River Valley Loans began in 1928 on the scenic banks of the Schuylkill River Valley in southeastern Pennsylvania. What started as a small currency exchange business run by the Gibson family in Reading, PA has since grown into one of the leading personal loan providers in the region.
With 10 locations across eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, River Valley Loans has become a trusted name for fast, flexible loans ranging from $500 to $10,000 for nearly 100 years. The company prides itself on understanding the financial needs of hardworking individuals and families and provides loan products tailored for one-time expenses like medical bills or car repairs in addition to longer-term installment loans.
River Valley Loans sets itself apart through its commitment to personalized customer service, flexible terms, and transparent lending practices. At River Valley Loans, they understand life doesn\’t always go as planned, and they work with borrowers facing financial hardship to find repayment solutions. Whether you need a small short-term loan or a larger installment loan for debt consolidation, River Valley Loans aims to make the process fast, fair, and hassle-free.
History of River Valley Loans
River Valley Loans was founded in 1990 by John Smith in the city of Riverview. John recognized a need for short-term loans in the community and sought to provide a helpful service to local residents.
After graduating from Riverview College with a business degree, John used his savings to open the first River Valley Loans location on Main Street in downtown Riverview. In the early days, John managed all operations and financing single-handedly from this small storefront office.
Through word-of-mouth marketing, River Valley Loans gradually attracted more customers in need of cash advances and small personal loans. John was able to expand the business to a few more locations around Riverview during the 1990s.
In 2000, River Valley Loans received an influx of growth capital from a private equity firm. This allowed John to rapidly open several more locations across the state and begin offering online loan applications. By 2010, River Valley Loans had over 50 storefront locations across the region.
Today, River Valley Loans continues to operate under John Smith\’s leadership as a leading provider of short-term, small-dollar lending services. The company takes pride in its long history of serving local communities dating back to John\’s first loan office in downtown Riverview.
Locations
River Valley Loans has over 50 branch locations across the state. Offices are conveniently located in most major cities and towns.
The headquarters is in the state capital, with large regional hubs in major metropolitan areas like Centerville, Lakewood, Bridgeton, and Fairview. Smaller branches can be found in rural towns and communities.
Customers can find their nearest location using the branch finder tool on the River Valley Loans website. Simply enter a zip code to see the closest branches listed by distance.
Many branches have weekend and evening hours for accessibility. Drive-thru windows are also available at select branches. Online and phone support provides extended assistance as well.
River Valley Loans continues to open new locations to reach more communities. Expansions focus on underserved areas to bring financial services to neighborhoods that need them. New branches are planned for next year in the towns of Ridgeview, Pleasantville, and Newbury.
With branches across the state, customers don’t have to travel far to visit a River Valley Loans office. The numerous locations provide local banking services conveniently.
Services
River Valley Loans offers a variety of loan products to meet the needs of customers. The main types of loans include:
- Personal loans – These unsecured loans can be used for almost any purpose, such as debt consolidation, home improvements, medical expenses, or any other major costs. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $35,000.
- Home equity loans – Also called second mortgages, these loans allow homeowners to tap into their home equity. The home\’s value minus the mortgage serves as collateral. Loan amounts can be up to $200,000.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) – HELOCs function like credit cards, with a set credit limit and interest-only payments during the draw period. The home serves as collateral. Credit limits are typically up to $200,000.
- Auto loans – River Valley provides financing for new and used car purchases. Terms are available for up to 72 months.
- Business loans – Loans are available for purchasing equipment, commercial real estate, working capital, and other business needs. Both secured and unsecured options are available.
- Commercial real estate loans – Financing is provided for purchasing or refinancing office buildings, retail space, multifamily housing, and other commercial properties. Both long and short-term loans are offered.
River Valley Loans has a wide array of loan products to suit customers\’ financial needs, whether personal or business-related. Experienced loan officers can explain the options and help applicants choose the right loan for their situation.
Interest Rates
River Valley Loans offers competitive interest rates on all of their loan products. The specific interest rate offered to borrowers will depend on factors like credit history, income, and loan amount. Here is an overview of the typical interest rate ranges:
- Personal Loans – Personal loan rates currently range from 5.99% APR to 35.99% APR. The higher your credit score, the lower the rate you can qualify for.
- Auto Loans – For new auto loans, current rates range from 3.99% to 20% APR. Used auto loans are slightly higher, ranging from 4.99% to 25%. Factors like the age of the vehicle will impact rates.
- Home Loans – Interest rates on home loans are correlated to current mortgage rates. Fixed rate mortgages can range from 3% to 7% APR. Adjustable rate mortgages have lower initial rates but can increase over time. Expect ARM rates to start between 2% and 5% APR.
- Business Loans – Small business loan rates start as low as 5.99% APR for borrowers with excellent credit histories. Rates for startups and less-established businesses range from 8% to 30% APR.
- Student Loans – For federal student loans, interest rates vary between 2.75% and 4.53% APR depending on the loan type. Private student loan rates range from 3.25% to 13.95% APR.
Borrowers are encouraged to get personalized rate quotes to find out what rates and terms they qualify for based on their unique financial profile. River Valley\’s lending specialists can provide custom estimates to help borrowers identify the most affordable loan options.
Requirements
To qualify for a loan from River Valley Loans, there are a few requirements you\’ll need to meet:
Credit Score
Your credit score is one of the main factors we look at when reviewing a loan application. In general, we prefer scores of 620 or higher, though other factors are also considered. The higher your score, the better your chances of approval and lower interest rates.
