OneMain Financial for Personal Loan

by TruFinancials | Mar 4, 2025 | Platform Review, Review

OneMain Financial for Personal Loans: Exploring Your Flexible Borrowing Options

OneMain Financial offers a convenient solution for those seeking personal loans, whether for consolidating debt or making significant purchases. With loan options up to $20,000 and fixed rates, you can easily manage your financial needs. This flexibility makes it an appealing choice for many borrowers looking for straightforward loan processes.

Applying for a personal loan through OneMain is designed to be a quick and easy experience. You can start the online application in just a few minutes, and their prequalification process ensures you can check your eligibility without impacting your credit score. This accessibility is essential for individuals facing unexpected expenses or planning for major life events.

Additionally, OneMain provides robust customer support and essential resources, helping you navigate your loan process effectively. Whether you're a first-time borrower or experienced in handling loans, you will find the assistance you need to make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways

• OneMain Financial offers personal loans up to $20,000 with fixed rates.
• The online application process is quick and allows for prequalification without credit impact.
• Strong customer support is available to assist you throughout your loan journey.

Overview of OneMain Financial

OneMain Financial plays a significant role in the personal loans market. Understanding its history, mission, and the variety of loan products it offers can help you make an informed decision.

Company History

OneMain Financial has a rich history that dates back to 1912. Originally founded as a small lending company, it has evolved considerably over the decades. The company has undergone several name changes and ownership structures, ultimately becoming a subsidiary of Square, Inc. in 2020.

You will find that the company has a nationwide presence with branches in over 44 states. This accessibility allows customers to engage with experienced loan specialists either in-person or online. The long-standing history reflects its experience in the industry and its commitment to customer service.

Mission and Values

The mission of OneMain Financial focuses on providing accessible financial solutions while empowering individuals to take control of their finances. The company values transparency, ensuring that you can make informed decisions about your loans without hidden fees or confusing terms.

Integrity is at the heart of its operations, aiming to build lasting relationships with borrowers. Customer satisfaction is prioritized, reflecting a commitment to understanding your financial needs and providing tailored assistance.

Loan Products Offered

OneMain Financial specializes in personal loans for various purposes, including debt consolidation, home improvement, and major purchases. You can apply for loans ranging from $1,500 to $20,000, with fixed interest rates typically between 18.00% and 35.99%.

The application process is streamlined to make it convenient for you, whether you prefer applying online or in-person. Additionally, OneMain offers secured and unsecured loan options, allowing flexibility based on your financial situation. This range of products positions OneMain as a versatile option for many borrowers seeking financial support.

Applying for a Personal Loan

When considering a personal loan with OneMain Financial, understanding the application process, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and loan approval timeframe is essential. This knowledge empowers you to navigate the procedure effectively and increase your chances of receiving the desired loan.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a personal loan from OneMain Financial, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. These typically include being at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and possessing a steady income.

Credit history also plays a crucial role. While individuals with various credit scores can apply, those with higher scores may receive more favorable loan terms. Furthermore, your debt-to-income ratio is evaluated to ensure you can manage monthly repayments comfortably.

Application Process

The application process with OneMain Financial is designed to be straightforward and efficient. You can start by visiting their website and filling out an online application. This takes less than 10 minutes and allows you to check for potential offers without affecting your credit score.

After submitting your application, a representative will review your information and may contact you for further details. Once your application is approved, you will receive information about loan amounts, terms, and interest rates.

Required Documentation

When applying for a personal loan, you must provide specific documentation to support your application. This typically includes personal identification, such as a driver's license or Social Security card, to verify your identity.

Additionally, you may need to share proof of income, like pay stubs or bank statements, to confirm your financial stability. If you are applying for a secured loan, documentation regarding the asset being used as collateral might also be required.

Loan Approval Timeframe

The timeframe for loan approval at OneMain Financial is relatively quick. You can expect an initial response within minutes of submitting your application. For final approval, it usually takes a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the complexity of your application and the verification of documents.

Once approved, funds can be available to you as fast as one hour after closing, which is particularly beneficial for urgent financial needs. This speedy process highlights OneMain Financial's commitment to customer service and efficient loans.

Loan Terms and Conditions

Understanding the loan terms and conditions is essential for making informed decisions. You should be aware of the interest rates, repayment terms, and any fees associated with your loan. Knowing the loan amount ranges can help you determine what fits your financial needs.

Interest Rates

OneMain Financial offers fixed interest rates that typically range from 18.00% to 35.99% APR. The exact rate you receive will depend on various factors, including your creditworthiness, income, and other financial history. Fixed rates mean your monthly payments will remain consistent throughout the loan period, providing predictability in budgeting.

Before applying, take the time to compare rates with other lenders. This ensures that you secure the best possible deal for your circumstances. A lower interest rate can significantly reduce the total amount you repay over the life of the loan.

Repayment Terms

Repayment terms for personal loans at OneMain Financial can vary from 24 to 60 months. A shorter term often means higher monthly payments but less interest paid overall. Conversely, longer terms can lower your monthly payment, providing greater immediate cash flow relief.

