Title Loans in North Carolina: How to Apply for One in 2022

Is your email inbox filling up with notifications for loan deadlines? Are your bills rapidly increasing after every few months?

If you're a North Carolina resident needing some QUICK cash, you may be tempted to apply for a car title loan.

Keep reading to learn more about the legality of the loan application process and the requirements, fees, and alternatives involved.

Are Car Title Loans Legal in North Carolina?

Unfortunately, federal laws in North Carolina have explicitly BANNED car title loans in the state. To understand why we'll need to delve into North Carolina's rich history first. [R]

In 1999, North Carolina made history as the first U.S. state to strictly implement laws on predatory lending. This was done to ensure the protection of borrowers.

Through these laws, lenders had to provide licenses, disclose important details to borrowers, and stick to several loan restrictions.

While these laws prioritized the well-being of borrowers, they made applying for car title loans nationwide more difficult.

If you're still interested in applying for an auto title loan in North Carolina, you can try looking for an authorized lender directly.

Verifying Eligibility for Car Title Loans (North Carolina)

Your title loan service provider may have a few requirements for both you AND your vehicle to meet before you can apply for a car title loan in North Carolina.

While this may vary depending on your title lender, you should prepare a government-issued photo ID, free car's title, and several financial or bank statements.

You can also find some of the general requirements listed below:

1- Applicant Eligibility for North Carolina Title Loans

• Residency: Only North Carolina residents can avail of car title loans in North Carolina
• Credit History: Most lenders won't conduct a credit check since they'll focus primarily on your vehicle and documents, but it's best to make good credit decisions
• Repayment Plans: This isn't a strict requirement for title loan lenders, but it might help you get closer to receiving their instant approval if they see that you're prepared
• Car Titles: You should have documents that indicate that you're the only owner of your car and that your vehicle title came from North Carolina

2- Vehicle Eligibility for North Carolina Title Loans

• Car Value: If your car loan is bigger than your car's value, you'll have negative equity. When this happens, you should pay off your auto title loan ASAP.
• No Lien: If you miss a lot of loan repayment deadlines, car title loan lenders can easily repossess your vehicle. This is especially true if your car has a lien title.
• Low Mileage: Most lenders prefer cars with low mileage, but some would still accept cars with high mileage.
• Vehicle's Condition: If your car is relatively stable, your car value increases. This, in turn, also increases your chances of getting a North Carolina title loan.

Application Process for North Carolina Title Loans

After checking your eligibility for a car title loan in North Carolina, you can start the application process.

Step 1: Submit the Car Title Loan Application Form

Like other application procedures, the first step in applying for a car title loan is filling out an application form. You can access this form online or through the phone.

Most borrowers prefer applying for an online title loan since it lessens the travel time. It's also easier to get approved for an online title loan than a physical one.

Once you've received the form, read through the questions and answer them carefully. Please review the document before submitting it to ensure that you left nothing blank.

Step 2: Submit the Necessary Documents

The next step is to submit the required documents to your chosen lender. While these may vary per lender, some of the common documents are found below:

• Government-issued ID
• Insurance
• Social security card
• Car's title
• 3 reference letters (should be written by non-familial members)
• Pictures of your car

Don't forget to coordinate with your lender to check if there are other files you need to prepare to get instant approval!

Step 3: Analyze and Understand the Auto Title Loan Agreement

Once you've submitted the necessary documents, you'll have to wait for your lender to finish looking through them. Once they approve it, they'll provide you with a loan agreement.

You'll need to provide your express written consent to the loan terms, so carefully read through ALL of the details before continuing!

Some of the most important details that you'll have to double check are the following:

• Loan amount
• Interest rates
• Any additional fees
• Repayment deadlines

Once you've verified that all of the information is aligned with what you and your lender have agreed upon, you can sign the car title loan form and submit it.

Step 4: Receive Your Loan

Congratulations, you've reached the last step! If you met all the requirements and prepared all the needed materials, you may have even reached this step in less than 1 business day!

Once you've signed the loan agreement, your lender will send your loan amount through your bank account, an electronic bill, or a check.

