Crane Finance Reviews and Ratings

Official logo of Crane Finance

When you’re out of options and bills are piling up, a fast loan can feel like your only lifeline. That’s where Crane Finance steps in, offering same-day cash with no credit check. But what feels like relief today can become a financial burden tomorrow, with interest rates that soar over 700 percent and payments that hit hard and fast.

Many borrowers end up owing far more than they expected, trapped in a cycle they can’t afford. This review breaks down the real cost, legal risks, and smarter alternatives of personal loans so you can borrow with clarity, not regret.

Stellar Reputation

4.8

Lendtly.com

• Direct Lending Excellence: Matches you with the best loans.
• Loans ranging from $2,500 to $100,000
• Flexible terms: 3 to 120 months, 24 hours post-approval
• Same day approval

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What is Crane Finance?

Crane Finance homepage

Crane Finance is a direct lender owned by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, headquartered in Keshena, Wisconsin. Operating under tribal law, Crane is not subject to state licensing or interest rate limitations, a structure that lets it serve high-risk borrowers but also reduces consumer protections.

• Founded: 2021
• Ownership: Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin
• Service type: Short‑term installment loans
• Target consumers: Individuals with poor or no credit—typically those with a credit score below 580—who have been denied by banks or credit unions.
• Unavailable in Washington State: Washington’s Dept. of Financial Institutions issued an alert in April 2025 saying Crane Finance is operating without a license in that state.

Crane Finance key services and eligibility

Crane Finance offers short-term installment loans to borrowers who may not qualify elsewhere. Below is a breakdown of how their lending model works, including loan limits, application process, and who qualifies.

Loan amounts and limits

• New borrower limits: Generally capped at $600 to $1,500, even though the company advertises loans up to $15,000 for repeat borrowers
• Repayment structure: Short-term loans with automatic, typically biweekly withdrawals

Application and funding

• Entirely online: Supply income and bank account info, no credit score required
• Decision in minutes; funds usually arrive next business day
• Same-day option: Pay $5 fee, apply before 6 p.m. Central Time for instant funding

Eligibility criteria

Crane Finance has relatively broad eligibility requirements, which is part of its appeal to high-risk borrowers. You must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Be 18 or older
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have a steady income and an active checking account
• No co-signers or joint applications are accepted

Before borrowing, evaluate your debt-to-income ratio to ensure repayments won’t overwhelm your monthly budget.

Flexible Lending Solutions

5

Lendexpress.net

• Your Best Lending Partner: We match you with top lenders for the best deals.

• Fast, Easy Process: Quick approvals with expert support.

• Tailored Solutions: Flexible terms that fit your needs.

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Crane Finance pricing and fees

Crane Finance loans come with extremely high costs, often far beyond what borrowers expect.

APR

Customer reports show APRs ranging from 300 percent to over 700 percent. For example, one borrower said they paid $1,300 in interest on a $600 loan, which is more than double the amount borrowed.

Fees

In addition to interest, borrowers may face:

• $5 same-day funding fee
• $20 late payment penalty
• Up to $30 for non-sufficient funds (NSF)

These charges can add up quickly, especially if you fall behind on payments.

Transparency concerns

Crane does not display APRs or total repayment costs upfront. Most details are disclosed only after approval and are often buried in the fine print. This leaves borrowers at risk of paying much more than they originally expected.

Bottom line: The combination of high rates and hidden fees makes Crane one of the most expensive lending options available.

Crane Finance customer reviews and complaints

Crane Finance has received a significant volume of negative feedback across consumer platforms. Complaints frequently center on extreme interest rates, poor transparency, unauthorized loans, and aggressive collection tactics. Below is a breakdown of what real users have experienced.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews

Better Business Bureau profile of Crane Finance

Crane Finance is not BBB accredited and currently holds a C rating. As of July 2025:

• 85 complaints have been filed in the last three years
• Many users cite predatory lending, confusing contracts, and hidden fees
• Customer review score: 1.22 out of 5 stars, based on 46 reviews

Notable BBB complaints:

