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WOODWARD COUNTY • CS-2026-00032

Velocity Investments, LLC Assignee of Upstart Network, Inc v. Benjamin Hall

Filed: Feb 23, 2026
Type: CS

What's This Case About?

Let’s be real: how does a $10,000 loan turn into a courtroom showdown over nearly nine grand—without a single mention of a car, a house, or even a pet iguana? Welcome to the thrilling world of consumer debt litigation, where the drama isn’t in bloody knives or cheating spouses, but in amortization schedules, ACH returns, and the quiet, soul-crushing drip of 28% interest. Buckle up, because this one’s a masterclass in how a loan can go from “fast cash for life’s little emergencies” to “see you in District Court, pal.”

Meet Benjamin Hall, a regular guy from Woodward County, Oklahoma, who in January 2021 decided he needed $9,200—not the full $10,000 he borrowed, mind you, because $800 went straight to an “origination fee” before the money even hit his account. That’s right: Benjamin paid $800 just to get the loan, like a cover charge at a club where the music is terrible and the drinks are all overpriced. The lender? FinWise Bank, a Utah-based institution that partners with Upstart, the fintech platform that promises “smarter loans” and “fairer rates.” Spoiler: 28.06% APR is not what most people consider “fair.” But hey, credit scores don’t lie, and Benjamin’s likely wasn’t throwing a welcome party for lenders.

The deal was simple on paper: borrow $10,000 (including that $800 fee), pay it back in 60 monthly installments of $286.91, starting February 12, 2021, and wrap it all up by January 12, 2026. Simple, right? Except it wasn’t. Somewhere along the way—maybe a job loss, maybe a medical bill, maybe just the brutal math of high-interest debt—Benjamin stopped paying. The filing doesn’t say why, and we’re not here to judge. But we are here to point out that the final payment was supposed to be just $272.72—less than the regular monthly amount—because of how the interest was scheduled to amortize. But that only works if you make every payment on time. Miss a few? That nice, clean schedule goes full Jenga tower after a toddler sneezes.

Enter Velocity Investments, LLC. No, they’re not a private equity firm buying distressed malls. They’re a debt buyer—a company that purchases defaulted loans for pennies on the dollar and then sues to collect the full amount. In this case, Velocity bought Benjamin’s delinquent loan from Upstart (who had already bought it from FinWise, who originated it). It’s financial whack-a-mole: the debt gets sold, assigned, transferred, and repackaged like a greasy burrito at a gas station, until someone decides to actually collect.

And collect they did. Velocity, armed with a promissory note, a bill of sale, and an affidavit from a man named Nicholas DeGennaro (who, according to his title, is an “Affidavit Specialist”—a job that sounds like it was invented by a satirical news site), filed a petition in Woodward County District Court demanding $8,595.26. That’s not the full original loan, but it’s not chump change either. For context, that’s enough to buy a used Honda Civic, fund a wedding DJ, or cover two years of Netflix. And Velocity wants it all—plus 8.75% interest from the date of judgment, plus attorney’s fees, plus court costs. Oh, and just in case Benjamin is moonlighting as a Navy SEAL between court dates, they’ve sworn under penalty of perjury that he’s not in the military. (Yes, that’s a thing you have to do in debt cases. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects active-duty folks from aggressive collections. But Benjamin? Civilian. Fair game.)

Now, let’s talk about what Velocity is actually claiming. They’re not accusing Benjamin of fraud, theft, or identity theft. They’re not saying he vanished or denied the loan ever existed. Nope. Their entire case hinges on one phrase: “failure to perform the obligations under the Note.” In plain English: you borrowed the money, you didn’t pay it back, now we want it. It’s the financial equivalent of “you ate the last slice of pizza and didn’t tell me, so now I’m suing for emotional damages.” But instead of pizza, it’s $8,595.26. And instead of emotional damages, it’s actual damages—plus interest.

The relief sought? Judgment for the full amount, interest, attorney’s fees, and costs. Is $8,595.26 a lot? For a debt buyer, maybe not. They likely paid a few thousand bucks for a portfolio of loans like Benjamin’s, hoping to recoup their investment through a mix of payments and lawsuits. For Benjamin, though? That’s a massive sum. It’s nearly a year’s rent in parts of Oklahoma. It’s five months of groceries for a family of four. And thanks to the magic of compound interest and late fees (5% of any past-due payment, or $15, whichever is greater), that number isn’t shrinking—it’s probably growing.

So what’s the most absurd part of this whole saga? Is it that a loan with a 28% interest rate exists in 2025? Is it that a company called “Velocity Investments” sends legal documents with a footer that reads “THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR”? Is it that someone’s job title is “Affidavit Specialist”? All valid contenders. But the real kicker? The fact that Benjamin signed an arbitration agreement—buried deep in Section 17 of a 21-section promissory note—that says he can’t sue in court, can’t join a class action, and can’t seek punitive damages. But they can sue him in court. The irony is thicker than the fine print.

Look, we’re not here to defend loan sharking or predatory lending. But we’re also not here to pretend that $10,000 in unsecured debt with a 28% APR is a victimless transaction. Benjamin agreed to the terms. He signed electronically. He got the money. And when he stopped paying, the gears of debt collection kicked in—ruthless, efficient, and utterly impersonal.

