Key takeaways
- With income-based loans, lenders focus more on your salary or employment status than credit scores.
- These loans can be fast and accessible, but often have high interest rates and shorter repayment periods.
- Always compare lenders and read the fine print to avoid costly fees and ensure the loan fits your budget.
Everyone hits a rough patch now and then and needs extra cash. If you don’t have an emergency fund, then you’ll have to borrow money. But what if you have bad credit or no credit history?
You may qualify for an income-based loan. These loans use your income and employment history as a deciding factor rather than your credit score. They may be able to give you the cash you need, but they come with drawbacks, namely higher interest rates and extra fees. Always consider the total cost of the loan before you borrow.
Here’s what you need to know about income-based loans.
What is an income-based loan?
An income-based loan is a type of financing where the lenders place more emphasis on your current income rather than your credit score. They determine your ability to repay the money based on your earnings, employment stability, and monthly expenses. Some lenders may set a minimum income of $35,000, whereas others are not concerned with exactly how much you earn.
While loans with no credit check are helpful if you have no credit history or a poor score, they are usually more expensive. Lenders take on more risk when they accept borrowers with bad credit. To make up for the risk, they’ll set higher interest rates and short repayment terms. Always read the fine print and compare offers.
Can you qualify for income-based loans with no credit check?
You can qualify for income-based loans with no credit check. Financial institutions designed these loans for borrowers with little, poor, or no credit at all. Instead of pulling a credit report, lenders assess your income level, job stability, and bank activity to determine eligibility.
Some lenders will conduct a soft inquiry as part of the application process. The soft pull lets them see limited information, including basic credit history details and an estimated score. It helps them understand your ability to repay. Unlike a hard inquiry, it will not be added to your credit report or impact your score.
Loans based on income, not credit, are often available through online platforms, payday lenders, or alternative financial providers. You can usually apply for income-based loans online. You will typically need proof of regular income, such as pay stubs, W-2s, recent bank statements, or benefit statements. Many lenders provide same-day approval and funding within a few business days.
For when payday is too far away:
Common types of loans based on employment, not credit
If your credit score is holding you back from borrowing, then personal loans based on income only may be the answer. Here are the most common options:
Loan type | Description | Interest rates | Repayment terms | Credit check |
Payday loan | A short-term loan based on your paystub | High, above a 400% APR | 2-4 weeks, on your next payday | None |
Credit union loans | An installment loan offered to credit union members with favorable terms | Maximum 18% APR | Varies, from 1 to 10 years | Yes |
Loans from online lenders | Personal loan from online lenders with lenient requirements | A substitute for a high-cost payday loan from a federal credit union | Ranges from 1 to 7 years | Maybe |
Small-dollar bank loans | A short-term loan based on your pay stub | Low | 3 months | Maybe |
Peer-to-peer loans | Installment loans from individual investors | 6% to 10% APR | A few months to several years | Yes |
Payday alternative loans | A small personal loan that banks offer to customers in good standing | Maximum 28% APR | 1 to 12 months | Sometimes |
Payday loans based on income
Payday loans are based on income, not credit. They are small, short-term loans typically due in full on your next payday. Most loans are for $500 or less and require only proof of income, an ID, and a checking account. If you need cash fast, small payday loans online with no credit check can be a convenient solution.
Income-based payday loans are easy to qualify for, and you’ll receive the funds quickly. Many lenders advertise 1 hour payday loans no credit check. If you can’t find 1-hour loans, you can often get $500 payday loans online same day.
The catch with payday loans is that lenders charge exorbitant fees and short repayment periods. Most lenders ask for a financing fee of $15 to $30 per $100 borrowed. While the financing charge may appear small initially, it is roughly equivalent to a 400% annual percentage rate (APR). The highest affordable APR is 36%.
Short on cash with a poor score?
Income-based personal loans
Income-based personal loans are ones where approval depends more on your income than your credit score. Many online lenders offer poor credit personal loans based on income. Look for lenders with a good reputation and a low minimum credit score requirement. Be wary of any lender that charges APRs above 36%.
Credit unions are another good option. These member-owned nonprofit financial institutions offer personal loans with lenient requirements. They consider your income, employment status, banking history, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and score to determine if you qualify. The best part about credit union personal loans is that the APR will not exceed 18%.
Many major banks now offer small personal loans to current customers. They base these loans on banking history and income, not credit. Most banks let you borrow anywhere from $200 up to $1,000 and repay the money in three months. Pew noted that banks price these loans 15 times lower than traditional payday loans.
Installment loans based on employment
Installment loans based on income only differ from traditional payday loans in that you have more time to repay the money. Instead of a lump-sum repayment, you’ll make fixed payments over 30 days or a few months.
