LendEDU’s take: A personal Line of Credit through CreditFresh can be helpful for borrowers with bad or no credit who need fast access to funding. However, this may come with higher repayment fees, compared to some other loans.
Personal Line of Credit
- Caters to borrowers with poor credit or no credit
- Repayment schedule based on income frequency
- Build your credit and possibly reduce charges and increase credit limit with on-time payments
- Depending on the product, you’ll be charged interest or a billing cycle charge
- You’ll likely find better options with other lenders if you have good credit
| Interest rates | Depending on the product, these Lines of Credit come with an APR from 35% – 98% OR a billing cycle charge |
| Loan amounts | $500 – $15,000, depending on eligibility requirements |
| Repayment terms | Due biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly based on when you get paid |
| Unsecured or secured? | Unsecured |
| Funding time | As soon as the same business day depending on the timing of your request |
| Application fees | None |
Does CreditFresh have a minimum credit score requirement?
CreditFresh doesn’t list a minimum credit score. To qualify, you’ll need to meet some straightforward requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
| Employment status | Must have a regular, consistent source of income |
| State of residence | Available in 38 states + DC (listed below) |
| Minimum age | Legal age to contract in your state of residence (18 in most states) |
| Minimum credit score | Not disclosed |
| Minimum income | Must have a regular, consistent source of income |
| Bank account | Must have an active personal bank account |
States where CreditFresh is available
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Because there’s no published credit score requirement, CreditFresh can be a fit for borrowers with low to mid-range credit. Just keep in mind that accessibility may come with higher fees compared to other loans.
Is CreditFresh legit? CreditFresh reviews from customers
| Source | Rating | Number of CreditFresh reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.4/5 (Excellent) | 6,413 |
| Better Business Bureau | 1.5/5 | 2 reviews; 116 complaints closed in last 12 months |
| 4.5/5 | 4,088 |
Customer feedback on CreditFresh is mixed. On Trustpilot and Google, it holds strong 4.5-star ratings, with many borrowers noting fast funding and an easy process.
The BBB profile shows just two customer CreditFresh reviews at 1.5 stars, but more than 116 complaints closed in the past year, many about billing and high costs. It’s not BBB-accredited and earns a B on the platform.
Overall, CreditFresh is a legitimate credit servicer with plenty of positive reviews, but the high fees and complaint history are important to weigh before borrowing.
Read More We’ve rated several lenders’ personal lines of credit. Check out our top recommendations on our best personal lines of credit page.
Table of Contents
- Does CreditFresh have a minimum credit score requirement?
- Is CreditFresh legit? CreditFresh reviews from customers
- What is CreditFresh?
- How does CreditFresh work?
- How does CreditFresh work in terms of monthly payments and non-monthly repayment?
- Alternatives to CreditFresh
- CreditFresh customer service
- How to apply for a Line of Credit through CreditFresh
- What if I’m denied a Line of Credit through CreditFresh?
- Lines of Credit through CreditFresh FAQ
What is CreditFresh?
Founded in 2019, CreditFresh services personal lines of credit for underserved consumers. The online application is quick, with fast approval decisions and the possibility of same-business-day funding.
CreditFresh doesn’t list a minimum credit score. It’s generally more accessible to borrowers with low to mid-range credit, but the fees are higher than what you’d find with banks or credit unions.
For those who need funds fast, CreditFresh can be a safer option than payday loans. Still, borrowers with stronger credit scores will likely find better terms elsewhere.
How does CreditFresh work?
While you might hear it referred to as a CreditFresh loan, their primary product is actually a personal line of credit. Here is how it works: instead of receiving a one-time lump sum upfront, you’re approved for a set credit limit and can draw money only as you need it. You only pay charges on the amount you actually borrow, making it function much more like a credit card than a traditional personal loan.
Here’s the process of how does CreditFresh works in more detail.
1. Check eligibility online
Start with a quick online request to check your eligibility. This step won’t affect your credit score. You’ll see whether you qualify and get an idea of your potential credit limit.
2. Apply and get approved
If approved, you’ll be assigned a credit limit between $500 and $15,000, depending on the partner bank, your state of residence, and your individual circumstances. The account is originated and funded by one of CreditFresh’s partner banks (CBW Bank, Member FDIC, Column N.A., a nationally chartered bank, or First Electronic Bank), but you’ll manage everything directly through CreditFresh.
3. Request a draw
Once your line is open, you can log in anytime to request a draw from your available credit. Requests made before 3:00 p.m. Eastern on business days may be deposited into your bank account as soon as the same business day.
CreditFresh doesn’t restrict how the funds are used, but are very clear that funds are intended for emergency expenses. You can use the money for various purposes, including medical emergencies, car repairs, or essential home repairs.
4. Track your balance
The amount you borrow becomes your Outstanding Principal Balance. Your costs are tied to your Average Daily Principal Balance, which reflects how much you’ve borrowed on average during the billing cycle.
5. Review your Periodic Statement
Before each due date, you’ll receive a Periodic Statement (at least 14 days in advance) showing your activity and the Minimum Payment required.
6. Make your Minimum Payment
Every Minimum Payment has two parts. Depending on the product, your minimum payments will be made up of either:
- A Mandatory Principal Contribution that goes towards paying down your principal balance
- A Billing Cycle Charge, which is based on your Average Daily Principal Balance
Or:
- A Mandatory Principal Contribution that goes towards paying down your principal balance
- Interest Charges, which is charged on your principal balance
7. Repay on your income schedule
Payments are set to match your income frequency, whether biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly. You can pay online, pay via ACH, and even pay off your balance early with no penalty.