Do we root for the little guy? Sure. Do we side-eye a system that lets banks charge 28% interest and debt buyers sue for every penny? Absolutely. But mostly, we just want to know: did Benjamin use that $9,200 to buy something cool? A motorcycle? A timeshare in Branson? A lifetime supply of jerky? Because if it was just rent or car repairs, this whole thing is less David vs. Goliath and more David vs. a very persistent spreadsheet. And honestly? That might be the saddest part of all.

We’re entertainers, not lawyers. But if we were, we’d suggest everyone read the fine print. Especially the part about arbitration. And origination fees. And 28% interest. Because sometimes, the scariest thing in a courtroom isn’t a murderer—it’s a promissory note.

Case Overview

$8,595 Demand Petition
Jurisdiction
District Court, Oklahoma
Relief Sought
$8,595 Monetary
Plaintiffs
Defendants
Claims
# Cause of Action Description
1 Petition for Money Due on Note Plaintiff seeks to recover $8595.26 from Defendant for unpaid loan

Petition Text

7,058 words
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF WOODWARD COUNTY, STATE OF OKLAHOMA VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC ASSIGNEE OF UPSTART NETWORK, INC Plaintiff, vs. BENJAMIN HALL Defendant(s). Case No. CS-20210-32 PETITION FOR MONEY DUE ON NOTE COMES NOW the Plaintiff and for its cause of action against the Defendant(s) states as follows: 1. That Plaintiff is a LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY organized and existing under the laws of NEW JERSEY; the debt sued upon arose in and Plaintiff’s cause of action accrued in the State of Oklahoma. 2. That at least one of the Defendant(s) reside(s) in or may be found in WOODWARD County, Oklahoma and within the venue of this court. 3. That upon application by the Defendant(s), the Defendant(s) did enter into a Promissory Note to borrow a sum of money from FINWISE BANK, MEMBER FDIC which has heretofore been sold and assigned to various parties including and ultimately to Plaintiff. 4. That the Defendant(s) did fail to perform the obligations under the Note and are therefore in default. 5. That if required by law or the Note, Defendant(s) were notified of his/her/their default and right to cure, but Defendant(s) failed to cure said default. 6. That the Defendant(s) still owe(s) $8595.26 to Plaintiff after giving the Defendant(s) due credit for any and all payments made thereon and any other credits entitled to Defendant(s). 7. Pursuant to the contract attached hereto, Plaintiff is entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees. 8. Pursuant to the SCRA §201(b)(4), Plaintiff declares under penalty of perjury that Defendant(s) BENJAMIN HALL is/are not in the Armed Forces for the United States, verified on 12/29/2025 via the U.S. Department of Defense website. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays for Judgment against Defendant(s) in the amount of: Amount Claimed: $8595.26; Interest: at the rate of 8.75% per annum from the date of Judgment until paid; Attorney fees;; and All costs herein expended, including but not limited to court costs, sheriff's fees, and any costs for service of the summons(es). Respectfully submitted, FABER AND BRAND L.L.C. BY: /s/ Michael L. Foster Michael L. Foster OK #20701 Jason P. Gubbins OK #22576 James M. Mucklestone OK #36520 P.O. Box 10110 Columbia, Missouri 65205-4000 (888) 233-3141 (573) 442-1072 FAX [email protected] ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR IN AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. F&B Acct. No: 553275 553275 AFFIDAVIT OF ACCOUNT STATE OF NJ COUNTY OF Monmouth Before me, the undersigned authority, personally appeared Nicholas DeGennaro, who, being by me duly sworn deposes and states: I am of sound mind, I am over the age of 18, and I am competent to testify to the matters stated herein. I am the Affidavit Specialist of VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC ASSIGNEE OF UPSTART NETWORK, INC a(n) LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY organized and existing under the laws of the State of NEW JERSEY. VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC ASSIGNEE OF UPSTART NETWORK, INC acquired, for a valuable consideration, all right, title, and interest in and to the claim set forth in VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC ASSIGNEE OF UPSTART NETWORK, INC’s Petition/Complaint., which claim shall hereinafter be referred to as “The Account.” The original creditor for The Account was FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. The sale agreement and assignment whereby VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC ASSIGNEE OF UPSTART NETWORK, INC acquired The Account, (hereinafter, the “Sale Agreement”), specifically set forth the amount then owed by BENJAMIN HALL. The Sale Agreement also required the party who sold The Account to VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC ASSIGNEE OF UPSTART NETWORK, INC to report any subsequent payments received by them to VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC ASSIGNEE OF UPSTART NETWORK, INC. On information and belief and based on the foregoing, after crediting any such reported payments and any payments made to VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC ASSIGNEE OF UPSTART NETWORK, INC, there is now due and owing from BENJAMIN HALL to VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC ASSIGNEE OF UPSTART NETWORK, INC $8595.26, plus interest at the Judgment rate per annum from the Judgment date until paid in full by BENJAMIN HALL. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the Defendant, BENJAMIN HALL , is not in the Armed Forces for the United States nor any branch thereof. Defendant is not an infant or incompetent person. Nicholas DeGennaro In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal the 11th day of December 2025. JORDAN KAHALANY NOTARY PUBLIC STATE OF NEW JERSEY MY COMMISSION EXPIRES MAY 27, 2030 COMMISSION: #50233943 Notary Public Upstart BILL OF SALE For value received and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated Apr 3, 2018, Upstart Network, Inc as "Servicer", and on behalf of Upstart Funding Grantor Trust 2021-2 ("Additional Seller"), hereby assigns effective as of Mar 28, 2024 (the “Closing Date”) all rights, title and interest in and to those certain charged-off loans and all related receivables, judgments or evidences of debt described in Schedule I attached hereto and made part hereof for all purposes to Velocity Investments, LLC (“Purchaser”) UPSTART NETWORK, INC., as SERVICER on behalf of Upstart Funding Grantor Trust 2021-2. By: Sanjay Datta Date: Mar 26, 2024 Title: CFO Loan ID Purchase Price EXHIBIT K FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered bank located at 756 E. Winchester Street, Murray, Utah 84107 ("Transferor"), hereby certifies that: 1. Transferor originates loans that are serviced by Upstart Network, Inc. 2. Each of the loans identified by loan number on the attached Exhibit A (each, a "Loan") was originated by FinWise Bank. 3. On or about the respective "[Closing Date]" set forth on Exhibit A, Transferor transferred or otherwise conveyed each Loan to the party identified on Exhibit A (each, a "Purchaser"). 4. Transferor transferred, assigned, and conveyed to the relate Purchaser and its successors and permitted assigns, all right, title and interest the Transferor held in each Loan subject to no prior security interest in favor of any other creditor of Transferor free and clear of any lien created by Transferor, except for any interest of such Purchaser and its affiliates. 5. Upstart Network, Inc. was Servicer of each Loan from the origination of the Loan to the sale by Transferor to the related Purchaser. In its role as servicer of the Loan, during the period Transferor owned the Loan, Upstart Network, Inc. kept and maintained business records on behalf of FinWise Bank in the regular course of business. FINWISE BANK By: ____________________________ Name: Simon Darchis Title: VP, Director of Specialty Lending Date: 04/03/2024 4/4/2024 Approval Disclosure 1/12/2021 LOAN ID: ____________ BORROWER: Benjamin Hall CREDITOR: FinWise Bank 756 E. Winchester Street Suite 100 Murray, UT 84107 <table> <tr> <th>ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE</th> <th>FINANCE CHARGE</th> <th>Amount Financed</th> <th>Total of Payments</th> </tr> <tr> <td>The cost of your credit as a yearly rate.</td> <td>The dollar amount the credit will cost you.</td> <td>The amount of credit provided to you.</td> <td>The amount you will have paid after you have made all payments as scheduled.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>28.06%</td> <td>$8,000.41</td> <td>$9,200</td> <td>$17,200.41</td> </tr> </table> Your Payment Schedule will be: <table> <tr> <th>Number of Payments</th> <th>Amount of Payments</th> <th>When Payments Are Due</th> </tr> <tr> <td>59</td> <td>$286.91</td> <td>Monthly Beginning Feb 12, 2021</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>$272.72</td> <td>Jan 12, 2026</td> </tr> </table> Late charge: If a payment is late, you may be charged 5% of the payment or $15, whichever is greater. Prepayment: If you pay off early, you will not have to pay a penalty. You may be entitled to a refund of part of the finance charge. See your Promissory Note for additional information about nonpayment, default, any required repayment in full before the scheduled date and prepayment refunds and penalties. Itemization of $9,200 Amount Financed Amount paid to you: $9,200 Prepaid Finance Charge (Origination Fee): $800 Principal Amount: $10,000 Promissory Note Loan ID: ______________________ Upstart Borrower ID: ____________________________ Lender: FinWise Bank 756 E. Winchester Street Suite 100 Murray, Utah 84107 1. Promise to Pay. For value received from FinWise Bank, a Utah state-chartered bank located in Murray, Utah ("FinWise," or "you"), I promise to pay to the order of FinWise or any subsequent holder or assignee of this Note, the principal sum of $10,000, together with interest thereon commencing on the origination date at the rate of 23.87% per annum simple interest. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to be bound by the agreement to arbitrate all claims in Section 17 below unless I have rejected the provision as provided in Section 17. By completing and submitting my loan application, I am requesting a loan on the terms described in this Note. I understand and agree that when you receive my application and this signed Note you are not agreeing to lend me money and you have the right not to make a loan to me. I understand that I am not bound by the terms and conditions set forth in this Note until you have funded a Loan. If you decide to make a Loan to me, I agree to be bound by the terms of this Note. 2. Payments. This Note is payable in 60 monthly installments of $286.91 each, consisting of principal and interest, commencing on Feb 12, 2021, and continuing on the same day of each successive month thereafter until the final payment date of Jan 12, 2026, which is the maturity date of this Note. If the payment due date is on the 29th, 30th, or 31st of the month, and the following month does not have a 29th, 30th, or 31st day, the monthly payment will be due on the last day of the month in which the payment was due unless otherwise notified in writing. The final payment will consist of the then-remaining principal, unpaid accrued interest and other charges due under this Note. All payments will be applied first to any unpaid fees incurred as a result of failed automated payments or returned bank drafts or checks, as provided in Section 4 below; then to any late charges then due; then to any interest then due; and then to principal. Although the principal amount of my loan includes the origination fee, no unpaid interest or other charges will be added to principal. 3. Interest. Periodic interest will be charged on unpaid principal until the full amount of principal has been paid. Interest under this Note will accrue on a daily basis on the unpaid principal balance (including my origination fee) set forth above. Because of the accrual of interest on any late payments and the effect of rounding, my final payment may be more (or less) than my regular payment. I acknowledge that if I make my payments after the scheduled due date, this Note will not amortize as originally scheduled, which may result in a substantially higher final payment amount. The interest rate I will pay will be the rate I will pay both before and after any default unless and until my loan is charged off. 4. Fees. I agree to pay the following fees to the extent permitted by applicable law: <table> <tr> <th>Fee</th> <th>Frequency</th> <th>Description</th> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Origination Fee</b></td> <td>8.0% of the Loan Amount</td> <td>One time<br>This is a one-time fee and, except as provided in Section 10, is non-refundable. You will deduct from the loan proceeds before they are delivered to me.