The repayment period is longer, but these loans’ fees and interest rates are still high. Be cautious with any $500 loan no credit check offers, installment or not. Check the interest rates, fees, and repayment terms to ensure the loan is affordable before signing.
Credit builder loans
Credit builder loans are a smart way to improve your score while saving money. Unlike traditional loans, the lender holds the money in a secured account while you make monthly payments. They report your payments to the major credit bureaus each month. Consistently pay on time and your score will improve.
When you’ve repaid the loan in full, you receive the money. Approval depends on income, not credit. This option is excellent for first-time borrowers or those rebuilding credit. Once you have a higher score, you can apply for a regular personal loan with favorable terms.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) loans
Peer-to-peer lending, also known as social lending, lets you borrow from individual investors rather than financial institutions. Peer-to-peer lending for bad credit allows borrowers to access funds without relying on banks.
P2P lending platforms act like online marketplaces connecting individual investors with borrowers. Many investors offer P2P loans for bad credit, focusing more on your income, employment status, and overall financial situation.
Payday alternative loans (PALs)
Some federal credit unions provide payday alternative loans for bad credit. These loans do not place much emphasis on your credit score. In fact, many credit unions will not conduct a hard inquiry. They are more interested in your income and ability to repay the money.
PALs have lower costs and are easier to manage than traditional payday loans. Federal regulations set the maximum interest rate at 28% APR, including a $20 application fee. The repayment term varies from one to twelve months.
Alternatives to loans based on income
You have other ways to get cash if you do not qualify for a loan or want to avoid interest and fees. These alternative loans offer more flexibility, fewer risks, and, in some cases, no credit requirements.
Borrow from friends or family: Sometimes, the easiest way to get help is by asking someone you trust. Borrowing from friends or family can be quicker and more affordable than any formal loan. Write down the repayment terms and any interest to avoid misunderstandings.
Sell unused items: Consider selling things you no longer need online through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. This option can give you fast cash without any repayment obligation.
Go to a pawnshop: While you can’t get pawnshop loans no collateral, you can sell items directly to a pawnshop and walk out with cash. Pawnbrokers will often give you more money for selling your item outright than taking out a loan.
Pay with credit: Using a credit card for a short-term expense might be cheaper than taking a high-interest loan. Be mindful of interest rates and make a plan to pay off the balance as quickly as possible to avoid debt spirals. Credit card interest rates are high, but will be lower than those of payday loans.
Start a side hustle: The gig economy makes it easier than ever to earn extra money quickly. Food delivery, rideshare driving, tutoring, or dog walking can all be ways to generate cash fast without borrowing. You can typically receive your pay within 24 to 48 hours.
Join a lending circle: Lending circles, also known as rotating savings groups, are community-based programs. Members contribute to a shared fund and take turns receiving the full amount. These programs benefit tight-knit communities and often don’t require credit checks.
Set up a payment plan: If your expense involves medical or utility bills, contact the provider directly and ask about your options. Many offer payment plans that break the cost into manageable chunks without interest or late fees. Your medical provider may also offer assistance programs to help you cover your bill. Inquire about your options before you resort to borrowing.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can you get income-based loans for bad credit?
You can qualify for income-based loans even with bad credit. These lenders focus on your ability to repay based on your current income rather than your credit score. Many offer flexible terms and fast approval, especially online. Expect higher interest rates or shorter repayment terms to offset the lender’s risk.
2. How much money can you borrow based on income?
Loan amounts vary depending on your income level, debt-to-income ratio, and the lender’s policies. You can borrow anywhere from $100 to $5,000, though some lenders may offer more.
3. What does income need to be for a poor credit score?
No universal income requirement exists for borrowers with poor credit, but most lenders want to see consistent earnings. Many look for at least $1,000 to $2,000 in monthly income before taxes. Lenders also consider whether your pay or benefits are consistent. Steady employment will improve your chances, even on a low income.
4. How to get a personal loan with a low income?
To get a low-income personal loan, focus on lenders that base approval on employment and bank activity. Provide clear proof of income, consider a co-signer, or look into secured loans that reduce lender risk. Smaller loan amounts, credit unions, or community-based lenders may also be more flexible with income requirements.
5. Can you get a loan based on income?
Many lenders offer loans based solely on income. These are especially common among payday lenders, online installment lenders, and credit unions. Instead of reviewing your credit score, they’ll assess your job status, monthly earnings, and repayment ability. These loans are ideal for those with no or poor credit history.
Bottom line
A steady income can help you qualify for a loan despite a poor score. Shop around for the right lender. Compare your options and consider the total cost of borrowing.
Income-based loans are helpful when you have bad credit but expect to pay higher fees for the privilege of borrowing. Make a plan to repay the money before you sign a loan agreement. Borrowing without a plan can easily lead to debt.