Universal Credit

NMLS #1610752
NMLS #1717824
Universal Credit, powered by LendingClub, specializes in personal loans for debt consolidation, aiming to simplify finances with direct payments to creditors.
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Disclosure
Personal loans made through Universal Credit feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 11.69%-35.99% and a 5.25%-9.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Repayment terms from 36 to 60 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 28.47% APR (which includes a 22.99% yearly interest rate and a 7% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,300 and would have a required monthly payment of $387.05. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $13,933.62. The APR and other terms of your loan may vary and you may not be presented with multiple offers. If offered, your loan terms, including your rate, will depend on credit score, credit usage history, loan amount, and other factors. Late payments or other fees, as noted in your Borrower Agreement, may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. Certain loan offers may not be available in all states.
Pros
Personal loans for fair credit
Fast pre-qualification
Direct debt payoff option
Cons
High interest rates
Origination fees
Limited loan amounts

Snapshot

Year Founded
2016
Address
625 Market St, 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105
Estimated # of Employees
200-300
Composite Score
9.42
Trustpilot Reviews
4.7
(
3,138
Reviews)
BBB Reviews
A+
(
384
Reviews)

Overview

Universal Credit, operating as a distinct brand under the umbrella of Upgrade, Inc., was specifically established to provide accessible personal loan solutions. It particularly targets consumers with fair credit scores who might face challenges qualifying for traditional bank loans, addressing an underserved market segment. Its core mission is to empower individuals to effectively consolidate existing debt and improve their overall financial standing. Universal Credit achieves this by offering a streamlined online application process complemented by direct payment options to creditors, aiming to provide a clear and efficient pathway to financial relief for those seeking to manage their existing debt more effectively and simplify their financial obligations.

Customer Views

What They Like

Customers generally appreciate Universal Credit's willingness to extend loans to borrowers with fair credit scores, making it a more inclusive option compared to many prime lenders who have stricter criteria. The fast pre-qualification process is a significant advantage, as it allows applicants to check their potential rates without impacting their credit score, providing a risk-free initial assessment. Furthermore, the direct debt payoff option simplifies debt consolidation by sending funds directly to creditors, streamlining the process for borrowers.

What They Dislike

However, online reviews frequently point to the presence of relatively high interest rates and origination fees, which can significantly increase the overall cost of the loan over its term, making it potentially more expensive for borrowers. Additionally, customers sometimes find that the maximum loan amounts offered by Universal Credit can be somewhat limited when compared to the offerings of other larger or more diversified lenders, which might restrict its utility for more substantial debt consolidation or financial requirements.

FAQs

Are loan offers ranked or biased in any way?

Score Credit is a free service for consumers. We partner with a network of vetted lenders and may receive compensation when a user checks their rate or takes out a loan through one of our partners. This helps us keep the platform free to use and maintain a high-quality experience. Our compensation has no impact on how your loan options are presented — you’ll always see real, personalized offers based on your credit profile and financial needs.

Does Score Credit receive compensation from lenders?

Score Credit is a free service for consumers. We partner with a network of vetted lenders and may receive compensation when a user checks their rate or takes out a loan through one of our partners. This helps us keep the platform free to use and maintain a high-quality experience. Our compensation has no impact on how your loan options are presented — you’ll always see real, personalized offers based on your credit profile and financial needs.

Universal Credit

's customers are saying...

Point was great!!!! They gave me money from my home equity when no one else would. I did not qualify for refi or reverse mortgage. They were fast and the customer service was great. I recommend them, highly.
Terri C.
I think is a better alternative to refinance similar in my opinion to a reverse mortgage. your immediate cash flow is not impacted if what you are trying to do is control your cashflow by eliminating smaller loans that do impact your current cashflow.
Jose Castillo
This HEI was a perfect fit for me. Retired and on a fixed income, I found I was paying interest on home equity loans each month. I never seemed to be able to reduce those loans, which meant I was cash-poor each and every month. I was able to pay off all those loans, leaving me with some cash each month. The payoff will happen when I sell my home in the future.
Bruce M.
The Point process was a lifesaver for me. It allowed me to get completely out of a lot of debt and to make the changes I wanted to make in my house to enjoy my old age. The application process was very easy - just get in what they ask you for as timely as possible. Crystal and John were two of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. They both got things done as fast as possible - we closed in a month. I see this, especially for elderly people who don't have a lot of equity in their home and can't do a reverse mortgage, as another good option.
Bonnie C.