After receiving your loan, remember to STICK to your repayment plan, so you don't get sidetracked!

When it comes to title loans, the sooner you repay your debt, the quicker you get your car's title back!

Pros and Cons of Auto Title Loans (North Carolina)

While availing of North Carolina title loans comes with its fair share of challenges, a few benefits are involved.

Check out our list of advantages and disadvantages of car title loans below!

Pros

• Time-efficient: Since the title loan process can often be accomplished in less than one business day, it's a good way to ensure that you get your funds paid quickly
• Affordability: If you're looking for the best car title loans, running internet searches will reveal various title loan services that provide affordable title loans AND low rates

Cons

• Short-Term Loan: Unfortunately, an auto title loan isn't a long-term financial solution. Title loans should be repaid quickly, so your credit doesn't get TOO damaged.
• Accessibility: Because of North Carolina's laws, it can be challenging to avail of title loans in physical branches. However, it's slightly easier to avail of online title loans!
• Interest Rates: Title loan interest rates can reach up to 25% per month. Do thorough research on potential lenders so that you can choose one with the best competitive rates!
• Debt Cycle: Another disadvantage of title loans is the repayment process. If you end up missing a lot of deadlines, you could spend MONTHS trying to repay your debt

Feasible Alternatives to Auto Title Loans (North Carolina)

If you're interested in pursuing other forms of short-term financing in North Carolina, you can consider the following options:

1- Traditional Bank Loan

If you're looking for a quick loan, traditional banks may not be your first choice, but they're both trustworthy AND approved by state laws.

Since banks usually have strict lending requirements, checking in with any bank representative is best to see if you meet their standards.

Once approved, you can start applying for a loan at your nearest bank.

Most banks may lend $500-$1,000, but the exact amount will depend on your credit history, income, and business experience.

pros

• Banks offer legitimate loans which are aligned with North Carolina's state laws

cons

• Banks often have strict requirements
• The approval process may range from a few days to a few weeks
• It's more difficult to get a bank loan if you have bad credit

2- Credit Union Loan

Another alternative to a car title loan is a credit union loan. A credit union is a non-profit institution operated on a membership basis. [R]

Through these institutions, members can avail of accounts, loans, and credit cards. They also offer competitive rates, where they invest profit into their products.

If you want to pursue a loan in a credit union, you'll have to meet their membership requirements. This varies per institution, but here are some of the general requirements:

• Residency in a specific state or city
• Having a family member who's a member of the credit union, you're trying to join
• Having a specific occupation

If you've successfully met their standards, you'll need to pay a membership fee before proceeding. Make sure to check if you have to pay any additional fees!

pros

• You can experience several benefits and competitive rates (i.e., savings accounts, checking accounts, and credit cards)
• There are various cases where credit unions offer financial literacy seminars and articles to their members
• Since credit unions are member-based, the services that are offered are individualized

cons

• Credit union loans are less accessible for non-members
• Since credit unions have fewer branches compared to banks, it may be more difficult to find a nearby branch
• Some credit unions may not have the same technology (i.e., online banking and mobile banking) that banks do

3- Installment Loan

An installment loan can refer to both personal and commercial loans which require regular payments.

Through this loan, you can receive a set amount that'll be repaid through scheduled deadlines. This makes it easier for borrowers to prepare the necessary amount.

Some examples of installment loans include the following:

• Auto Loans: These types of loans differ from title loans and can be used to buy vehicles, such as cars or trucks.
• Mortgage Loans: These are secured loans that require collateral (i.e., your house) before you can get any loan amount
• Personal Loans: These loans can be used in multiple ways and secured or unsecured. The former requires borrowers to provide collateral, while the latter doesn't.
• Student Loans: These loans are used by students to pay for their education. They can usually be borrowed from the government or a private lender.

pros

• Since the payment amounts are constant, it'll be easier for you to stick to repayment deadlines
• You can save more money if you pay off the debt early

cons

• If you have several late payments, the additional fees will be expensive, and your credit may get affected

4- Small Business Loans

It's more difficult for small business-owned companies to receive loans because they can't offer the same capital and trust as larger companies.