• One borrower reported taking a $750 loan and paying more than $1,200 in interest, calling it a violation of state usury laws
• Multiple users describe being approved, signing agreements, then being denied after the lender accessed their bank details
• At least one reviewer said they were contacted about wage garnishment for a loan they never applied for, suggesting possible identity misuse or unauthorized activity
• A senior on disability reported their $180 loan ballooned to $750, with bank drafts deliberately processed late, triggering overdraft fees

“They use intimidation to get you to accept a 700% APR loan. Someone needs to file a class action lawsuit.” — John I., November 2024

Trustpilot reviews

Trustpilot profile page for Crane Finance

Crane Finance has a TrustScore of 2.9 out of 5, based on just two public reviews (as of July 2025). Although limited in volume, the feedback echoes the concerns seen on other platforms:

• Users say the company pressures borrowers to take new loans immediately after paying off an existing one
• Reviewers highlight aggressive outreach and repeated calls encouraging more borrowing
• One user explicitly states the company is a “waste of space in the United States of America” and calls tribal loans “a scam”

“Easy loan to get, but pay them off quickly. Their APR rates are extremely high. They call you constantly.” — Michael, May 2025

Reddit reviews

Have you managed to get a loan from Crane Finance? What do you think? Is it worth it? Pls share your reviews byu/HopeItHelpsYoutube inIssuesResolving

In Reddit forums like r/IssuesResolving, multiple users share personal horror stories involving Crane Finance:

• One user claimed they paid $223 every two weeks for almost a year on a $900 loan, and their balance still increased
• Another said Crane deposited $850 into their bank account without consent and demanded ten monthly payments over $500, despite no signed agreement
• Users reported debt collection threats, including calls to employers and wage garnishment warnings

“Don’t do it! You’ll end up paying three times as much as you borrowed. It looks helpful in a pinch, but it creates a bigger financial hole.” — u/TurbulentSearch2132

“Worst decision I ever made. I ended up paying $1,200 for a $900 loan and still owe more.” — u/AgentGlum813

Summary of complaints across platforms

• Common themes: Hidden fees, skyrocketing balances, post-approval loan denials, and unauthorized activity
• User sentiment: Overwhelmingly negative, with borrowers calling Crane Finance predatory, misleading, and exploitative
• Legal risk: Several complaints cite interest rates that may exceed state usury limits, even in tribal lending contexts

Best Overall Service

4.5

800Financial

• Direct Lending Excellence: Matches you with the best loans with optimal loan terms.
• Comprehensive Loan Network: Loans ranging from $2,500 to $50,000
• Flexibility & Speed: Flexible terms from 3 to 120 months, 24 hours post-approval.

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Crane Finance legal and regulatory risks

Crane Finance operates under tribal law, which allows it to bypass state regulations. However, that legal autonomy has drawn attention, and legal action. Several lawsuits and regulatory actions highlight the risks borrowers face when legal protections are limited.

Lawsuits tied to RICO

Crane Finance has been named in at least two federal class-action lawsuits under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. These lawsuits allege deceptive and unlawful lending practices:

• Knots v. Crane Lending LLC, filed in Indiana (July 2022)
• Steffen v. Crane Lending LLC, filed in Northern Illinois (January 2024)

Both suits focus on predatory loan terms, extremely high APRs, and violations of federal lending standards. Legal filings suggest that Crane used tribal immunity to enforce terms that would otherwise violate state usury laws.

Industry-wide context

Crane Finance is part of a broader trend involving tribal lenders that operate outside state jurisdiction. In recent years, similar companies have paid out millions in settlements. For example, one lender agreed to an $8.7 million class-action settlement that reimbursed borrowers who paid more than 2.5 times their original loan amount.

Federal courts have also struck down forced arbitration clauses that prevent consumers from filing legal claims in state courts, restoring rights to sue in more consumer-friendly venues.

State action example

In 2025, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) issued a public alert against Crane Finance. The agency found that Crane was issuing loans in Washington without a license, in violation of state lending laws. As a result, residents were warned not to engage with the lender.

Easy requirements

4.5

• Loan amounts up to $100,000
• Custom Terms: Repayment periods from 12 to 60 months with fast 48-hour approvals.
• Trusted Expertise: Recognized for ethical lending and innovative financial solutions.

