Lender
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5.0

Happy Money Review

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About Lender

Happy Money is a financial services company that helps members achieve financial well-being and happiness. By partnering with Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, Happy Money offers a different kind of lending. Transparent and simple. They make financial tools stress-free. They turn money into a way to increase life satisfaction, not a source of stress. This community focused approach is why Happy Money is a reliable and customer first financial partner.

Their application process is streamlined so you can check rates without it affecting your credit score. So if you’re looking for financial solutions that match your goals, this is for you. This is how they offer straightforward and supportive financial services for customers.

happy money review

Key Features

    • Happiness. The company is about helping people live happier lives by improving their financial well-being.

    • Human First. Happy Money is human centered financial services which means they focus on customers needs and desires.

    • Socially Conscious. This lender is committed to making a positive impact on the world and the environment.

    • New Products. Happy Money has new products not found in the financial industry.

    • Customized. Borrowers are offered customized financial services which means they consider each customers individual financial situation and goals.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • No Hidden Fees. The lender is transparent, they only charge an origination fee and no other fees associated with loans such as application fees, early payment fees, late fees, check processing fees, returned check fees and annual fees.

  • Credit Score Improvement. Borrowers who have consolidated their credit card debt with a Payoff Loan have seen an average FICO® Score increase of 40 points in 4 months.

  • Soft Credit Inquiry for Rate Check. Checking your rate with Happy Money is a soft credit inquiry which does not affect your credit score.

  • Support and Resources. Happy Money has personal support through their Member Advocates to help with questions or concerns.

Cons

  • Origination Fee. Happy Money says no hidden fees and simple fee structure but they do charge an origination fee.

  • Loan Amount Limits. Loans may not cover all debt consolidation needs especially for borrowers with higher credit card debt.

  • State Availability. Loans not available in Massachusetts and Nevada.

  • Credit Impact for Loan Issuance. Checking your rate is a soft credit inquiry which does not affect your credit score. A hard credit inquiry occurs when the loan is issued which can affect your credit score.

Reliability

    • Regulatory Compliance. Happy Money is a licensed lender and regulated by state and federal agencies. They comply with all relevant laws and regulations so these services are reliable and trustworthy.

    • Partnered with Reputable Companies. The lender partners with reputable companies like Mastercard and Visa which means they are committed to providing secure financial services.

    • Customer Reviews. The company has good reviews on Trustpilot and A+ on Better Business Bureau. Reviews can be good but it takes more than 30 days to review your credit and decline you.

    • Backed by Strong Finances. Happy Money has received funding from reputable investors like Anthemis Group and CMFG Ventures which means they are financially stable and growing.

How to Apply for a Happy Money Loan?

Apply for a Loan

  1. Visit Website. Start by navigating to access the official Happy Money website.

  2. Check Your Rate. Find the "Check My Rate" button on the Payoff Loan page. Clicking this button will start the process without impacting your credit score, as it involves only a soft credit inquiry.

  3. Fill Out the Application Form. You'll be prompted to fill in the necessary information to process your rate check. This usually includes personal details, financial information, and the amount you wish to borrow.

  4. Review Loan Options. Based on the information you provided, Happy Money will present you with loan options, including different rates and terms you may qualify for. Take your time to review these options to find the one that best fits your financial goals.

  5. Choose Your Loan Plan. Select the loan option that best meets your needs regarding the monthly payment, interest rate, and repayment term.

  6. Verify Information and Finalize. After choosing your loan plan, you will need to verify your information and finalize the loan documents. This step may require you to submit additional documentation for verification purposes.

  7. Receive Your Loan. Once everything is verified and approved, Happy Money will deposit the loan amount into your account or pay your credit card companies directly, depending on the arrangement. The timing for funding can vary, so check the specific details provided during the application process.

Conditions and Requirements

Conditions

  • Interest Rates. Interest rates can go from 11.72% APR to 17.99% APR

  • Loan Amount. Amounts vary between $5,000 and $40,000

  • Loan Terms. Happy Money loan terms go from 2 years (24 months) to 5 years (60 months)

Requirements

  • Credit Score. 640 or higher

  • Age and ID. Must be 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number and a checking account.

