If you're weighing whether to use Tida to compare personal loan options, you probably have a few questions first. This FAQ gathers the ones we hear most and answers them plainly. In short: Tida is a free U.S. loan-matching service — not a direct lender — that connects you with trusted, licensed lenders, using a soft credit check that doesn't affect your score. Here are the details.
The basics
Is Tida a lender?
No. Tida Financial Services is a free U.S. loan-matching service, not a direct lender. We connect you with trusted, licensed third-party lenders who make the actual loans and set all rates, terms, and approval decisions. You can read more in is Tida a lender?
Is Tida free to use?
Yes. It's free to compare loan options through Tida — we don't charge you to use the service. Any interest and fees are charged by the lender you choose and are disclosed to you before you agree to anything.
How does Tida work?
You share a few basics through a short online form, we match you with lenders in our network of 50+ trusted, licensed U.S. partners, and you compare real options side by side. If you like an offer, you continue with that lender directly. For the full walkthrough, see how does Tida work?
Who are Tida's lending partners?
Tida works with a network of 50+ trusted, licensed U.S. lenders. We don't publish a fixed list because the partners that fit you depend on your profile, but every loan you're matched with comes from a licensed third-party lender who is responsible for the terms and the final decision.
Credit and eligibility
Does using Tida affect my credit score?
No. Checking your options with Tida uses a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. A hard inquiry — the kind that can cause a small, temporary dip — only happens if you choose to formally apply with a specific lender.
Does Tida guarantee I'll be approved?
No. Tida can't guarantee approval or a specific rate. Only a lender can approve you, based on its own criteria such as credit, income, and existing debt. Any service that promises guaranteed approval regardless of credit is a warning sign — see how to avoid personal loan scams.
What credit score do I need?
There's no single cutoff, because each lender sets its own requirements, and our network includes partners serving a range of credit profiles. Checking with Tida shows what's realistically available for your situation without affecting your score.
Amounts, rates, and terms
How much can I borrow?
Loans in Tida's partner network typically range from $1,000 to $100,000, with APRs commonly between about 6% and 36% and terms from roughly 12 to 84 months. Your actual amount, rate, and term depend on the lender and your financial profile. You can estimate a payment with our loan calculator.
How fast can I get funds?
The Tida form takes about two minutes, and you can see options shortly after. Funding timelines are set by the lender you choose and often land within a few business days once you're approved and verified.
Are there any fees to use Tida?
No. Tida doesn't charge you to compare offers. The only costs involved are the interest and any fees charged by the lender you choose — such as an origination fee — and those are disclosed in your loan agreement before you sign. If any service asks you to pay an upfront fee to "release" or "insure" a loan, treat it as a red flag.
Safety and support
Is my information safe with Tida?
Tida uses 256-bit encryption to help protect the information you submit. Your details are shared with lending partners to match you with offers, as described in our privacy policy, and you decide whether to move forward with any lender. For more, read how Tida protects your information.
Is Tida legit?
Yes. Tida is a legitimate, free loan-matching service that's transparent about not being a lender, doesn't charge upfront fees, and works with licensed U.S. lenders. Our guide is Tida legit and safe to use? covers how to verify any loan service.
Do I have to accept an offer?
No. Comparing options through Tida never obligates you to take a loan. You're free to review the offers, think it over, and walk away with no cost and no impact to your credit. You only move forward if you find an offer that genuinely works for you.
What if I have bad credit?
You may still have options. Our network includes partners serving a range of credit profiles, though available amounts may be smaller and rates higher for lower scores. Because checking with Tida uses a soft credit check, you can see what's realistically available without any score impact.
How do I contact Tida?
You can reach our U.S.-based support team by email at support@us-tida.com, Monday through Friday, 9am–6pm EST, or through our contact page. When you're ready to look, you can see your options in about two minutes.
Questions? Talk to a U.S.-based specialist
Our team is here Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm EST to help you understand your options — with no pressure.
Tida Financial Services is not a direct lender. We are a free referral service that matches U.S. borrowers with trusted third-party lenders. All loan terms, rates, and approvals are determined by the lender. This article is for general educational purposes and is not financial advice.