Income
We\’ll want to see that you have a reliable source of income that can support repayment of the loan. Provide recent pay stubs or tax returns to verify your income. Self-employed applicants may need to provide additional documentation.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
We calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine if you have manageable existing debts. Your total monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income should generally not exceed 43%.
Collateral
For larger loans, we may require an asset like a car or property to secure the loan. The collateral protects us as the lender if you\’re unable to repay.
Identification
A valid government-issued ID is required to confirm your identity and legal eligibility to obtain a loan.
By meeting these requirements, you can qualify for one of our competitive loan offers and get access to the financing you need. Our loan specialists are available to guide you through the application process.
Application Process
Applying for a loan through River Valley Loans is a straightforward process that can typically be completed in a few days. Here is an overview of how to apply and what to expect:
How to Apply
You can apply for a River Valley Loan either online or at one of their branch locations.
To apply online, go to [rivervalleyloans. com/apply](https://example.com) and fill out the secure application form. You\’ll need to provide personal information like your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. You\’ll also need to provide financial information like your income, expenses, assets, and debts.
If you prefer to apply in person, visit any River Valley Loans branch location. You can find your nearest branch on their website. A loan officer will walk you through the application process and help you fill everything out.
Application Timeline
The application process usually takes 2-3 business days from start to finish. Here\’s what you can expect:
Day 1: You complete the application online or in a branch. If applying online, you\’ll get an immediate confirmation that your application was received.
Day 2: A River Valley Loans representative will contact you if they need any additional documents or information to verify your application details.
Day 3: After verifying your information, River Valley Loans will process your application and finalize their loan decision. Many applicants receive their decision within 48 business hours.
Day 4: If approved, you\’ll receive your loan offer and closing documents to review and sign. Once signed, your loan funds will be distributed.
The exact timeline can vary depending on your unique financial situation and how quickly you provide any additional items requested. But in most cases, you\’ll know if you are approved within 2-3 business days after applying.
River Valley Loans aims to provide a fast and streamlined application experience. Their online application and network of local branches make it convenient. And their loan officers are available to help answer any questions you may have along the way.
Repayment Options
At River Valley Loans, we understand that each customer\’s financial situation is unique. That\’s why we offer flexible repayment options to fit your needs.
When you take out a loan with us, you can choose between several payment plan options:
Standard Repayment Plan
The standard repayment plan spreads your loan payments evenly over the loan term. This means you will make fixed monthly payments of principal and interest until your loan is paid off.
The standard plan is usually the default option offered. It keeps your monthly payments lower compared to shorter repayment terms. This plan works well if you need to minimize monthly expenses.
Extended Repayment Plan
The extended repayment plan stretches loan payments over a longer period, reducing the size of your monthly payments. For example, a 5-year loan could be extended to 7 years.
This plan is ideal if cash flow is tight. Lower monthly payments provide flexibility, although you will pay more interest over the life of the loan.
Interest-Only Payments
With an interest-only plan, your monthly payments only cover accruing interest charges for a specified period. You do not pay down the principal loan balance during this time.
After the interest-only period ends, your monthly payments increase to cover both interest and principal. This temporary reduction in payments provides short-term flexibility.
Balloon Payment Plan
A balloon payment plan keeps your monthly payments low, but requires one large final payment to repay the balance. Your monthly payments only cover interest costs.
The remaining principal balance becomes due as one lump sum at the end of the loan term. This option allows low payments now by pushing repayment of the principal to the future.
At River Valley Loans, our finance experts can explain these options and help you select the right repayment plan for your situation. Contact us today to get started.
Customer Reviews
River Valley Loans has received mixed reviews from customers over the years. Here is a summary of common testimonials and complaints about the lender:
Testimonials
Many customers report having a smooth and easy loan process with River Valley. They cite:
- Fast application and approval times, often within a few days.
- Friendly and helpful customer service representatives who guide them through the process.
- Competitive interest rates compared to other lenders.
- Flexible repayment terms that accommodate their budget.
Positive reviews often come from those who received bad credit loans or secured loans from River Valley when other lenders denied them. These customers are grateful for the \”second chance\” and the ability to get the financing they need.
Complaints
The most common complaints about River Valley Loans include:
- High origination fees and closing costs that are not clearly explained upfront. Some feel they paid more than expected.
- Difficulty getting in touch with customer service after the loan has closed. Customers report long hold times or unreturned messages when they have an issue.
- Strict repayment terms with high penalties for late payments. Some customers report falling behind due to illness or job loss and then facing large fees.
- Aggressive collections tactics, including frequent calls even when they request more time to pay.
While many are satisfied with River Valley, prospective borrowers should closely review all loan terms and fees before signing. Carefully considering repayment ability before taking out a loan is also advised.
Conclusion
River Valley Loans provides a wide range of lending services to meet the financial needs of individuals and small businesses. With competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and loan options ranging from $500 to $50,000, River Valley aims to make borrowing accessible.
Customers praise River Valley for their fast application process, knowledgeable staff, and excellent customer service. Borrowers feel supported throughout the entire loan process.
With multiple branch locations across the state and an easy online application, River Valley Loans makes it convenient to get the funds you need. To learn more about loan options or apply today, visit their website at www.rivervalleyloans.com or call 1-800-555-CASH. Their friendly team is ready to help you get started.
Whether you need a personal loan to consolidate debt or a small business loan to grow your company, River Valley has the solutions for you. They\’ve served their local communities for over 15 years and look forward to many more years as a trusted neighborhood lender.