Overview

Editor’s note: Mariner Finance did not respond to our most recent request for details regarding its personal loan product. We reviewed its website and attempted to contact company representatives, but some of the information presented here may be incomplete. Due to the lack of verifiable information, NerdWallet did not give Mariner Finance’s personal loan a star rating.

Potential borrowers can apply online or in person to get Mariner Finance loans. These personal loans may be an option for consumers with bad credit and those with a history of bankruptcy, but high rates and relatively low loan amounts can make this lender a less-than-ideal option for some borrowers.

Mariner also engages in some practices that may not be consumer-friendly, like mailing unsolicited loan offers to prospective borrowers.

» MORE: Compare the best personal loans

Lawsuits involving Mariner

In 2022, attorneys general in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, Washington and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against Mariner Finance, accusing the lender of deceptive and misleading practices that led to borrowers paying for add-on products they did not want or know about and refinancing their loans when they did not need to.

According to the lawsuit, Mariner set sales goals and incentives that encouraged employees to deceive and mislead consumers into adding products, like credit insurance to their loan. The lawsuit also accuses Mariner of encouraging customers to refinance their loans in order to generate new loan fees and add-ons.

Mariner called the legal complaint “meritless” in a public statement.

A federal court denied the lender’s motion to dismiss all claims. In 2024, six additional states — Illinois, Indiana, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin — joined the lawsuit.

Pros and cons of Mariner personal loans

Where Mariner personal loans stand out

Option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check: Mariner lets borrowers pre-qualify online to see their potential annual percentage rate (APR) without affecting their credit scores. Previewing loan offers helps you determine how the loan fits into your budget and whether to submit a formal application.
Offers secured loans: Applicants can secure a Mariner personal loan with a vehicle. You may be able to get a higher loan amount or a lower APR with a secured loan, because the lender has something valuable to take if you fail to repay the loan.
Allows co-signed loans: Mariner lets borrowers add a co-signer to their loan application. The co-signer should ideally have better credit or a higher income to increase your loan approval odds. Mariner says the co-signer does not have to be a family member.
15-day satisfaction guarantee: Mariner says if you’re dissatisfied with your loan for any reason, you can return the money in full within 15 days and you won’t face any finance charges, fees or penalties.
Mobile app with credit score access: Mariner has a mobile app that lets you apply for a loan, manage your loan payments and check your credit score.

Where Mariner personal loans fall short

High starting APR: Mariner’s starting APR may vary by state but is likely not below 16%. This is significantly higher than some lenders that have personal loan rates starting under 10%.
May charge an origination fee: Depending on your state, Mariner may charge an origination fee. Origination fees are often deducted from your loan before funds are disbursed, lowering the amount you’ll receive.
May require an in-person visit: Borrowers can apply online for loans between $1,500 and $12,000, but you'll have to visit a branch for smaller or larger amounts. Few lenders require an in-person visit.
Customer support not available on weekends: According to Mariner’s website, customer support agents answer calls and emails Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays.
Sends live checks as unsolicited loan offers: To reach new customers, Mariner uses a loan-by-mail offer, or “live check,” that can be signed and cashed by the recipient. This loan requires no application, but borrowers who cash the check must repay the loan, plus interest. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has reported several customer complaints against Mariner’s loan-by-mail product.

How to qualify

Mariner Finance does not publicly disclose whether it has specific credit score or income requirements. The lender only has personal loan licenses in 28 states. Residents of the following states, plus Washington, D.C., will not be able to get Mariner Finance loans: AK, AR, CO, CT, HI, ID, IA, KS, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NV, NH, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV and WY.

Mariner’s borrowing requirements

Must have a valid, government-issued photo ID and a Social Security number.
Must provide proof of residency and income.
If self-employed, you must provide your most recent tax return and bank statements.

» MORE: How to get a personal loan

Ready to check rates? See what rate you can get by pre-qualifying.

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Compare Mariner Finance to the best lenders

Personal loan lenders offer different rates, loan amounts and special features, so it pays to weigh other options. The best personal loan is usually the one with the lowest APR.

	4.5	5.0	5.0
EST. APR 16% - 35.99%	EST. APR 8.99% - 35.49%	EST. APR 7.9% - 35.99%	EST. APR 7.74% - 35.99%
LOAN AMOUNT $1K - $25K	LOAN AMOUNT $5K - $100K	LOAN AMOUNT $1K - $60K	LOAN AMOUNT $1K - $50K
MIN. CREDIT SCORE None Check Rates	MIN. CREDIT SCORE None Check Rates	MIN. CREDIT SCORE 600 Check Rates	MIN. CREDIT SCORE 600 Check Rates