Lendingtree Reviews: Is Lendingtree Legit?

Lendingtree reviews highlight a major player in the non-traditional lending industry. If you’ve been struggling to find affordable financial solutions, you’re not alone. As interest rates fluctuate and everyday expenses climb, more Americans are turning to online platforms to compare loan options and get access to credit quickly and simply.

In fact, according to the Federal Reserve, “Equifax data show that about $50 billion or 14 percent of personal loans consist of FinTech-issued loans.” That’s a massive shift in how people borrow money, and a clear sign that online marketplaces like LendingTree are now a major force in the industry.

So if you’re wondering whether LendingTree and similar sites are legit, helpful, or even worth your time, you’re asking the right questions. In this review, we’ll break down how LendingTree works, who it’s best for, and whether it can help you find a loan that actually makes financial sense.

What is LendingTree?

LendingTree is an online marketplace that connects borrowers with a wide network of banks, credit unions, and financial institutions offering personal loans, home equity loans, credit cards, small business loans, and more.

Founded in 1996 and publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker TREE, LendingTree is one of the oldest and most recognized names in online financial services.

The Difference

Unlike traditional lenders, LendingTree doesn’t fund loans directly. Instead, it provides access to offers from multiple lenders after completing a single online form. You can compare rate quotes, loan amounts, repayment terms, and origination fees, all without impacting your credit score.

LendingTree’s reach extends across the financial spectrum. From mortgages to debt consolidation, personal loans to business loans, and insurance, its marketplace model is designed to simplify the loan-shopping process while giving consumers more control.

Depending on the lender, some offers are available to borrowers with fair or average credit, making LendingTree a popular choice for those seeking flexible access to funds who may not qualify for funding through traditional lending institutions.

Lendingtree holds spots in both our Best Personal Loan Providers review and our overview of the Best Debt Consolidation Companies review. It ranks in the top spot in our Best Private Business Loan Providers overview.

LendingTree Reviews: Features and Benefits

LendingTree isn’t just a loan-matching service. It’s a financial resource center that helps consumers shop for everything from credit cards and personal loans to mortgage and home equity solutions, as well as personal banking and insurance.

• Receive offers from multiple lenders with one application
• Free credit score tracking and simulations available
• See rate comparisons without impacting your credit
• Many financial products available
• Strong security protocols and regulatory compliance
• User-friendly interface
• Partners with over 500 lending companies
• Graded A+ at the Better Business Bureau
• Some lenders may allow a co-signer
• Origination fees may apply depending on the chosen lender
• Informative and helpful company website
• Mobile app available

Lendingtree Reviews: Editorial Rating

Lendingtree personal loan reviews score: Trusted Company Reviews criteria: 8.4
Lendingtree home equity loan reviews score: Trusted Company Reviews criteria: 9.3
Lendingtree business loans reviews score: Trusted Company Reviews criteria: 9.8

LendingTree’s personal loan reviews show a range of customer experiences. While some borrowers appreciate the quick comparisons and loan variety, others report frustration with follow-up communication or discrepancies between prequalified offers and final terms. These mixed reviews did impact our rating, but they were offset by the platform’s broad benefits and accessibility.

Among the positive points, LendingTree allows borrowers to request personal loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. Its wide span of interest rates, from 5.20% to 35.99%, is subject to change. Its flexible loan terms, ranging from 12 to 144 months, offer a competitive edge and are also subject to variation.

However, only those with strong credit and low debt-to-income ratios are likely to receive the lowest advertised rates.

Origination fees may apply depending on the lender, and they typically range from 0% to 8% of the loan amount. While the minimum credit score required is 580, borrowers with scores above 640 will have significantly better chances of approval and more favorable terms.

Details

What We Like

LendingTree stands out for its ease of use and access to a wide selection of financial products. The ability to compare multiple loan offers with a single, simple application saves you time and can help you make more informed decisions. Combined with its array of free tools, LendingTree provides greater access to a wider range of consumers than many of its competitors.

• Large lending network offers broad access
• Transparent, user-friendly comparison process
• Free financial tools and credit education
• No impact on credit score to compare offers

What We Don’t Like

Despite its advantages, LendingTree does have some drawbacks to consider. Because it operates as a lending marketplace, the quality of your experience can depend heavily on the individual lenders you’re matched with. Some users report being overwhelmed by follow-up communication or frustrated by discrepancies between prequalified and final offers.

• Inconsistent lender quality and user experiences
• Potential for excessive marketing contact
• Final rates and terms may differ from estimates

Lendingtree Reviews: Things to Know About LendingTree Personal, Home Equity, and Business Loans

LendingTree provides access to personal loans offered through a wide network of lenders, each with its own underwriting criteria, interest rates, and loan terms. This flexibility means you can shop around without submitting multiple loan applications.

The Spring financial dashboard also allows users to track credit score changes, simulate loan impacts, and manage financial decisions in one place, and for free.

Home equity loan options include fixed-rate loans, cash-out refinances, and HELOCs. Loan approval is based in part on the equity in your home and your credit profile.

For business owners, LendingTree offers access to SBA loans, merchant cash advances, lines of credit, and more. Requirements vary by lender, but the platform gives newer businesses a better chance at accessing financing options.

