How Do Holiday Loans Work? What to Know Before the Holiday Season

The holidays have a way of bringing a lot of expenses together at once. Gifts, groceries, travel, winter bills, and unexpected costs can all compete for room in the same budget.

If you are looking for some extra breathing room, you may be wondering: How do holiday loans work?

A Holiday Loan from Sunset Finance or Flight Finance is a secured personal installment loan designed to help with seasonal expenses. What makes it different from a traditional personal loan is that customers must commit to filing their taxes with Sunset Finance or Flight Finance, and the loan is intended to be paid back when their tax refund is funded by the IRS.

Here is what you should know before holiday loan season begins.

How Does a Holiday Loan Work?

With a Holiday Loan, you borrow an approved amount that can be used for seasonal expenses such as:

• Holiday gifts
• Thanksgiving or Christmas groceries
• Travel and gas
• Winter clothing
• Seasonal utility bills
• Car repairs
• Other unexpected household expenses

The amount you may qualify for depends on factors including your estimated tax refund, creditworthiness, and acceptable collateral.

One of the most important differences is how repayment works. When you receive a Holiday Loan, you agree to file your taxes with Sunset Finance or Flight Finance. The loan is designed to then be paid back in full when the IRS funds your tax return.

Can I Pay Back a Holiday Loan With My Tax Refund?

Yes. In fact, Sunset Finance and Flight Finance Holiday Loans are designed to be paid back from your tax refund.

Once your tax return is filed and funded by the IRS, the Holiday Loan balance is intended to be satisfied from those funds.

If your tax refund has not been funded by March 1, 2027, you will need to begin making the fixed monthly installment payments outlined in your loan agreement until the loan is paid in full.

This structure can make a Holiday Loan different from a standard personal installment loan, where borrowers typically begin making regular monthly payments according to the loan's repayment schedule.

Holiday Loan vs. Personal Installment Loan: What Is the Difference?

A Holiday Loan is a type of secured personal installment loan, but its repayment structure is designed specifically around tax season.

The biggest differences are:

Holiday Loan

• Intended for seasonal expenses
• Requires acceptable collateral
• Requires a commitment to file your taxes with Sunset Finance or Flight Finance
• Qualification and loan amount may depend partly on your estimated tax refund
• Designed to be paid off when your IRS refund is funded
• Monthly installment payments begin if the refund has not funded by March 1, 2027

Traditional Personal Installment Loan

• Can be used for a variety of personal expenses throughout the year
• Follows the regular repayment schedule outlined in the loan agreement
• Is not specifically structured around repayment from a tax refund

Not sure which option applies to your situation? Your local branch can explain the available options and loan terms before you make a decision.

When Can I Get a Holiday Loan?

Holiday Loans are offered at participating Sunset Finance and Flight Finance locations from November 2 through December 24, 2026.

You can begin making an appointment with your local branch as early as October 1, 2026.

Starting early can give you more time to create a holiday budget, determine how much you actually need, understand the loan terms, and avoid making rushed financial decisions later in the season.

How Do I Get Started With a Holiday Loan?

You can start by submitting a loan request online, calling your nearest Sunset Finance or Flight Finance branch, or visiting your local branch in person.

Submitting an online request starts the process but does not guarantee approval or funding. A local branch associate will review your information, explain the loan requirements and terms, and answer questions about your individual situation.

Get Ahead of Holiday Expenses

The holiday season can get expensive quickly. Knowing your options before those expenses become urgent can make it easier to plan.

If you think a Holiday Loan may help create some room in your seasonal budget, connect with your local Sunset Finance or Flight Finance team to learn more.