Mariner Finance 2026 Personal Loan Review
Mariner Finance loans may be fitting for borrowers with bad credit who need small or mid-sized loans.
- Need a co-signed or secured loan.
- Prefer in-person support during the application process.
- Have good or excellent credit.
- Need to borrow more than $25,000.
What to know about Mariner Finance personal loans
Editor’s note: Mariner Finance did not respond to our most recent survey requesting details regarding its personal loan product. We used the information on its website to update our review, but could not verify its accuracy. Due to the lack of verifiable information, NerdWallet did not give Mariner Finance’s personal loan a star rating.
A Mariner Finance personal loan could be a suitable borrowing choice if you have a low credit score and aren’t looking for a large loan.
Annual percentage rates range from 15.99% to 35.99%, though you could end up with a rate towards the higher end of that range if you have bad credit. If you have good or excellent credit, you’re likely better off choosing a different lender. Mariner’s starting APR is higher than many lenders we review, and you may qualify for a lower rate elsewhere.
However, if you do have a low credit score, Mariner lets you apply with a co-signer or secure your loan with collateral, which are two options that can boost your loan approval odds. The lender also says it considers applicants who have filed for bankruptcy.
You won’t get a large loan from Mariner as the lender caps loan amounts at $14,000 if you’re applying online or $25,000 if you apply inside one of its branch locations. Many personal loan lenders offer loans amounts up to $50,000 or more. But if you don’t need a large loan, you’re able to use the money for a wide variety of purposes.
Another thing that’s worth mentioning about Mariner Finance: The lender uses unsolicited loan-by-mail offers, or “live checks,” to reach new customers. Basically, you could get a loan check from Mariner that you can cash without ever filling out a loan application. Of course, you’re still on the line for repaying the loan, plus interest. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has reported several customer complaints against Mariner’s loan-by-mail product.
» MORE: Compare the best personal loans
What we like most about Mariner Finance
- You can apply with a co-signer: Adding a co-signer who has better credit or a higher income to your loan application can increase your loan approval odds. Mariner says the co-signer does not have to be a family member.
- You can get a secured loan: You can use a vehicle as collateral for a secured personal loan, which may help you qualify for a higher loan amount or a lower rate.
- There’s a 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 won’t face any finance charges, fees or penalties.
Why Mariner Finance may not be right for you
- Rates can be high: Mariner’s APRs range from 15.99% to 35.99%. The starting rate is significantly higher than some lenders that have personal loan rates starting under 10%.
- Limited loan amounts: You’ll have to choose another lender if you need to borrow more than $25,000. See our list of best lenders for loans up to $50,000.
- May require an in-person visit: Mariner Finance says you can only apply online for loan amounts ranging from $1,500 to $14,000. You'll have to visit a branch for smaller or larger amounts. Few lenders we review require an in-person visit.
How much does a Mariner Finance personal loan cost?
The total cost of your Mariner Finance loan depends on the amount borrowed, annual percentage rate and loan term. Here is an example of how different rates affect the costs of a $10,000 loan with a 3-year term.
APR | 20%. | 30%. |
Monthly payment | $372. | $425. |
Total interest cost | $3,379. | $5,283. |
Total loan cost | $13,379. | $15,283. |
» MORE: Use our personal loan calculator to estimate your costs
Do you qualify for a Mariner Finance personal loan?
Mariner Finance does not disclose on its website whether it has specific credit score or income requirements. To be eligible for a Mariner Finance personal loan, you must live in one of the following 29 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington or Wisconsin.
Mariner Finance’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
Frequently asked questions
Q: What can I use a Mariner Finance personal loan for?
A: You can use a Mariner Finance loan for almost anything including debt consolidation, home improvement projects, emergencies, vacations, weddings and more. However, you can’t use a Mariner personal loan for business expenses, post-secondary education expenses, investing, gambling or illegal activities.
Q: Does Mariner Finance have a mobile app?
A: Yes, you can apply for a loan and manage your loan payments using Mariner’s mobile app. You can also keep track of your credit score using the app.
How does Mariner Finance compare?
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Est. APRFrom 15.99% to 35.99% | Est. APRFrom 6.99% to 35.49% | Est. APRFrom 5.96% to 35.99% | Est. APRFrom 7.24% to 24.89% | Est. APRFrom 7.74% to 35.99% |
Loan amountFrom $1,000 to $25,000 | Loan amountFrom $5,000 to $100,000 | Loan amountFrom $1,000 to $75,000 | Loan amountFrom $5,000 to $100,000 | Loan amountFrom $1,000 to $75,000 |
Min. credit scoreNaN | Min. credit scoreNaN | Min. credit score600 | Min. credit score660 | Min. credit score600 |
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