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Late Payment Fee</b></td> <td>The greater of 5% of past due amount or $15</td> <td>Per occurrence<br>If I do not pay you the full amount of any monthly payment within 10 calendar days of its due date, you may charge me a late fee. Any payment received after 3:00 PM Pacific time on a business day is deemed received on the next business day.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>ACH Return or Check Refund Fee</b></td> <td>$15</td> <td>Per occurrence<br>If Automated Clearing House ("ACH") transfers or checks are rejected or returned for any reason, or fail due to insufficient funds in my bank account, then you may charge this fee. Each attempt to collect a payment is considered a separate transaction, so an ACH return or check refund fee will be assessed for each failed attempt.</td> </tr> </table> I authorize you to collect these fees using ACH transfers initiated by you from my designated bank account if I have chosen this method of payment (see Section 6). Any fees you assess are immediately due. I acknowledge and agree that the origination fee is part of my loan principal. Members of the Armed Forces: Federal law provides important protection to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents relating to the extension of consumer credit. In general, the cost of consumer credit to a member of the Armed Forces and his or her dependent may not exceed an annual percentage rate of 36 percent. This rate must include, as applicable to the credit transaction or account: The costs associated with credit insurance premiums; fees for ancillary products sold in connection with the credit transaction; any application fee charged (other than certain application fees for specified credit transactions or accounts); and any participation fee charged (other than certain participation fees for a credit card account). 5. Proceeds. I agree that the proceeds of my loan will be paid via an electronic fund transfer into the deposit account I have identified in my loan application, or in such other manner as you determine. I acknowledgement that the timeliness of crediting proceeds to this account is dependent on the accuracy of the information I provide, when I complete all origination activities, and prompt crediting by the financial institution that holds my account. You are not responsible for the actions of the financial institution that holds my account. 6. Method of Payment. I agree to pay the principal, periodic interest and any fees on this Note when due. You have given me the choice of making my monthly payments by (i) an ACH or other electronic fund transfer from my bank account that I have authorized to automatically recur, (ii) by an ACH transfer initiated by me each month, or (ii) personal check by regular mail to Upstart Loan Operations, P.O. Box 1503, San Carlos, CA 94070 or any subsequent creditor that I am notified of. If I have completed an ACH bank transfer authorization, then you will automatically transfer my first payment in the amount specified in the authorization from my bank account, unless I cancel or modify this payment at least 3 business days before its scheduled date by contacting you, as described in Section 13, or your bank. If my ACH bank transfers are rejected or returned for any reason, I understand and agree that you may try to debit my account two more times. I also agree you may apply the ACH return/check refund fee described in Section 4, subject to applicable law, each time an ACH transfer is returned or rejected. I acknowledge that my financial institution may also charge a fee in addition to your fee and you are not responsible for any such fees. All written communications concerning disputed amounts, including any check or other payment instrument that (i) is postdated and accompanied by adequate notice, (ii) indicates that the payment constitutes “payment in full” of the amount owed, (iii) is tendered with other conditions or limitations or (iv) is otherwise tendered as full satisfaction of a disputed amount, must be marked for special handling and mailed or delivered to us at Upstart Loan Operations, P.O. Box 1503, San Carlos, CA 94070. 7. Waiver of Defenses. Unless I am a “covered borrower” under the Military Lending Act, 10 U.S.C § 987, or except as otherwise provided in this Note or as required by applicable law, you are not responsible or liable to me for the quality, safety, legality or any other aspect of any property or services purchased with the proceeds of my loan. If I have a dispute with any person from whom I have purchased such property or services, I agree to settle the dispute directly with that person. 8. Certification. I agree that the proceeds of my loan will not be applied (i) in whole or in part to postsecondary educational expenses (i.e., tuition, fees, required equipment or supplies, room and board, or other miscellaneous personal expenses incurred while I am studying) at a college/university/vocational school, as the term “postsecondary educational expenses” is defined in Regulation Z, 12 C.F.R. § 1026.46 (b)(3), or (ii) for any home purchase or refinance. 9. Default and Remedies. Subject to the limitations of applicable state law and any right to notice and to cure under applicable state law, I will be deemed in default (each, an "Event of Default") of my obligations under this Note if: (i) fail to pay timely any amount due under this Note; (ii) file or have instituted against me any bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or make any assignment for the benefit of creditors; (iii) die; (iv) commit fraud or make any material misrepresentation in this Note or in my loan application; or (v) fail to abide by the terms of this Note. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, you may exercise all remedies available to you under applicable law, including demand that I immediately pay all amounts due under this Note. You reserve the right to report loan payment delinquencies of 30 days or longer to one or more consumer reporting agencies in accordance with applicable law. I acknowledge these may be reflected in my credit report. I agree to pay all costs of collecting any delinquent payments, including reasonable attorneys' fees, to the greatest extent not prohibited by applicable law. 10. Prepayments; Partial Payments; Forbearance. I may prepay this Note in full or in part at any time without penalty. Any partial prepayment is to be applied against outstanding principal and does not postpone the due date of any subsequent monthly installments, unless you otherwise agree in writing. If I prepay this Note in part, I agree to continue to make regularly scheduled payments until all amounts due under this Note are paid. In the event that I prepay my loan in full prior to its maturity date, any origination fee amount in excess of 5% of the loan amount will be refunded to me on a pro-rated basis depending on the remaining term of my loan. A partial pre-payment will not result in the refund of any origination fee amount. Further, I understand I may request forbearance in accordance with your reasonable procedures and requirements, and the decision to grant my request for forbearance shall be solely at your discretion. During any period of forbearance, my regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest on my loan may be deferred to the extent permitted by applicable law. Except as described above, I understand that I will remain responsible for all interest accruing during any period of forbearance. I understand that any periods of forbearance may increase my monthly payments during my loan term or, in limited cases, may extend my repayment period unless prohibited by applicable law. 11. Waivers. Unless I am a “covered borrower” under the Military Lending Act, 10 U.S.C § 987, even if, at a time when I am in default, you do not require me to pay immediately in full, you will still have the right to do so if I am in default at a later time. Neither your failure to exercise any of your rights, nor your delay in enforcing or exercising any of your rights, will waive those rights. Furthermore, if you waive any right under this Note on one occasion, that waiver will not operate as a waiver as to any other occasion. Subject to applicable laws, I waive presentment, notice of dishonor, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance or enforcement of this Note. 12. Assignment. I am not allowed to assign any of my obligations under this Note without your written permission. I understand that you do not have to give me permission. I agree that you may assign or transfer this Note or any of your rights to another person or entity. You may take these actions without notice or consent from me. Any sale or transfer of my Note does not affect my rights and duties under this Note. 13. Registration. You and I appoint Upstart Network, Inc., ("Upstart") to act as a non-fiduciary agent. Upstart will keep at its offices an electronic register of any transfer, assignment or sale of this Note (the "Register"). The name and address of any person entitled to payments on my Note will be recorded in the Register. Any assignment, participation or transfer of this Note or any of its rights shall be registered in the Register and only if Upstart receives a signed assignment or similar agreement in a reasonably acceptable. You and I agree that beneficial ownership of all payments under my Note as reflected in the Register will be conclusive. Upstart will give me notice of a change in ownership of my Note reflected in the Register if required by law. Upstart will also give me notice if I pay by check and the transfer changes the address to which I must make payments. The name of the owner in the Register shall be available to me upon written request to Upstart. This Section is intended to result in this Note being maintained at all times in “registered form” as defined by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.871-14(c) and Sections 163(f), 871(h) and 881(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and will be interpreted and applied in a way that is consistent with these laws. 14. Electronic Communications; Notices; Contacting You. When I applied for a loan from you, I expressly agreed to receive electronically all communications, agreements, documents, notices and disclosures (collectively, "Communications") that you provide in connection with this Note and Upstart’s servicing of my payment obligations under this Note. All Communications, given to me by email to my registered email address or posted on www.upstart.com is deemed to have been duly given and effective upon transmission or when they were posted. I agree that you (including any other owner or servicer of my loan) may contact me for any lawful reason, including for the collection of amounts owed to you. No such contact will be deemed unsolicited. You may contact me at such addresses or numbers (including cell phone numbers and landlines) as I may provide to you from time to time and you may use any means of communication, including regular mail, electronic mail, telephone, text message or other technology, to reach me. I agree that you may use automatic dialing and announcing devices which may play recorded messages. I represent that I have the authority to provide this consent because I am either the subscriber of the telephone number(s) or the customary user of each of the telephone numbers that I have provided to you who has the authority to provide consent. I may contact you at any time to ask that you not contact me using any one or more methods or technologies. I acknowledge that communications from you may contain sensitive, confidential, and collections-related communications. If my information changes, such as my email address, my mailing address or my telephone number, I agree to notify you promptly of the change. I can contact you by logging into www.upstart.com. I may contact you by emailing [email protected], by calling (833)-205-5437 during your operating hours 9:00 AM Pacific time to 5:00 PM Pacific time, each Monday through Friday that are business days, or by writing via regular mail care of Upstart Loan Operations, P.O. Box 1503, San Carlos, CA 94070. 