Personal Loans
Our Take: Mariner Finance offers flexible secured and unsecured personal loans with quick funding and the option to apply with a cosigner. However, limited state availability and lack of rate transparency hold it back. For fair or bad credit borrowers, Upgrade and Upstart may be stronger alternatives.
- Check your rate without affecting your credit
- Offers secured and unsecured loans
- Can apply with a cosigner
- Get funds in 1 – 2 business days
- Excellent customer experience
- Little information about rates is available online
- Only available in 27 states
- Charges origination fees (fee amounts vary by state)
| Rates (APR) | Not disclosed |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| Repayment terms | 1 – 5 years |
| Min. credit score | 580 |
Table of Contents
- What is Mariner Finance?
- Mariner Finance personal loan types
- Uses for Mariner Finance personal loans
- How do Mariner Finance personal loans work?
- How to get a loan with Mariner Finance
- Pros and cons of Mariner Loans
- Is Mariner Finance legit? Customer review
- Mariner Finance’s customer service
- Personal loans like Mariner Finance
What is Mariner Finance?
Mariner Finance is a consumer lending company that provides a wide range of loan products to help borrowers manage everyday expenses, larger projects, or unexpected costs. Its core offering is personal loans, available in both secured and unsecured options, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Borrowers can apply on their own or with a cosigner, and Mariner allows you to check your rate without impacting your credit.
Beyond standard personal loans, Mariner highlights specific loan uses such as debt consolidation, home improvement, medical expenses, vacations, and weddings. It also offers auto loans, mortgages, and retail financing through select partnerships, making it more versatile than many personal-loan-only lenders. Customers can apply online or in person at one of Mariner’s branches, manage their account through the company’s website or mobile app, and choose from multiple repayment methods.
Mariner is available in 28 states and has built its business around quick funding and personalized service. However, it falls short on rate transparency, which may leave some borrowers seeking more upfront detail before applying.
Mariner Finance personal loan types
Mariner Finance offers both unsecured and secured personal loans, with terms designed to match different borrowing needs.
Unsecured personal loans
Mariner’s unsecured personal loans don’t require collateral. Approval is based on your credit history and other qualifying factors. These loans are useful if you prefer not to pledge an asset, though the borrowing amount or interest rate may be less favorable compared to a secured loan.
Secured personal loans
With Mariner’s secured personal loans, you pledge an asset—commonly a car—as collateral. This type of loan may allow you to qualify for a lower rate or borrow more than you could with an unsecured loan. Mariner can place a lien on the collateral until the loan is fully repaid, and if you default, the asset may be sold to cover the balance.
Uses for Mariner Finance personal loans
Mariner Finance lists a variety of personal loan “types” on its website—such as debt consolidation, home improvement, and vacation loans. While these are presented as separate products, they all fall under Mariner’s standard personal loan offering. In other words, the rates, terms, and approval process are the same; the difference is simply how you choose to use the funds.
Online loans
Borrowers can apply online for general financial needs such as home repairs, purchasing a car, consolidating debt, or funding a vacation.
Debt consolidation loans
These loans let you combine multiple debts or bills into a single monthly payment, simplifying repayment and potentially reducing overall costs.
Home improvement loans
Designed to finance renovation and repair projects, these loans can help you complete updates around the house without waiting to save up.
Unexpected expenses loans
Mariner offers loans to help cover emergencies such as auto repairs, medical bills, appliance breakdowns, or plumbing issues.
Vacation loans
Borrowers can fund personal travel, honeymoons, or family trips with a vacation loan, making it easier to plan and pay over time.
Wedding loans
For couples facing high upfront wedding costs, these loans can help manage expenses and make paying for the big day more manageable.
How do Mariner Finance personal loans work?
Mariner Finance interest rates and terms
| Term | Details |
| Rates (APR) | Not disclosed |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| Repayment terms | 1 – 5 years |
| Min. credit score | 580 |
Mariner Finance offers personal loans from $1,000 to $25,000. However, online approvals are only available for loans between $1,500 and $7,000. If you need a loan amount outside of this range, you must apply in person at one of its branch locations. Mariner Finance operates in 27 states, listed below.
Mariner Finance branch locations
Mariner has branches in these states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Mariner Finance loan requirements
To be eligible for a personal loan from Mariner Finance, you must meet a few basic criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama).
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid government-issued ID.
- Live in one of the 27 states where Mariner Finance operates.
Mariner Finance minimum credit score
Mariner Finance typically looks for a minimum credit score of 580. Borrowers with higher scores have a better chance of approval and may qualify for more favorable loan terms. Those with lower scores may still qualify if they apply with a cosigner or choose a secured loan option.
Does Mariner Finance require collateral?
For loans over $10,000, Mariner requires collateral, such as a vehicle, making these loans secured by default. Your rate with Mariner Finance will depend on your credit profile, and you may find your rates are higher than those from some other online lenders.
If you’re struggling to qualify for a loan, consider applying with a cosigner or choosing a secured loan option. Both paths can increase your chances of approval while potentially securing better loan terms.
How do you repay a personal loan from Mariner Finance?
Repaying a personal loan from Mariner Finance is straightforward. You’ll make monthly payments based on the loan amount, interest rate, and term you selected when the loan was approved.
You can pay by mail, over the phone, through Mariner’s website, on its mobile app, or in person at one of its branches. Mariner doesn’t charge prepayment penalties, so you can pay off your loan early without extra fees. Be sure to make your payments on time to avoid late fees and potential credit damage.
How to get a loan with Mariner Finance
You can apply for and take out a loan with Mariner in a few simple steps.