You are responsible for making timely payments according to the agreed-upon schedule. Missing a payment can lead to penalties or affect your credit rating negatively. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a repayment term that aligns with your budget and financial goals.

Fees and Penalties

When considering a loan from OneMain Financial, be aware of possible fees that may apply. These can include origination fees, which are deducted from your loan amount upfront. It's important to read the terms associated with any potential fees clearly before you sign your loan agreement.

If you miss a payment or make a late payment, you could incur additional penalties. This can also affect your credit score, making it harder to secure loans in the future. Always ensure you're clear on these charges to avoid any surprises.

Loan Amount Ranges

OneMain Financial offers personal and auto loans ranging from $1,500 to $20,000. This range allows you to apply for the amount that specifically meets your funding needs, whether for debt consolidation, home improvements, or other large expenses.

Keep in mind that not all applicants will qualify for the maximum loan amounts. Factors such as income, credit history, and existing debts will influence the amount you can borrow. Assess your financial situation carefully to choose an appropriate loan amount that supports your needs without overextending your budget.

Customer Support and Resources

When navigating financial decisions, effective support and resources are essential. OneMain Financial offers various channels for customer assistance, along with educational content and efficient online account management to help you stay informed and in control.

Contact Channels

OneMain Financial provides multiple ways to reach out for assistance. You can call their customer support Monday through Friday from 5 AM to 5 PM. For existing loans, dial 833-390-2034. If you need help with a loan application, the number is 800-525-0451. These dedicated lines ensure that your inquiries are addressed swiftly and efficiently.

Financial Education

OneMain Financial values your financial literacy and offers a variety of resources to enhance your understanding of personal loans. Their website features educational articles covering topics such as the different types of personal loans, budgeting tips, and debt consolidation strategies. Engaging with these materials can empower you to make more informed financial decisions and better understand your loan options. Utilizing these resources can prepare you for responsible borrowing and effective debt management.

Online Account Management

Managing your loan online at OneMain Financial is straightforward. You can check your loan status, make payments, and update your personal information through their user-friendly portal. This access allows you to monitor your loan and manage your finances without hassle. The online platform is designed for convenience, enabling you to take action anytime, anywhere, ensuring you always stay connected to your account details.

Check out OneMain Financial Today

M1 Finance Review: Best Free Investing Platform for Beginners

by TruFinancials | Aug 6, 2024 | Platform Review, Review

Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

I've been using M1 Finance now for the past eight months and wanted to share my thoughts on the investing platform. I am not a financial advisor and these are just my options, so please make sure to talk to a cpa if needed. 

Let's start with some of the basics.

M1 Finance is a low-cost, self-directed online brokerage that offers low-cost trading through its website or mobile app. You are able to buy stocks, ETFs, and bonds. Its business model is similar to other recent investing platforms such as Webull and Robinhood, but with some unique benefits.

Pricing
This is the biggest thing to note when it comes to using M1 Finance. It's FREE to trade!!! It offers low-cost trading with a monthly platform fee of $3.00 which is waived
for clients who have $10,000 or more in M1 assets at least one day during each
billing cycle or an active Personal Loan. There is a 90-day grace period before
this fee begins being charged.

I get really excited about that because I remember a time when buying or selling a stock was upwards of $9.95 a trade, YIKES! So this is a great value. Now I know what you might be thinking, how does M1 keep costs so low? How would M1 Finance make money? They make money a few different ways including their M1 Borrow features as well as directing order flow (making money by placing the orders) and lending shares to short-sellers. Effectively all these help make the basics of the platform low-cost for you.

Buying Shares
This is a two-parter.

First is probably my favorite thing about M1 Finance and that is the ability to buy fractional shares! In case you're unaware of what that is, it's where you can buy smaller portions of a whole share. 

Let me give you an example: I love Tesla and want to own a part of the company. On most other trading platforms in order to have ownership, you have to pay the full trading price if you want to buy a share. With M1 Finance you can buy small fractions of a share with Tesla. In my portfolio, you can see that I have 0.05569 (5%) of 1 share. By far one of my favorite features!

To some, this might not be that important, but I believe that getting started even with a small amount can make a big difference over time. M1 makes that easy because if you can only put in $20 every paycheck that $20 gets invested. On other platforms you would be limited in the stocks you can buy or you'd have to let the funds sit there until you had enough to purchase a full share.

The second thing with buying shares with M1 Finance is that there are two trading windows per day. The morning trade window begins
around 9:30 ET and the afternoon window begins around 3:00 PM ET every day the NYSE market is open. Accounts with $25,000 or more in equity can participate in both trade windows in a single day, while other accounts can select which window they want to participate in. But for myself, I don't mind this at all.

Pies
This feature with M1 is a neat one. I haven't seen it with other online investing platforms. Pies. Not the ones that you bake in the oven (although I could eat a pecan pie right about now). The pie is your overall portfolio and the funds you invest in are the slices of this pie.

And without trying to lose you, you can actually create pies within your main pie. Effectively, you can create sectors for the funds to be placed in. They can mimic the market sectors such as the energy sector, tech sector, communications sector, etc or make your own based on what companies you put in. In the photo below you can see my pies within the main pie.

