What Is an Installment Loan?

An installment loan is a financing product that allows you to borrow a certain amount in one lump sum and repay the money over a set period in smaller scheduled installments. The payments are made regularly, usually on a monthly or bi-weekly basis, and are the same over the loan life.

Installment loans have higher borrowing limits compared to payday loans, allowing you to finance large purchases or planned expenses. Through 1F Cash Advance, you can find installment loans between $500 and $5,000 and choose a repayment period from 2 to 24 months.

Reasons for Getting an Installment Loan Online

Online installment loans may be a good choice when you need extra cash to pay for things that fall outside your usual budget. Our customers typically get them to cover the following emergency expenses:

  • Surprise medical bills
  • Car repairs
  • Home improvements
  • Urgent travel expenses
  • Moving costs
  • Rent or utility payments

How It Works

It’s easy to apply for an installment loan through 1F Cash Advance. Just follow these 3 simple steps:

1

Start your application

Complete a form online, call us at (720) 428-2247, or visit one of our stores for personalized assistance.

Apply Now
2

Receive an approval decision

Your application details will be reviewed in minutes. If approved, read the terms and sign the agreement.

3

Get funded

In-store applicants can walk out with cash right away, while online borrowers will receive a direct deposit into a bank account on the same or the next business day.*

*Online applications approved before 10:30 am local time on weekdays are eligible for same-day money deposits. Borrowers who finalize their loan offers after 10:30 am local time or on weekends will receive the money on the next business day.

What Is Required to Apply?

Our lenders only ask for basic documents and information to make the process fast and smooth. Here’s what you need to apply:

  • Government-issued ID
  • Social Security number
  • General contact information
  • Proof of income and address
  • Bank account number and routing number

Woman approved for installment loan using smartphone and payment card

Benefits of Installment Loans

Enjoy the following advantages when taking out an installment loan through 1F Cash Advance:

Predictable Monthly Payments

Your loan payments are fixed, just like your APR. You will always know how much you need to pay each month, making it easier to budget.

Extended Repayment Terms

Installment loans from our lending partners offer more control over the way you borrow money. You can choose a convenient repayment period of up to 24 months that balances both your monthly payment and the total cost.

Higher Loan Amounts

Installment loan amounts can help you cover large purchases and expenses. You can borrow up to $5,000 based on your income.

Options for Any Credit Type

Lenders assess your income, payment history, and overall financial situation when deciding whether to approve you. This makes it possible for borrowers with bad or no credit to qualify.

Find Loans Near You

1F Cash Advance is available nationwide! Select your state to find out the amounts and terms we can offer.

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Check loan limits and availability in [state] before applying.

Prefer to apply in person? Check the states we operate in and visit us during business hours. Outside of those hours, feel free to apply online anytime, 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Can I Get an Installment Loan with Bad Credit?

Yes. 1F Cash Advance understands the real challenges that come with bad credit. We partner with lenders who don’t prioritize your credit score and are more focused on your income and ability to repay. Each situation is unique, so they take a holistic, case-by-case look at your application when deciding whether to approve you.

Types of Installment Loans

Installment loans can be of various types, with each of them carrying different APRs, repayment terms, loan purposes, and eligibility requirements. Here are some of the most common products available.

Personal Loans

A personal loan is a long-term borrowing option that can be used for various personal needs, from covering medical bills to financing a vacation or home improvement project. You can borrow up to $50,000. The repayment needs to be made in a series of equal monthly installments over up to 84 months. APRs are fixed and can reach 35.99%, giving borrowers predictability. Good credit is typically needed to qualify.

Student Loans

Student loans are financing products used to pay for education-related expenses. There are two types of student loans: federal and private.

Federal student loans are issued by the U.S. government and include Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS Loans. Their interest rates are fixed for the life of the loan, but new rates are set each year using a formula tied to the 10-year Treasury note. For undergraduate Direct Loans first disbursed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, the rate is 6.39%.1

Eligibility is determined based on your FAFSA application. Private loans are usually used when a student can’t qualify for federal aid or has already maxed out their limits. They are offered by private lenders based on a borrower’s income and creditworthiness.

