1st Franklin Financial

1st Franklin Financial

 4.2/5 (96 reviews)

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Overall Rating4.2 out of 5
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About 1st Franklin Financial

1st Franklin Financial offers personal loans up to $15,000. Its loans feature fixed rates and payments and no prepayment penalties. Its services are available only in select states nationwide, though it does have over 300 offices in its service area. You can choose between short- and long-term installment plans.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Quick approval time
    • No penalty for early payment
    • Fixed rates and payments

    Cons

    • No interest rate info on website
    • Only available in eight states

    Bottom Line

    1st Franklin Financial is a personal loan provider operating in eight states. The company offers loans up to $15,000 with fixed rates and payments and no prepayment penalties. You’ll have to visit a local branch for rate info.

    1st Franklin Financial Reviews

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    Page 2 Reviews 10 - 40
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Nov. 7, 2019

    I can always count on them to get back to me swiftly each time I have applied for loans and they are fast and friendly each time I go on to make payments. I would recommend this company to anyone seeking loan assistance.

    11 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Oct. 23, 2019

    This company will only bait you in to apply, say that you are pre-approved to deny you. I applied for a unsecured premier loan on 10-22-2019, and spoke with Jaimini **. She was able to look at my credit file to see my Equifax credit score was 785, and told me I was approved for up to $10,000 for a unsecured premier loan. She was being all nice at first, and told me to email her all of my documents. I emailed proof of my address, checkstubs, bank statements, and my identification. She told me that they only give a maximum of $5,000 at the location, and since it was over $5,000 I was requesting it would need to be sent to the regional manager. She told me that the manager would send all of my information to the regional manager, and I would hear something by the end of day. I called 3 hours after applying, and Jamini told me that they haven't heard back from the regional manager.

    I called at 4:45pm, because I never received a response from Jamini regarding my application. Once I told them I was calling for Jamini, and gave the other lady my name she said Jamini was with another customer. I told her I really wanted to know if my application was approved, because I didn't want to move forward with another company if I was. Then the lady transferred me to someone else in the office, and she told me the regional manager emailed them hours ago about me being declined. She told me that they had received the response back earlier that day! I asked why I was declined, and she said they couldn't verify my employment through a work service system. I told her that it is impossible, because I have been with my job for years. Plus, they had documentations for every single thing they needed.

    I then asked to speak back to Jamini to see why did she lie, and waste my time about not hearing back from the regional manager. She wouldn't get on the phone, and she never answered my email. They had everything to approve me, and still denied me not wanting me to give me the loan. Jamini is a liar, will waste your time, and DO NOT WANT TO COMMUNICATE PROPERLY WITH POTENTIAL CLIENTS. They saw that, I make 6 figures a year, had proof of everything, and did NOT WANT TO GIVE ME THE LOAN. My credit score is a 785, and there is no way with everything I have I should've been denied at all. Plus, Jamini have horrible customer service, had me get a hard inquiry on my credit file then wasted MY ENTIRE DAY PLAYING GAMES! This office just want to give customers $500 loans, and play with people TIME!

    35 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Oct. 14, 2019

    You should not change the rule in the middle of a loan. Have been with you all for years and want to stay but not if you change the rules in the middle of a loan and will not tell any one to get a loan from you all!!!!

    22 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Oct. 4, 2019

    I have been a customer with 1st Financial for quite some time and never had a problem paying my loans. Well I have ran on some hard times and I have been threaten with a law suits and legal action. I informed them that they sent me a live check and I never came in and asked for the loan. However this is the 2nd live check I've had and I've always paid on time. I have been harassed, belittled and treated like this doesn't happen to everyone. I WILL NEVER do business with them again.

    29 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Oct. 2, 2019

    The people at 1st Franklin Financial were very helpful with providing me the money that I needed to catch up on a few bills. I didn't feel judged or out of place when I went in there. They were also very kind and gave me what I needed. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family.