I love this feature since I can group of stocks that I want together, the neat part is I also get to see how those stocks are performing as a group overall. It gives me some great insight into how a particular sector might be doing. 

Account Types
M1 has several options when it comes to account types. You can open up a regular taxable investment account, a joint investing account, a trust account, custodial
account, and retirement (traditional, Roth or SEP IRA or rollover). 

Getting started
M1 offers low-cost investing with a monthly platform fee of $3.00 which
is waived for clients who have $10,000 or more in M1 assets at least one day during each
billing cycle or an active Personal Loan. There is a 90-day grace period for new users to
try out the platform before the fee begins being charged. There is no minimum balance
required to open an account, but you'll need at least $100 for a brokerage account and
$500 for a retirement account to start investing.

Once your initial amount is put in you can transfer whatever amount you want into the account. Although you will need a minimum of $10 for the money to be invested. Otherwise, anything less than $10 will sit in the cash balance. One downside to M1 in comparison to Robinhood is that you don't get instant access to your funds when placing a deposit. Robinhood actually gives you access to upwards of $1,000 to invest with before the money is officially transferred, so you don't miss any opportunities if the market was down.

Dividends
Dividends. Probably one of my favorite words in the English language! Dividend payouts work a bit differently on M1 Finance than other investing platforms. Since M1 offers fractional shares, your dividends are paid out based on your overall shares, including the fractions. This means if a company pays out $0.10 a share and you own half of 1 share, you'll get paid $0.05 in dividends. 

M1 also gives you the opportunity to reinvest those dividends back into your portfolio with their auto-invest feature (also known as DRIP) which we'll talk about in the next section. The one downside to some investors is that the reinvested dividends get returned to the whole portfolio and not necessarily back into the company that paid said dividends. This doesn't bother me so much, although it would be nice if that would be an option.

Auto-Invest
Auto-investing is when your account balance hits over $10 (default), that can be from deposits, dividends, or if you sold a stock. Now, this feature can either be turned off if you wanted or the dollar amount can be raised if you prefer.

Target Percentages
When you create your pie (or pies within the main pie like me). You get to give a target percentage to each stock (or pie) to equal out to 100%. This means if you have 4 stocks or ETFs you can set each one to be 25% of your pie. You can also, if you wanted, set 2 funds at 40% each and the other 2 at 10% each. Whatever works best for you and your investing style. These targets will determine how much money goes into each fund.

Actual % vs Target %
So what happens when a stock or an ETF starts doing really well and is above its target? A few things happen, the pie graph will look a bit funny, but second little to no money will most likely get deposited into that fund. And because a fund going over its target means another one is now under, the majority of the next deposited funds will be placed into this fund or funds.

I see this as a great thing personally because if a fund or a sector of funds is doing really well aside from the market just moving up, I tend not to invest more. But there is a solution if you did want your next deposit to go into that fund or set of funds. You can adjust the target %. Simple and easy. 

Rebalancing
*Talk to a financial advisor as mention at the beginning about this next part.
This feature I stay away from personally. This is used when you either adjust to new target %'s or funds are off from their targets in general. You can hit the rebalance button to sell off funds that are above their target and buy into funds that are below. The reason I don't do this is that it creates a taxable event since you're buying and selling.

 Website and App

I personally use both the website and app when checking my account. Both do a good job of navigating me through my account, although it's slightly easier on the website. Creating multiple sectors (pies) is best done on the website.

User Interface/Research
The user interface is fairly basic and easy to use. I think most novice investors can figure things out fairly quickly. For intermediate investors, such as myself there are a few things lacking such as the amount of detailed information about a particular stock or ETF. You can always head over to websites that offer more detailed information, so it's not a make-or-break.

For beginner investors 
For those who may just be getting started with investing, M1 offers what they call “Model Portfolios”. These portfolios are curated with specific goals in mind. They have a general investing portfolio, plan for retirement portfolio, and even responsible investing portfolio to cater to many different investors to get you started. 

Other features
This review didn't cover some of the other features on M1 such as the borrow and Cash Accounts features. Possibly in the future, I can talk about them, but for today I wanted to focus on the investing of M1.

Overall
With everything we covered today, I hope I didn't lose you along the way (You made the cut if you're reading this part). I hope this was a simple and easy review. As mentioned I've been using M1 Finance for some time now, and there are many great features about the platform that really stand out to me in comparison to others in this area such as Webull and Robinhood (which I will be covering in future posts). The biggest features are that the platform offers low-cost trading, has fractional shares, and DRIP (the reinvesting of dividends). Some of the disadvantages of M1 Finance are the delay in access to your funds in comparison to Robinhood, the reinvesting of dividends only occurs when the cash balance is over $10, and information for each fund doesn't go as in-depth.

Overall, I have been loving M1 Finance and it is the place where I am building up my dividend investing portfolio for the long haul. 

We also have you covered with our full beginner's video guide to setting up your M1 account. Watch our 1-Hour YouTube video here

​​M1 Finance: 4.5/5

Click here to sign up for M1 Finance today

Thank you for taking the time to read my review of M1 Finance.

Your friendly neighborhood money nerd, Denis Trufin