Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure

Last updated: August 6, 2026

We believe you deserve to know exactly how we make money. Here it is, in plain language.

How Lighten makes money

Lighten is a comparison and referral service. We are not a lender, not a loan broker, and not a financial advisor. We do not make loans, set rates, or approve applications. When you click through to a partner lender or lending marketplace and take an action (such as viewing offers, submitting an application, or being funded), that partner may pay us a referral fee or commission.

Does this affect what you see?

Compensation may influence which partners we work with and how offers are presented on our site. It does not influence the math in our savings calculator, which is generated solely from the balance, APR, payment, and terms you enter, using standard amortization formulas. We aim to rank and present options based on their value to you — not on how much a partner pays us.

These are estimates, not offers

Any rates, payments, savings, or timelines shown on Lighten are illustrative estimates. They are not an offer or guarantee of credit. Actual rates, terms, fees, and approval are determined by the lender based on your creditworthiness and other factors, and may differ from our estimates.

FTC endorsement compliance

In accordance with U.S. Federal Trade Commission guidelines (16 CFR Part 255), we disclose that Lighten has material connections — financial relationships — with the companies whose products may appear on this site. This page serves as that disclosure across the entire site.

Questions

Contact us at [contact email — TBD] and we'll answer honestly.