Responsible Lending

APPNAME, operated by Fedd Loans LLC, is committed to promoting responsible lending practices and consumer protection. As a loan matching service, we connect consumers with third-party lenders in our network. We do not make loans or credit decisions ourselves. However, we believe that responsible lending benefits both borrowers and the lending industry by fostering trust, transparency, and sustainable financial outcomes. This page outlines our principles, the standards we expect from lenders in our network, our commitment to transparency, and guidance for borrowers. It also includes important information about predatory lending and how to protect yourself. Please read this page carefully. This information is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice. If you have questions about a specific loan or your rights as a consumer, please consult a qualified professional or your lender directly.

Our Principles of Responsible Lending

The following principles guide our approach to connecting consumers with lenders and inform the standards we expect from our lending partners. These principles are not intended to create legal obligations or to supersede applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to operating in a manner that supports consumer protection and financial wellness.

Consumer Protection

Protecting Borrowers

We believe that consumers should be treated fairly and with respect throughout the loan process. Consumer protection means ensuring that borrowers receive clear, accurate, and timely information about loan terms, costs, and their rights. We expect lenders in our network to comply with all applicable federal and state consumer protection laws, including the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and state-specific regulations. We support practices that help borrowers understand the total cost of borrowing, avoid over-indebtedness, and make informed decisions. We do not tolerate deceptive practices, misleading advertising, or hidden fees. While we cannot control the lending decisions or practices of third-party lenders, we strive to work with lenders who share our commitment to treating consumers fairly and who maintain appropriate compliance programs. If you believe a lender has treated you unfairly, we encourage you to contact the lender directly and to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state attorney general.

Fair Pricing

Reasonable Costs

We believe that loan products should be priced fairly and that the cost of credit should be commensurate with the risk and the services provided. Fair pricing does not mean the lowest possible rate—lenders must assess risk and price loans accordingly to remain viable. However, we believe that rates and fees should be disclosed clearly and should not exploit borrowers who are in difficult financial situations. We expect lenders in our network to comply with all applicable usury laws, rate caps, and fee limitations imposed by state and federal law. The APR range for loans offered through our platform (5.99% to 35.99%) reflects the typical range of rates offered by our lending partners. Your actual rate will depend on your creditworthiness and other factors. We do not work with lenders who engage in predatory pricing practices, such as charging excessive rates that far exceed the borrower's risk profile or that are designed to trap borrowers in cycles of debt. If you receive a loan offer, carefully review the APR, fees, and total cost before accepting.

Transparency

Clear Disclosure

We believe that transparency is essential to responsible lending. Borrowers should be able to understand the terms of their loan, including the interest rate (APR), all fees, the payment schedule, and the total amount they will repay, before they commit. We expect lenders in our network to provide clear, conspicuous disclosures in accordance with the Truth in Lending Act and other applicable laws. We do not support practices that obscure or hide the true cost of credit. On our platform, we strive to provide information about loan products, rates, and fees in a clear and accessible manner. Our Rates and Fees page provides detailed information about the typical costs associated with loans in our network. However, your actual loan terms will be disclosed by the lender you are matched with. You should always read your loan agreement and any disclosures provided by the lender before you accept a loan. If you have questions about fees, rates, or terms, contact the lender directly.

Lender Standards: What We Expect

As a loan matching service, we work with a network of third-party lenders. We do not control the underwriting, pricing, or servicing decisions of these lenders. However, we have established standards for lenders in our network. The following describes what we expect from our lending partners and what we do not support. These standards are subject to change and may not apply to all lenders or in all circumstances. Compliance with applicable law is the ultimate responsibility of each lender.

What We Require

We expect lenders in our network to: (1) comply with all applicable federal and state laws, including consumer protection statutes, usury laws, and licensing requirements; (2) provide clear and accurate disclosures of loan terms, including the APR, finance charge, total amount to be repaid, and payment schedule, in accordance with the Truth in Lending Act and state law; (3) use fair and non-discriminatory underwriting practices in compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and other anti-discrimination laws; (4) maintain appropriate data security and privacy practices to protect consumer information; (5) provide clear contact information and responsive customer service so that borrowers can address questions or concerns; (6) handle complaints and disputes in good faith and in accordance with applicable law; and (7) report credit information accurately to credit bureaus, where applicable. We do not guarantee that every lender in our network meets all of these standards at all times. If you have concerns about a lender's practices, please contact the lender and, if appropriate, file a complaint with the CFPB or your state regulator.