1. Start the online application
Visit the Mariner Finance website, and click “Apply Now” to begin the application process. You can use the slider to select a loan amount. Note that loans between $1,500 and $7,000 can be completed online, but larger or smaller amounts may require an in-person visit to a branch.
Do you need a Mariner Finance offer code?
No, you don’t need an offer code to apply for a Mariner Finance personal loan. However, some borrowers may receive mailed pre-approval offers with a code, which can be used to quickly access loan details and start an application.
2. Provide personal and financial details
Fill out the application with the following required information:
- Full name
- Residential address
- Birthdate
- Phone number and email
- Citizenship status
- Social Security number
- Annual income and employer information
- Housing costs (e.g., rent or mortgage)
- Loan purpose
3. Mariner finance preapproval
After submitting the initial information, Mariner Finance will perform a soft credit check. This won’t affect your credit score. Based on the results, the system will display available loan options, including the loan amounts, terms, and potential interest rates you may qualify for.
4. Select a loan offer
Review the loan options presented, and choose the one that best fits your needs. Keep in mind that once you select a loan offer, Mariner will perform a hard credit check, which will affect your credit score.
5. Submit required documentation
To verify your identity and income, you’ll need to provide supporting documents. These typically include:
- Pay stubs or proof of income
- Bank statements
- A government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)
Depending on your situation and loan amount, you may be required to submit documents either online or in person at one of Mariner’s branches.
6. Receive approval and loan disbursement
Once your application and documents are reviewed, you’ll get a final decision. If you’re approved, Mariner Finance usually disburses the funds within one to two business days, either by direct deposit into your bank account or via check.
How long does Mariner Finance take to approve?
Mariner Finance usually makes a decision quickly and disburses funds within one to two business days after approval.
7. Start making payments
Once you get your funds, your loan repayment will begin according to the agreed-upon terms. You can make monthly payments through Mariner’s website, by mail, over the phone, or at a local branch.
Pros and cons of Mariner Loans
Before proceeding with Mariner, consider the risks and benefits.
Pros
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Fast funding
Borrowers can get funds within one to two business days, making Mariner a quick option for those in need of fast cash.
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Accessible to borrowers with poor credit
Mariner Finance specializes in lending to individuals with low credit scores, and applicants with scores as low as 580 may qualify without a cosigner.
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Cosigner option
You can apply with a cosigner, even if they’re not a family member, which can improve your chances of approval or help you secure better terms.
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Credit insurance
Mariner offers optional credit insurance, which may help protect you in the case of illness or job loss, though this increases the overall cost of the loan.
Cons
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Limited availability
Loans are only available in 27 states, so not all U.S. residents will be eligible.
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Online application restrictions
Loans for $1,500 to $7,000 can be completed online, but loan amounts outside this range may require an in-person branch visit.
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Loan-by-mail risk
Some borrowers report issues with Mariner’s loan-by-mail program, with complaints alleging predatory practices.
Is Mariner Finance legit? Customer review
| Source | Customer rating | Number of reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.3/5 | 643 |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | 1.38/5 | 108 |
| 4.8/5 | Varies by location |
Mariner Finance has a mixed reputation among borrowers, as reflected in varying customer reviews across different platforms. On Trustpilot, reviews praise the quick loan process and helpful customer service, such as one reviewer who called it the “best place ever to go to for a loan.”
Google reviews are also favorable, with many mentioning how easy and smooth the application process was and how helpful the staff was. One customer highlighted the “exceptional customer service” provided by a team member. Google reviews reflect a few locations.
However, feedback on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is less positive. Many reviewers mention difficulties with customer service and issues with online account access, as well as negative experiences related to loan repayments and credit reporting. For example, one customer shared their frustration after the company reported them as behind on payments even after paying up to date.
Many customers appreciate Mariner’s willingness to work with those with poor credit, but its service limitations may explain some of the lower ratings we noted on the BBB website.
Mariner Finance’s customer service
You can reach Mariner’s team by phone at 1-800-373-4004, in person at one of its many branch locations, or via the contact form on the website.
The company emphasizes personalized service, allowing borrowers to work with a representative who can guide them through the loan process and answer questions.
Overall, the quality of customer service at Mariner Finance varies depending on the specific branch or representative you work with, but many borrowers appreciate the option for face-to-face service at local branches.
Personal loans like Mariner Finance
We think Mariner Finance is a decent option, especially for credit-challenged borrowers. But we encourage prequalifying with several lenders to ensure you’re getting the best possible rates and terms for your personal loan.
- Credible allows you to view rates from several lenders that work with its marketplace without hurting your credit.
- Upgrade is our highest-rated personal loan lender for those with fair FICO credit scores in the 580 to 669 range.
- Upstart is our top choice for those with little to no credit; it accepts FICO credit scores as low as 300—the lowest possible—due to an algorithm that considers much more than just credit scores when you apply.
- Best Egg, like Mariner, offers secured loans—but Best Egg is our best-rated secured personal loan.
Below is our full list of top-rated personal loan lenders:
| Company | Best for… | Rating (0-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Best marketplace | ||
| Best for good credit | ||
| Best for fair credit | ||
| Best for excellent credit | ||
| Best for thin credit | ||
| Best for credit card debt | ||
| Best for a secured loan |
How we rated Mariner Finance
We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best personal loans. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms.
We compared Mariner Finance to several personal loan lenders, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take is represented in our rating, recapped below.
| Product | Our rating |
| Mariner Finance personal loans | 4.0/5 |
About our contributors
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Written by Miranda MarquitMiranda Marquit has been writing, speaking, and podcasting about money since 2006. Her work has appeared in numerous media outlets.