About LendUp
How It All Started
Founded in 2011 by stepbrothers Sasha Orloff and Jake Rosenberg and incubated at Y Combinator, LendUp, an American online direct lender, focused on helping expand access and choice for half of Americans who were financially underserved. They had very few opportunities to access quality credit products, build their credit, and get on a path to better financial health. LendUp quickly became the go-to destination for the emerging middle class, offering credit cards, loans, education, and other financial resources.
LendUp was founded with one clear, straightforward purpose: to provide anyone with a path to better financial health. By 2020 LendUp has saved customers $200 million in fees and interest, provided well over 2 million free financial education courses, and improved credit scores by more than 600,000 points.
LendUp Ladder
LendUp Ladder was in initiative by LendUp trying to incentivize responsible actions and enable borrowers to earn access to apply for larger loans at lower interest rates over time. In states LendUp offered installment loans, borrowers could even earn access to apply for credit-reporting loans.
Over time, the borrower could earn points to climb the LendUp Ladder to apply for larger loans at lower rates. Credit reporting to the major bureaus was offered at the top two levels (optionally at Platinum and automatically at Prime), which could eventually increase borrower's credit score.
LendUp Today
In Q2 2022 LendUp has changed ownership and business focus. Today, the company still helps underserved Americans get access to finances, but in a different way. We match loan requests with lenders who can fund them despite low credit. We also provide education to promote better financial habits among Americans and offer complete information about borrower rights and borrowing options across US.
Our Values
Ladders
We are dedicated to building products and services that not only deliver an exceptional experience but also improve people’s financial health. In fact, our business model is built on the success of our customers.
Not Chutes
We succeed when our customers succeed. If a borrower faces a challenging situation, we work together to find a solution that truly works. There are no rollovers and no debt traps. Ever.
Transparency
We make every effort to ensure that our products and our application process are as easy to understand as possible. Our commitment to transparency means there are no hidden fees or “gotchas” — what you see is exactly what you get.
Awards & Recognition
2018 Financial Health Leaders Spotlight - LendUp
LendUp Named to World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Finance List
LendUp Recognized by Fast Company for 2017 Innovation by Design Awards
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2015: Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Personal Finance
Clinton Global Initiative (CGI): Commitment of Action, 2014
Webby Awards: Official Honoree, 2014
Finovate: Spring 2013 Best in Show
Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI): Core Innovators Mega Challenge runner up, 2013