  • No Delinquent Accounts. Must not have any current delinquent credit accounts.

  • Sufficient Income. You must have enough income to pay the loan based on your new and existing debts.

  • Debt Consolidation. If applying for debt consolidation loan, you must have at least $5,000 in debt.

  • No Co-Signer Required. You must qualify on your own.

  • Residency Restrictions. Happy Money does not lend to Massachusetts and Nevada residents.

Ways to Receive the Money

Happy Money has a simple and fast process for disbursing loan funds to borrowers so they can get to financial happiness and debt freedom faster. Once approved and loan is finalized, Happy Money deposits the loan amount directly to the borrower’s bank account. If the primary goal is to pay off credit card debt, Happy Money may also pay the credit card companies on behalf of the borrower. This direct payment ensures the funds are used to pay off or eliminate high interest credit card balances so the borrower can get to a happier, debt free life faster.

Products

Happy Money personal loan is a happier way to manage and eliminate credit card debt by consolidating high interest balances into one monthly payment at a fixed rate and term. This will simplify the payment process and can save you interest and may even increase your credit score.

Other Personal Loans

Reasons for Loan Refusal

A Happy Money loan application may be denied for several reasons, each tied to loan requirements. Some of the common reasons for denial are not meeting the minimum age requirement of 18; no valid social security number; residing in a state where they don’t lend (Massachusetts and Nevada); inadequate credit history or credit score; insufficient income to support the loan amount; or no valid checking account. Happy Money is committed to responsible lending. Each application goes through a thorough review process to assess creditworthiness, financial stability and other factors to ensure loans are granted to those who can manage and pay back their debt.

Check Credit Score

How to Repay a Happy Money Loan?

Repay

Paying back a loan from Happy Money is simple and easy, as they are committed to your financial well-being and customer satisfaction. Once you get a loan, Happy Money sets up a fixed monthly payment schedule so each payment is the same throughout the life of the loan. Payments can be made through automatic bank transfers to avoid late payments and good financial habits. Happy Money also has an online platform and mobile app where you can manage your account, check your loan balance and see upcoming payment dates.

Loans like Happy Money

OppLoans

Apply for a Loan

OppLoans is a notable financial service provider that offers consumer loans varying from $500 to $4,000. They expedite the funding process to ensure that approved applicants receive the necessary funds promptly, which is advantageous for those dealing with immediate financial concerns. OppLoans offers adaptable repayment conditions, giving customers the choice between 9, 12, and 18-month loan terms. This adaptability allows borrowers to opt for a repayment plan that matches their financial ability, ensuring a seamless and manageable loan journey.

About OppLoans

Rise Credit

Apply for a Loan

RISE Credit is a reliable online lender that provides loans up to $5,000. They have a streamlined application procedure, allowing borrowers to have funds transferred to their accounts as early as the next business day. They present the flexibility of choosing a payment schedule that fits with the financial preferences of the customers, although some state-based restrictions might apply. A notable feature of RISE Credit is its 5-Day Risk-Free Guarantee, which permits borrowers to revoke their loan and return the principal with zero fees or interest within the given period. Additionally, RISE Credit grants customers complimentary access to their credit score and credit monitoring alerts through Credit Score Plus, offering valuable financial insight.

About Rise

OneMain Financial

Apply for a Loan

OneMain Financial stands as a distinguished and enduring lender, offering personal loans that range between $1,500 to $20,000. Boasting a century’s worth of experience in the financial sector, they have garnered the trust of a vast customer base. Their loan terms include fixed rates and fixed payments, offering a predictable and manageable repayment scenario to borrowers. OneMain Financial emphasizes personalized service, ensuring that the distinct needs of each customer are addressed. With a widespread network of approximately 1,400 branches, they provide easy access and convenience for individuals in search of financial aid.

About OneMain Financial

Universal Credit

Apply for a Loan

Universal Credit requires applicants to have a minimum credit score of 560, thus excluding those with no credit history. It is appealing for its credit-enhancement features, making it suitable for individuals with fair or poor credit looking to better their scores. Providing larger loan amounts than Oportun and next-day funding upon approval, it emerges as a solid choice for significant, urgent financial needs. Universal Credit extends its loan services across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering a wide geographical coverage.

