How to Check if a Lender Is Licensed (and Spot Loan Scams)
Updated November 1, 2026
90 Day Loan is an independent information site, not a lender or loan broker, and does not make credit decisions. Guides are general information, not financial advice.
Quick answer: Search the lender's name on NMLS Consumer Access and your state financial regulator's website. A legitimate lender will be licensed where required and won't ask for an upfront fee before you get the loan. If something goes wrong, you can file a complaint with the CFPB and your state regulator.
Checking a license takes about two minutes and is the single best protection against fake lenders.
Steps
- Get the lender's full legal name and NMLS ID number (often in the website footer).
- Search it on NMLS Consumer Access and confirm the license covers your state.
- If it is not listed, check your state financial regulator directly; not every state uses NMLS for every license type.
- Search the name plus "complaints" and check the CFPB complaint database.
Scam warning signs
- An upfront fee for "insurance", "processing" or "guaranteed approval"
- Payment requested by gift card, wire transfer or crypto
- "Guaranteed" approval regardless of credit
- No physical address or license number
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Where to complain
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Loan rules, rate caps and which products are allowed differ by state. Check a lender's license with your state regulator before you apply.
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Want to compare options?
Tell us what you need and licensed partners may reach out. Compare options
Tell us what you need and licensed partners may reach out. Compare options
Sources
- NMLS Consumer Access: check a lender's license
- CSBS: Find your state financial regulator
- FTC: Fake loans and advance-fee loan scams
- CFPB: Submit a complaint
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