Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? Find quick, clear answers below.

1st Franklin Financial loan offices are open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 8:30 am to 1:30 pm on Wednesday. We are also open for special Saturday hours during the Christmas and holiday season.
We are not a bank. We are a privately—held corporation that has been engaged in the consumer finance industry since 1941. We fund our loans through a combination of the issuance of short and longer-term debt securities, such as Senior Demand Notes, Variable Rate Subordinated Debentures, Commercial Paper, as well as with borrowings from time to time under our revolving credit facility.
1st Franklin Financial currently offers loans in 10 U.S. states.  Including: AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, SC, TN, TX, and VA.
Yes, we do check your credit score. When you complete an application for a 1st Franklin Financial personal loan, there are a number of things we review when making a credit decision.
Yes, 1st Franklin reports information to Equifax and TransUnion regularly. To receive your free credit report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com.
Yes. Customers that create an Online Services account with 1st Franklin and opt into ESIGN Consent and enroll to receive E-Statements. Then a user can elect to have an email sent notifying them their statement is ready for review in our Online Services portal.
You will always be greeted with a friendly live voice, who will make sure that your call is handled in a professional manner.  We do not use any automated answering service during business hours.
To register, visit the portal login page and click “First time? Click here to get started.” You’ll need your email address, loan account details, and answers to security questions to complete setup.
View your loan balance and payment history, make payments securely, download your statements, update your contact information, and set up payment reminders.
Click “Forgot Username?” or “Forgot Password?” on the login page. You’ll be asked to verify your identity using your information.
Absolutely. The portal uses encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your personal and financial information.
If you experience issues, contact your local branch or use the Contact Us form on the website. You can also call customer service for technical support.
You can reach us by phone at:1-800-700-7943 or by submitting a message here on our contact form on our website. You are also always welcome to stop by your local office.  
No. Due to strict privacy regulations, we are unable to communicate your personal loan information via email. This is done to protect your sensitive personal information. Please call or stop by your local office to discuss your loan.
Monday–Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM CST Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM CST The care team can be reached at:1-800-700-7943
Yes, please call your local branch to get the current pay-off amount. Our team members will be happy to help.
Yes.  We offer life, disability, involuntary unemployment, property and auto coverage. (Exclusions and limitations apply and vary by state).
In the event of a sudden, unfortunate hardship—like an illness, job loss, or even death—our Credit Insurance products may help reduce your financial risk by making payments toward or paying off your loan balance. It’s designed to offer peace of mind, knowing that support may be available when life takes an unforeseen turn.
No. Credit Insurance is entirely optional and does not affect your loan approval. Credit Insurance may also be canceled at any time.  
Credit Insurance may pay all or part of the covered account balance, depending on the type of coverage and the specific terms outlined in the policy. Coverage is subject to eligibility and exclusions and may not apply in every situation.
Credit Disability Insurance may help by covering your monthly loan payment during a period in which you are unable to work due to a qualifying injury or sickness. Payments are made directly to 1st Franklin Financial by the insurance company, helping to ease financial pressure while you focus on recovery.
If you become involuntary unemployed due to a covered event, Credit Involuntary Unemployment Insurance may provide a monthly benefit toward your loan.  Payments are made directly to 1st Franklin Financial, helping to keep your loan current while you are seeking new employment.
Credit life insurance is an optional benefit that’s designed to offer peace of mind during life’s most difficult moments. If something were to happen and you passed away before your loan is fully paid off, this insurance may help reduce or eliminate the remaining balance, so your loved ones aren’t left with that financial burden.
Credit Property Insurance helps protect personal property used as collateral (excluding autos and motorcycles) from certain types of damage or loss, as defined in the policy terms.
Credit Auto Insurance helps protect personal vehicles, including cars, trucks and motorcycles, used as collateral from specific types of damage or loss, as outlined in the policy terms.
Motor Club is a membership program that offers 24/7 roadside assistance through a network of authorized service professionals. Benefits include flat tire assistance, towing, lockout, fuel service and more.
If you apply online, your application will be transferred to your local 1st Franklin Financial office where the loan decision will be made. One of our staff will contact you to discuss your loan and options. If approved, you could have the money you need as soon as the next day. If you submit your loan application during non-business hours, your application will not be viewed until the following business day. In some cases, approval is only hours away!
1st Franklin Financial offers loans up to $15,0001.
Personal installment loans are loans with fixed interest rates and monthly payment amounts over a scheduled period of time. Rates are based on state regulations and the loan amount is based on various factors including your personal credit history, your personal income, and other personal financial commitments.
