Here in the Palmetto State, our distinct natural landscapes and deep history are just as pristine and unique as the great people we have. From the peak of Sassafras to the Lowland region, our rich culture is found in the deep colonial spirit, sweet tea, shrimp, grits, and other cultural staples we have.
If your financial situation is getting as intense as Fort Sumter in 1861, though, you might need extra help. When Southern hospitality has run its course, and you find yourself with bad credit, a title loan may be a decent option to get the help you need.
What is a title loan?
If you need fast cash, a title loan is a secured loan that will help you do so — even with bad credit. If you have a vehicle in your name, a clear title, and the car is in working condition, fast cash is easier to find than a Palmetto tree in Historic Charleston.
Keep in mind, vehicle title loans can be risky because they often come with high interest rates and you may lose possession of your vehicle if you can't repay your loan.
Learn: Can you get a title loan with bad credit?
South Carolina title loan requirements
Before you apply for a South Carolina title loan, here are the items that you will need first:
- A South Carolina driver's license or state-issued ID
- A lien-free vehicle title
- Proof of income
- Proof of residency in South Carolina
- A running vehicle
Learn: Can I get a title loan without the title?
You must be at least 18 to apply for a title loan. According to the Military Lending Act, active members of the US military and their dependents are not eligible to apply for title loans.
The title loan process
Applying for a title loan is easy. Whether you're applying locally or online, the steps are as follows:
1. Application
To get started, head on over to the application page. From there, you will need the documents mentioned above and more specific details on your vehicle. Ensure you have your title with the VIN, make, model, and other vital items ready.
2. Verification
Once you submit your application, the lender will want to verify certain information from you. They will typically ask for your ID, proof of income, vehicle title, and proof of residence.
3. Inspection
To confirm that your vehicle is what you say it is, lenders will typically ask to see your vehicle. They will then inspect the vehicle to assess its value and condition.
Learn: Can you get a title loan with a damaged car?
4. Agreement
Once the lender is ready to move forward, they will tell you verbally and follow up immediately with a written contract. Although this can usually be done online, local lenders might have you send the contract and title via Certified Mail.
Read the terms carefully before signing and agreeing to the loan!
5. Disbursement
Once the contract is signed, it's finally time to talk money. If you complete your title loan application online, they will often directly deposit the funds into your account. However, local lenders might disperse funds at a local office or partner store instead.
Learn: Can you get a title loan without a bank account?
6. Repayment
Now that the money is in your account, you have a lifeline to keep you on your feet. Use this extra time to secure the funds needed to repay the loan!
Learn: What happens if you don’t pay a title loan back?
How title loans are regulated in South Carolina
Title loans in South Carolina are currently regulated under South Carolina Code of Laws § 37-3-101 et seq.
Interest rates
The Consumer Protection Code Revision Act of 1982 requires all creditors to have a maximum APR rate of 18%. However, lenders can also apply to charge higher interest rates. If accepted, they will often charge rates of about 300%.
Payment terms
The payment terms for title loans in South Carolina are some of the loosest regulations in the USA. Whereas most states require title loans to only have a payment period of up to 30 days, the original agreement in SC must be at least 30 days — but up to 240 days.
Repossession laws
Under SC Code § 37-5-109 (2022), a borrower who agrees to repay a loan but misses a payment and fails to renew the agreement is in default.
When in default, the lender is legally allowed to take the property without judicial process — given that they don't forcibly or violently acquire the vehicle.
Cost considerations and title loan alternatives
The cost of a title loan in South Carolina is dependent on your loan amount and your APR. Here are a few examples to help illustrate the true cost of a title loan.
- Example 1: You borrow $2,500 at an APR of 300% and pay it back in 30 days.
If you took out a $2,500 loan and paid it back in 30 days, you would pay a total of $3,125 back to your lender in 1 payment. In this example, you’re paying $625 in finance charges to borrow $2,500. - Example 2: You borrow $2,500 at an APR of 300% and pay it back in 6 months.
If you borrowed $2,500 and paid it back in 6 months, you would pay a total of $5,082.30 back to your lender in 6 payments of $847.05. In this example, you’re paying $2,582.30 in finance charges to borrow $2,500.
Personal installment loans: A better and more affordable way to borrow money with bad credit
Title loans are not the best option for all South Carolinians. If you want to borrow up to $3,000 without sending your vehicle title over to a lender, you might instead be interested in personal installment loans for bad credit.
Here are some of the benefits of installment loans:
- Get up to $3,000
- Repay in monthly installments
- 175% average interest rate
- No vehicle title required
As the saying goes, every rose has its thorn. Although there are some clear benefits to doing installment loans, you will need to submit to a credit check.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that we get regarding South Carolina title loans.
Can I qualify for a title loan with bad credit?
Yes! One of the top reasons people pursue title loans in South Carolina is that lenders don't use your credit score as a factor when deciding whether or not to approve your loan.
Can I get a title loan completely online with no credit check and no inspection?
Yes! You can get a title loan completely online without having to pull your credit. However, inspections are a necessary step in applying for a title loan. Lenders must confirm that your vehicle is in working order and assess its value.
Will I receive the funds from my title loan instantly?
Typically, borrowers will receive their funds on the same day of the loan approval — given that they submit their application and complete verification and inspection by 2 PM EST.
Do you offer car title loans near me?
Yes! We offer title loans nearby through direct title loan lenders in many cities in South Carolina, including:
- Aiken
- Anderson
- Beaufort
- Cayce
- Charleston
- Clemson
- Columbia
- Conway
- Easley
- Florence
- Forest Acres
- Gaffney
- Goose Creek
- Greenville
- Greenwood
- Greer
- Hanahan
- Mauldin
- Myrtle Beach
- North Augusta
- North Charleston
- North Myrtle Beach
- Orangeburg
- Rock Hill
- Simpsonville
- Spartanburg
- Sumter
- West Columbia
