Key Takeaways
- Ally Financial is a digital financial services company.
- It offers banking, investment, and auto financing products.
- Some customers report poor customer service on online review websites, and the company faces class-action lawsuits over data breaches and loan practices.
- Ally offers no-personal-guarantee (no-PG) business vehicle loans that focus on business credit, not personal credit.
- Their business vehicle loans have flexible terms and protect personal assets.
You can find a ton of Ally Financial reviews online. While their affiliates tend to talk them up, some of their customers are less impressed. So, what’s Ally Financial really all about?
Here, I’ll answer that and more. Let’s look at what Ally Financial offers, learn about the company, and get to know their no-credit check and no-PG business vehicle loans (which I love).
This is what’s in store:
- What is Ally Financial?
- Ally Financial No PG Business Vehicle Loans Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Is Ally Financial Any Good?
So, let’s dive in!
What is Ally Financial?
Ally Financial is a leading digital financial services company that offers a variety of banking and investment products.
Its core services include:
- Ally Bank provides deposit products like savings and checking accounts, CDs, and money market accounts. It also offers mortgages and credit services.
- Ally Invest allows users to manage investments with self-directed trading, robo portfolios, and personalized advice.
- Ally Home offers home purchase and refinancing options.
- Ally Auto provides auto financing, a key part of their offer.
They emphasize customer care and transparency, with “no hidden fees” (according to themselves) on many of their products.
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What is Ally Financial Known for?
Ally is known for being one of the first banks to eliminate overdraft fees and to make banking more accessible and customer-friendly. In the corporate world, they’re known for their no-PG business auto loans.
And, there are a few key aspects of their overall offer that people tend to love:
- As a fully online bank, Ally offers a wide range of services without physical branches.
- Ally is a major player in consumer and business auto loans and financing.
- In addition to banking, Ally offers investment options, home loans, and insurance products.
As a one-stop-shop for personal finance, these factors tend to set Ally apart.
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Company Overview
A Detroit, Michigan-based company, allegedly launched in 1919, Ally Corporate Finance, aka Ally Financial, aka Ally CF, is listed on Crunchbase as an “automotive financial services company powered by a top direct banking franchise.” Both Ally Financial and Ally Financial Inc. were registered as entities in the state of Michigan in May, 2010, which seems to be when the trade name was changed from GMAC Inc.
However, GMAC Inc. was first registered in July, 2009. So, the 1919 founding date must be based on the fact that they’re a subsidiary of General Motors (founded in 1908).
Still, the company appears to be in good standing, and its most recent annual report was filed in 2024.
Out of 762 Trustpilot reviews, Ally’s Trustscore™ is a low 1.2-stars. A lot of customers warn of poor, outsourced customer service, but some praise the banking. With an online-only bank, customer service shortcomings are almost expected. But, these are pretty poor.
With the Better Business Bureau (BBB), their reviews aren’t so promising either—Ally has a C- BBB rating with 1.06 out of 5 stars, and 1,260 complaints closed in the past 12 months,
While the BBB lists them as being in business for 40 years, this doesn’t match up with the 1919 nor the 2009 founding dates that I found.
Moreover, the reason their BBB rating is low and they aren’t accredited isn’t because they failed to sign up to become accredited. Instead, they’ve been slacking and can’t be accredited because of failure to respond to four complaints and having left eight complaints unresolved.
To make sure we’re being completely fair, it’s important to note that most financial service companies have a hard time maintaining positive reviews. And, an unsatisfied customer is way more likely to put in the effort to leave a review than someone who is satisfied.
So, I did a quick search to see if they had any open or past lawsuits, hoping to come up empty-handed. Sadly, that’s not the case.
Ally Financial is facing multiple class-action lawsuits, including:
- Allegations of failing to protect customer data during a breach.
Accusations of discrimination related to its DEI policies. - Private lawsuits over improper collection practices during loan repossession.
With a quick Google search, you can find more information about some of the legal complaints against the company. With that said, I know several people, with vehicle loans through the platform, who are having no problems whatsoever.
In sum, Ally Financial has a mixed reputation. It faces low customer ratings on Trustpilot and the BBB, along with class-action lawsuits over data breaches, discrimination, and loan collection practices. But, some customers still report positive experiences.
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Ally Financial No PG Business Vehicle Loans Summary
One of my favorite offers from Ally is their business vehicle loans–They’re one of the select few lenders I know of to offer business vehicle loans that don’t require a personal guarantee (no-PG) and no credit check.
Learn more about the option to get vehicle loans in your business name through Ally!
1. Approval Based on Business Credit
Ally’s no-PG business auto loans evaluate your business’s credit history rather than your personal credit. This process focuses on your company’s financial health, allowing you to keep your personal credit separate from your business.
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2. Ideal for Fleet Management
These loans are perfect for businesses needing multiple vehicles. Whether you need cars, trucks, or specialized vehicles, Ally provides flexible solutions tailored to your growing fleet.
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3. Flexible Loan Terms
Ally offers various loan terms, usually ranging from 36 to 84 months. You can choose short-term or long-term financing to manage payments according to your cash flow and operational demands.
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4. Competitive Interest Rates
With no personal guarantee required, business owners can protect their personal assets. This makes no-PG business auto loans a smart choice for companies looking to expand while minimizing personal financial risk.
5. Personal Asset Protection
With no personal guarantee required, business owners can protect their personal assets. This makes no-PG business auto loans a smart choice for companies looking to expand while minimizing personal financial risk.
6. Additional Costs to Consider
Buyers should be aware of potential costs, such as down payments, registration fees, and any modifications needed for the vehicles. Understanding these costs upfront can help you budget effectively.
7. Application Process
To start the financing process, you can download the commercial line of credit application from Ally’s website. It’s a straightforward process that allows you to get started quickly.
8. Work With a Local Dealer
Interested buyers should find a local dealer to learn more about eligibility, specific rates, and additional financing options available through Ally. To find dealers in your area that work with Ally Financial, see their dealer locator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bank owns Ally Financial?
Ally Financial is an independent financial services company and does not have a parent bank. It was formerly known as GMAC Inc., a subsidiary of General Motors.
Is Ally Bank FDIC insured?
Yes, Ally Bank is FDIC insured. This means that deposits are protected up to the legal limit, which is currently $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank.
Is Ally Bank 100% safe?
While Ally Bank is FDIC insured, no bank can guarantee 100% safety. However, it is considered a reputable institution with security measures in place to protect customer information and funds.
What credit score is needed for Ally Financial?
Ally Financial typically requires a credit score of 620 or higher for its auto loans, but specific requirements may vary based on the type of loan and other factors. It’s best to check directly with Ally for the most accurate information.
Conclusion: Is Ally Financial Any Good?
So, can Ally be trusted? Well, they present some appealing options, especially with their no-PG business vehicle loans—These loans allow business owners to secure financing without risking personal assets.
However, the company faces significant criticism regarding customer service and transparency, as shown by their low ratings on Trustpilot and with the BBB.
While many customers do report positive experiences, the ongoing legal issues and mixed reviews warrant some level of caution. If you’re considering Ally Financial, weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks. Conduct your own research and explore other financing options to be sure you make the best choice for your needs.
If you’re interested in applying for Ally’s no PG business vehicle loan, watch my recent video:
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