Money IQ: Loan App Guides and Reviews
The editorial side of compareloanapps.com. Plain-English guides on how loan apps actually price, where they are legal, which ones to avoid, and the math behind the marketing.
Every Money IQ guide in one place
Filter by topic, or scroll the full library of loan-app explainers, APR breakdowns, scam teardowns, and state-by-state guides written by our named US-based editors.
App Store vs. Google Play: How They Police Loan Apps
Apple and Google enforce very different rules on loan apps. The gaps are where the predatory products live.
By Ray Delacruz · 10 min
How to Spot a Fake Loan App: The Tells and the Fees
Fake loan apps follow the same pipeline every time: unsolicited SMS, sideloaded install, ID upload, advance fee, silence. The five tells to catch it early.
By Ray Delacruz · 9 min
Loan App Data Privacy: What They Collect and Share
Loan apps pull bank transactions, contacts, location, and device IDs. Where that data actually goes, and how to pull it back with Plaid Portal.
By Ray Delacruz · 10 min
Tip-Based Loan Apps: The True Cost Behind the "Optional" Tip Prompt
The tip is labeled optional, but 73% of users tip when prompted. How the UI drives uptake and what the annualised cost really looks like.
By Ray Delacruz · 9 min