Getting your first loan can be an intimidating process, especially if you don’t have any credit history. Without a track record of borrowing and repaying debt, lenders view first-time borrowers as riskier applicants. But having no credit doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for financing. There are steps you can take to boost your chances of approval and get the funds you need.
Why Lenders Prefer Established Borrowers
When reviewing a loan application, lenders look at your credit report and score to gauge how likely you are to repay the debt Specifically, they want to see
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A long credit history. The older your credit accounts, the more data lenders have to assess your habits.
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A record of on-time payments. Missed or late payments can signal you may struggle to make future loan payments.
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Low credit utilization. Using a high percentage of your available credit limits risk.
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A mix of account types. Having experience with different types of credit (credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, etc.) is ideal.
With no credit history lenders don’t have any of this insight into your financial responsibility. As a result they view first-time borrowers as riskier and may be hesitant to approve your application.
Building Credit as a First-Time Borrower
If you’re new to credit, there are steps you can take to start establishing your credit history and demonstrate you’re a trustworthy borrower:
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Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card Ask a parent or family member with a strong payment history to add you.
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Open a secured credit card. This requires a refundable security deposit that becomes your credit limit.
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Take out a credit-builder loan. The lender reports your monthly payments to the credit bureaus.
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Have a co-signer with good credit. Their positive history can help compensate for your lack of credit.
As you use these starter credit-building tools responsibly and make consistent on-time payments, you’ll begin establishing positive credit. Just bear in mind, it takes time to build credit, so patience and diligence are key.
Loans for First-Time Borrowers with No Credit
Once you’ve started establishing credit, here are some first loan options to consider:
Secured Personal Loans
With a secured loan, you provide collateral (such as a certificate of deposit or savings account funds) to back the loan. If you default, the lender can seize the collateral to recover losses. The security deposit lowers the lender’s risk since they are guaranteed to get their money back. Secured loans typically have lower interest rates and are easier to qualify for than unsecured loans.
Pros
- Easier to qualify, even with poor/no credit
- Lower interest rates than unsecured loans
- Lets you establish positive payment history
Cons
- Requires you to have savings or other assets for collateral
- Potential to lose collateral if you default
Credit-Builder Loans
Some lenders offer small loans designed specifically for credit-building. You receive the loan proceeds upfront, but the lender puts them into a savings account. You make fixed monthly payments, and once the loan is paid off, you get access to the funds in the account. Credit builder loans help establish a positive payment record.
Pros
- Specifically designed for building credit
- Don’t require collateral
- Receive loan proceeds at the end
Cons
- Low loan amounts
- Must complete full loan term to get proceeds
- Interest rates may still be high
Student Loans
Federal student loans don’t require credit checks or cosigners, making them accessible for first-time borrowers. Private student loans may require a creditworthy cosigner if you have little or no credit.
Pros
- Widely available for education expenses
- Federal loans don’t require credit checks
- Can help establish positive payment history
Cons
- Limits on loan amounts
- High interest rates on private loans
- Long repayment terms
Auto Loans
Some lenders provide auto financing even with no credit, but interest rates are typically higher. Having a cosigner can help first-time auto buyers get approved and qualify for better terms.
Pros
- Lets you establish positive payment history
- Potential for lower rates with cosigner
- Buy a car and build credit simultaneously
Cons
- Higher rates without a cosigner
- May require a large down payment
- Car as collateral if you default
Retail Store Credit Cards
Department store cards typically have lower credit requirements. Making small purchases and repaying promptly can help first-time borrowers demonstrate responsible usage.
Pros
- More accessible for those with limited credit
- Lets you start establishing payment history
- Manageable credit limits for beginners
Cons
- Temptation to overspend
- High APRs if balance not paid in full
- Store-specific, so limited usage
Alternatives to Loans for First-Time Borrowers
If you need money but have no credit, loans may be difficult, risky, or expensive to obtain. Here are a few other options to consider:
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Ask family or friends for a loan. For small amounts, a personal loan from people you know may be possible. Be sure to document terms clearly.