Fortunately, there are several loan options that you can try pursuing: [R]

• Crowdfunding: Through this method, you can request donations for your business in exchange for rewards, shares, or interest.
• SBA Loans: These loans are backed by the Small Business Administration and can cover start-up costs, business expansions, and other fees.
• Invoice Factoring: This method involves selling your business' invoices to a third party at a discounted rate. In return, you receive cash which you can use to stabilize your revenue.
• Merchant Cash Advances: Through this method, a company provides your business with money. This should be repaid through your debit card or credit card sales.
• Business Credit Cards: These are credit cards used by small business owners to cover several business-related expenses.

pros

• These programs are accessible to small businesses
• They're affordable alternatives for businesses that don't qualify for traditional loans

cons

• The approval process for some of these programs may take a while
• Some of these options may require you to pay an initial downpayment

FAQs on Car Title Loans (North Carolina)

If you want to learn more about how car title loans work, check out our answers to some of the more popular loan questions below!

1- Can I Get a Car Title Loan in South Carolina if I’m From North Carolina?

It may be tempting to sneak across the border just to get title loans from South Carolina. Unfortunately, while many have done so in the past, it's technically illegal.

Only residents of a particular state can pursue loans in said state, which means that North Carolina residents can't get car title loans in South Carolina.

Due to this, there have been several cases where North Carolinians pursued legal action and sued loan companies that offered expensive car title loans in the south. [R]

2- What Are the Rules and Regulations on Car Title Loans in North Carolina?

While there are several important aspects involved in North Carolina's loan laws, here are some of the important details you should be familiar with:

• Licensed Lenders: Lenders are required to have a license provided by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks before they can practice giving loans [R]
• Rates: Loans with high APRs (i.e., payday loans) are banned in the state of North Carolina [R]
• Receipts: After each loan payment, you should receive receipts that indicate the amounts paid and the remaining amount of money you owe [R]

If you're interested in learning more about the legality of title loans and other types of loans in North Carolina, you should refer to the "North Carolina Consumer Finance Act."

3- Are Payday Loans Legal in North Carolina?

If you've heard of the term "payday loan," they're essentially short-term loans with HIGH-interest rates that need to be repaid with your most recent pay stub by your next payday.

Similar to title loans, payday loans are NOT legal in North Carolina. Due to the current state laws, payday lenders can't charge more than 36% per annum as APR.

If you apply for a $15-$100 payday loan, you'd have to pay an APR of almost 400%, which is NOT aligned with North Carolina's laws. [R]

4- What Are the Repossession Laws in North Carolina?

If you miss a payment or you can't pay off your title loan debt, there's a HIGH possibility that your lender will repossess your car and sell it.

Since lenders aren't legally required to give you prior notice, they can repossess your car anytime. [R]

However, you should also check the loan contract terms to see if there's a part that requires them to give you prior notice. You can coordinate with your lender to add it if it isn't included.

If you want to AVOID repossession, you should contact your lender before you miss a payment to devise a plan.

If you have other changes you wish to add to the loan contract, you should also notify your lender so that you can discuss these changes before placing them in writing.

5- Can I Get a Loan in North Carolina With Bad Credit?

If you have poor credit, banks and large loan companies may reject your application because of their strict requirements.

However, there are also several options that you can try pursuing if you have bad credit:

• Credit Union Loan: These member-based institutions lend money to borrowers with varying credit scores. You'll have to sign up as a member before you can receive a loan.
• Personal Loan: While you can get a personal loan from a variety of sources, you can get cash fast through an online title loan

While some lenders may ask for your credit information to do a credit check, having bad credit WON'T automatically disqualify your application.

The Path to Getting North Carolina Title Loans

Looking for ways to get instant cash loans or title loans can be quite tricky when you reside in North Carolina.

Besides abiding by North Carolina's laws on car title loans, you'll simultaneously have to look for authorized title loan centers. Fortunately, online title loans AND other loan options exist.

If you want to earn cash fast, do further research on the types of loans allowed in North Carolina and what requirements you need to meet.

You can also submit a short inquiry form if you want to learn more about the dos and don'ts of title loans!