Privacy policy.

1. Who we are

LendingsTree.com ("LendingsTree," "we," "us," or "our") operates an independent loan-comparison marketplace that connects consumers with third-party lending partners. We are not a lender. We do not make credit decisions or fund loans. We are not affiliated with LendingTree, LLC or the official LendingTree website. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle the personal information you provide when you use our website and services.

2. Information we collect

We collect the following categories of information when you submit a request through our marketplace:

• Identification information: Name, date of birth, Social Security number, contact details (address, phone, email).
• Financial information: Employment status, income, employer name, length of employment, monthly housing payment, requested loan amount, intended loan purpose.
• Credit information: A soft credit inquiry to assess your credit profile for matching purposes. This soft inquiry does not affect your credit score.
• Technical information: IP address, browser type and version, device information, referring URL, pages visited, and timestamps. This information is collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies.

3. How we use your information

We use the information you provide for the following purposes:

• To match you with our lender partners whose criteria fit your profile.
• To facilitate communication between you and the lenders who provide offers.
• To improve our marketplace, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure security.
• To comply with legal obligations, respond to legal process, and enforce our Terms of Service.
• To send you service-related communications about your request.
• With your consent, to send you marketing communications (you can opt out at any time).

4. How we share your information

We share your information with the following categories of recipients:

• Lender partners. When you submit a request, we share relevant information with the lender partners we match you with. Those lenders use the information to provide prequalified offers and may contact you by phone, email, or text message to discuss your offer. Each lender's privacy policy governs their use of your information after the handoff.
• Service providers. Companies that help us operate the marketplace, including cloud hosting providers, credit bureau partners, analytics providers, and communication providers. These vendors are contractually bound to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we authorize.
• Legal authorities. When required by law, court order, subpoena, or other legal process; to investigate fraud or violations of our terms; or to protect the safety, rights, or property of LendingsTree, our users, or others.
• Business transfers. In connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, reorganization, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, we may transfer your information to the successor entity, subject to applicable privacy protections.

We do not sell your information to data brokers or marketers unrelated to the loan request you submitted.

5. Your choices and rights

Depending on your state of residence, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including:

• The right to know what personal information we have collected about you.
• The right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions.
• The right to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.
• The right to correct inaccurate personal information.
• The right to non-discrimination for exercising any of these rights.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will verify your identity before responding to your request.

6. Cookies and tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the marketplace, analyze usage, and (with your consent) personalize experience and measure marketing effectiveness. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may impair certain marketplace functionality.

7. Data security

We use industry-standard security measures, including 256-bit SSL encryption for data in transit and access controls for data at rest. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security but we work continuously to maintain appropriate safeguards.

8. Data retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Specific retention periods vary by data type and applicable law. You may request deletion of your information at any time.

9. Children's privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, contact us immediately.

10. State-specific notices (CCPA / CPRA)

California residents: Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), you have specific rights regarding your personal information. See the "Your choices and rights" section above for the rights available to you. To submit a request, contact [email protected].

Other states with comprehensive privacy laws: Residents of Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, Texas, and other states with applicable privacy laws have rights similar to those described above. Contact [email protected] to exercise these rights.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on our website with a revised "last updated" date. Material changes will be communicated via email or a prominent notice on our website. Continued use of the marketplace after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact us

Privacy questions: [email protected]

General inquiries: [email protected]