Our Commitment to Responsible Lending

We believe in fair, transparent, and ethical lending practices. Our mission is to expand access to affordable credit while protecting borrowers and promoting financial wellness for all.

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Our Promise to You

At Upstart, responsible lending isn't just a policyโ€”it's the foundation of everything we do. We're committed to using advanced AI technology ethically and transparently to help more people access the credit they need at fair rates.

We believe that financial inclusion should not come at the cost of consumer protection. That's why we've built our platform on principles of fairness, transparency, education, and unwavering support for our borrowers.

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Transparency
Clear, upfront information about rates, fees, and terms
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Fairness
Equal opportunity lending without discrimination
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Protection
Safeguarding your data and financial well-being
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Education
Empowering informed financial decisions
Our Principles

Fair Lending Practices

We're committed to providing equal access to credit for all qualified borrowers, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or other protected characteristics.

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Equal Opportunity Lending

Every applicant is evaluated using the same AI model with the same criteria. We don't discriminate based on protected characteristics, and our technology is designed to reduce human bias in lending decisions.

  • Same evaluation criteria for all applicants
  • No discrimination based on protected classes
  • Regular bias audits of our AI models
  • Compliance with Fair Lending laws (ECOA, Fair Housing Act)
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Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees, no surprises. Before you accept any loan offer, you'll see the complete breakdown of your APR, monthly payment, origination fee, and total cost over the life of the loan.

  • Clear disclosure of all fees before acceptance
  • APR calculated and displayed prominently
  • Total cost of loan shown upfront
  • No prepayment penalties or hidden charges
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Responsible Underwriting

We evaluate your ability to repay the loan based on income, expenses, and other financial obligations. Our goal is to help you succeed, not set you up for failure with unaffordable loans.

  • Comprehensive affordability assessment
  • Debt-to-income ratio evaluation
  • Income and employment verification
  • Consideration of existing financial obligations
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Clear Communication

We use plain language in all our communications. Loan agreements, disclosures, and terms are written to be understood, not to confuse. If you have questions, our support team is ready to help.

  • Plain-language loan documents
  • Complete disclosure of terms and conditions
  • Accessible customer support
  • Educational resources for borrowers
Technology Ethics

AI Ethics & Transparency

Our AI is powerful, but we use it responsibly. Here's how we ensure our technology is fair, unbiased, and transparent.

How We Keep AI Fair & Ethical

๐Ÿ”ฌ Regular Bias Testing

We continuously test our models for discriminatory patterns and biases. Independent audits ensure our AI treats all applicants fairly regardless of protected characteristics.

๐ŸŽฏ Explainable Decisions

While our AI is complex, we can explain which factors influenced your loan decision. If denied, you'll receive clear reasons and steps you can take to improve your chances.

๐Ÿ“Š Diverse Data Points

We analyze 1,000+ variables beyond credit scores, including education and employment. This broader view helps us approve more people fairly, especially those overlooked by traditional lenders.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Human Oversight

While 87% of decisions are automated, our team monitors the AI's performance, reviews edge cases, and ensures the technology serves borrowers' best interests.

Your Security

Borrower Protection & Privacy

Your data security and privacy are paramount. We employ industry-leading safeguards to protect your personal and financial information.

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Bank-Level Encryption

256-bit SSL encryption protects your data in transit and at rest. The same security used by major financial institutions.

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Secure Data Storage

All personal information is stored in secure, encrypted databases with strict access controls and regular security audits.

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No Data Selling

We never sell your personal information to third parties. Your data is used solely for loan processing and account management.

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Privacy Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data. Contact us anytime to exercise your privacy rights.

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Fraud Prevention

Advanced fraud detection systems protect you from identity theft and unauthorized access to your account.

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Secure Access

Multi-factor authentication and secure login protocols ensure only you can access your loan account.

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Financial Education & Resources

We believe informed borrowers make better financial decisions. That's why we provide free educational resources to help you understand loans, credit, and personal finance.

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Comprehensive Blog & Guides
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Financial Calculators & Tools
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Credit Building Tips
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Budgeting & Debt Management
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Personal Finance Webinars
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FAQ & Support Articles
Compliance

Regulatory Compliance

We adhere to all federal and state lending regulations to ensure your protection and maintain the highest standards of conduct.

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Federal Compliance

Full compliance with federal lending laws and regulations governing consumer credit.

  • Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
  • Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
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State Licensing

Our bank partners are licensed and regulated in all states where we operate, meeting local lending requirements.

  • 50-State Compliance
  • NMLS Registered
  • State Banking Oversight
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Regular Audits

Independent third-party audits verify our compliance, security practices, and fair lending standards.

  • Annual Compliance Reviews
  • Security Audits
  • AI Bias Testing

We're Here to Help

Questions? Concerns? Need assistance? Our customer support team is committed to helping you every step of the way.

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24/7 Online Support

Get help anytime through our online chat and support portal.

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Phone Support

Speak with a real person who can answer your questions.

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Email Support

Send us a message and get a response within 24 hours.