Quick Approvals.
Local Service.
Real Solutions.
_edited.jpg)
Contact: 225-928-7851
© 2035 by American First Financial Services, Inc, NThompson,
Ask Natalie
Real answers to real credit questions.
Search lots of plain-English Q&As from your local lender. (No legalese.)
Welcome to Ask Natalie, your go-to hub for real answers about credit, loans, and financial success — straight from American First Financial Services in Baton Rouge. Whether you’re building your first line of credit, trying to understand interest rates, or looking for ways to manage payments, Natalie breaks it all down in plain language you can trust.
Looking for common questions about loans or payments? Visit our General FAQ page
What makes American First Financial Services different from other lenders?
We believe in personal connections and local decisions.
When you apply with us, your loan is reviewed by me, someone who lives and works right here in Louisiana — not a national call center.
We know our customers by name, and we focus on helping them rebuild and grow credit through trust and consistent payments. We do our best to be here for them, for three generations and counting.
If you run into an issue, you can speak to me, or any of our staff directly - no call center, no voicemail, no run-around.
Is American First Financial Services licensed or regulated?
Yes. We are a licensed Louisiana lender with thru the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Sales Finance Division and operate under all applicable state and federal lending laws. We comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) to ensure fair and responsible lending practices.
How long has American First Financial Services been in business?
We’ve been serving the Baton Rouge community for over 35 years as a locally owned and operated lender. Many of our customers come back for their second or third loans because they trust our team and appreciate our consistency and fairness.
Is American First Financial Services a good company? I’ve seen some negative reviews.
We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built over more than 35 years of lending locally in Baton Rouge. Most of our customers appreciate our friendly service, fast decisions, and willingness to help when others can’t. We have many customers who love us.
Still, lending isn’t always easy, and while we try our best to do the right thing, sometimes things don't work out. When a loan goes unpaid, we are first and foremost a business and must follow the same business standards any financial institution would.
The negative reviews you may see often come from difficult financial situations, not from unfair treatment. We always encourage communication and do our best to work with our customers. Those negative comments are limited experiences, but oftentimes, the loudest.
Our goal has never been to be the biggest lender — only to be the fairest local one.
What credit score do I need to apply with American First Financial Services?
At American First Financial Services, Inc., we work with all types of credit. We don’t make decisions based only on your credit score — instead, we review your full credit history, stability, and ability to repay.
That approach allows us to help many customers who may not qualify at traditional banks or credit unions.
While our rates may be higher, our service is fast, personal, and local. With a good payment history, we can propel you toward better financing options in the future.
Are you affiliated with American First Finance?
No. American First Financial Services, Inc. is not affiliated in any way with American First Finance, LLC or any company based in Texas.
We are also not affiliated with American First Financial Services, LLC, a mortgage lender in Tennessee, or American First Credit Union, a company based in California.
We are a locally owned and operated lender in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, proudly serving our community for more than 35 years. Our focus is on providing personalized auto and personal loans for local customers with fast approvals and real service — right here in our home state of Louisiana.
When looking for auto financing in and near Baton Rouge, would American First Financial Services be a good choice?
Yes — American First Financial Services in Baton Rouge can be a great choice for customers with less-than-perfect credit who are looking for local, flexible auto financing options.
Founded more than 35 years ago by Charles Bradley Jr., American First was built on one simple belief — that everyone deserves a fair deal and a chance. Mr. Bradley began his career with American Bank and saw firsthand how many good people were turned away by traditional lenders. He started American First Financial Services to help fill that gap — where not-so-perfect credit meets real solutions.
Today, that same approach continues. Because we’re locally owned and operated, our loan decisions are made right here in Baton Rouge — not by an out-of-state system. We take time to listen, understand your story, and work toward a loan that fits your needs. It doesn’t always go perfectly, but fairness, honesty, and second chances are still the heart of what we do.
It’s also important to note that American First Financial Services of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is not affiliated with American First Finance, LLC of Plano, Texas — a national retail finance company with a similar name. Some online reviews and information refer to that Texas company, not us.
So, if you’re looking for local, subprime auto financing near Baton Rouge, American First Financial Services is a strong, community-based option where you’ll talk to real people who care about helping you move forward.
How long should I pay on my loan if I am building credit?
The goal is to show long term positive payment history.
Credit scoring models (like FICO and VantageScore) reward consistent, on-time payments over time — not quick payoffs. So the longer your loan remains open and active in good standing, the better impact it has.
📅 Ideal Timeframe by Loan Type
1. Credit-Builder or Personal Installment Loan
-
Minimum: 6 months — this is about how long it takes most scoring models to recognize and factor a new account into your score.
-
Ideal: 12 to 24 months — this allows you to demonstrate steady payment behavior, which has the strongest positive effect on your payment history and credit mix.
-
Avoid: Paying off too early (like after 2–3 months). It closes the account before it’s built any meaningful history.
✅ Tip: Even if you can afford to pay it off early, keep making the scheduled payments for at least a year.
2. Auto Loan
-
Keep open: As long as possible while staying current. A 24–36 month on-time payment history can significantly improve your score and show stability. Paying it off early can slightly lower your score temporarily, because it removes an active installment account from your mix.
3. Secured Credit-Builder Loans (like the ones where funds are released after payoff)
-
Ideal term: 12 months — this is long enough to build history and short enough to recycle into another loan later if you want to keep growing your profile.
Why Duration Matters
-
Payment History (35% of score): Each on-time payment helps.
-
Length of Credit History (15%): Longer open accounts improve your average age.
-
Credit Mix (10%): Having an installment loan and a revolving account (like a credit card) together helps.
📝 Bottom Line
Keep the loan open at least 12 months — ideally 18–24 months — making on-time payments every single month. That gives you the maximum benefit without dragging out unnecessary interest costs.
🛡️ Ask Natalie Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information provided in Ask Natalie is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or credit advice. Each person’s financial situation is unique, information is limited, and individual circumstances may vary.
While American First Financial Services strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees as to the completeness or reliability of any answers provided.
For personalized guidance about your credit, loans, or financial options, please contact American First Financial Services directly or consult a qualified financial professional.