Security Finance

Personal-Loans · Missouri

Rating: 3.9/5

Security Finance logo

Security Finance is a consumer installment lender with 1,000+ branch locations across the South and Southwest, offering small personal loans to credit-challenged borrowers since 1955.

Official Website

https://www.securityfinance.com/locations/ft-worth-tx-0688

Security Finance Review

Security Finance Corporation was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Over seven decades it has grown into one of the largest consumer installment loan companies in the United States, operating more than 1,000 branch locations across approximately 16 states, concentrated in the Southeast, Southwest, and parts of the Midwest. The company focuses exclusively on the consumer finance segment, serving working-class and credit-challenged borrowers who are typically underserved by traditional banks and credit unions.

Security Finance offers personal installment loans ranging from roughly $200 to $5,000 or more depending on state regulations and individual creditworthiness. Loans carry fixed monthly payments over a set term, which can range from several months to a few years. The company operates entirely through physical branch locations — there is no fully online origination process — and loan officers work directly with applicants to structure affordable payment plans.

Funds are typically disbursed the same day or next business day after approval.

What distinguishes Security Finance from online lenders is its branch-based community model. Loan officers know repeat customers by name, and the company emphasizes in-person service over algorithmic underwriting. Security Finance reports payment activity to all three major credit bureaus, meaning on-time payments can help borrowers build or repair their credit history.

The company also accepts applicants with thin files or prior derogatory marks, making it accessible when mainstream lenders decline.

The honest caveat is cost. Like all consumer finance companies operating in the subprime installment loan space, Security Finance charges high APRs — often in the 36%–150%+ range depending on loan size and state — that can make borrowing expensive. Repeat borrowing cycles are a documented risk with this type of lender. Borrowers who qualify for credit union loans, CDFIs, or employer-sponsored advances should exhaust those options first. Security Finance is a legitimate last-resort installment lender with a long track record, but it is not cheap credit.

Pros & Cons

Reader-focused summary of the strongest reasons to consider Security Finance and the factors most worth weighing before contracting. Individual outcomes depend on your credit situation and goals.

Pros

  • ✓In business since 1955 — one of the longest-operating consumer finance companies in the US
  • ✓Reports to all three major credit bureaus, giving on-time payments real credit-building value
  • ✓Accepts applicants with bad credit or thin credit files — no minimum FICO score requirement
  • ✓1,000+ physical branch locations for in-person service and flexible repayment conversations
  • ✓Fixed monthly installment structure — no balloon payments or rollovers like payday loans
  • ✓Same-day or next-business-day funding at the branch after approval
  • ✓Loan officers can work with borrowers facing hardship — branch-based relationship model

Areas to Consider

  • !High APRs typical of subprime installment lenders — costs far exceed credit unions or banks
  • !No fully online application — requires an in-person branch visit, which limits accessibility
  • !Loan amounts capped at relatively low levels; not suitable for large consolidation needs
  • !Geographic coverage limited to ~16 states; unavailable in much of the Northeast and West
  • !Repeat borrowing risk — short loan terms and high rates can create dependency cycles

Verdict Summary

Security Finance works best for consumers who value in business since 1955 — one of the longest-operating consumer finance companies and can accept the tradeoff of high aprs typical of subprime installment lenders — costs far exceed credit unio. Compare against similar providers below before signing any contract.

Services & Features

Services offered

Feature Checklist

✗Credit Monitoring
✗All Three Bureaus
✗Goodwill Letters
✗Cease Desist Letters
✗Debt Validation
✗Credit Education
✗Identity Theft Protection
✗Score Tracking
✗Mobile App
✗Online Portal
✗Personal Advisor
✗Ai Powered

Best For

Before You Contact Security Finance

Before signing up with any Personal Loans provider, review these safeguards:

Compare Your Needs With Security Finance

Match these decision factors against Security Finance's profile before committing. This rubric mirrors what independent consumer-finance research typically checks for Personal Loans providers.

