Do you need money before payday? Perhaps an emergency came up, or this month has been really expensive. If you have good credit, no problem, you can take out a loan. If your credit is bad or you have a very short credit history, your options are limited.
No-credit-check loans are one way to get the money you need. These lenders will not consider your credit score. Cash advance apps, Buy Now, Pay Later services, payday lenders, and certain credit unions let you borrow money without a hard credit pull.
Anyone can secure funds. The catch is that no-credit-check options often come with high risks. We’ll go over what choices you have and borrowing alternatives to find the best way to get the cash you need.
Types of loans without credit checks
Cash advance apps
Cash advance apps, also known as paycheck advance apps, allow users to borrow small amounts of money against their next paycheck. These apps analyze your income and banking activity to determine how much you can borrow. They may require you to set up direct deposit or link to a timesheet so they can determine how much you earn.
The amount you can borrow ranges from $20 up to $750 per pay period. Usually, the app will start you off with a lower amount and increase your borrowing ability as you repay the advance on time. Advances are generally repaid with your next paycheck. Some apps let you change the due date. Most won’t charge a late fee if you don’t pay on time.
The apps make it easy to request an advance. They can usually approve you in minutes and will deposit the funds directly into your bank account. You’ll receive the money within one to three business days, or you can pay a fee for instant delivery and get it within minutes.
Most apps charge a small fee or request optional “tips” instead of traditional interest rates. Be careful how much you tip. Overall, they are less expensive than other no-credit-check, short-term loans.
Payday loans
Payday loans are classic no-credit-check loans. You can easily borrow $100 up to $500 with a pay stub and checking account.
While payday loans offer fast cash, they can be challenging to repay. They often have extremely high fees – APRs can exceed 400%. The repayment term is usually short – only one to two weeks.
Most consumers can’t repay payday loans as agreed. They end up having to roll over the loan or take out another loan to cover the first.
Payday alternative loan (PAL)
Offered by federal credit unions, payday alternative loans (PALs) provide a safer, lower-cost option than payday loans. Like payday lenders, credit unions will evaluate your income and ability to repay the money instead of your credit score.
The difference is that PALs are more affordable. These loans have repayment periods of one to 12 months, their APRs are capped at 28%, and the application fee cannot exceed $20.
PALs are a great option for bad credit borrowing, but they come with a catch. Not all credit unions offer PALs, and you must be a member for at least one month to qualify. Additional criteria may apply depending on the credit union.
Credit card cash advances
If you have a credit card, you can withdraw cash from an ATM or bank branch through a cash advance. No additional credit check is necessary; you’ve already been approved for the card. Your issuer sets the amount you can withdraw. Generally, the cash advance credit limit is lower than your regular credit limit.
Credit card cash advances give you instant access to cash but are costly. There’s the ATM fee, and your issuer will charge a cash advance fee, typically 3% to 5% of the borrowed amount. The most significant cost, though, can be the interest. Cash advances come with much higher APRs than regular purchases and no grace period. You are charged interest from the moment you take the money out of the machine.
If you only need a small amount and know you’ll be able to repay it quickly, a credit card cash advance can come in handy.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services
BNPL services let you purchase an item and pay for it in installments without a credit check. Instead of borrowing cash, you split the cost of a purchase into four payments, often with no interest if paid on time.
Miss a payment, and you will likely be charged fees. Some BNPL providers report missed or late payments to the credit bureaus, affecting your credit if you fall behind.
BNPL services can be very helpful when you’re short on cash. They can help you finance larger purchases and make items more affordable. Be careful that you don’t overuse it and can keep track of all your payments.
What to know when looking for a loan
Any time you borrow money, it’s vital that you do so responsibly. Here’s what you need to consider
Interest and fees
Loans that don’t require credit checks often come with higher costs. Figure out how much it will cost you before you borrow. Compare the total cost of borrowing between different options and lenders before you take out money.
Repayment terms
Consider when you have to pay back the money. No-credit-check loans often have short repayment periods, which can make them difficult to repay. They can be especially challenging if you have to pay back the lump sum plus interest at once. If you miss a payment, you may be hit with late fees.
Lender’s reputation
Look up potential lenders on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Affairs. Take the time to read customer reviews and find out how they handle complaints. You want a lender with good customer service and a decent rating in case anything goes wrong.
Watch out for scams
The loan industry is rife with scams. Be cautious of lenders that guarantee approval, ask for upfront payments, or request personal information like your Social Security number before offering loan details. Legitimate lenders will clearly outline loan terms before requiring payment and won’t pressure you into acting fast. If something feels off, it’s best to walk away.