    12 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Sept. 20, 2019

    Well my name is Andrea. My credit was not greatest in the world due bad money management on my part. I went to them. They took a chance on me with a a starter loan. They worked with me when I couldn't make my payments on time due illness, hospital stays or just simply being out of town. They work with me. They showed me compassion. Eventually I was able to pay them off. I recently went back for a another loan due to death in the family. They got me taken care of and out the door in no time. My experience with them has been a great one. Everyone attitude was warm, friendly, even the manager Bill was good to me. I appreciate the way they do business. I am grateful that they took a chance on me. I would recommend them to anyone who needs help. Thanks again to 1st Franklin located on Main Street in Summerville. Bill And Donna you're the best.

    6 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Sept. 11, 2019

    Had several loans with this company. The info given at the time of loan did not comply with the payoff. Take 90 days to report to credit bureau. I question this problem and was rudely told for my information it would not help my score. This is incorrect and was told that the loan would help my credit. All payments were made on time. Just know who you are dealing with. Thanks.

    31 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Aug. 15, 2019

    What happen in in my first 6 months. I made 1 payment late. 1 only. What they did is rolled the late fee over to the next month whether you made your next whole payment or not. I did not look at the later fee charged over and over. So after 8 years I decide to pay them off and ask for a payment history. When I looked it could not believe it, LOOK IT UP ONLINE pyramid scheme. I ask about it. Said it is normal what they have. ON THAT LOAN THEY GOT ME FOR OVER $1,800 FOR 1 late fee.

    36 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Aug. 3, 2019

    I have been a customer with the branch of Alexandria Louisiana and I have nothing but good things to say everyone that works in that office. The branch manager is Stephani ** and I must say that they make me feel like more than just a monthly customer. I feel like family to them and the experience of being a customer of theirs make me feel happy to be there. They care so much that I’m even able to give them good news on personal issues in my life. I am happy to be a part of the 1st Franklin family.

    4 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: July 22, 2019

    I had been with this 1st Franklin for years. Loans for over 4000.00 as long as I had good credit. After my credit score dropped I could no longer get any money from them. I never left the company owed any money. Couple days ago I asked for a loan of 350.00. I was so hurt. 350.00. My credit needs help n. But it's not all that bad. Thanks for turning me down 1st Franklin.

    27 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: July 1, 2019

    First Franklin Financial Philadelphia MS, has helped me rebuild my credit. Very professional and kind staff. I will continue to use them for my financial needs in the future. If you want good service and honesty give them a call. Thanks so much.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: June 24, 2019

    My husband passed away, never received a letter or anything. He had a loan with 1st Franklin. They never sent a letter or a certified letter. They told me they couldn’t reach out to family members once someone dies. Also said they couldn’t contact his reference. They came and reported his vehicle. I was willing to pay his debt in full without a fuss. FF made it nasty, just took the car. I asked if they could leave til the next morning, they would not work with me at all. I paid the remaining balance and they had the nerve to tell me if I had enough to catch up the loan that would be good. I paid it in full and will advise anyone to leave FF alone but they sent a certified letter to let me know there was a box of Kleenex, some paper towel, a small flashlight and a phone clip that didn’t belong to them. They are a very dirty nasty bunch of people, all of that could have been avoided. Bad business.

    42 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 26, 2019

    I have used 1st Franklin for years now. Very good experience each time. Nice & very friendly service in Aiken SC. I will continue using them for small loans. Application is very easy and they are very straightforward when going in the office.

    4 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 13, 2019

    All I can say about this company is a great experience. The interest is little high but if we could achieve a lower interest then we would so... They are by far the most professional and compassionate group I’ve encountered with. They regarded my situation as an emergency and didn’t focus on one factor. I know the true customer service experience is usually not revealed until there’s a problem, i.e., a late payment, but I will say that so far, so great! I’m grateful!!

    13 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 12, 2019

    My experience was that of ease, Kayla my loan representative, was very professional. She really did her homework, she made the transition smooth as possible and for that I'm thankful... Kudos to Kayla. The LaPlace Branch... Sincerely, FELIX.