15. Credit Inquiries, Loan Information; Inaccurate Information. I authorize you to obtain a credit report on me for any legal purpose in connection with this Note, including any update, extension of credit, review, or collection of this loan. If I request, you will tell me whether any credit report was requested, and if so, the name and address of the credit bureau furnishing the report. If I believe that you have information about me that is inaccurate or that you have reported or may report inaccurate information about me to a credit bureau, I will notify you of the specific information that I believe is inaccurate by writing to you care of Upstart Loan Operations, P.O. Box 1503, San Carlos, CA 94070. In doing so, I will identify the inaccurate information and tell you why I believe it is incorrect. If I have a copy of the credit report that includes the inaccurate information, I will send a copy of that report to you as well. 16. Governing Law. I understand and agree that FinWise is an FDIC-insured institution located in Utah. Consequently, the provisions of this Agreement (except for Section 17) will be governed by federal law and (to the extent not preempted by federal law) the laws of the State of Utah, without regard to conflict of law rules, except as noted above. Section 17 (Arbitration Agreement) is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, and not by any state law concerning arbitration. If any provision of this Note cannot be enforced, the rest of the provisions of this Note will stay in effect. No amendment of this Note will be valid unless in writing and signed by both you and me. This Note represents the entire agreement between you and me regarding my loan. 17. Complaints; Disputes; Arbitration: NOTICE: IF I AM ARE A COVERED BORROWER UNDER THE MILITARY LENDING ACT, 10 U.S.C. § 987, THE FOLLOWING ARBITRATION PROVISION DOES NOT APPLY TO ME. A. Governing Law. I acknowledge agree that the Note involves interstate commerce and that this arbitration clause will be construed, applied and governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., ("FAA"), as amended. The Arbitrator (defined below) shall apply applicable law and applicable statutes of limitation consistent with the FAA and shall honor claims of privilege recognized at law. B. Dispute: "Dispute" means any action, dispute, claim, or controversy of any kind arising out of, in connection with or in any way related, even indirectly, to the Note or the extension of credit set forth in the Note. For example, "Dispute" includes claims related to: any relationship resulting from, or activities connected to this Note; my application; information I have provided to you; information and disclosures you have provided to me; any prior agreements between you and me; extensions; renewals; refinancings; payment plans; underwriting; servicing; collections; privacy; and customer information.—The term "Dispute" also includes: claims under federal or state consumer protection laws; claims in tort or contract; claims under statutes or common law; claims at law or in equity; other past, present or future claims, counterclaims, cross-claims, third party claims, interpleaders or otherwise; and any claim relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability or formation of this arbitration clause, including, any claim that all or any part of this arbitration clause, except paragraph G below, is void, voidable or unconscionable. C. Mandatory Arbitration: Unless otherwise stated in this arbitration clause, any "Dispute" between the Parties shall, at your or my election or the election of any of our respective heirs, successors, assignees or related third parties, including Upstart, any other subsequent holder of my Note, and their affiliates, subsidiaries, and parents, (the "Parties"), be resolved by a neutral, binding arbitration, and not by a court of law. This procedure includes any Dispute over the interpretation, scope, or validity of this Note, this arbitration clause or the arbitrability of any issue, with the sole exception of the Parties' waiver of any right to bring a class action or to participate in a class action as provided for under paragraph G below shall be solely determined by the appropriate court, if necessary. This arbitration clause applies to the Parties, including their respective employees or agents, as to all matters which arise out of or relate to this Note or are in any way connected with the extension of credit set forth in this Note, or any resulting transaction or relationship. D. Facts About Arbitration: In arbitration, a neutral third party ("Arbitrator") resolves Disputes, instead of a judge or jury. I, with you, waive the right to go to court. The Arbitrator will conduct a hearing, which is private and less formal than a court trial. Each side will have the opportunity to present some evidence to the Arbitrator. The Arbitrator may limit the Parties' ability to conduct fact-finding prior to the hearing, called “discovery.” Other rights that the Parties might have in court might not be available in arbitration. Following the hearing, the Arbitrator will issue an award. The Arbitrator’s decision is final, and a court may then enforce the award like a court judgment. Courts rarely overturn an Arbitrator’s award. E. Pre-Arbitration Resolution: Prior to starting arbitration, I can call you at (650) 204-1000 or write to you at Upstart Loan Operations, P.O. Box 1503, San Carlos, CA 94070 to attempt to resolve the Dispute. We will try to resolve the Dispute. If you make a written offer (“Settlement Offer”), I may reject it and arbitrate. If we do not resolve the Dispute, either party may start arbitration. No party will disclose settlement proposals, including a Settlement Offer, to the Arbitrator. F. Rules and Procedures: Either party may start arbitration by mailing a notice of arbitration, even if a lawsuit has been filed. Such notice shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested. Notice to me shall be sent to the email address I provided to you in my loan application, as updated. Notice to you, your assignees or related third parties shall be sent to Upstart Loan Operations, P.O. Box 1503, San Carlos, CA 94070. The Party initiating the arbitration shall set forth in the notice the nature and factual basis of the Dispute, the names and addresses of all other Parties, the amount involved; and the