Mariner Finance Personal Loans Review: Flexible Loans With Origination Fees

4.0 _/5

View Rates

Personal Loans

• 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

Rates (APR)	Not disclosed
Loan amounts	$1,000 – $25,000
Repayment terms	1 – 5 years
Min. credit score	580

Mariner Finance offers both secured and unsecured personal loans ranging from $1,000 to $25,000, making it a flexible option for borrowers with credit scores of 580 or higher. You can check your rate without affecting your credit, and applying with a cosigner is an option.

While Mariner provides quick funding and a positive customer experience, it’s only available in 28 states, and its lack of rate transparency may leave some borrowers seeking more details. Overall, it’s a decent choice, but we think Upgrade and Upstart personal loans are better options for those with fair or bad credit.

Mariner Finance 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.

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.

Am I eligible for a Mariner Finance personal loan?

To be eligible for a personal loan from Mariner Finance, you must meet a few basic criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama).
• You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a valid government-issued ID.
• Mariner Finance typically looks for a minimum credit score of 580, but having a higher credit score can improve your chances of approval and better loan terms. If your credit score is lower, you may still qualify, especially if you apply with a cosigner or opt for a secured loan.
• Mariner Finance is only available in the 27 states listed above, so you must reside in one of those states to apply.

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, 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.

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. Soft credit pull

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.

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

• Fast funding

  Borrowers can get funds within one to two business days, making Mariner a quick option for those in need of fast cash.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• Limited availability

  Loans are only available in 27 states, so not all U.S. residents will be eligible.

• 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.

• Loan-by-mail risk

  Some borrowers report issues with Mariner’s loan-by-mail program, with complaints alleging predatory practices.

Is Mariner Finance a reputable lender?

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Trustpilot	4.2/5	547
Better Business Bureau (BBB)	1.36/5	132
Google	4.8/5	188

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.

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.

Alternatives to Mariner Finance personal loans

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:

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