About Universal Credit

Editorial Opinion

Happy Money stands out in the financial industry with its approach to debt consolidation and personal loans, focusing on the borrower’s mental well-being as much as their financial health. Their commitment to helping people pay off multiple credit card debts through The Payoff Loan - with fair, fixed APRs and flexible terms - shows they understand the financial struggles many of people face. No hidden fees and potential credit score improvement is a bonus. But their loan availability and eligibility criteria may not fit everyone’s needs. So while Happy Money is a great option for many, borrowers should consider their own financial situation.

Important

Keeping your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio below 30-40% of your monthly income is crucial. This will help you avoid potential financial problems in the future. Additionally, always assess the necessity and feasibility of taking a loan, ensuring you can comfortably manage its repayment.

How to Choose a Lender

  1. Make sure to confirm whether the lender is licensed to operate in your state. You can verify this information with your state regulator or attorney general.

  2. Check if the lender is a member of a reputable association, such as the Community Financial Services Association of America. Membership in such organizations may provide an extra level of reliability.

  3. Carefully review all the terms and conditions of your payday loan contract.

  4. Thoroughly examine the interest rates on payday loans and ensure that your contract includes a detailed breakdown of the total cost of the loan.

  5. Take advantage of your right of rescission. Usually, you can rescind the loan within three days after signing the agreement. Alternatively, there is typically a "cooling-off" period, which allows you several days to thoroughly review the contract before making an informed decision to enter into a consumer loan agreement based on the terms specified by the lender.

  6. Choosing a payday lender is a significant decision that demands careful consideration and a good understanding of how such organizations operate.

Additional Resources

Sources

FAQ

What is Happy Money Inc?

Happy Money Inc is a financial technology company that offers a mobile app and prepaid Visa card that helps people save, manage, and grow their money.

Who founded Happy Money?

Happy Money was established in 2009 by Ken Honda. It is dedicated to helping Americans save money and get out of debt.

Does payoff hurt your credit score?

Paying off your debts does not hurt your credit score, and lowering your debt-to-credit ratio can help raise your credit score.

Company documents

Privacy Policy
Licenses

Happy Money exists to help people use money as a tool for their happiness

© Happy Money, Inc
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Rating by Finanso®
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The rating by Finanso® is determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula includes a financial product type as well as tariffs, fees, rewards and other options.

5
Recommended FinScore™
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300
650
1000
5000.00 – 40000.00 $
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Interest rate

11.72 – 17.99 %
Term
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Loan term for the financial product

2 years – 5 years
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Recommended FinScore™
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2000.00 – 100000.00 $
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Interest rate

6.34 – 35.89 %
Term
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Loan term for the financial product

2 months – 5 years
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Rating by Finanso®
i

The rating by Finanso® is determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula includes a financial product type as well as tariffs, fees, rewards and other options.

Recommended FinScore™
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300
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100.00 – 4000.00 $
Rating by Finanso®
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The rating by Finanso® is determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula includes a financial product type as well as tariffs, fees, rewards and other options.

3.93
(20 Ratings)
Recommended FinScore™
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1000
450.00 – 12000.00 $
Rate
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Interest rate

27.50 – 81.29 %
Term
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Loan term for the financial product

6 months – 3 years
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Happy Money reviews 2025
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5
Pros
If we take into account the fact that this lender offers the opportunity to receive points for the use and timely repayment of loans, which can be used to repay subsequent loans in the future, then this is a huge plus in his direction. In terms of interest, everything is within acceptable limits, if you compare it again with other companies, you can repay the loan ahead of schedule, this is not hindered here and even no commissions will be required to pay. In case of problems, you can always contact the support service, the attitude to customers is loyal and all issues are resolved fairly quickly in terms of deadlines. In the future, I still plan to contact here
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Company rating
5.0
/ 5
1 reviews
Application
5.0
Support service
5.0
Mobile App
5.0
Service quality
5.0
Your satisfaction level
5.0
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