specific relief requested. The responding Party must mail a response within 45 days, and may also set forth any counter-DISPUTES. The American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) shall conduct any arbitration according to this arbitration clause. The AAA arbitration rules in effect when the claim is filed apply (“AAA Rules”), except where those rules conflict with this Arbitration Clause or any of our agreements with you. I can get copies of the AAA Rules at the AAA’s website (www.adr.org) or by calling 800-778-7879. You or I may choose to have a hearing, appear at any hearing by phone or other electronic means, and/or be represented by counsel. G. Class Action Waiver: The Parties agree to give up any right they may have to bring a class action lawsuit or class arbitration, or to participate in either as a claimant. The Parties agree to give up any right to consolidate or join any arbitration proceeding with the arbitration of others. The Parties give up the right to serve as a private attorney general in any jurisdiction in which such procedure might be permitted. To the extent the Parties are permitted to file small claims under Paragraph K below, the Parties agree that any small claim may only be brought on an individual basis and that no small claim may be brought on a class or representative basis. The Parties further agree that if a court or arbitrator decides this Paragraph G is void or unenforceable, this arbitration clause shall be void and without effect. H. Punitive Damage Waiver: The Parties waive any right to seek or recover punitive and/or exemplary damages in any Dispute. No Arbitrator shall have the power or authority to award punitive and/or exemplary damages. I. Fees and Costs: If I request, you shall advance all of the Arbitrator’s fees and expenses, as well as all administrative and filing fees, up to an amount of $1000. The Parties shall be responsible for their own attorneys’ fees associated with any arbitration, unless otherwise allowed for under applicable substantive law and awarded by the Arbitrator. If the Arbitrator awards me funds, I will not have to reimburse any arbitration fees and expenses you have advanced. If the Arbitrator does not award me funds, I agree to reimburse you for any arbitration fees and expenses you have advanced. Any such reimbursement shall not exceed the filings fees and costs I would have incurred had I filed a lawsuit in court. J. Self-Help: Notwithstanding this arbitration clause, the Parties retain the right to exercise self-help remedies and to seek provisional remedies from a court, pending final determination of the Dispute by the arbitrator. No Party waives the right to elect arbitration of a Dispute by exercising self-help remedies, filing suit, or seeking or obtaining provisional remedies from a court. K. Exceptions: The Parties agree that this arbitration clause is not applicable to "small claims" meaning those claims that either Party is entitled to file and maintain in an appropriate small claims court or any action where the total amount in controversy is no greater than $10,000, including any claims for attorney's fees and non-monetary relief. The Parties agree that any appeal from a judgment obtained pursuant to this paragraph shall be appealable only by arbitration according to the procedures set forth in this arbitration clause. L. Severability: If it is determined that any paragraph or provision in this arbitration clause is illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the other paragraphs and provisions of this arbitration clause. The remainder of this arbitration clause shall continue in full force and effect as if the severed paragraph or provision had not been included. Notwithstanding this severability provision, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines paragraph G to be void, illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, the Parties agree that paragraph G above shall not be severed and that this arbitration clause shall be void in its entirety. M. Right to Opt Out: If I do not want this arbitration clause to apply, I may reject it by mailing a written notice to you that lists my name, address and account number and states that I am opting out of the arbitration clause. An opt out notice is only effective if it is signed by me, and the envelope that the opt out notice is sent in is postmarked no more than 30 calendar days after the date I sign this Note. If I opt out of this arbitration clause, it will not affect any other provisions of the Note or my obligations under the Note. If I do not properly opt out as set forth above, it will be effective as of the date of the Agreement. If I opt out of this arbitration clause, such election shall apply only to this Note, and not to any other past, present or future agreements I have with you. FOR ALL DISPUTES COVERED BY THIS PROVISION, THE PARTIES HAVE AGREED TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY, THEIR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS ACTIONS OR CLASS ARBITRATIONS, AND THEIR RIGHT TO SEEK PUNITIVE AND/OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. EXCEPT FOR DISPUTES AND CLAIMS NOT SUBJECT TO THIS PROVISION, ARBITRATION SHALL BE IN PLACE OF ANY CIVIL LITIGATION IN ANY COURT AND IN PLACE OF ANY TRIAL BY JURY. THE TERMS OF THIS PROVISION AFFECT MY LEGAL RIGHTS. IF I DO NOT UNDERSTAND ANY TERMS OF THIS PROVISION OR THE COST, ADVANTAGES OR DISADVANTAGES OF ARBITRATION, I UNDERSTAND I SHOULD SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE BEFORE SIGNING THIS NOTE. BY SIGNING THIS NOTE, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY EACH OF THE PROVISIONS, COVENANTS AND STIPULATIONS SET FORTH ABOVE. 18. NO WARRANTIES; LIMITATION ON LIABILITY. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS NOTE, I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE MADE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES TO ME, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL YOU BE LIABLE TO ME FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF I INFORM YOU OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. FURTHERMORE, I UNDERSTAND YOU MAKE NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY TO ME REGARDING THE EFFECT THAT THE NOTE MAY HAVE UPON YOUR FOREIGN, FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL TAX LIABILITY. 