Bears LendingShort-term credit, done the responsible way.
A short-term loan is a tool for a short-term gap. Everything on this page exists to keep it that way: what we disclose, what we refuse to do, and what happens if you can't pay.
Ten commitments we attest to every year
The INFiN code, in the words we use in store training.
Finance charge, APR, total of payments and due date printed on every agreement and explained before signing.
Every product follows the statute of the state where it's made, including fee caps, term limits and cooling-off periods.
No "guaranteed approval," no hidden conditions, no bait pricing. Every rate advertised is a rate we charge.
We tell customers, on the site and in store, that short-term loans are for short-term needs and cost more when carried.
Any loan can be cancelled by the close of the next business day at no cost by returning the principal.
Florida prohibits rollovers; we don't offer them. Alabama allows one; we offer the repayment plan instead.
Customers who can't pay on the due date can enter a plan with no additional fees, as required or permitted by state law.
No threats of criminal action, no calls outside legal hours, no contact with employers beyond verification.
Customer information is never sold. Data is used only to underwrite and service the loan.
Membership in INFiN with annual attestation to the Best Practices and participation in industry audits.
Payment plans by state
One rule everywhere: call before the due date. Then this is what's available.
60-day grace period
Tell your store before the due date and complete a credit counseling session within 7 days. The loan extends 60 days with no additional fees, no interest and no collection activity. Required by Florida statute 560.404.
- Before the due date
- Counseling within 7 days
- $0 additional cost
Pay-down and right to cure
Title and item pawns can be renewed by paying the charge, or paid down to reduce future charges. Before any repossession you receive written notice and 30 days to cure. Installment loans: call before the due date to move or split a payment.
- Written notice first
- 30-day right to cure
- Move or split installment payments
Repayment plan instead of rollover
Alabama permits one payday rollover, but a rollover adds a new fee. Ask for the repayment plan instead: the balance is split into installments with no additional charges as long as you stay current.
- Ask before the due date
- No new fee
- Installments in writing
Credit counseling and where to get it
Nonprofit counselors can build a budget, negotiate with creditors and, in Florida, open the door to the 60-day grace period. All of these are free or low-cost.
NFCC
National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Nonprofit member agencies in every state; free initial session.
nfcc.org · 1-800-388-2227FCAA
Financial Counseling Association of America. Nonprofit agencies, many offering same-day phone sessions.
fcaa.org · 1-800-450-1794Florida-approved agencies
Agencies approved for the Florida deferred presentment grace period. Your store has the current list.
Ask any FL store211
Dial 211 in any state for local assistance with rent, utilities and food — sometimes the better answer than a loan.
Call 211CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Federal complaints and consumer education on short-term credit.
consumerfinance.govBears Lending referral
Our Consumer Education Lead can connect you with an approved counselor the same day. No charge, no effect on your loan.
(855) 555-0199If something goes wrong, here's the path
Most problems are fixed by the store manager the same day. If not, escalate.
Same-day fix
Call or visit the store where the loan was made. Managers can adjust due dates, correct errors and issue refunds on the spot.
- Call the store line
- Ask for the manager
- Most resolved same day
Written answer in 5 business days
Email [email protected] with the loan date and store. You'll get a written response within five business days. If you're not satisfied, your state regulator accepts complaints online — links on the licenses page.
- [email protected]
- 5-business-day written response
- Regulator links on licenses page
Questions about this page
What are the INFiN Best Practices?
A published code for short-term lenders covering disclosure, advertising, rollovers, payment plans, collection conduct and privacy. Members attest annually. The ten items above summarize how we apply them.
Can I cancel a loan after signing?
Yes. Return the principal by the close of the next business day and the loan is cancelled at no cost, in every state.
Will asking for a payment plan hurt me?
No. Asking before the due date never adds a fee and isn't reported. It's the single most useful thing a customer can do.
Does Bears Lending sell my information?
No. Customer data is used only to underwrite and service your loan. See the security page →
Do you report to credit bureaus?
Installment, personal, bad credit and consolidation loans report monthly. Payday, title and pawn loans are not reported unless a payday loan goes to collection.
Borrow what you need.
Ask before the due date.
Fees in writing, payment plans in every state, and free counseling referrals. That's the whole policy.
- INFiN member
- Payment plans
- Right to rescind
- No criminal threats
Questions about a loan you already have? Call the store, or (855) 555-0199 for any location.
Store hours