InboxLoan personal loan review

What you need to know about an InboxLoan personal loan

InboxLoan is operated by the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria in Sonoma County, California. The tribal lender offers online installment loans, considering people with a wide range of credit. Even if you have some credit hiccups, InboxLoan may consider your application provided you are at least 21 years old, have a regular source of income, a bank account in good standing, and a valid email address and phone number.

First-time borrowers may be approved for a loan ranging from $200 to $1,500. Returning customers may be able to borrow up to $5,000.

If you’re approved for a loan from InboxLoan, you can use it for just about anything — a medical emergency, car repair or anything in between.

Here are some key features of an InboxLoan personal loan.

Tribal lender

InboxLoan is a tribal lender that operates from a Native American nation. Tribal loans offered by InboxLoan may seem similar to payday loans, but the loans offered are actually installment loans.

Unsecured loans offered

Loans from InboxLoans are unsecured. That means you don’t need to put any collateral on the line, like your car or other assets, to get the funds you need.

Easy to apply

Applying with InboxLoan is simple. You can apply online and get a lending decision within minutes. If you’re approved for a loan, the funds may be deposited in your bank account as soon as the next business day.

It’s important to note that InboxLoan will consider the bank account information you provide as a means of processing payments on the loan. So when it’s time to repay, if you don’t have enough money in your account to cover the payment, you may face a late fee from InboxLoan as well as an overdraft charge from your bank.

High interest rates

High interest rates are often associated with payday and installment loans. But it’s worth noting that the interest rates offered by InboxLoan can be even higher. Payday loan fees can equate to an annual percentage rate, or APR, of almost 400%. But with InboxLoan, you could be looking at rates and fees that equate to an APR of as much as 780%.

For example, if you borrow $500 from InboxLoan at a 780% APR and pay it off over 24 payments, you could end up paying around $3,405 in finance fees. This means that by the time you pay off your loan, you’ll have paid just over $3,900 to repay the $500 you borrowed.

Keep in mind that InboxLoan doesn’t charge a prepayment penalty. So if you can pay off the loan early, you won’t be charged a fee and could potentially save on interest.

But it’s important to look at other funding options when facing an APR this high. So make sure to look at your alternatives before pursuing this option.

A closer look at an InboxLoan personal loan

Here are some more standout features of an InboxLoan personal loan.

Short-term solution for emergency expenses

InboxLoan offers short-term loans to help pay for life emergencies. You might need help with medical bills, car repairs, home repairs or making this month’s rent. But due to the expense, this shouldn’t be a long-term solution to your financial situation.

Not available in every state

You won’t be able to apply for a loan through InboxLoan if you live in the following states: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia or West Virginia.

Who an InboxLoan personal loan is good for

If you’re in desperate need of a cash infusion, InboxLoan may be worth considering. But before taking on a loan, you may want to consider other lenders or explore a side hustle instead.

How to apply with InboxLoan

To apply with InboxLoan, you need a job or other regular source of income, a bank account in good standing, a valid email address and phone number, and be at least 21 years old. You can apply online, but your information will need to be verified by an InboxLoan representative.

Start by going to InboxLoan.com and clicking “Apply Now.” You’ll be asked to choose a loan amount and enter your basic information.

You’ll need to have the following information ready to complete your loan application:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Address
• Whether you rent or own your residence
• The amount of time you’ve spent at this address
• Driver’s license information
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Income details
• Bank information

Once you apply, a representative should reach out to confirm your information. If you’re approved for a loan, you could receive the funds as soon as the next business day.

Not sure if InboxLoan is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

• Earnin:
Earnin is an alternative option for emergency cash. It’s an app that allows you to borrow against your paycheck without fees or interest.
• Upstart:
Upstart might be ideal if you want a lender with a prequalification option that considers more than just your credit scores.
• Payday alternative loans:
Federal credit union members can consider these emergency cash options, which have limits on fees.

*Approval Odds are not a guarantee of approval. Credit Karma determines Approval Odds by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for the personal loan, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender. Of course, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but knowing your Approval Odds may help you narrow down your choices. For example, you may not be approved because you don’t meet the lender’s “ability to pay standard” after they verify your income and employment; or, you already have the maximum number of accounts with that specific lender.