19. Entire Agreement. The Upstart® application, and loan disclosures are incorporated into this Note by reference. This Note represents the entire agreement between FinWise and me. 20. Miscellaneous. To the greatest extent not prohibited by applicable law, I am liable to you for your legal costs if you refer collection of my loan to a lawyer who is not your salaried employee. These costs may include reasonable attorneys' fees as well as costs and expenses of any legal action. If a law that applies to my loan and sets maximum loan charges is finally interpreted so that the interest or other loan charges collected or to be collected in connection with my loan exceed the permitted limits then: (a) any such loan charge will be reduced by the amount necessary to reduce the charge to the permitted limit; and (b) any sums already collected from me that exceeded permitted limits will be refunded to me. You may choose to make this refund by reducing the principal I owe under this Note or by making a direct payment to me. No provision of this Note may be modified or limited except by a written agreement signed by both you and me. The unenforceability of any provision of this Note will not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision of this Note. 21. State Law Notices. Each of the following notices apply only to the residents of the states indicated. For purposes of this section only, “you” means the borrower and “us,” “we,” or “our” means FinWise Bank. For California residents: As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit reporting agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. For Iowa residents: NOTICE TO CONSUMER: 1. Do not sign this paper before you read it. 2. You are entitled to a copy of this paper. 3. You may prepay the unpaid balance at any time without penalty and may be entitled to receive a refund of unearned charges in accordance with law. Iowa Residents only (on Loans in amounts greater than $20,000): IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE SIGNING. THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BECAUSE ONLY THOSE TERMS IN WRITING ARE ENFORCEABLE. NO OTHER TERMS OR ORAL PROMISES NOT CONTAINED IN THIS WRITTEN CONTRACT MAY BE LEGALLY ENFORCED. YOU OR I MAY CHANGE THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ONLY BY ANOTHER WRITTEN AGREEMENT. For Kansas residents: NOTICE TO CONSUMER: 1. Do not sign this agreement before you read it. 2. You are entitled to a copy of this agreement. 3. You may prepay the unpaid balance at any time without penalty. For Missouri residents: Oral or unexecuted agreements or commitments to loan money, extend credit or to forbear from enforcing repayment of a debt including promises to extend or renew such debt are not enforceable. To protect you (borrower(s)) and us (creditor) from misunderstanding or disappointment, any agreements we reach covering such matters are contained in this writing, which is the complete and exclusive statement of the agreement between us, except as we may later agree in writing to modify it. For Nebraska residents: A credit agreement must be in writing to be enforceable under Nebraska law. To protect you and us from any misunderstandings or disappointments, any contract, promise, undertaking, or offer to forbear repayment of money or to make any other financial accommodation in connection with this loan of money or grant or extension of credit, or any amendment of, cancellation of, waiver of, or substitution for any or all of the terms or provisions of any instrument or document executed in connection with this loan of money or grant or extension of credit, must be in writing to be effective. For New Hampshire residents: -This Loan Agreement provides for reasonable attorneys’ fees to be awarded to us in an action against you involving this Loan Agreement. Reasonable attorney’s fees will be awarded to you if you prevail in any action, suit or proceeding brought by us; or an action brought by you. If you successfully assert a partial defense or set-off, recoupment or counterclaim to an action brought by us the court may withhold from us the entire amount or such portion of the attorney fees as the court considers equitable. For New Jersey residents: The section headings of the Note are a table of contents and not contract terms. Because certain provisions of this Agreement are subject to applicable law, they may be void, unenforceable or inapplicable in some jurisdictions. None of these provisions, however, is void, unenforceable or inapplicable in New Jersey. For Utah residents: As required by Utah law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit reporting agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. For Utah residents: This written agreement is a final expression of the agreement between you and us and the written agreement may not be contradicted by evidence of any alleged oral agreement. For Married Wisconsin Residents: Wisconsin law provides that no provision of a marital property agreement, unilateral statement under Section 766.59, Wisconsin Statutes, or a court decree under Section 766.70, Wisconsin Statutes, affecting marital property adversely affects the interest of a creditor, unless the creditor receives a copy of the agreement, statement or decree prior to granting the credit or unless the creditor has actual knowledge of the adverse provision when the obligation to the creditor is incurred. Retention By signing this Note electronically, I acknowledge that I (i) have read and understand all terms and conditions of this Note, (ii) agree to the terms set forth herein, and (iii) acknowledge receipt of a completely filled-in copy of this Note. You understand this Note is executed in, and loan proceeds are distributed from, Utah. CAUTION – IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THROUGH THE CONTRACT BEFORE YOU SIGN IT. NOTICE TO CUSTOMER: (1) DO NOT SIGN THIS IF IT CONTAINS ANY BLANK SPACES. (2) YOU ARE ENTITLED TO AN EXACT COPY OF ANY AGREEMENT YOU SIGN. (3) YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AT ANY TIME TO PAY IN ADVANCE THE UNPAID BALANCE DUE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. Date: 1/12/2021 By: Benjamin Hall (Signed Electronically) Copy Last Updated: August 11, 2020
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