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Explore employer and community assistance programs. Some nonprofits, churches, and employers offer low or no-interest loans to support essential needs.
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Save up. Building emergency savings helps cover unplanned expenses without needing to borrow. Even small amounts put away regularly add up.
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Delay major purchases. Holding off on large discretionary purchases until you have a stronger credit profile may be wise.
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Pay with cash. Avoiding financing wherever possible prevents taking on debt you may struggle to repay.
How We Can Help With Your First Loan
Navigating loan options with no credit can feel overwhelming. But our loan experts are here to simplify the process and help you find the right financing option:
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We understand the unique challenges first-time borrowers face. You won’t have to explain your situation from scratch.
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Our network of lenders includes many familiar with lending to those with limited credit histories.
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We take the time to explain various credit-building tools to develop the right plan for your needs.
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Our online tools allow you to easily compare personalized loan offers side-by-side.
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We provide guidance on managing your first loan responsibly to establish positive payment habits.
Ready to learn about financing options for your first loan? Our experts make the process easy. Apply now and start building your credit history today!
What interest rates will you get with no credit history? +
If somehow you do qualify for an unsecured personal loan, you can expect to pay the highest interest rates on the lenders APR scale. Those can sometimes be somewhere between 29.99% and 35.99%. Which is extremely high APRs, but still may be better than a Payday loan or cash title loan. However, if you have no credit, in addition to an APR somewhere at 30% or higher, you may be required to pay higher origination fees as well.
If you can find a cosigner with excellent credit, you will be able to drop that APR down significantly. You could try to work with the lender on a secured loan as well to see if you can qualify for a lower APR. Or, continue to increase your credit score until you can have a credit score somewhere in the mid-600s.
Can you get approved for a loan without a cosigner? +
If you’re eligible, you can qualify for a loan without a cosigner. If you have no credit or minimal credit, getting a loan can be challenging. However we all have to start somewhere. With some dedication and a commitment to learn you can establish credit. One way to do so is by getting a secured credit card. With a secured credit card you will essentially pay the lender upfront for the maximum spending limit. For example, if the limit is $500 you can make payments to the lender until you reach $500. Once they’ve been paid you can use the credit card. This removes the risk for the lender while allowing the borrower to build credit. Auto loans are another type of loan that can help you build credit. While you will likely need money down, they are secured by the vehicle you purchase so the lender has more protection in the event you default. When you start the application process, be realistic. Ask the right questions. And take action to increase your chance of qualifying.
How I Bought A House With No Credit Score
FAQ
Can I get a loan if I have no credit?
What is the easiest first time loan to get?
How do I get a loan if I dont have a credit score?
Can I get an instant loan without a credit score?
How do I get a first-time personal loan for no-credit-history borrowers?
Getting a first-time personal loan as a borrower with no credit history can be challenging. To establish credit and potentially increase your chances, consider becoming an authorized user on a trusted friend’s or family member’s existing credit account. Another option is to apply for a secured credit card backed by collateral.
What are the best first time loans?
Getting a loan with no credit can be challenging. To establish credit, try starting with a secured loan or secured credit card. These avenues can help borrowers build or rebuild credit. While there are alternative options such as payday loans that don’t require a credit check, these may not be the best option.
Can you get a first-time no-credit-check loan without a credit check?
While many options are available for getting a first-time loan without a hard credit check, you should avoid predatory payday loans that don’t require a credit check. These loans may entice borrowers without an established credit history.
Can you get a loan with no credit history?
Yes, it is possible to get a loan with no credit history if you apply for a secured personal loan, no credit check loan, payday loan, or pawn shop loan. You can also ask a friend or family member to lend you money, or get a cosigner to help you qualify for an unsecured personal loan. Some loans for people with no credit are available, though it’s important to note that not all of them are equally good or safe.