5 Star Car Title Loans offers fast cash loans up to $50,000 secured by vehicle titles, allowing borrowers to keep their cars while accessing funds, often same-day.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
5 Star Car Title Loans has been operating since 2012 and reports having funded over 255,000 loans across multiple states. The company operates as a licensed, regulated lender with physical locations in approximately 18 states including California, Florida, Texas, Ohio, and others. Their headquarters is located in San Bernardino, California.
The company specializes in title-secured lending products. Their primary offering is vehicle title loans ranging from $100 to $50,000, where borrowers use their car's title as collateral but retain possession and use of their vehicle. They also offer installment loans with fixed monthly payments up to 24 months and same-day funding options for urgent cash needs. According to their website, applicants can receive approval decisions within minutes and, if approved, obtain funds the same day. The company advertises accepting applicants with imperfect credit and markets loans without prepayment penalties.
What distinguishes 5 Star is their emphasis on speed (same-day funding claims), the ability to keep one's vehicle while borrowing against its title, and stated acceptance of customers with credit challenges. They highlight transparent terms, no hidden fees, and claim to accept alternative collateral including motorcycles and semi-trucks. Customer reviews on their site praise quick approval processes, helpful staff, and hassle-free experiences. The company uses 256-bit SSL and TLS security for applications.
As a title loan provider, 5 Star operates in a high-cost lending category. While they claim no prepayment penalties and transparent terms, title loans inherently carry significant interest rates and risk of vehicle repossession if loans default. The website does not disclose APR, fees, or other cost details, which is standard practice for this industry but important for consumers to research independently. State availability varies, and loan terms are subject to local regulations.
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 6045 Atlantic Blvd #1, Maywood, CA 90270. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
5 Star Car Title Loans is best for vehicle owners facing urgent cash needs who have already exhausted traditional credit options and are willing to use their car's equity as collateral. The critical caveat is that title loans carry high costs and genuine repossession risk; borrowers must carefully review all fees and APR terms before committing and only borrow amounts they can realistically repay.
United Pawnbrokers III is a pawn shop located in Maywood, CA offering collateral-based loans and goods sales. Operating since at least the third iteration of the brand, they provide quick access to cash.
Best for: Consumers needing immediate cash without credit qualification or application process, Individuals with valuable items (jewelry, electronics, musical instruments) willing to use as collateral
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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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