What Security Finance Offers
Security Finance is a regional installment lender that has been serving customers since 1955. With over 800 branches across the United States, they specialize in small personal loans for borrowers who may not qualify at traditional banks. Here's what they offer:
Security Finance key features:
- Works with borrowers who have bad credit or no credit history
- In-person application and service at local branches
- Small installment loans with fixed monthly payments
- Reports payments to credit bureaus (can help build credit)
- Personalized customer service from local branch staff
Security Finance Pros
- No minimum credit score requirement
- In-person customer support at branches
- Can help build credit with on-time payments
- Established company (since 1955)
- Local branch relationships
Security Finance Cons
- Must visit a branch to apply (no online applications)
- Lower loan amounts than online lenders
- Rates can be high compared to online alternatives
- Limited to areas with branch locations
- Less convenient than online-only lenders
Why Look for Security Finance Alternatives?
While Security Finance serves an important purpose for borrowers with limited options, you might want to explore alternatives if:
- You prefer online applications: Security Finance requires branch visits, while online lenders let you apply from your phone or computer in minutes.
- You need a larger loan: Security Finance caps loans at $5,000, but online lenders like Upgrade offer up to $50,000.
- You want lower interest rates: Online lenders often have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer more competitive rates starting around 9-10% APR.
- There's no branch nearby: If you don't live near a Security Finance location, you'll need an alternative anyway.
- You want faster funding: Online lenders can often deposit funds in 1-2 business days without requiring an in-person visit.
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Security Finance vs Online Lenders
Here's how Security Finance compares to popular online lending alternatives:
| Lender | Min. Credit | APR Range | Loan Range | Application | Funding Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security Finance | None | Varies by state | $100 - $5K | In-branch only | Same day (at branch) |
| Upgrade | 560 | 9.99% - 35.99% | $1K - $50K | 100% Online | 1-4 days |
| Avant | 550 | 9.95% - 35.99% | $2K - $35K | 100% Online | Next day |
| Upstart | 300* | 7.80% - 35.99% | $1K - $50K | 100% Online | 1-2 days |
| OneMain Financial | None | 18.00% - 35.99% | $1.5K - $20K | Branch + Online | Same day |
*Upstart uses AI-based approval that considers education and employment, not just credit scores.
Top 5 Security Finance Alternatives
1. Upgrade - Best Overall Alternative
Top PickUpgrade is our top recommendation for Security Finance alternatives. They offer significantly higher loan amounts (up to $50,000), lower rates starting at 9.99%, and a completely online application process.
Why Choose Over Security Finance
- 10x higher loan amounts (up to $50K)
- Lower rates starting at 9.99%
- 100% online - no branch visits
- Free credit monitoring included
- Longer repayment terms (up to 7 years)
Considerations
- Requires 560 minimum credit score
- No in-person support available
- Funding takes 1-4 days
Best for: Borrowers with 560+ credit who want larger loans and lower rates online.
2. Avant - Best for Fair Credit
Fair Credit OKAvant accepts credit scores as low as 550 and offers a streamlined online experience. With rates starting at 9.95% and loan amounts up to $35,000, they're a strong alternative for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.
Why Choose Over Security Finance
- Accepts 550+ credit scores
- Higher loan amounts (up to $35K)
- Rates starting at 9.95%
- Next-day funding available
- User-friendly mobile app
Considerations
- $25 late payment fee
- Not available in all states
- Administration fee up to 4.75%
Best for: Borrowers with fair credit who want fast online funding.
3. Upstart - Best for Limited Credit History
AI-PoweredUpstart uses artificial intelligence to evaluate borrowers beyond just credit scores. They consider education, employment history, and earning potential, making them ideal for younger borrowers or those with thin credit files.
Why Choose Over Security Finance
- Lowest rates available (starting at 7.80%)
- Considers education and job history
- Great for thin credit files
- High loan amounts (up to $50K)
- Fast funding (often next day)
Considerations
- Origination fees up to 12%
- Strict income requirements
- AI approval can be unpredictable
Best for: Borrowers with limited credit history but strong income or education.
4. OneMain Financial - Best for Bad Credit (Branch Option)
No Min. ScoreIf you have very bad credit and want in-person service similar to Security Finance, OneMain Financial is a strong alternative. They have 1,400+ branches and no minimum credit score requirement.
Why Choose Over Security Finance
- Higher loan amounts (up to $20K)
- No minimum credit score
- Secured loan options available
- Same-day funding at branches
- More branch locations nationwide
Considerations
- High minimum APR (18%)
- Branch visit often required
- Fees vary by state
Best for: Borrowers with bad credit who want in-person service and higher loan amounts.
5. LendingPoint - Best for Credit Building
Credit BuilderLendingPoint reports to all three major credit bureaus and offers competitive rates for borrowers with fair credit. They're a great choice if improving your credit score is a priority.
Why Choose Over Security Finance
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Higher loan amounts (up to $36.5K)
- Rates starting at 9.99%
- Fast funding (1-2 days)
- 100% online process
Considerations
- Requires 600+ credit score
- Origination fee 0-6%
- Max term of 5 years
Best for: Borrowers with 600+ credit who want to build credit while getting a competitive loan.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
When deciding between Security Finance and alternatives, consider these factors:
- Your credit score: If you have 550+ credit, online lenders like Avant or Upgrade will likely offer better rates. Below 550, consider OneMain Financial or stick with Security Finance.
- How much you need: For loans under $5,000, Security Finance may work. For larger amounts, you'll need an online alternative.
- How fast you need funds: Online lenders fund in 1-4 days. Security Finance can fund same-day at branches.
- Your preference for service: If you value in-person relationships, branch-based lenders may be worth higher rates. If convenience matters more, go online.
- Rate sensitivity: If getting the lowest possible rate is your priority, online lenders almost always win.
The easiest way to find your best option is to check rates with multiple lenders at once. Our pre-qualification tool lets you compare offers from several lenders with one simple form, without affecting your credit score.
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