lending BBB reviews have an average customer rating of close to 5/5 stars from over 300 reviews.

  • High BBB rating: Above Lending's BBB rating is A+ rated.

  • Low complaints: Above Lending BBB complaints are less than 10!

The Better Business Bureau awards Above Lending an A+ grade for its responsiveness to customer concerns and complaints.

Likewise, Trustpilot rates the company at 4.7 of 5 stars based on reviews from over 2,000 customers. Less than 5% of the reviews on Trustpilot gave Above Lending a 3-star rating or lower. A full 95% of reviews have 4-star or above ratings.

Also cited on Trustpilot is Above Lending's excellent history of responding to customer complaints. The company has replied to at least 94% of negative reviews on the site.

Is Above Lending Worth It?

Debt consolidation through any lender is a big commitment with potential risks and advantages. Above Lending offers a wide range of interest rates and loan-length terms, as well as modest origination fees if they apply to your situation.

However, the company does require customers to contact it directly before moving forward with the application process. While this step has advantages, such as receiving a brief consultation about which financial service might serve you best, most other online lenders provide this information upfront on their websites.

If the inconvenience of having to call the company before acquiring more information is acceptable, though, Above Lending may be able to provide the flexible debt consolidation terms you desire.

Above Lending Reviews Vs. Top Debt Consolidation Lenders

The following table briefly summarizes Above Lending's loan requirements and terms. 

Feature

Above Lending

Other personal loan lenders

Credit score range

600 to 850

600 to 750

Loan amounts

Loans up to $50,000

$1,000 to $35,000

Repayment terms

12 to 84 months

12 to 60 months

Collateral required

No

No

Above Lending Vs. Upstart

above-lending-vs-upstart.jpeg

Above Lending and Upstart both offer pre-qualification steps that don't affect consumers' credit scores before committing to a debt consolidation loan application. However, Upstart partners with multiple lending institutions compared to Above Lending's use of a single source. For this reason, Upstart may better serve those with lower credit scores or unique financial situations.

Our Upstart review showcases a couple of advantages over Above Lending when it comes to ease of use as well. By providing useful information on its website, customers can quickly determine if pursuing a pre-qualification approval is worth their time. Above Lending falls short in this area by offering only minimal information on its site.

Above Lending  Vs. Happen Bank

Above Lending vs Happen Bank

Above Lending and Happen Bank are both lending institutions that act as their own online broker. Both companies offer debt consolidation pre-approval without affecting clients' credit scores. And both offer financial services from limited sources rather than act as complete online marketplaces.

Our Happen Bank review, however, describes a full-service online bank that offers a full suite of financial tools and account options. The primary differences between Happen Bank and Above Lending regarding debt consolidation loans are Above Lending's higher borrowing capacity and wider range of loan-length term options.

Above Lending Vs. Credible

credible vs above lending

Our Credible review shares information about a highly rated company that makes it onto our best debt consolidation companies list.

While Above Lending may not appear as if it can compete with Credible at first glance, a deeper look shows that it has some advantages over one of our top picks.

Credible offers a wider range of potential loan amounts and has similar loan-length availability to Above Lending. Its partnerships with multiple lenders and ease of use put it a step ahead of Above Lending.

Feature Above Lending Upstart Happen Bank Credible BBB Grade / Rating 4.76 / A+ 1.24 / A+ 4.56 / A+ 1.29 / A+ Average Reviews Rating 4.7 3.4 4.4 4.6 Origination Fee 0 – 5% 0 – 12% Varies by Lender 3 – 8% 0 – 12% Varies by Lender Loan Terms 12 to 84 months 36 to 60 months 36 or 60 months 12 to 84 months Minimum Credit Score Unknown 300 600 No minimum stated Loan Amount $1,000 to $50,000 $1,000 to $50,000 $1,000 to $40,000 $600 to $100,000 Joint Applicants Accepted No No Yes No Mobile App Available No Yes Yes Varies by lender However, Above Lending offers potential benefits, including a much higher customer satisfaction rating with the Better Business Bureau and a more modest origination fee if one applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Above Lending Legit?

Above Lending is a legitimate lending and debt consolidation organization with licenses in 24 states. The company also possesses a Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry number. Above Lending is highly rated on several review platforms, including with the Better Business Bureau, where it carries an A+ grade.

Is it better to borrow from a bank or a lending company?

Deciding whether to borrow from a bank or a lending company comes down to personal preference. For consumers with lower credit scores, finding a lender through an online platform may increase approval odds. Online borrowers may also be able to check their eligibility before taking a hard inquiry on their credit reports. However, a personal bank may be able to offer more favorable borrowing terms for those with longer credit histories or good to excellent credit scores.

How does debt consolidation work?

Debt consolidation is available in two primary forms. On one hand, a debt consolidation company may provide the funding to pay your creditors and deliver the payments directly to them. This method is convenient for consumers who desire a hands-off approach. The other method is by way of a personal loan, in which the lender simply provides the funding while the consumer is responsible for paying their creditors with the borrowed money.

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About Author

Deane Biermeier

Deane Biermeier

Deane Biermeier is a certified financial educator through the University of Minnesota and a respected authority in financial research, writing, and editing, renowned for his in-depth analyses and expert advice. With a distinguished career that previously spanned home improvement, real estate, and finance topics, Deane's role at Trusted Company Reviews focuses exclusively on finance. Deane has contributed to leading publications such as Forbes Home, US News and World Report, Newsweek Vault, and others. Since joining TrustedCompanyReviews.com in 2023, he has solidified his reputation as a crucial resource for clear, factual financial guidance.