You can begin the application process electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button. In most instances our staff will be in contact with you immediately, but assuredly will be in contact within two business days to discuss your application and answer any questions. Final loan decisions are made at your local 1ˢᵗ Franklin Financial office and are based on a variety of factors, including your credit history, payment history and ability to make monthly payments.
Every loan from 1st Franklin Financial has a fixed rate, which means your rate will not change for the entire term of your loan.
When you visit your local 1st Franklin branch to complete your loan, you’ll review the terms of your loan and set up the payment option that works best for you.  As part of the closing process, you’ll need to bring the following documents with you:
  • A valid government issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, state ID, resident alien card, or passport)
  • Proof of residence (e.g. a utility bill or a signed lease)
  • Proof of income (e.g. paystubs or tax return)
Additional documents may be needed, depending on the loan for which you apply. See the full list here.
If you apply online, your application will be transferred to your local 1st Franklin Financial office where the loan decision will be made. One of our staff will contact you to discuss your loan and options. The online application is not the full application, and other info will be required to receive an approval. If you submit your loan application during non-business hours, your application will not be viewed until the following business day. In some cases, approval is only hours away! ²
We need to evaluate your unique situation to determine if you qualify for more money.  Please contact your local branch.
Funds are issued via check at your local 1st Franklin Financial branch. Once your loan is approved, a branch representative will walk you through the disbursement process.
1st Franklin is not a payday lender. 1st Franklin provides both secured and unsecured short- and long-term personal installment loans with payment plans that fit each customer’s need. We understand that you may need funds for unanticipated bills, such as car repairs, medical/dental expenses, or minor home repairs.  Also, you may need additional funds for back-to-school, holiday purchases, new furniture, appliances, or a vacation!
There are several ways to make a payment and we encourage borrowers to choose the most convenient option for themselves:
  • Online: Make payments, set-up recurring payments and manage your account quickly and easily online.
  • By Phone: You can pay by debit card or electronic funds transfer from your bank account over the phone by calling your local branch.
  • By Mail: You can mail your check or money order to your local branch.
  • In-Branch: You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or electronic funds transfer in any 1st Franklin branch.
Yes, you can make your payment at any conveniently located 1st Franklin Financial Branch.
Yes.  1st Franklin Financial charges a convenience fee of $1.50 for debit card transactions, in select states. We always offer fee-free ways to pay your bill.  
A late fee is assessed when your payment was not made on time, or your payment was returned for insufficient funds. You can find information about your payment due date, late fee amount and returned payment fees (NSF) in the Truth in Lending Disclosures section of your loan contract or by contacting your local branch.
Please call your local branch to be removed from future mailings.
With the Decision Power and DEALS programs, you can submit credit applications over the weekend or after office hours, improving your customer service. Decision Power is available 17 hours a day, from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (EST & CST) and DEALS is available 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Collateral in the form of personal property (e.g. a vehicle, laptop, etc.) may be required. Contact the branch location nearest you for additional details.
Interest on the loan is the cost of borrowing the funds . This cost is added to the amount borrowed resulting in an amount higher than the amount borrowed.
An agreement between 1st Franklin Financial and the borrower, in which the borrower agrees that any dispute they may have with the loan must be resolved in an arbitration process, in which the parties waive their right to a trial and agree to accept the arbitrator’s decision as final, rather than in court before a judge and/or jury.  1st Franklin Financial’s arbitration agreement is binding, meaning there generally no right to appeal an arbitrator’s decision. 1st Franklin does not arbitrate claims with members of the US Military or their dependents.
You can contact any 1st Franklin branch to be placed on their Do Not Advertise list. However, to remove your name from all pre-screen offers, please call 1-888-567-8688 or visit www.OptOutPrescreen.com.
You can call the consumer assistance helpline at (800) 538-1579, send an email using the link found here, or send a letter to the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner, Finance Commission Building at 2601 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78705.
You’re welcome to contact our Customer Care Center at 1-800-700-7943. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM CST, and are happy to assist you.
For a Retail Sales Contract Loan, we offer financing up to $15,000 ¹
1st Franklin Financial finances all types of items including jewelry, furniture, appliances, lawn equipment, storage buildings, wheels and tires, computers, electronics and more! Certain exclusions apply to Retail Sales Contract Loans. Please contact your nearest location for complete details.
For a Retail Sales Contract Loan, customers will make their payments directly to 1st Franklin Financial relieving you of any work. Customers can easily make payments online, at our local branch or through the mail. The choice is theirs.

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