Abstract: In one embodiment of a system, a computing device receives first information about a customer. To at least first and second loan sources, the computing device outputs second information enabling the first and second loan sources to determine whether to offer a loan to the customer for financing an item. The second information includes at least a portion of the first information. From the first and second loan sources, the computing device receives submissions of respective first and second offers for providing the loan to the customer for financing the item. The first and second offers are submitted by the first and second loan sources in response to the second information and in a manner that commits to provide the loan if accepted by the customer. The computing device identifies at least one of the first and second offers as being most favorable. To the customer, the computing device outputs third information about the identified offer.

Abstract: A computing device receives first information about a customer. The computing device outputs second information to at least first and second loan sources. The second information includes at least a portion of the first information. From the first and second loan sources, the computing device receives submissions of respective first and second bids for providing a loan to the customer for purchase of an item. The computing device identifies at least one of the first and second bids as being most favorable. To the customer, the computing device outputs third information about the identified bid, including an identity of at least one of the loan sources that submitted the identified bid.