Category

Personal Loans

Service scope

10 services listed

Geographic coverage

1 states

Match to your priorities

  • ●
    Budget priority: Pricing published above — factor in setup, monthly, and cancellation fees over the full expected service window.
  • ●
    Complexity priority: Consider Security Finance's stated strengths (In business since 1955 — one of the longest-operating consumer finance companies in the US) against your specific credit situation.
  • ●
    Timeline priority: Personal Loans typically takes 3-6 months for meaningful outcomes. Providers guaranteeing overnight results are red flags under federal consumer protection law.
  • ●
    Recourse priority: Confirm state licensing via your state regulator and check the CFPB complaint database before contracting.
  • ●
    Alternatives: Compare against all Personal Loans providers, DIY options via non-profit counseling agencies, and free CFPB resources.

Pricing

  • Monthly Price: 0
  • Setup Fee: 0
  • Money Back Guarantee: False
  • Guarantee Details:
  • Free Consultation: True
  • Tiers: []
  • Currency: USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Security Finance offer?

Security Finance offers 10 services including Personal installment loans ($200–$5,000+ depending on state), Same-day loan funding at branch locations, Credit bureau reporting on all active loans, In-person loan origination and underwriting, Flexible loan term structuring with loan officers, and 5 more. Confirm current service list directly with the provider before contracting.

Who is Security Finance best suited for?

Security Finance's profile signals suggest it may fit: Borrowers with bad or no credit who have been declined by banks and credit unions; Consumers needing $500–$3,000 quickly with a structured repayment plan rather than a lump-sum payback; People trying to establish a credit history through regular reported installment payments; Residents of Southern and Southwestern states who prefer in-person lender relationships. Individual outcomes vary based on your specific situation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Security Finance?

Key strengths: In business since 1955 — one of the longest-operating consumer finance companies in the US; Reports to all three major credit bureaus, giving on-time payments real credit-building value; Accepts applicants with bad credit or thin credit files — no minimum FICO score requirement. Areas to consider: High APRs typical of subprime installment lenders — costs far exceed credit unions or banks; No fully online application — requires an in-person branch visit, which limits accessibility.

How does Security Finance compare to similar companies?

In the Personal Loans category, comparable providers include LendingTree, VIVA Finance, Inc., Advance America. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Where does Security Finance operate?

Security Finance serves customers in 1 states including Missouri. Confirm current service availability in your state directly with the provider.

How much does Security Finance cost?

Listed pricing for Security Finance: monthly price: 0; setup fee: 0; money back guarantee: False. Pricing may change — verify current fees directly with the provider before signing any contract.

Visit Security Finance

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Personal Loans consumers in Missouri. It does not confirm that Security Finance or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator: Missouri Division of Finance
Consumer protection: Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

Credit and debt help rules in Missouri

Key state rules to check

Payday lending in Missouri: Legal (max $500)

Usury cap: No cap for licensed lenders; payday loans capped at $500 with fees up to $75

Complaint resources

State references

Missouri allows payday lending with relatively permissive regulations including up to 6 renewals. The fee cap of 75% of the loan amount results in very high effective APRs. The Division of Finance regulates consumer lenders, and complaints can be filed with the Division or the Attorney General.

Similar Companies ⓘ

Comparable Personal Loans providers with similar service scope. Ratings reflect stored review context; verify current licensing and pricing directly before contracting.

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Advance America logo

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Avant logo

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Credit9 logo

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CreditNinja logo

CreditNinja

CreditNinja (KMD Partners LLC) is a Chicago-based online lender offering personal loans in 23 states + DC. BBB A- (not accredited). APRs 199-349%. California...

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Dollar Financial Group logo

Dollar Financial Group

Dollar Financial Group (now part of Lone Star Funds) is a payday and installment lender founded in 1979 in Malvern, PA. Operates as Money Mart in US/Canada. ...