Auto Loans

An auto loan is a type of borrowing people take out to purchase a new or used vehicle. These loans are secured, meaning that the car itself serves as collateral and can be repossessed if you default.

Some auto loans, especially options for bad credit, may require a down payment, while others can provide financing for a full vehicle cost. The repayment period is typically up to 84 months. APRs and monthly payments are typically fixed and don’t change over the loan life. Commercial banks reported an average 60-month new-car loan rate of 7.14% as of May 2026.3

Mortgages

A mortgage is a type of installment loan designed specifically for property purchase. Most mortgages have long repayment terms, which are between 15 and 30 years. APRs may be both fixed and variable.

To qualify, you typically need to have good credit, a stable income, and years of verifiable employment history. Additionally, you will need to provide a down payment. However, there are some mortgage options available to bad credit borrowers. They include FHA loans and VA loans.

Bad Credit Installment Loans

Bad credit installment loans are small personal loans available to people with credit issues. Most are offered online through alternative lenders, including some tribal lenders, who may use third-party data instead of a hard credit check to assess a borrower’s creditworthiness.

These loans usually have lower borrowing limits compared to regular personal loans. They also come with high APRs that can reach 200%. Still, bad credit loans provide quick financing with fewer requirements, allowing people with any credit to access the money they need within 1 business day.

Federally chartered credit unions offer a lower-cost alternative under National Credit Union Administration rules: Payday Alternative Loans are capped at 28% APR.2

Why 1F Cash Advance

1F Cash Advance is a trusted company that operates nationwide and partners with licensed lenders who strictly follow all the applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Here’s what we offer:

5-minute application

It only takes a few minutes to apply for installment loans. The process is fast, straightforward, and hassle-free.

Risk-free application process

Prequalifying through us doesn’t affect your FICO score or commit you to accepting any offers. You can assess the terms before deciding whether to move forward with the lender.

No hidden fees

All the costs associated with your loan will be clearly outlined in the loan disclosure. No hidden charges, balloon payments, or other unexpected surprises.

FAQ

Lenders in our network run a soft credit check to assess your ability to repay when you prequalify. Many of them do not perform a hard check if you decide to proceed, but some of them may run a hard inquiry for the final approval after notifying you. This may result in a temporary credit score drop, usually under 5 points. Missed payments or accounts sent to collections can also affect your credit.

A payday loan is a loan with a single repayment due by your next paycheck. It offers lower loan amounts and often comes with high flat fees. An installment loan is a long-term debt that allows you to get a larger sum and repay it over several months or years in scheduled payments.

Early repayment may be possible with no penalties. However, you should review your loan agreement first, as specific terms and state regulations may apply.

There are no set rules regarding how many installment loans you are allowed to have at a time. You can qualify for another installment loan as long as you meet the lender's requirements and have sufficient income to meet all your debt payment obligations. However, many lenders only give one loan to a single borrower simultaneously to minimize risks.

Loans available through 1F Cash Advance are typically deposited within 1 business day after approval. The exact time the money will reach your account depends on when you apply and your bank’s cut-off times. If you finalize your loan before 10:30 am local time on a working day, you can get the money on the same day. Otherwise, the funds will be deposited in your account on the next business day.

Installment loans are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. If you need money quickly and with less strict requirements, online lenders can be a good option. 1F Cash Advance can connect you with trusted, state-licensed lenders. With us, you can apply for an installment loan via the website, over the phone, or in one of our stores. Fill out an application form on the website, call us at (720) 428-2247, or find a location near you and complete the process in person.

It depends on your current situation. An online application works best for people with busy schedules who are not new to borrowing and want to complete the entire process remotely. In-store application may be a better option for first-time borrowers, individuals with non-standard situations and income sources, or those who prefer more personalized assistance.

Sources

Latoria Williams
Written by Latoria Williams CEO
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Latoria Williams, CEO of 1F Cash Advance, draws on her 20+ years in consumer lending and fintech to help borrowers navigate loans safely and understand their financial options.
Master's in Business, California State UniversityCPCEO CertifiedMember of the Sistahbiz community
Michael Lefler
Edited by Michael Lefler Financial Author
Kerry Vetter
Reviewed by Kerry Vetter Financial Author