When I first heard about LendingTree, I was curious. The idea of one place where I could compare loan options sounded great, but I wanted to make sure it was legit. In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on LendingTree, including my experience with the platform, what other users say, and some alternative options if you're looking for other ways to compare loans.
What is LendingTree?
LendingTree is a popular online marketplace that helps you compare different financial products, including personal loans, home loans, auto loans, and even credit cards. Instead of going to a bunch of banks and lenders individually, LendingTree allows you to see what different providers are offering, all in one place. The platform has been around since 1996, so it has a long history in the industry, and it’s pretty well-known for helping people find competitive rates.
Is LendingTree Legit?
One of the biggest questions people ask about LendingTree is, “Is it legit?” From my experience and research, yes—it is legit. LendingTree is not a lender itself; instead, it acts as a marketplace. This means they don’t actually loan you the money. Instead, they connect you with banks and lenders who do. LendingTree also has strong security measures in place, and they’re accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating. Plus, they have millions of users, which adds to their credibility.
That said, there are some things to be aware of. LendingTree’s business model is based on sharing your information with lenders who might offer you a loan. This means you may receive a lot of calls or emails from lenders after using the platform. Some people find this part of the process annoying, and I understand why—it can feel overwhelming if you suddenly start receiving multiple offers from different places.
My 6 Months of Experience with LendingTree
When I tried LendingTree, I wanted to see if I could get a better rate on a personal loan. The application process was straightforward and didn’t take long. I entered some basic information about myself, and LendingTree quickly matched me with a list of potential lenders. Each lender had different terms and rates, so it was helpful to have all the information laid out in one place.
One thing I appreciated was the transparency of the process. I could see the interest rates, fees, and other details upfront, which made it easier to compare options. However, after submitting my information, I started getting phone calls and emails from lenders who wanted to discuss their offers. For me, this was manageable, but I can see how some people might find it frustrating.
Pros and Cons of LendingTree
Pros:
- Easy Comparisons: LendingTree makes it simple to see loan offers from different lenders, all in one place.
- Wide Range of Loan Types: From personal loans to mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, LendingTree has a lot of options.
- Transparent Information: You can see interest rates, terms, and fees upfront, which helps make decisions easier.
Cons:
- Potential for Lots of Contact: Since LendingTree shares your info with multiple lenders, you may receive several follow-up calls and emails.
- Not All Rates Are Final: Some rates shown are estimates, so you might get a slightly different rate after the lender does a full credit check.
LendingTree Alternatives 2025
- Credible: Credible is another loan comparison website that allows you to compare rates for personal loans, student loans, mortgages, and more. One difference is that Credible promises not to share your information with lenders until you choose to apply, which can cut down on follow-up contacts.
- Bankrate: Bankrate offers a wide range of financial products and tools for comparing loans, but it doesn’t require you to enter personal information right away. This can be useful if you want to look at general rates without sharing details upfront.
- SoFi: While SoFi is technically a lender, it offers competitive rates on personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. The platform also provides member benefits, like career coaching and financial planning.
- Upstart: Upstart uses an AI-driven model to determine loan eligibility, considering things like your education and employment history, in addition to your credit score. This makes it a good option for people who might not have the best credit history.
- Even Financial: Even Financial connects you with a wide range of lenders for personal loans and more, but like Credible, they keep your information secure until you apply.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I found LendingTree to be a useful tool for comparing loan options. It’s legit, has been around for decades, and has a solid reputation. However, be prepared for some follow-up contact from lenders after you use the platform. This is something you’ll need to weigh—if you’re okay with some outreach, LendingTree could save you time and help you find competitive rates. But if you’d prefer not to share your information, one of the alternatives might suit you better.
In the end, LendingTree is a great starting point for loan shopping. Just make sure to review all the loan details carefully and compare rates and terms from different lenders before making a decision. Whether you’re looking for a personal loan, mortgage, or even a credit card, LendingTree can provide valuable insights into the market.