Faq

Since 2010, Bigbear Unity Loan Financial Services has helped over 100,000 customers achieve their financial goals with transparent, fair, and accessible loan solutions.

Team collaborating

General Questions

We offer a variety of loan products to meet your financial needs:

  • Personal Loans: For general expenses, debt consolidation, or major purchases
  • Home Loans: Including mortgages, refinancing, and home equity lines of credit
  • Auto Loans: For new and used vehicle purchases
  • Business Loans: Including startup funding, equipment financing, and working capital
  • Student Loans: For education expenses and student debt refinancing

Each loan type has different terms, rates, and qualification requirements. We recommend speaking with a loan advisor to determine which option best suits your needs.

Qualification requirements vary depending on the loan type, but generally we look at:

  • Credit Score: Your credit history and score help us determine your creditworthiness
  • Income: Proof of steady income that's sufficient to repay the loan
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: The percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying debts
  • Employment History: Stable employment history is typically preferred
  • Collateral: For secured loans, you'll need appropriate collateral (like a home or vehicle)

Our loan advisors can provide personalized guidance on your qualification status and recommend options that match your financial situation.

The timeline varies by loan type:

  • Personal Loans: As quick as 1-3 business days from application to funding
  • Auto Loans: Often approved within 24-48 hours
  • Home Loans: Typically 30-45 days from application to closing
  • Business Loans: Depending on complexity, from 1 week to 1 month

To speed up the process, have all your required documentation ready when you apply. Our online application system allows you to save progress and upload documents electronically.

Application Process

Required documentation typically includes:

  • Identification: Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport
  • Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements
  • Employment Verification: Contact information for your employer
  • Financial Information: Bank account details, information about existing debts

For specific loans, additional documents may be required:

  • Home Loans: Property information, homeowners insurance, etc.
  • Auto Loans: Vehicle information, insurance proof
  • Business Loans: Business plan, financial statements, business licenses

We offer multiple application channels for your convenience:

  • Online: Our secure online portal allows you to complete the entire application process from the comfort of your home
  • Mobile App: Apply through our mobile app, which also allows you to upload documents using your device's camera
  • Phone: Call our loan specialists who can assist you through the application process
  • In-Branch: Visit any of our branch locations for face-to-face assistance

Most loans can be processed completely online, but more complex applications (like certain business loans or jumbo mortgages) may require an in-person meeting. Our loan advisors will guide you through the most appropriate application method for your specific needs.

Application fees vary by loan type:

  • Personal Loans: No application fee
  • Auto Loans: No application fee
  • Home Loans: $300-$500 application fee, which covers processing costs and credit checks (may be refundable if loan is not approved)
  • Business Loans: Varies based on loan amount and complexity

We're committed to transparency in our fee structure. Any applicable fees will be clearly disclosed before you submit your application. Some fees may be rolled into the loan amount rather than paid upfront.

Interest Rates & Terms

Interest rates are determined by several factors:

  • Credit Score: Higher credit scores typically qualify for lower interest rates
  • Loan Type: Different loan products have different baseline rates
  • Loan Term: Shorter terms usually have lower rates than longer terms
  • Market Conditions: Current economic factors and Federal Reserve rates influence our rates
  • Loan-to-Value Ratio: For secured loans, the amount borrowed compared to the value of the collateral

We review our rates regularly to ensure they remain competitive. You can check our current rate ranges on our website or speak with a loan advisor for a personalized rate quote based on your specific situation.

We offer both fixed and variable rate options:

  • Fixed Rates: The interest rate remains constant throughout the loan term, providing predictable monthly payments. This is available for all loan types.
  • Variable Rates: The interest rate may fluctuate over time based on market indices. These typically start lower than fixed rates but involve some risk of increasing over time. Available for certain home loans, personal loans, and lines of credit.

The best choice depends on your financial situation and risk tolerance:

  • Fixed rates are ideal if you prefer consistent payments and plan to keep the loan for its full term
  • Variable rates may save money if you plan to pay off the loan quickly or if interest rates are expected to remain stable or decrease

Our loan advisors can help you compare both options with personalized calculations based on your loan amount and term.

Our loan terms vary by product:

  • Personal Loans: 1-7 years
  • Auto Loans: 2-7 years
  • Home Loans: 10, 15, 20, or 30 years
  • Business Loans: 1-10 years depending on loan purpose

When choosing a term, consider:

  • Shorter terms: Higher monthly payments but less total interest paid over the life of the loan
  • Longer terms: Lower monthly payments but more total interest paid over time

We can provide amortization schedules that show exactly how much principal and interest you'll pay over different term lengths to help you make an informed decision.

Repayment

We offer several convenient payment options:

  • Automatic Payments: Set up recurring payments from your checking or savings account
  • Online Banking: Make payments through our secure online portal or mobile app
  • Phone Payments: Pay by phone using our automated system or with customer service assistance
  • In-Branch Payments: Visit any branch location to make a payment in person
  • Mail: Send checks to our payment processing center

We recommend automatic payments, which ensure you never miss a due date and may qualify you for a 0.25% interest rate discount on most loans.

Yes, you can pay off your loan before the scheduled end date. We offer several options:

  • Extra Payments: Make additional payments toward your principal balance at any time
  • Lump Sum Payments: Apply larger one-time payments to reduce your principal
  • Full Payoff: Request a payoff amount and pay the remaining balance in full

Important considerations:

  • Most of our loans have no prepayment penalties, meaning you won't be charged for paying early
  • Some specialized loans or promotional offers may have prepayment restrictions during an initial period
  • When making extra payments, specify that they should be applied to the principal for maximum interest savings

Contact our customer service team or check your loan agreement for any specific prepayment terms for your loan.

If you miss a payment, here's what typically happens:

  • Grace Period: Most loans have a 10-15 day grace period after the due date before a late fee is assessed
  • Late Fees: After the grace period, a late fee will be charged (typically 5% of the payment amount or a minimum fee)
  • Credit Reporting: Payments more than 30 days late may be reported to credit bureaus, potentially affecting your credit score
  • Collections: Extended delinquency may result in collection activities

If you're having trouble making payments:

Contact us immediately. We offer several hardship programs and may be able to:

  • Adjust your payment due date to better align with your pay schedule
  • Provide temporary payment deferment or forbearance
  • Restructure your loan terms

Early communication is key to finding a solution before your credit is impacted.

Still have questions?

Our loan specialists are ready to help

Call Us

Speak directly with a loan specialist

+1 213 456 780
Live Chat

Chat online with a representative

Start Chat
Schedule Meeting

Book an appointment with an advisor

Book Now
Bigbear Unity Loan Financial Services