Loans like Minto Money
Minto Money lends $100–$3,000 at 690–750% APR under Native Village of Minto ownership. If you are shopping for something similar, the goal is simple: pay less. Below are lower-APR options — starting with cheaper tribal lenders from our database, then genuinely cheaper non-tribal routes.
Why people look for an alternative to Minto Money
A ProPublica investigation tied Minto Money to Jay McGraw — Dr. Phil's eldest son — whose company allegedly funded the operation and is its principal beneficiary, while a 160-person Alaska village lends its name.
- APR exceeds 700%; a $1,200 loan repaid about $4,167 in one documented case.
- BBB "F"; 280+ FTC complaints as of mid-2024.
- Named in 17+ federal suits; a 2025 settlement was quickly followed by a new suit.
- Investigative reporting describes it dividing the owning village.
We score Minto Money 2.3/10 on cost, terms, funding, complaints and legal standing. Read the full review for the sourcing behind each point.
Cheaper tribal lenders
Every lender here has a lower starting APR than Minto Money, per our database. They are still expensive last-resort loans — but less so.
Ranked by APR ceiling — the rate most borrowers actually pay. Minto Money’s ceiling is 750%.
Same tribe as Minto Money
If you were approved by Minto Money, you may qualify for these brands run by the same tribe (Native Village of Minto) — compare the rate before you switch.
See the full Native Village of Minto portfolio
What the non-tribal routes cost against Minto Money
Borrow $1,000 for twelve months at Minto Money’s 750% ceiling and you repay about $7,522. Here is the same $1,000 through each cheaper route, and what switching would actually save you.
$1,000 costs $1,158 here versus $7,522 at Minto Money — you keep $6,364.
$200–$2,000 to credit-union members; application fees capped at $20.
$1,000 costs $1,206 here versus $7,522 at Minto Money — you keep $6,316.
Flat-fee instalment loans from large banks to existing customers.
$1,000 costs $2,373 here versus $7,522 at Minto Money — you keep $5,149.
An advance on pay you have already earned — cheapest for a short bridge.
A repayment plan negotiated with your creditors, instead of new borrowing.
Every figure assumes the same $1,000 over the same twelve months, so the only variable is the rate. Run your own amounts in the payoff calculator.
Minto Money is one of 17 lenders we have worked through this way. For the full comparison — including the non-tribal routes that beat every tribal brand on cost — see what to borrow instead of a tribal loan.