What We Prohibit

We do not support and will not knowingly work with lenders who: (1) engage in deceptive or fraudulent practices, including misleading advertising, bait-and-switch tactics, or false promises about loan terms; (2) charge interest rates or fees that exceed applicable legal limits or that constitute usury under state law; (3) fail to provide required disclosures or provide disclosures that are unclear, incomplete, or misleading; (4) discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, receipt of public assistance, or exercise of rights under consumer protection laws, in violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act or other applicable laws; (5) use abusive debt collection practices or harass borrowers; (6) make loans without verifying the borrower's ability to repay, where such verification is required by law; (7) engage in loan flipping or other practices designed to trap borrowers in cycles of debt; or (8) engage in any other practice that we determine, in our sole discretion, to be predatory or harmful to consumers. We reserve the right to discontinue our relationship with any lender that does not meet our standards. However, we cannot guarantee that every lender in our network meets these standards at all times, and we are not responsible for the conduct of third-party lenders.

Disclaimer Regarding Lender Standards: APPNAME is a matching service and does not originate, fund, or service loans. We do not control the business practices of lenders in our network. The standards described above reflect our expectations and our commitment to responsible lending, but they do not create legal obligations enforceable by third parties. Lenders are responsible for their own compliance with applicable law. If you have a dispute with a lender, you must contact the lender directly. We are not a party to any loan agreement between you and a lender.

Tips for Borrowers

Borrowing money is a significant financial decision. The following tips are designed to help you make informed choices and protect yourself when considering a personal loan. These tips are general in nature and do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Your individual circumstances may vary. Consider consulting a qualified professional before making borrowing decisions.

Borrow Only What You Need

It can be tempting to borrow more than you need, especially if you qualify for a larger amount. However, borrowing more than necessary increases your debt, your monthly payment, and the total interest you will pay. Before applying, calculate how much you actually need to cover your expense. Consider whether you can reduce the amount by cutting costs elsewhere or by saving for a portion of the expense. Only borrow what you need and what you can afford to repay according to the loan terms. Remember that you will owe the full amount you borrow, plus interest and any applicable fees.

Understand the Total Cost of the Loan

The loan amount is only part of the picture. You must also consider the interest rate (APR), any origination fees, and other charges. The total amount you will repay over the life of the loan can be significantly higher than the amount you borrow. Review the Truth in Lending Act disclosure provided by the lender, which will show the APR, finance charge, total of payments, and payment schedule. Compare offers from multiple lenders if possible. A loan with a lower APR but a high origination fee may cost more overall than a loan with a slightly higher APR but no origination fee. Always calculate the total cost before accepting a loan.

Ensure You Can Afford the Monthly Payment

Before accepting a loan, carefully review your budget and ensure that you can afford the monthly payment for the entire term of the loan. Missing payments can result in late fees, damage to your credit score, and default. Consider your income, expenses, and any other financial obligations. Build in a buffer for unexpected expenses. If the monthly payment seems too high, consider a longer term (which may result in lower monthly payments but higher total interest) or a smaller loan amount. Do not assume that you will be able to refinance or pay off the loan early unless you have a concrete plan to do so.

Read All Loan Documents Carefully

Before signing a loan agreement, read all documents thoroughly. This includes the loan agreement, the Truth in Lending Act disclosure, any fee schedule, and any other materials provided by the lender. Pay attention to the APR, the monthly payment, the total repayment amount, the due dates, and any fees (including late fees, returned payment fees, and prepayment penalties). If anything is unclear, contact the lender for clarification. Do not sign until you understand and agree to all terms. Keep copies of all documents for your records.

Be Wary of Pressure Tactics

Legitimate lenders do not pressure you to rush into a decision. Be cautious of anyone who urges you to act immediately, suggests that you skip reading the fine print, or tells you that you must accept an offer without time to consider it. You have the right to take time to review and compare offers. If you feel pressured, walk away and seek a different lender. A reputable lender will give you time to make an informed decision.

Protect Your Personal Information

Your personal and financial information is sensitive. Only provide it to legitimate lenders through secure channels. Be cautious of phishing and scam attempts. Legitimate lenders will not ask you to pay fees upfront to obtain a loan (e.g., "advance fee" scams). If someone asks you to wire money, pay with gift cards, or send money before you receive a loan, it is likely a scam. Verify that you are dealing with a legitimate lender by checking their licensing status with your state regulator and by using contact information from official sources.

