About 1st Franklin Financial · Thomasville
1st Franklin Financial is a personal loan lender founded in 1941 in Toccoa, Georgia, with over 80 years of experience serving communities across the Southeast. The company emphasizes personal service, transparency, and community support, offering same-day funding and fixed-rate loans without hidden fees. It operates over 370 branches in 10 states and is known for treating customers like family rather than just numbers, as reflected in customer testimonials.
1st Franklin Financial provides personal loans up to $15,000 for various purposes including debt consolidation, medical expenses, home improvement, and weddings. Founded in 1941 by Ben F. Cheek, the company has grown into a regional financial institution with over 370 branches across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. It emphasizes community involvement, supporting charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society. Customers praise its friendly staff, transparent terms, and quick funding — sometimes available in as little as a few hours. The company’s mission centers on empowering local communities through financial literacy and dedicated support, with a history of over 6 million loans and $13 billion in total funding.
- In business
- since 1941
- Owner
- Ben F. Cheek
- Serves
- Alabama | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Mississippi | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Virginia
About Us
From our roots in 1941, 1st Franklin has been dedicated to offering trusted financial solutions to our local communities. Today, we proudly continue that mission with over 370 branches throughout the Southeast.
- 10 States We service
- 6 Million + Loans made
- 13 Billion + Dollars loaned
Why Choose Us?
We know life happens, and when it does, you deserve a lender that sees you — not just your credit score. Personal Service: Real people. Real support. Real easy. Smart Borrowing: Same-day funds with no surprises. Community First: Over 80 years of giving back.
Our History
It all started in 1941 when Ben F. Cheek made his first auto loan — just $34 — from his law office in Toccoa, Georgia. The company evolved over decades, changing its name to 1st Franklin Financial Corporation in 1983 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 1991.
- 1940s: First loan in 1941
- 1950s: Expanded to sell investment securities
- 1960s: 500 investment customers
- 1970s: 70 employees
- 1980s: Name change to 1st Franklin Financial Corporation
- 1990s: 50th anniversary in 1991
Community Involvement
We support local and national charities, from homeless shelters and food banks to organizations such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, United Way, March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the U.S. Armed Forces.