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Notable: Extensive retail network with 1,400+ locations providing in-person access for consumers who prefer face-to-face transactions

Fig Loans logo

Fig Loans

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Notable: Fixed monthly payments over 4, 6, or 8-month terms prevent debt-trap rollover cycles common in payday lending

Related Questions

Quick Summary

Security Finance — Personal Loans in Missouri.

Overall rating: 3.9/5

Security Finance is a consumer installment lender with 1,000+ branch locations across the South and Southwest, offering small personal loans to credit-challenged borrowers since 1955.

Visit Security Finance

Next Steps

  1. Compare Security Finance against similar options above.
  2. Run our borrowing power quiz to see how Security Finance matches your situation.
  3. Check state regulator listings for Security Finance's licensing before committing.
  4. Visit Security Finance once you're ready.

Glossary of Terms

Common terms that come up when comparing Personal Loans providers. Full glossary at creditdoc.co/glossary/.

Amortization — Loan Amortization
The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Why it matters: Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.
Example: Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.
APR — Annual Percentage Rate
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.
Why it matters: 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.
Balloon Payment
A large lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan, after a period of smaller monthly payments. The loan isn't fully paid off by the regular payments — the balloon settles it.
Why it matters: Balloon payments make monthly payments look affordable but create a financial cliff. If you can't pay or refinance at the end, you could lose your home or asset.
Example: A 5-year balloon mortgage on $200,000: you pay $1,054/month (as if it were a 30-year loan), but after 5 years you owe a balloon of $186,108 all at once.
Collateral — Loan Collateral
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.
Why it matters: 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.
Compound 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Cosigner — Loan Cosigner
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Why it matters: Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example: A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
Debt Consolidation
Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.
Why it matters: Consolidation works best when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.
Example: You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.
Default — Loan Default
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Why it matters: Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example: You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Why it matters: Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example: You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
Finance Charge
The total cost of borrowing, including interest and all fees combined. The lender must disclose this number under the Truth in Lending Act.
Why it matters: The finance charge gives you the total dollar amount you'll pay beyond the principal. It's the clearest picture of what a loan actually costs you.
Example: You borrow $15,000 for 4 years at 8% APR with a $450 origination fee. Finance charge: $2,612 (interest) + $450 (fee) = $3,062 total. You repay $18,062 for a $15,000 loan.
Fixed Rate — Fixed Interest Rate
An interest rate that stays the same for the entire life of the loan. Your monthly payment never changes.
Why it matters: Fixed rates protect you from market changes. If rates go up, your payment stays the same. The tradeoff: fixed rates are usually slightly higher than starting variable rates.
Example: You get a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% fixed. Whether rates rise to 9% or drop to 4% over the next 30 years, your payment stays at $1,264/month on a $200,000 loan.
Installment Loan
A loan you repay in fixed monthly payments over a set period — typically 12 to 60 months. Each payment covers part of the principal plus interest. Personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and student loans are all installment loans.
Why it matters: Installment loans are the most common way Americans borrow money. Unlike revolving credit (credit cards), installment loans have a clear end date and predictable payments. Making on-time installment payments builds yo...
Example: You borrow $5,000 as a personal installment loan at 12% APR for 36 months. Your fixed monthly payment is $166. After 36 payments totaling $5,978, the loan is paid off. You paid $978 in interest but built 36 months of positive payment his...
Interest Rate
The percentage a lender charges you for borrowing their money, calculated on the amount you still owe. It's the lender's profit for taking the risk of lending to you.
Why it matters: Even a 1% difference in interest rate can cost you thousands over a loan's life. Lower rates mean less money out of your pocket.
Example: On a $20,000 car loan for 5 years: at 5% you pay $2,645 in interest. At 8% you pay $4,332. That 3% difference costs you $1,687 extra.
Late Fee — Late Payment Fee
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.
Why it matters: 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.
Loan Term (Tenor) — Loan Term / Tenor
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Why it matters: Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example: Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.