Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Above Lending USA ("Above Lending," "we," "us," or "our") operates the website abovelendingusa.com (the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our loan matching service.

Above Lending is a loan matching platform, not a direct lender. By using our Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

• Name, address, email address, and phone number
• Social Security Number (for identity and credit verification)
• Date of birth and employment information
• Income details and banking information
• Loan amount requested and stated loan purpose
• Estimated credit range selected during rate inquiry

Information Collected Automatically

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Pages visited, time on site, and clickstream data
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Referring URL and exit pages

Credit Information

Above Lending uses a soft credit inquiry to check your rate eligibility. Soft inquiries do not affect your FICO credit score and are not visible to other lenders. Individual lenders in our network may conduct hard credit inquiries after you accept a loan offer.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Match you with lenders in our network whose criteria align with your profile
• Verify your identity and prevent fraudulent activity
• Communicate with you about your rate inquiry and matched lender offers
• Improve and personalize the Platform and user experience
• Comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements
• Send marketing communications (with your consent or as permitted by law)
• Analyze usage patterns to improve our matching algorithm

4. Information Sharing

Above Lending shares your information with:

Lender Network Partners

When you submit a rate inquiry, your information is shared with lenders in our network for the purpose of loan matching. These lenders operate under their own privacy policies and applicable lending regulations.

Service Providers

We engage third-party vendors who assist in operating our platform, including hosting, analytics, identity verification, and fraud prevention. These providers are contractually bound to use your data only for specified purposes.

Legal Compliance

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or governmental authority, or to protect the rights and safety of Above Lending, our users, or the public.

What We Do NOT Do

• We do not sell your personal information to third-party advertisers or data brokers
• We do not share your information with unaffiliated lenders beyond the matching purpose
• We do not share your Social Security Number except as required for credit and identity verification

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate and improve the Platform. Types of cookies used include:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Platform to function. Cannot be disabled.
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the Platform (e.g., Google Analytics).
• Marketing Cookies: Used to serve relevant advertisements and track campaign effectiveness.

You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling certain cookies may affect Platform functionality.

6. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements
• Opt-Out of Marketing: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time via email opt-out link or by contacting us
• Do Not Sell: We do not sell personal information. You may still submit a do-not-sell request via our contact page

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected] or visit our Contact page.

7. Data Security

Above Lending uses 256-bit SSL encryption to protect data transmitted through the Platform. We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction.

No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Rate inquiry data is typically retained for 7 years to comply with applicable financial regulations. You may request deletion of your data subject to legal retention requirements.

9. Children's Privacy

The Above Lending Platform is intended for adults aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately at [email protected].

10. State-Specific Rights

California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including the right to know, delete, correct, and opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information. To submit a California privacy request, contact us at [email protected].

Other State Laws

Residents of Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and other states with comprehensive privacy laws may have similar rights. We honor requests from all US residents consistent with applicable law.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries, data requests, or to exercise your rights, contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact Form: abovelendingusa.com/contact.html
• Mailing: Above Lending USA, Privacy Officer, [Address Placeholder]