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Texas Community Capital in Austin, TX
CDFI offering small-dollar loan alternatives, affordable housing financing, and community development lending in low-income Texas communities.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Texas Community Capital Review
Texas Community Capital (TCC) is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) operating with a mission to promote economic and community development in low-income communities. The organization functions as a mission-driven lender focused on underserved populations rather than a traditional payday lender.
TCC operates three primary programs. The Community Loan Center (CLC) of America provides small-dollar loan alternatives designed as payday loan alternatives. The organization also finances affordable housing projects under 20 units for mission-driven organizations, serving both rental and homeownership markets. Additionally, TCC provides capital access support to CLC franchisees seeking to expand their market presence.
TCC's distinguishing factor is its CDFI status and community development focus rather than profit maximization. Unlike traditional payday lenders, TCC emphasizes mission-driven lending and housing finance for organizations serving low-income communities. The company operates CLC of America as a network model, suggesting standardized underwriting and terms across franchise locations aligned with payday-alternative standards (under 36% APR).
The website provides limited specific detail on loan terms, APR rates, loan amounts, or repayment periods. Prospective borrowers cannot determine exact costs, processing times, or eligibility requirements from the available information. The minimal operational transparency reflects a CDFI focused on organizational partnerships rather than direct consumer retail lending.
Services & Features
Affordable housing financing for projects under 20 units
CLC franchise support network
Capital access for CLC franchisees
Community development lending
Economic development financing
Homeownership housing project financing
Market expansion capital for loan alternative programs
Mission-driven organization lending
Rental housing project financing
Small-dollar loan alternatives through Community Loan Center of America
Feature Checklist
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection
Pros & Cons
Pros
- CDFI status indicates regulatory oversight and mission alignment with serving low-income communities
- CLC of America operates as payday-loan alternative program, suggesting rates under 36% APR
- Operates across franchise network model suggesting broader geographic availability for loan access
- Offers affordable housing financing for organizations, not just consumer loans
- Mission-driven approach prioritizes community development alongside lending
- Small-dollar loan program specifically designed as alternative to predatory payday loans
- Provides capital access support to franchisees expanding services
Cons
- Website provides no specific information on loan amounts, APR rates, or repayment terms
- No details on application process, approval timeline, or funding speed
- Limited transparency on who qualifies or how to apply directly as a consumer
- Focuses on organizational and franchisee partnerships rather than direct consumer lending
- No information about customer support, loan management tools, or borrower resources
Rating Breakdown
Value 5.0
Effectiveness 3.5
Customer Service 3.9
Transparency 3.5
Ease of Use 4.2
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas Community Capital legitimate?
Yes. Texas Community Capital is a registered company, headquartered in 1910 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 1910 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Starting Price
- Contact provider
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Texas Community Capital
Texas Community Capital is best for community organizations and CLC franchisees seeking mission-aligned lending and capital expansion rather than individual consumers seeking direct payday alternatives. Prospective borrowers should contact TCC directly to determine if they can access CLC of America small-dollar loans, as the website emphasizes organizational partnerships over direct consumer retail lending.
Best For
- Mission-driven organizations seeking affordable housing financing for low-income communities
- CLC franchisees needing capital expansion for their small-dollar loan operations
- Community development organizations in low-income Texas neighborhoods
Updated 2026-04-29
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Financial Wellness Guides
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Read guide →Financial Terms Explained (10 terms)
New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
Interest & Rates
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.
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.
MAPR — Military Annual Percentage Rate
A special APR calculation used for military servicemembers that includes ALL costs — fees, insurance, and add-ons — capped at 36% by federal law.
Why it matters
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.
Usury Rate — Usury Rate (Interest Rate Cap)
The maximum interest rate a lender can legally charge in a particular state. Charging above this rate is called 'usury' and is illegal.
Why it matters
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.
How Loans Work
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.
Fees & Costs
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.
NSF Fee — Non-Sufficient Funds Fee
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.'
Why it matters
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.
Legal Terms
Usury — Usury (Illegal Interest)
The practice of charging interest rates higher than what the law allows. Usury laws set state-specific caps on how much lenders can charge.
Why it matters
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.
Credit Cards
Cash Advance — Credit Card Cash Advance
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.
Why it matters
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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