✅ WiseIQ Verdict

Avant is a legitimate, licensed lender. They are registered with state financial regulators, use 256-bit SSL encryption, and are accredited with the Better Business Bureau. While they have some customer complaints (as most lenders do), there are no major fraud patterns or regulatory actions that would indicate a scam.

Trust Signals We Verified

Licensed in all states where it operates
Issued by WebBank, Member FDIC
BBB Accredited Business
256-bit SSL encryption
FinTech company founded 2012
Regulated by state financial authorities

Things to Know Before Applying

  • Origination fee up to 9.99% increases your effective loan cost
  • APRs start at 9.95%, higher than some competitors
  • Maximum loan of $35,000 is lower than many lenders
  • Some customer complaints about customer service response times

Avant Loan Details

APR Range9.95% – 35.99%
Loan Amounts$2,000 – $35,000
Loan Terms2 – 5 years
Min. Credit Score550
Origination FeeUp to 9.99%
Time to Fund1 business day

Looking for a Strong Alternative?

If you're comparing options, Upstart is worth checking. Like Avant, Upstart accepts borrowers with lower credit scores — but Upstart has no minimum credit score requirement at all, offers loans up to $75,000 (vs Avant's $35,000), and funds in 1 business day. Check your rate with no credit impact.

Check Upstart Rate — No Credit Impact →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avant a legitimate lender? +
Yes. Avant is a legitimate online lender that has been operating since 2012. Their loans are issued by WebBank, a federally insured bank, and Avant is licensed in all states where it operates.
Is Avant safe to use? +
Yes. Avant uses 256-bit SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information. They are accredited with the Better Business Bureau and regulated by state financial authorities.
What is Avant's BBB rating? +
Avant is accredited with the Better Business Bureau. While they have some customer complaints on file (as most lenders do), there are no major fraud patterns or regulatory actions against them.
Does Avant do a hard credit pull? +
Avant performs a soft pull when you check your rate, which does not affect your credit score. A hard pull is only performed if you proceed with a full application.
What are the risks of borrowing from Avant? +
The main risks are the high origination fee (up to 9.99%) and relatively high starting APR (9.95%). Make sure to compare the total cost of the loan, not just the monthly payment.

WiseIQ may earn a referral fee from some lenders on this page. This does not influence our editorial ratings or recommendations. Our reviews are independently researched and editorially independent. Updated April 08, 2026.