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Crane Finance outcomes and success rate

Crane Finance does not publish approval rates, average loan terms, or repayment success data. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that first-time applicants are often approved, especially for small-dollar amounts under $1,000.

That said, many borrowers report falling behind on payments quickly due to short repayment windows and high biweekly withdrawal amounts. Several reviews mention funds being withdrawn even after the loan was repaid or disputed, which may indicate system or servicing issues. For borrowers struggling to repay, looking into debt management methods might offer more affordable alternatives.

Crane Finance pros and cons

Here’s a quick look at what works and what doesn’t based on customer experiences and company practices.

Pros:

• Quick online application and fast funding
• No credit check required
• Accepts borrowers turned down by other lenders

Cons:

• APRs reportedly range from 300 percent to over 700 percent
• Biweekly payments can drain accounts rapidly
• Not regulated by state agencies
• Involved in RICO-related lawsuits and enforcement actions
• Low ratings across major review platforms
• No options for refinancing or adjusting repayment terms

No upfront fees

4.7

DebtCarePlus

• Competitive APR: 3.49% to 35.99% for loans $1,000 to $100,000.
• Program: 24-36 months, 100% service guaranteed.
• BBB A Rating: Trusted online marketplace.

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Who Crane Finance is best for and who should avoid it

Crane Finance might help in a pinch, but it’s far from an ideal borrowing option. Here’s who it might serve—and who should steer clear.

Best for:

• People with no credit or a damaged credit history
• Borrowers denied by traditional banks or credit unions
• Individuals with urgent, short-term cash needs like rent or medical bills

Not recommended for:

• Anyone eligible for a credit union or nonprofit loan
• Borrowers who need extended repayment terms or flexibility
• People are concerned about legal protections or hidden costs

Editor's choice

4.6

• Eligibility: Minimum $7,500 debt, no minimum credit score required.
• Program: 24-48 months, no upfront fees.
• Experience: Decades of trusted services.

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Final verdict: Is Crane Finance worth it?

Crane Finance offers fast funding for those in urgent need, but it comes at a steep price. With triple-digit APRs, limited oversight, and a record of consumer complaints, this lender should be viewed as a last resort only.

If you decide to use Crane, borrow as little as possible, repay it quickly, and keep detailed records. Otherwise, consider safer, more affordable options that won’t leave you trapped in long-term debt.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is Crane Finance a tribal loan?

Yes. Crane Finance is a tribal lender, officially operated by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. The company provides short-term financial products to borrowers across many states, using its tribal status to bypass state-level lending requirements. While this allows them to serve more individuals with less than stellar credit, it also means their interest rates can be significantly higher than traditional lenders.

2. What credit score is needed for Crane Financing?

No traditional credit score is required. Crane Finance does not base its application process on FICO scores. Instead, it evaluates income, bank accounts, and other financial resources to determine eligibility. This approach helps customers who may not qualify elsewhere, though it doesn’t necessarily mean approval is guaranteed. The company reviews each case individually to create personalized lending solutions.

3. Who owns Crane Finance?

Crane Finance is owned and operated by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, a sovereign tribal government. The business was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Keshena, Wisconsin. The company’s website states that its services are designed to provide funds and support to underserved communities, especially those navigating financial hardship. The tribe has also launched other brands under its broader financial group structure, sometimes referred to as Crane Financial Group.

4. How long does it take Crane Finance to deposit money?

Once your application is approved, Crane Finance typically deposits the funds into your bank account by the next business day. If you need the money sooner, the company offers a same-day funding option for a $5 fee, as long as you apply before 6 p.m. Central Time. This fast turnaround is one of the lender’s most promoted services, helping clients meet urgent payment needs and navigate unexpected expenses with greater confidence. Processing time may vary slightly based on your bank’s policies and account status.

5. Who took over Crane Bank?

This question is unrelated to Crane Finance. Crane Bank, a former commercial banking institution in Uganda, was taken over by DFCU Bank in 2017. The Crane Finance brand operating in the United States is a separate entity and has no association with that event or company. For official updates and news, always refer to the lender’s direct communications or published review sources.