Consider Alternatives Before Borrowing

A personal loan may not always be the best option. Consider whether you can meet your need through other means, such as: building an emergency fund, negotiating a payment plan with a creditor, seeking assistance from a nonprofit credit counseling agency, or borrowing from family or friends (with a written agreement to avoid misunderstandings). If you have existing debt, consider whether a debt consolidation loan makes sense for your situation. Weigh the costs and benefits of each option before making a decision.

Warning: Predatory Lending

Predatory lending refers to practices that take advantage of borrowers by imposing unfair, abusive, or deceptive loan terms. Predatory lenders often target borrowers who are in financial distress, have limited access to mainstream credit, or lack financial literacy. The following information explains common predatory lending practices and how to protect yourself. This information is intended to educate consumers and does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you have been a victim of predatory lending, you may wish to consult an attorney or consumer rights organization and to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state attorney general.

What is Predatory Lending?

Predatory lending encompasses a range of practices that harm borrowers. These may include: (1) charging excessively high interest rates and fees that far exceed the borrower's risk profile or that are designed to maximize lender profit at the borrower's expense; (2) making loans without regard to the borrower's ability to repay, leading to default and financial hardship; (3) using deceptive or misleading advertising to attract borrowers, such as promising "guaranteed approval" or "no credit check" when the actual terms are different; (4) hiding or obscuring the true cost of the loan through complex fee structures or confusing disclosures; (5) pressuring borrowers to take out larger loans than they need or to refinance repeatedly ("loan flipping"), which generates fees for the lender while increasing the borrower's debt; (6) including mandatory arbitration clauses or other provisions that limit the borrower's ability to seek redress; (7) engaging in abusive debt collection practices; and (8) targeting vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, military service members, or low-income borrowers. Predatory lending can trap borrowers in cycles of debt. If you recognize any of these practices, proceed with caution.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be alert to the following warning signs that may indicate predatory lending: (1) the lender pressures you to act immediately or discourages you from reading the loan documents; (2) the lender is unclear or evasive about the interest rate, fees, or total cost of the loan; (3) the lender offers "guaranteed approval" or "no credit check" without explaining the terms—legitimate lenders typically assess creditworthiness; (4) the lender asks you to sign blank or incomplete documents; (5) the lender asks you to pay fees upfront before you receive the loan (advance fee scams); (6) the lender is not licensed or registered in your state—you can verify licensing through your state's banking or financial regulator; (7) the loan terms seem too good to be true; (8) the lender is not transparent about the loan structure or how payments are applied; (9) the lender requires you to purchase additional products (e.g., insurance) as a condition of the loan; or (10) the lender does not provide a clear way to contact them or resolve disputes. If you encounter any of these red flags, consider seeking a different lender.

How to Protect Yourself

To protect yourself from predatory lending: (1) research the lender before applying—check their licensing status, read reviews, and look for complaints with the CFPB or your state attorney general; (2) compare offers from multiple lenders and understand the total cost of each option; (3) read all loan documents carefully and ask questions before signing; (4) never pay fees upfront to obtain a loan—legitimate lenders deduct fees from the loan proceeds or add them to the loan balance, and they do not require you to wire money or pay with gift cards before funding; (5) verify that the lender's contact information is legitimate and that you can reach them if you have questions or problems; (6) understand your rights under federal and state law—the Truth in Lending Act, for example, requires certain disclosures and gives you the right to cancel certain types of loans within a specified period; (7) if you believe you have been a victim of predatory lending, document the facts, keep copies of all documents, and consider filing a complaint with the CFPB (consumerfinance.gov) or your state attorney general; and (8) if you are struggling with debt, consider contacting a nonprofit credit counseling agency for assistance.

Your Rights Under Federal Law

Federal law provides consumers with important protections. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires lenders to disclose the APR, finance charge, total amount financed, and payment schedule before you accept a loan. For certain types of loans, you may have a right to cancel (rescind) within three business days. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) prohibits discrimination in credit based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, receipt of public assistance, or exercise of rights under consumer protection laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how your credit information is used and gives you the right to dispute inaccurate information. If a lender violates these laws, you may have a right to seek damages. Consult an attorney or the CFPB for more information about your rights.

Disclaimer: APPNAME is committed to responsible lending and does not support predatory practices. However, we are a loan matching service and do not control the conduct of third-party lenders. We cannot guarantee that every lender in our network meets our standards at all times. If you have concerns about a lender's practices, please contact the lender and, if appropriate, file a complaint with the CFPB or your state regulator. We are not responsible for the conduct of third-party lenders.