Kikoff vs. Self
Self is a lender that also offers credit-builder loans as well as a secured credit card to help people establish credit. Self is available in all 50 states; Kikoff doesn't lend in Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, North Dakota and Rhode Island.
Self isn't free; you have to pay an administrative fee for its credit-builder loan as well as a finance charge. It has a much higher loan amount, starting at $600 and going up to $1,800. With Self, you can establish credit and build savings at the same time.
Unlike Kikoff, you don't have access to the loan money immediately. Instead, Self places the money in a certificate of deposit account and releases it to you when you finish making monthly payments for the loan term.
You can pay your loan back early at both lenders if you have established
a good credit score and are ready to apply for traditional loans or credit cards.