Lendingtree Personal Loan Requirements

Check Your Lendingtree Personal Loan Rates

Lendingtree personal loans are available for a wide variety of uses. While the company states that it has a minimum credit score requirement of 580, those with scores of 640 or higher will have the best approval odds. Origination fees may apply to some loan products from some lending partners. Borrowers must meet these minimums to qualify for a Lendingtree personal loan.

• Credit score of 580 or higher
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of 43% or less
• Proof of regular income of $35,000 or greater
• Must be 18 years old or older
• Have a checking or savings account
• Have a US address
• Have a Social Security Number
• Have an email address
• Have no bankruptcies on your credit report in past year
• Have less than six hard inquiries on your credit report in past six months
• Be current on all existing payment accounts

Lendingtree Home Equity Loan Requirements

Check Your Lendingtree Home Equity Loan Rates

Lendingtree offers home equity loans in the form of fixed-rate, lump-sum loans, cash-out refinance options, and home equity lines of credit. The loan amounts available depend partially on the equity amount you have in your home. Closing costs, origination fees, HELOC rates, and other specifics vary by lending partner. The minimum requirements for approval, according to Lendingtree, are:

• A credit score of 620 or higher
• DTI ratio of 43% or less
• At least 15% equity in your home

Lendingtree Business Loan Requirements

Check Your Lendingtree Business Loan Rates

Lendingtree’s business loans include options for SBA loans, merchant cash advances, business lines of credit, and business banking tools. While business loan minimum requirements are highly variable by lender and product type, Lendingtree offers these suggested requirements.

• Have a personal credit score of 600 or higher
• Have a business credit score
• Have at least $50,000 in annual revenue
• Have at least a 12-month business history

LendingTree Reviews: Customer Ratings

Customer ratings for LendingTree are generally positive, with many users excited about the convenience of comparing multiple lenders in one place. Borrowers often report that the application process is straightforward and the dashboard tools are helpful during the application process.

However, a common complaint is the volume of follow-up calls and emails received after submitting a request. This is a known drawback of using marketplace platforms, where multiple lenders may contact you with offers. Additionally, some users note that the loan rates or repayment terms they were ultimately offered differed from the initial prequalified quotes.

Is LendingTree Legit?

Yes, LendingTree is a legitimate platform. It’s been in operation for over 25 years, is publicly traded, and complies with all relevant federal lending laws. LendingTree is registered with the NMLS (#1136) and uses bank-grade encryption to protect user information. While it’s not a direct lender, the company’s extensive network of partners and transparent business model make it a trusted option for comparing and accessing financial products.

Is LendingTree Worth It?

LendingTree is worth considering if you want to compare personal loan, business loan, or home equity loan offers without submitting multiple applications. It offers free access to tools that help you better understand your credit and financing options. Just be prepared to receive emails and phone call attempts from multiple lenders, and take time to read the terms carefully before accepting an offer.

Who is LendingTree Best For?

• LendingTree is a solid choice for borrowers with fair to excellent credit who want to explore financing without destroying their credit score.
• It’s also helpful for business owners seeking fast comparisons on working capital loans or SBA loan options.
• Homeowners interested in tapping into their home’s equity can benefit from the variety of HELOC and refinance offers available through LendingTree.

LendingTree is a good fit for:

• Consumers with fair to strong credit who want to compare loan offers quickly
• Borrowers seeking access to free credit monitoring and educational tools
• Shoppers looking for insurance quotes or financial services in one place

It may not be ideal for:

• Those who want a single, direct lending relationship
• Consumers averse to follow-up emails and sales calls from multiple lenders

Lendingtree Reviews: Research Data

LendingTree is not just a popular lending marketplace. It’s a highly regulated and deeply established marketplace platform. As a publicly traded company compliant with SEC regulations and registered under the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS #1136), LendingTree maintains a strong reputation for transparency and accountability.

The platform has operated for more than 25 years and complies with federal regulations like the Truth-in-Lending Act, RESPA, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Its site uses bank-grade encryption and meets the standards of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act for data protection.

Customers referred through TrustedCompanyReviews.com report strong approval rates, even among those with fair credit scores. This makes LendingTree one of the more accessible lending platforms on the market.

LendingTree simplifies the application process by letting users fill out one form and receive loan offers from up to five providers. Products are offered in three major segments:

• Home: Mortgages, refinance loans, home equity loans, and HELOCs
• Consumer: Personal loans, credit cards, auto loans, small business loans, deposit accounts, and debt relief
• Insurance: Auto, home, life, and health insurance, largely through its subsidiary, QuoteWizard

LendingTree earns revenue from its lender partners, not consumers, via lead generation fees and commissions based on interactions and closed loans.

Risk Factors from LendingTree’s 10-K Report

While LendingTree is a solid platform, its 10-K report outlines several noteworthy risks.

• Economic Sensitivity: LendingTree’s performance can fluctuate with interest rates, housing prices, and overall credit availability.
• Dependence on Key Partners: In 2024, Progressive and Allstate accounted for 33% of its revenue. Losing key partners could cause major disruption.
• Lead Quality Concerns: If lenders aren’t satisfied with conversion rates, they may reduce spending on LendingTree’s platform.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Like any digital platform, LendingTree is vulnerable to breaches, which could damage its reputation.
• Regulatory Risk: Operating in highly regulated industries means LendingTree must maintain strict compliance to avoid penalties.
• Technology Risk: Frequent updates to its digital products, including the Spring dashboard, come with risks of bugs, outages, or customer dissatisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source

Logo image source: lendingtree.com

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Deane Biermeier