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Qualifying for a personal loan can be a bit complicated if you’re self-employed. Lenders may ask for documents proving your income, which typically means providing W-2s. If you’re self-employed, you don’t have W-2s.
Still, applying for a personal loan if you’re self-employed is possible. You’ll just need to have different documents ready to send if the lender asks for them.
As a self-employed individual getting approved for a loan can seem daunting. Traditional lenders like banks often want to see W-2s, pay stubs, and extensive credit history – documents you likely don’t have as someone who works for yourself. But there are plenty of options for financing available to the self-employed if you know where to look.
Overcoming Lending Barriers
Lenders need to verify your ability to repay the loan. When you’re self-employed, they can’t just look at a pay stub to confirm your income. Instead, you’ll need to provide documentation like tax returns, 1099s, and bank statements.
Even if you’ve been self-employed for years and have steady earnings, lenders may be skeptical because your income isn’t guaranteed like a regular paycheck. You may also show low taxable income after business expenses and deductions.
Having less-than-perfect credit can also make getting approved tougher But don’t get discouraged! Here are some tips to strengthen your loan application
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Have all required documents ready – Tax returns, 1099s, bank statements proving your income sources. The more documentation you can provide, the better.
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Consider adding a cosigner – An applicant with better credit and income can improve your chances of approval and may help you secure a lower interest rate.
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Put up collateral – Banks feel more confident lending when the loan is secured by an asset like a car or investments.
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Seek out alternative lenders – Online lenders and credit unions may have more flexible lending requirements than traditional banks.
Types of Loans for the Self-Employed
Personal Loans
Personal loans allow you to borrow a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly payments over 1-7 years. Lenders like LendingClub, Prosper, and Upgrade are online companies that may approve self-employed applicants with verified income and fair credit. Loan amounts range from $1,000 – $100,000.
Pros:
- Predictable monthly payments
- Fixed interest rates
- Can use funds for any purpose
Cons:
- May require collateral
- Higher rates than secured loans
Business Loans
Online lenders like Fundbox, Kabbage, and BlueVine specialize in loans for solopreneurs and small business owners. Instead of personal credit scores, they focus more on your business revenue and performance.
Pros:
- Qualify based on business instead of personal finances
- Fast approvals
- Lines of credit offer flexibility
Cons:
- Short repayment terms
- Must use funds for business purposes
SBA Loans
The Small Business Administration guarantees loans made by approved lenders to qualifying small businesses. Loan programs include the SBA 7(a) and SBA Express loans.
Pros:
- Low interest rates
- Long repayment terms
- Funds can be used for variety of business expenses
Cons:
- Extensive paperwork required
- Must meet SBA size standards
Home Equity Loans
These allow you to borrow against the equity in your home. The home serves as collateral, so lenders view home equity loans as less risky than other types of financing.
Pros:
- Competitive interest rates
- Can qualify for larger amounts than personal loans
- Deductible interest
Cons:
- Risk losing home if can’t repay
- Closing costs and fees
401(k) Business Financing
Some lenders like Guidant Financial allow you to leverage funds from a 401(k) or IRA to start or invest in a business without early withdrawal penalties. The loan is repaid via monthly contributions back into the retirement account.
Pros:
- Avoid taxes and penalties
- Competitive rates
- Use retirement funds without permanent depletion
Cons:
- Complex application process
- Must have sufficient savings to qualify
Where to Apply for Loans When Self-Employed
Here are some of the best options to consider when seeking financing:
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Online lenders – Companies like LendingClub, Prosper, Kabbage, and Credibly cater to self-employed borrowers. Quick approvals and funding.
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Credit unions – Membership eligibility required, but may have more flexible underwriting for self-employed members than big banks.
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SBA lenders – Banks and other lenders that have been approved to provide SBA-guaranteed small business loans.
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Peer-to-peer lenders – Sites like LendingClub and Prosper connect individual investors looking to fund loans with borrowers. May overlook credit flaws.
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401(k) business financing lenders – Companies like Guidant Financial, American IRA, and Benetrends facilitate 401(k) business financing loans.
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Mortgage companies – Some mortgage lenders like loanDepot and Guaranteed Rate offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
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Buy now, pay later lenders – Companies like PayPal, Klarna, and Affirm provide installment loan options for business expenses. Quick approval with soft or no credit check.
Tips for Securing Financing
As a self-employed loan applicant, you can optimize your chances of getting approved with good preparation:
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Have all your income documentation organized and readily available. The more proof, the better.
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Get your business and personal credit reports and review for any errors that could impact your scores. Dispute inaccuracies.
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If possible, wait to apply until after you’ve filed tax returns reporting strong income.
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Reduce debt burden as much as possible and avoid new credit inquiries before applying.
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Consider adding a cosigner or putting up collateral if you have risk factors like short credit history or low income.
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Shop around with multiple lenders to compare loan options and choose the best rates and terms you can qualify for.
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If turned down, ask the lender for an explanation so you can address areas of concern before reapplying.
While getting a loan without traditional W-2 employee income can require some extra effort, having patience and persevering can help you access the financing you need to support your self-employment goals.
Alternatives to personal loans
If you dont qualify for a personal loan, there may be other options available for you to get the money you need.
Tips to strengthen your loan application
Self-employed individuals can find themselves at a disadvantage if they can’t show lenders sufficient proof of income.
Sometimes, this is because income can fluctuate when you work for yourself, which means your recent bank statements may not be representative of your annual income. Claiming many business expenses can also lower your taxable income, which may be a barrier to qualifying for a personal loan.
If you can’t prove that your income is high enough to qualify for a personal loan, consider adding a co-signer or putting down collateral to strengthen your loan application.
Self Employed Mortgage: How To Get Approved in 2022 if Self-Employed or Entrepreneur
FAQ
Is it hard to get a loan if self-employed?
What income do lenders look at for self-employed?
Can I get a business loan if I am self-employed?
Can I get a personal loan if I’m self-employed?
If you’re self-employed, you can still apply for a personal loan, but lenders may ask for alternative documents proving your income since you don’t have W-2s. » MORE: Best personal loans
How do I apply for a self-employed loan?
Self-employed loan applicants may need to prove consistent income over time as well as a history of making payments on time. Self-employed workers are responsible for paying income tax, Medicare, social security, and self-employment tax, but can deduct most business expenses.
Can a self-employed person get a business loan?
Self-employed individuals may be able to qualify for loans from small business administration, banks, or even some business credit cards. It is important to keep your personal and business expenses separate as a self-employed person. If you are using the money for a personal expense, however, avoid borrowing a business loan and vice versa.
Can self-employed freelance workers get a personal loan?
Yes, self-employed freelance workers can qualify for a personal loan. Instead of providing W-2 documents to verify their income, they will need to provide alternatives such as tax documents or bank statements. Applicants who have been working in a specific industry as a freelancer for two years or more may be viewed more favorably by lenders.