Is Plain Green Loans Legit or a Scam?
By Michael Chen, CFP® · Updated December 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, Plain Green Loans is a legitimate company — but "legitimate" doesn't mean "affordable" or "best option."
Plain Green is a real tribal lender that has operated since 2011 and has an A+ BBB rating. However, they charge extremely high interest rates (199-699% APR) and should be considered a last resort.
Evidence of Legitimacy
| Factor | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | ✓ 14+ years | Operating since 2011 |
| BBB Rating | ✓ A+ | Accredited business |
| Tribal Ownership | ✓ Verified | Chippewa Cree Tribe (federally recognized) |
| Trustpilot Reviews | ✓ 4.3/5 | 13,000+ reviews |
| Secure Website | ✓ SSL | HTTPS encryption |
| Physical Location | ✓ Verified | Rocky Boy's Reservation, Montana |
Understanding Tribal Lending
Plain Green is a tribal lender, which means:
- It's owned by a Native American tribe (Chippewa Cree Tribe)
- It operates under tribal law, not state law
- State interest rate caps don't apply
- Consumer protections may differ from state-licensed lenders
- Disputes are governed by tribal law
Native American tribes are recognized as "domestic dependent nations" under U.S. law. This sovereignty allows tribal businesses to operate under their own laws. Plain Green uses this status to offer loans that might not be legal under state law.
Concerns & Red Flags
1. State Warnings
Several states have issued consumer alerts about Plain Green:
- Washington State: The Department of Financial Institutions issued a warning that Plain Green is "not licensed" and may charge fees/interest inconsistent with state law
- Other states where payday-style lending is restricted have also raised concerns
2. Very High APR
- APR ranges from 199% to 699%
- Traditional personal loans: 6-36% APR
- This is 5-20x higher than typical lenders
3. Limited Consumer Protections
- Disputes are handled under tribal law
- You may waive certain state law protections
- Collection practices may differ from state-regulated lenders
4. BBB Complaints
While Plain Green has an A+ BBB rating, they have received complaints about:
- High interest charges
- Principal not decreasing as expected
- Customer service issues
- Payment processing problems
How to Verify a Legitimate Lender
Before borrowing from any lender, check:
- BBB Rating: Look for accreditation and read complaints
- Online Reviews: Check Trustpilot, Google, and consumer forums
- Contact Information: Verify phone number and address are real
- Website Security: Look for HTTPS and SSL certificate
- State Licensing: Check if they're licensed in your state (note: tribal lenders may not be)
- Clear Terms: APR and fees should be disclosed before you apply
Scam Warning Signs (Plain Green Does NOT Have These)
Plain Green is NOT a scam. Real scams typically:
- ❌ Guarantee approval regardless of credit
- ❌ Ask for upfront fees before funding
- ❌ Have no verifiable contact information
- ❌ Use unsolicited phone calls or emails
- ❌ Ask you to pay with gift cards or wire transfers
- ❌ Have no online presence or reviews
Beware of Fake Plain Green Sites
Scammers sometimes create fake websites pretending to be Plain Green. Only use the official website: plaingreenloans.com
If you receive unexpected calls or emails about a Plain Green loan you didn't apply for, it may be a scam.
Our Verdict: Legit but Expensive
Bottom Line
Plain Green Loans is legitimate — they are a real company that has been operating for over 14 years with thousands of verified customer transactions.
However, "legitimate" doesn't mean "recommended." Their APRs (199-699%) are among the highest in the industry. A $1,000 loan could cost you over $1,000 in interest.
Consider Plain Green only as a last resort when you need emergency funds and have exhausted all other options.