Responsible Lending

Our Commitment

Ascend Lending is committed to connecting borrowers with responsible lenders who follow fair lending practices and comply with all applicable laws.

Lender Standards

We work only with lenders who:

• Are licensed or registered as required by state law
• Provide clear, transparent loan terms
• Comply with federal and state lending regulations
• Offer reasonable repayment terms
• Provide customer service and support

Transparent Terms

All lenders in our network are required to provide:

• Clear disclosure of APR, fees, and total cost
• Written loan agreements before funding
• Detailed repayment schedules
• Information about prepayment and late payment policies

Consumer Protections

Federal and state laws provide important protections for borrowers:

• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of loan terms
• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Protects your credit information
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA): Prohibits lending discrimination
• Military Lending Act (MLA): Caps APR at 36% for active duty military members
• State Lending Laws: Additional protections vary by state

Borrow Responsibly

Before applying for a loan, consider:

• Do you truly need the loan?
• Can you afford the monthly payments?
• Have you explored all alternatives?
• Do you understand all terms and fees?
• What happens if you can't make a payment?

Alternatives to Consider

Before taking out a loan, you may want to explore:

• Negotiating payment plans with creditors
• Borrowing from friends or family
• Seeking assistance from nonprofit credit counseling agencies
• Exploring community assistance programs
• Considering whether the expense can be delayed

Financial Resources

For free financial counseling and education:

• National Foundation for Credit Counseling: nfcc.org
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov
• Federal Trade Commission: consumer.ftc.gov

If You're Struggling

If you have difficulty making loan payments:

• Contact your lender immediately to discuss options
• Many lenders offer hardship programs or payment plans
• Seek help from a nonprofit credit counselor
• Understand your rights under federal and state law

Report Issues

If you experience problems with a lender, you can:

• Contact the lender's customer service
• File a complaint with your state attorney general
• Report to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• Contact your state financial regulator

Our Promise

We are committed to connecting consumers only with reputable, licensed lenders who follow responsible lending practices. If you have concerns about any lender in our network, please contact us.