5 Star Car Title Loans offers secured loans up to $50,000 using vehicle titles as collateral, with same-day funding and no prepayment penalties.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
5 Star Car Title Loans has been operating since 2012 and reports funding over 255,000 loans across multiple states. The company is a licensed and regulated lender headquartered in San Bernardino, California, serving customers in nearly 18 states through physical and online channels.
The company specializes in title loans secured by vehicle equity, allowing borrowers to access cash while keeping their vehicles. They offer loan amounts ranging from $100 to $50,000, with same-day funding for qualified applicants. Beyond traditional car title loans, they also provide installment loans with flexible repayment terms up to 24 months and same-day loans for urgent expenses. The application process is available online or in person, with approval decisions reported within minutes.
5 Star Car Title Loans emphasizes transparent terms, no hidden fees, and no prepayment penalties. Their marketing highlights acceptance of borrowers with imperfect credit and offers free pre-qualification quotes. The company uses 256-bit SSL and TLS security for online applications. Customer reviews cite quick approval processes, friendly staff, and accommodation of alternative collateral such as motorcycles and semi-trucks.
As a title loan lender, this company operates in a high-cost borrowing space. While they market flexibility and speed, title loans typically carry substantially higher interest rates than traditional bank loans and pose repossession risk if payments are missed. Borrowers should carefully review actual loan terms and APR rates, which are not disclosed on the website. State licensing and regulation vary significantly, and availability of specific loan products depends on local regulations.
See which lenders actually approve borrowers with bad credit. We compared APRs, fees, minimum scores, and funding speed.
Yes. 5 Star Car Title Loans is a registered company headquartered in 1127 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
5 Star Car Title Loans is best for borrowers with vehicle equity who need emergency cash quickly and cannot access traditional bank loans, particularly those with imperfect credit. The primary caveat is that title loans are high-cost financial products with undisclosed APR rates, repossession risk if payments default, and terms that vary by state—borrowers must review actual loan agreements carefully and understand the full cost before applying.
Diamond Banc Tampa offers collateral-based equity loans and outright purchases of fine jewelry, diamonds, and luxury watches — a premium alternative to traditional pawn shops.
Best for: Owners of high-value fine jewelry or luxury watches ($50,000+) who need fast short-term liquidity, Borrowers who cannot or prefer not to use their credit profile to qualify for a loan
ACCC is a non-profit credit counseling agency offering free consultations, debt management programs, and bankruptcy counseling to help consumers escape credit card debt.
Best for: Consumers with $6K–$100K+ in credit card debt who are still current or only slightly behind, Individuals legally required to complete bankruptcy counseling (pre- or post-filing)
Family-owned Florida pawn shop since 1986 buying, selling, and trading jewelry, guns, fishing equipment, tools, and electronics across two Tampa locations.
Best for: Individuals needing immediate cash by pawning or selling tangible assets, Gun owners and fishing enthusiasts seeking to buy, sell, or trade in their categories
Learn what makes up your credit score, how it's calculated, what the ranges mean, and how to check yours for free.
Read guide →Your credit report contains the raw data behind your score. Learn what's in it, how to read it, and how to dispute errors that could be dragging your score down.
Read guide →Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm — they make spending easy. But what happens to your credit score when you use them? Here's what the fine print doesn't tell you.
Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Lenders must show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the cheapest loan.
Example
You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
Interest calculated on both the original amount borrowed AND the interest that's already been added. It's 'interest on interest' — and it makes debt grow faster than you'd expect.
Credit cards and many loans use compound interest. If you only make minimum payments, compound interest is why a $3,000 balance can take 15 years to pay off.
Example
You owe $1,000 at 20% annual interest compounded monthly. After month 1 you owe $1,016.67. Month 2, interest is charged on $1,016.67 (not $1,000), so you owe $1,033.61. After 1 year without payments: $1,219.
A special APR calculation used for military servicemembers that includes ALL costs — fees, insurance, and add-ons — capped at 36% by federal law.
The Military Lending Act protects active-duty servicemembers and their families from predatory lending. Any lender charging above 36% MAPR to military is breaking federal law.
Example
A payday lender charges a $15 fee per $100 borrowed for 2 weeks. For civilians, that's technically legal in some states. For military: that works out to 391% MAPR — illegal under the MLA.
The maximum interest rate a lender can legally charge in a particular state. Charging above this rate is called 'usury' and is illegal.
Usury laws are your main legal protection against predatory interest rates. But beware: some states have weak or no usury caps, and federal banks can sometimes override state limits.
Example
New York caps interest at 16% for most consumer loans (25% is criminal usury). If a lender tries to charge you 30% in NY, that loan is unenforceable — you could fight it in court.
An asset you pledge to the lender as security for a loan. If you stop paying, the lender can seize and sell that asset to recover their money.
Secured loans (with collateral) have lower interest rates because the lender has less risk. But you could lose your home, car, or savings if you default.
Example
A mortgage uses your house as collateral. A car loan uses your vehicle. A title loan uses your car title. If you miss payments, the lender can foreclose or repossess.
A charge added to your account when you miss a payment deadline. Most credit cards charge $29-$41 per late payment, and many loans have similar penalties.
The fee itself hurts, but the real damage is to your credit score. A payment 30+ days late stays on your credit report for 7 years and can drop your score 60-110 points.
Example
Your credit card payment of $150 is due March 1. You pay on March 18. The bank charges a $39 late fee. If it's 30+ days late, it gets reported to credit bureaus and your 760 score drops to 670.
A fee your bank charges when a payment bounces because there isn't enough money in your account. Also called a 'bounced check fee' or 'returned payment fee.'
NSF fees hit you twice — your bank charges you AND the company you were trying to pay may charge their own returned payment fee. That's $50-70 for one missed payment.
Example
Your auto-pay tries to pull $350 for rent, but you only have $280 in checking. Your bank charges $35 NSF fee. Your landlord charges $25 returned payment fee. Total damage: $60 in fees.
The practice of charging interest rates higher than what the law allows. Usury laws set state-specific caps on how much lenders can charge.
If a lender charges usurious rates, the loan may be void, penalties can be reduced, or you may be entitled to damages. Know your state's limits.
Example
Your state caps consumer loans at 24% APR. An online lender charges you 36%. That loan may be unenforceable, and you might only need to repay the principal — no interest or fees.
Using your credit card to get cash from an ATM or bank. It's one of the most expensive ways to borrow — higher interest rate, immediate interest accrual (no grace period), and an upfront fee.
Cash advances are a debt trap: 25-30% APR with no grace period plus a 3-5% fee. Interest starts the second you withdraw, not at the end of the billing cycle.
Example
You take a $500 cash advance. Fee: $25 (5%). Interest: 28% APR starting immediately. After 30 days, you owe $536.67. After 6 months of minimum payments, you've paid $85 in interest on $500.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to 5 Star Car Title Loans and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Our editorial team independently evaluates all services. Compensation does not influence our ratings or rankings. Learn more.