    5 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Feb. 3, 2019

    Where to begin... I move around a lot for work and always try to use local companies instead of big banks when making purchases. While I didn't incur any fees or interest I was still very disappointed with how this company operates. First, they don't put the principal amount or interest rate on the monthly statements (or online)... They only put the total amount due at the end of the payment period. For example, the furniture I purchased was $2,900 but the amount on the first statement was $3,900 (again the amount due at the end of the 24 month payment period) with no indication of principal or interest rate. If you intend to pay-off the purchase before the 0% interest period expires you have to keep a spreadsheet on your own tracking the amounts you've paid.

    The next bad thing is if you pay more than the minimum amount due on the monthly statement, the next months invoice does not show a reduction in the principal amount (again because they don't put it on the statement). Instead it simply pushes out your due date for the next payment and shows a reduction in the total amount due at the end of the payment period. For example, if your minimum payment of $200 is due on 31 JAN 2018 and you pay $400, your next bill shows up in February but your next payment doesn't show as being due until 31 March 2018. This is to trick people into not paying the loan before the 0% interest period is up.

    For example I paid extra every month so I didn't get charged the crazy interest and the due date on my last bill I received was pushed all the way to 10 months later. If you don't pay attention to details this will get you. Finally, my biggest complaint is I actually had to physically walk into a store to pay my final payment and close my account. They wouldn't let me do it online or over the phone. Bottom line is they have unethical business practices to try to get as much interest out of you as possible.

    35 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Dec. 6, 2018

    The manager at the Laurens office is nasty and disrespectful. I had a title loan with them. Called them to come get the car because it wasn't working. They sent me a letter saying I was due for a payment if I don't make that payment they will come and get the car. I had been calling for them to get the car. The manager was nasty and rude on the phone. How can you get mad when y'all have the title to the car - why not come and get it? I called again. Now she saying that the paper they sent me it's by law they have to wait a certain amount of days to come get the car. I'm not about to pay on anything that's not working. Y'all have the title come and get it. I don't recommend anyone to go to 1st Franklin in Laurens SC.

    28 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Oct. 6, 2018

    The local office of 1st Franklin is awesome. All the ladies are a pleasure doing business with... but the main office/corporate office... not so much. I have been a customer of them for over 2 yrs and have always had a problem with the main office not reporting my payments for 2, and sometime, 3 months... which in turn, holds down my credit score. I was told 2 yrs ago, when I made the 1st loan with them, that they do report every months. Today is Oct 6th, and they have not reported on my account and payments to any of the 3 credit bureaus since July 30th! If you intend to use this company to help build your credit score and/or built your credit, ya might want to give them a 2nd (and 3rd!) thought!!!

    17 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Sept. 8, 2018

    They aren't good to fool with because I had a loan and I went back and refinanced it and a few months later I got sick and miss a payment and I started getting phone calls and a garnish letter to have my earnings garnish. They are a company that won't work with you. The interest is too damn high and they aren't professional at all. I have been trying to rebuild my credit and the loan has been paid off about 3 or 4 years ago and they won't even remove the negative errors from my report but I'll never or will never refer anyone to this company. Instead of them trying to help you improve your credit they trying to destroy it.

    35 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: May 25, 2018

    Disabled War veterans beware!.. they will take advantage of your disabilities by increasing finance charges and will not work with when you discovered they snowballed you. They are very very unAmerican and do not care about anything but their interest. They will prey on you by sending you letters in the mail to borrow money and misrepresent themselves via advertising. Once you're lured in they’ve got you. Beware! Beware! Beware!

    36 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 20, 2018

    When I talked to the Manager... I'm not really sure if I can be approved but after she explain to me all the rules and requirement... I'm so glad I got all the information and qualified to borrowed money that day. I really appreciate all the help and I'm so glad I went there to do business. I will recommend that company to everybody. Thanks again.