How to qualify for a no-credit-check loan
No-credit-check loans are easier to qualify for since lenders are less concerned with your credit scores. Some are even willing to lend money without checking to see if you can repay it. Each lender has its own criteria. In general, you have to be over 18 years old and have an active bank account to qualify.
Many cash advance apps require a history of recurring direct deposits into your linked checking account. Many want a steady paycheck from your employer or an electronic timesheet.
Payday lenders tend to have the least requirements. They will want proof of income (such as a pay stub) and a valid government-issued ID.
Most credit unions require you to be a member for over one month and have a certain number of direct deposits to qualify.
BNPL services usually only want you to link a debit card, credit card, or bank account. To borrow larger amounts, you may need a history of on-time payments.
Check with the lenders you’re interested in to find out the exact requirements.
How to apply for a no-credit-check loan
1. Check your bank account history: Look at your bank account. Make sure you have a steady income and enough funds to cover automatic withdrawals. Inconsistent deposits or frequent overdrafts could reduce your borrowing chances. A consistent history of direct deposits from your employer will increase your chances.
2. Do your research: Not all no-credit-check loans are the same. Compare potential loans to find the most affordable option.
3. Gather required information: Get the necessary documents together to speed up the application process. Depending on the type of loan, you may need:
– A government-issued ID
– Proof of income (pay stubs, direct deposit history, or bank statements)
– A checking account linked to your paycheck
Having everything ready will decrease the chances of delays.
4. Apply: Most applications can be completed online or through an app. Fill out the application form or create an account with the app. You may have to link your bank account or debit card details. Approval times vary but are typically within a few hours or a day.
5. Make a plan to repay: Have a repayment plan in place. Repaying the money as agreed is the best thing you can do for your overall financial health.
No-credit-check loan alternatives
While no-credit-check loans can provide quick cash, they often come with high fees and short repayment terms. Consider these alternatives if you want a safer or more affordable option.
Bad-credit loans
Many online lenders and credit unions offer bad credit personal loans. These are installment loans designed for borrowers with low credit scores. They typically have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than short-term loans. While lenders may check your credit, they have more lenient credit score requirements. These lenders focus more on your income and ability to repay rather than your credit.
Small-dollar bank loans
Some big banks and credit unions have started offering affordable small-dollar loans to help customers cover unexpected expenses. These loans range from $100 to $1,000. Banks may require a checking account in good standing to qualify, but they don’t always require good credit.
Secured personal loan
You may qualify for a secured personal loan if you have a savings account, car, or other valuable asset. You put down the asset as collateral to secure the loan. The lender can seize it if you fail to repay as agreed. Secured loans are less risky for lenders due to the collateral. As a result, they often have lower interest rates, higher borrowing limits, and are easier to qualify for. Make sure you can afford the payments to avoid losing your asset.
Co-signed or joint loans
If you have a trusted friend or family member with good credit, you can ask them to co-sign or apply for a joint loan with you. Having an applicant with good credit on the loan will increase your chances of approval with better rates.
In both scenarios, your co-applicant is equally responsible for repayment. Missed payments will affect both parties, so pay on time. The difference is that co-signers have no claim on the money, while co-applicants have access to the funds.
Family loans
Loans from family or friends can be the cheapest way to borrow money. There’s no formal lender, so you’ll likely avoid interest charges and fees. The obvious problem is the potential for strained relationships. Set clear repayment terms in writing and stick to your payment schedule for best results.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can you get a loan without a credit check?
It is possible to get a loan without a credit check. These loans are often based on your income, employment, or banking history rather than credit scores. While they provide quick cash, they usually have higher fees and shorter repayment terms.
2. What is the easiest loan to get on the same day?
The easiest same-day loans are payday loans or cash advances from fintech apps. These loans have lenient requirements and can be approved in minutes.
3. Are no-credit-check loans a good idea?
No-credit-check loans can be risky due to the high fees and short repayment periods. Always be sure you can repay money before you borrow to avoid being trapped in debt. Cash advance apps are safer than other options but still have risks. Consider low-interest personal loans, secured loans, or PALs from credit unions when possible.
Bottom line
While convenient, no-credit-check loans come with serious risks. Their high costs make it easy to fall into a cycle of debt, where each loan leads to another just to stay afloat. If you must borrow, consider low-risk loans. Safer alternatives include credit union loans like PALs, small-dollar bank loans, or secured loans. These loans are often available for consumers with bad credit, have lower costs, and have more manageable repayment terms.
Better yet, build an emergency fund so you don’t have to rely on borrowing when unexpected expenses arise. Even saving a small amount each month can help you avoid the need for costly loans in the future.
While cash advance apps and other no-credit-check options can provide temporary relief, the best long-term solution is your own safety net. That way, you don’t have to rely on expensive short-term loans when life throws you a curveball.