5 Star Car Title Loans offers vehicle-secured loans from $100–$50,000 with same-day funding and no credit check required, operating across ~18 states since 2012.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
5 Star Car Title Loans™ is a licensed consumer lender headquartered in San Bernardino, California, that has been operating since 2012. Over that period, the company reports funding more than 255,000 loans across nearly 18 states, including California, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and others. It positions itself as a regulated alternative to traditional bank lending, emphasizing transparency and no hidden fees.
The company's primary product is a car title loan: borrowers use their vehicle title as collateral to access cash while keeping their car. Loan amounts range from $100 to $50,000 depending on the vehicle's value. Beyond standard title loans, 5 Star also offers installment loans with fixed monthly payments and repayment periods of up to 24 months, as well as same-day loans for urgent needs such as rent, bills, or car repairs. The application can be completed online or in person, and approved applicants can receive funds the same day.
What sets 5 Star apart from many title lenders is its acceptance of alternative vehicle types — customer reviews confirm motorcycle title loans and semi-truck title loans in addition to standard cars. The lender explicitly markets no prepayment penalties and claims upfront, transparent terms. It also accepts applicants with imperfect credit, as the loan is secured by the vehicle rather than creditworthiness. A free pre-qualification is available with no stated impact on credit.
Borrowers should approach car title loans with caution regardless of lender. The company does not publish APR ranges or fee schedules on its website, which makes it impossible to compare costs upfront — a significant transparency gap. As with all title loans, failure to repay puts the borrower's vehicle at risk of repossession. The company's public review count (11 reviews at 4.7 stars) is very low relative to its claimed 255,000+ loan volume, limiting independent verification of customer experience. This product is best suited for borrowers who have exhausted lower-cost options and have sufficient vehicle equity to secure the amount needed.
See which lenders actually approve borrowers with bad credit. We compared APRs, fees, minimum scores, and funding speed.
Yes. 5 Star Car Title Loans is a registered company headquartered in 7412 Drexel St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
5 Star Car Title Loans is best for vehicle owners with damaged credit in one of its ~18 supported states who need fast cash from $100 to $50,000 and have no lower-cost alternatives available. The main caveat is that the company does not disclose APR or fee information publicly, and as a title lender, interest costs are typically very high — borrowers risk losing their vehicle if they cannot repay.
CC Coins Jewelry and Loan is a pawn shop in Dearborn Heights, MI offering collateral-based loans against jewelry, coins, and other valuables with extended business hours.
Best for: Customers needing immediate cash with jewelry or coin collateral, Individuals with poor credit unable to qualify for traditional loans
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Lenders must show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the cheapest loan.
Example
You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
Interest calculated on both the original amount borrowed AND the interest that's already been added. It's 'interest on interest' — and it makes debt grow faster than you'd expect.
Credit cards and many loans use compound interest. If you only make minimum payments, compound interest is why a $3,000 balance can take 15 years to pay off.
Example
You owe $1,000 at 20% annual interest compounded monthly. After month 1 you owe $1,016.67. Month 2, interest is charged on $1,016.67 (not $1,000), so you owe $1,033.61. After 1 year without payments: $1,219.
A special APR calculation used for military servicemembers that includes ALL costs — fees, insurance, and add-ons — capped at 36% by federal law.
The Military Lending Act protects active-duty servicemembers and their families from predatory lending. Any lender charging above 36% MAPR to military is breaking federal law.
Example
A payday lender charges a $15 fee per $100 borrowed for 2 weeks. For civilians, that's technically legal in some states. For military: that works out to 391% MAPR — illegal under the MLA.
The maximum interest rate a lender can legally charge in a particular state. Charging above this rate is called 'usury' and is illegal.
Usury laws are your main legal protection against predatory interest rates. But beware: some states have weak or no usury caps, and federal banks can sometimes override state limits.
Example
New York caps interest at 16% for most consumer loans (25% is criminal usury). If a lender tries to charge you 30% in NY, that loan is unenforceable — you could fight it in court.
An asset you pledge to the lender as security for a loan. If you stop paying, the lender can seize and sell that asset to recover their money.
Secured loans (with collateral) have lower interest rates because the lender has less risk. But you could lose your home, car, or savings if you default.
Example
A mortgage uses your house as collateral. A car loan uses your vehicle. A title loan uses your car title. If you miss payments, the lender can foreclose or repossess.
A charge added to your account when you miss a payment deadline. Most credit cards charge $29-$41 per late payment, and many loans have similar penalties.
The fee itself hurts, but the real damage is to your credit score. A payment 30+ days late stays on your credit report for 7 years and can drop your score 60-110 points.
Example
Your credit card payment of $150 is due March 1. You pay on March 18. The bank charges a $39 late fee. If it's 30+ days late, it gets reported to credit bureaus and your 760 score drops to 670.
A fee your bank charges when a payment bounces because there isn't enough money in your account. Also called a 'bounced check fee' or 'returned payment fee.'
NSF fees hit you twice — your bank charges you AND the company you were trying to pay may charge their own returned payment fee. That's $50-70 for one missed payment.
Example
Your auto-pay tries to pull $350 for rent, but you only have $280 in checking. Your bank charges $35 NSF fee. Your landlord charges $25 returned payment fee. Total damage: $60 in fees.
The practice of charging interest rates higher than what the law allows. Usury laws set state-specific caps on how much lenders can charge.
If a lender charges usurious rates, the loan may be void, penalties can be reduced, or you may be entitled to damages. Know your state's limits.
Example
Your state caps consumer loans at 24% APR. An online lender charges you 36%. That loan may be unenforceable, and you might only need to repay the principal — no interest or fees.
Using your credit card to get cash from an ATM or bank. It's one of the most expensive ways to borrow — higher interest rate, immediate interest accrual (no grace period), and an upfront fee.
Cash advances are a debt trap: 25-30% APR with no grace period plus a 3-5% fee. Interest starts the second you withdraw, not at the end of the billing cycle.
Example
You take a $500 cash advance. Fee: $25 (5%). Interest: 28% APR starting immediately. After 30 days, you owe $536.67. After 6 months of minimum payments, you've paid $85 in interest on $500.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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