8. Build credit over time
CreditFresh reports to TransUnion, so on-time payments can help impact your credit score.
How does CreditFresh work in terms of monthly payments and non-monthly repayment?
Depending on the type of Line of Credit you’re approved for through CreditFresh, your costs are either based on Billing Cycle Charges (for Lines of Credit by CBW Bank and First Electronic Bank), or on an APR with Interest Charges (for the FreshLine Line of Credit by Column N.A.). In all cases, each Minimum Payment includes a Mandatory Principal Contribution that goes toward paying down your principal balance, plus either a Billing Cycle Charge or Interest Charges, as described in your credit agreement.
Because these charges are tied to what you actually borrow, your Minimum Payments will vary depending on your outstanding principal balance and account activity. The higher your balance, the higher your costs. Paying down your balance faster can lower the total amount you’ll pay over time.
You can always pay more or pay off your balance early without penalty. But compared with a traditional personal loan (for example, a $1,500 loan at 12% APR with $70.61 monthly payments), the line of credit is much more expensive over time.
Still, CreditFresh can be a solid option for those with limited or bad credit history who need fast funds, but we recommend exploring our best personal lines of credit recommendations and other personal loan companies before making a decision.
Alternatives to CreditFresh
If you have a strong credit profile or want to avoid potentially high borrowing costs with a line of credit, exploring alternative products and lenders can help you secure lower interest rates and more favorable repayment terms.
CreditFresh is a service provider, not a bank. Requests for credit submitted on this website may be originated and funded by one of our Bank Lending Partners, including: CBW Bank, Member FDIC, Column N.A., a nationally chartered bank, or First Electronic Bank. The credit products available through each Bank Lending Partner may vary. Click here for a list of eligible states.
Our Bank Lending Partners reserve the right to assess your creditworthiness and ability to pay periodically, which may impact how you use your Line of Credit.
A Line of Credit through CreditFresh is an expensive form of credit and should not be used as a long-term financial solution.
- Not all requests are approved; duration of approval process may vary. Credit limits may range between $500 to $15,000 and are subject to change. The exact credit limit available may vary depending on the Bank Lending Partner, your state of residence, individual circumstances and verification of your information. Applications for a Line of Credit are subject to final eligibility and approval.
- If approved, any requested funds will typically be deposited into your bank account the same business day; timing of funding may vary. The date and time the funds are made available to you are subject to your financial institution’s policies. For specific funding cut-off times, click here.
- The cost of products available through CreditFresh vary; some products may include Cash Advance and/or Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Fees. Review your credit agreement for specific details.
- Checking your eligibility will not impact your credit score with the major credit bureaus. If your application for credit is approved, your account activity may be reported to TransUnion. Making on-time payments may help you build your credit history and impact your credit score over time. However, the exact impact will vary, as credit scores are influenced by multiple contributing factors.
- If approved, you can request a draw at any time, so long as you have available credit, your account is in good standing, and you otherwise meet any criteria required to request draws from your account. For the FreshLine Line of Credit, a Cash Advance Fee is automatically deducted from each requested draw.
Product
Personal line of credit
Lending marketplace
HELOC
Rates (APR)
35% – 98% APR or Billing Cycle Charges depending on product
Varies by lender
6.99% for 12 months for qualified borrowers, then variable starting at 6.75%ⓘ
Funding
$500 – $15K
Varies by lender
$10K – $1M
Min. Credit score
Not disclosed
Varies by lender
670
Soft credit check
Not applicable
Yes
No
CreditFresh customer service
The CreditFresh team operates seven days a week, offering an extra layer of convenience for borrowers who might need to reach out during weekends or holidays.
Ways to contact CreditFresh:
- Email: [email protected]
- Call or text CreditFresh phone number: 1-800-766-2007
- Mail: CreditFresh, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, DE 19713
Customer service hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Eastern time
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern
How to apply for a Line of Credit through CreditFresh
CreditFresh allows you to check eligibility without affecting your credit score. Here are the steps to apply for a CreditFresh personal line of credit:
What if I’m denied a Line of Credit through CreditFresh?
If you find yourself denied a Line of Credit through CreditFresh, it may be due to several factors. Because few providers publicly share their full criteria, pinpointing the precise reason can be difficult. However, common denial reasons for lines of credit and recommended actions include:
- Low credit score: Credit providers may check your credit score and history when reviewing your application. Work on improving your credit by paying off debts and maintaining low credit utilization.
- Insufficient income: Consistent income is a main requirement for approval. If you don’t have that, finding additional sources of income is critical.
- High debt-to-income ratio: Work on lowering this ratio by paying off debt or boosting your income.
Lines of Credit through CreditFresh FAQ
Can you have more than one Line of Credit through CreditFresh?
Borrowers are limited to one personal line of credit at a time through CreditFresh.
If you don’t pay CreditFresh back, will it take you to court?
If you fall behind on payments with CreditFresh, your account may be reported to the credit bureaus and could be sent to collections. This can damage your credit score and lead to ongoing collection attempts, including calls or letters.
The best way to avoid these outcomes is to contact CreditFresh’s customer service as soon as you know you’ll have trouble making a payment. They may be able to work with you on repayment options before the situation escalates.
How long does CreditFresh take to approve?
It is possible to get same-business-day funding, but may take a couple business days based on when you submit your application.
About our contributors
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Written by Amanda HankelAmanda Hankel is a managing editor at LendEDU. She has more than seven years of experience covering various finance-related topics and has worked for more than 15 years overall in writing, editing, and publishing.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their pack of senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.