    23 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 14, 2018

    I would recommend this loan company to anybody. I say that because the employees there they ask you how you're doing? They also ask you how your day have been going. They are very nice and reasonable people to get a loan from. If you don't have all the money for your loan they will let you pay half before it's due. The other half you have to let them know when you are going to be in with the rest. This is a very friendly and professional business. I'm going to be sticking with this company for a long time.

    7 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 9, 2018

    Very unprofessional! Applied for a small loan on Monday and was told they would get right back with me. Called on Friday and was told they “weren’t able to get it approved.” No explanation or anything. Very bad business!

    24 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Oct. 14, 2017

    These people are so wrong They filed court papers on me the first time and I agreed to pay. I got behind and they filed again after I made a payment. Don't go to these people and they say they're in it to help families. That's a lie. Don't go to these people bc the minute you can't pay they file papers on you.

    52 people found this review helpful
    Original review: June 14, 2017

    I went last week to apply for a very small loan, the smallest FF allows, I have been a customer for over 10 years, never a day late or a dollar short, my credit has improved a lot since my divorce, I even have a credit card... I was turned down. F Franklin discriminates against the disabled and people on a fixed income... never will I apply for a loan with them again, especially when I got what I needed from a bank at 3rd of the interest. Thanks for turning me down, you all did me a favor, especially with the outrageous interest First Franklin charges.

    64 people found this review helpful
    Original review: Feb. 10, 2017

    Do not use 1st Franklin, my account has been closed for a year and they have NOT reported it to the credit bureau. When asked they said they did, when confronted with credit bureau on the phone they said they would do it right away. When I called back they sounded like idiot trying to answer a question. They said they have reported for 2 year because they would have to pay fines? Um my credit depends on you doing your job RIGHT! DON'T USE THEM!!!

    47 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Jan. 20, 2017

    The office in Cumming is the most unwilling to cooperate I've ever dealt with in my 55 years of living. They do not appreciate you at all so keep your money from them. They won't communicate over email. Um, it's 2017. Everyone communicates over email. Even our President! I will be very happy when they are paid off and I would not recommend anyone doing business with them. If you cannot call from your job during the day, definitely don't deal with them!

    34 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Oct. 27, 2016

    I had a loan with First Franklin three years ago. First Franklin is not a good place to get a loan. They will not try to work with you when making payments late and they will call you at least four times a day. They called me from different cell numbers, since I didn't answer their business line. Also, they threaten me with garnishment, even though I was a month or two behind and I called and told them my situation. There was a period of time where they did not report, so they would not get fine. I had to call Equifax to get them off my credit, since I already had paid them.

    47 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Oct. 16, 2016

    First time dealing with Franklin Financial awful dishonest crooked people... Me my family were homeless. I been working a few months so I took out loan from instaloan... 800$... they were crooked so I paid 2 years on loan over 2200$. Franklin bought this company... After me talking with first loan company I was upset. Franklin sends me a paper saying in guaranteed 1500? So that's when they say "oh we own your loan" so instead of treating me right seeing plainly I was mischarged... they charged me the 334$ I had refused to pay instaloan due to their dishonesty. Franklin yea they do you right aight crooked people, crooked business overcharging a homeless family who already poor... yay!!!

    54 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: July 21, 2016

    When going to this company I expressed to them I was rebuilding my credit and wanted to make sure they report to the major credit bureaus. I was told, twice, they do and they had a sign in the office stating they do. It has been several months and nothing has been reported. Upon calling the corporate office I was told that two years ago it was an executive decision to suspend reporting!!! I told the rep I was just told a few months ago that you report! In her sweet rehearsed voice she repeats her speech to me, saying that possibly by the end of the years they will again report! I AM PAYING 26% INTEREST TO BUILD MY CREDIT WHICH YOU ARE NOT REPORTING! I must say to their good the workers in the Stockbridge Ga. office are nice but nothing irritates me more than to know I am getting nowhere on building my credit! Looking for someone to buy my loan!!!

    31 people found this review helpful
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    1st Franklin Financial Company Information

    Company Name:
    1st Franklin Financial
    Website:
    www.1ffc.com