What are the red flags that CashNetUSA is a loan shark?

Let me be direct: CashNetUSA is legally operating and is not a "loan shark" in the criminal sense. However, their interest rates can reach levels that many consumer advocates call predatory. 

Here is a checklist of universal red flags for any loan app. Compare every app you use against this list.

🔴 RED FLAG CHECKLIST FOR ALL LOAN APPS

• 🚩 APR above 100% – CashNetUSA reaches up to 449% APR in some states. The National Consumer Law Center has called this "predatory." If an app charges above 100% APR, you are in dangerous territory. 
• 🚩 Guaranteed approval regardless of credit history – Legitimate lenders always have standards. Anyone who promises approval without checking anything is likely a scammer or identity thief.
• 🚩 Upfront fees before you receive the loan – NO legitimate lender charges fees before disbursing funds. This is the #1 sign of an advance-fee scam. 
• 🚩 No physical address or licensed office – CashNetUSA does have a physical address in Chicago (175 West Jackson Boulevard). Scammers hide behind websites only. 
• 🚩 Pressure to decide immediately – Real lenders give you time to read terms. Urgency is a scam tactic.
• 🚩 Poor or no interest rate disclosure – APR must be clearly shown before you sign. If it is hidden, run.
• 🚩 No independent customer reviews outside their website – CashNetUSA has over 385 complaints on the Better Business Bureau. Check independent sources, not just their testimonials page.