How to get a loan if you just started a new job

Just started a new job and need some extra cash? You could qualify for a loan.

Just started a job and need a loan? Getting a new job loan can be tough because most lenders want to see that you’ve been earning income for at least three months as a sign that you can handle repayments. But don’t worry, you’re not out of luck. Here’s how to get a loan with a new job.

Can I get a loan if I just started a new job?

Yes, it’s possible to get a loan with a new job. While many lenders consider loans for new employees risky, especially if you’ve only been working a month or two, you still have options. Just be prepared to pay extra in interest. Every lender has different minimum income requirements, but here are your options for new employment loans with flexible job requirements.

Compare personal loans for new employees

1 - 2 of 2
Name Product CAFPL APR Range Loan Amount Loan Term Requirements
Loans Canada Personal Loan
9.90% - 46.96%
$300 - $50,000
4 - 60 months
Must have an income
LoanConnect Personal Loan
8.99% - 46.96%
$500 - $60,000
3 - 120 months
Must have an income
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Compare cash advances for new employees

You pay no interest on these cash loans, but you may pay a monthly subscription fee.
1 - 3 of 3
Name Product CAFPL Fees Loan Amount Loan Term Requirements
KOHO Cover
0% interest with a subscription fee starting at $2/month
$20 - $250
Flexible
No income requirements
Nyble Credit Line
0% interest with optional fees
$30 - $250
30 days, extendable
Many types of income are okay as long as they’re paid directly into your bank account
Bree Early Pay
0% interest with a $2.99 monthly membership fee
$20 - $350
Next pay cycle
Many types of income are okay as long as funds are paid directly into your bank account
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⚠️ Warning: Be cautious with payday loans
High-cost payday loans are unsustainable for borrowing over a continued period of time and are expensive as a means of longer-term borrowing. If you're experiencing financial hardship call Credit Counselling Canada for free financial counselling (Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm at +1 866-398-5999). You may also want to consider payday loan alternatives. Maximum borrowing costs will vary by province. Review the maximum borrowing cost for your province before entering into a loan agreement.

Get a payday loan if you just started a job

You can get a payday loan if you just started a job, but these loans are very expensive and should be a last resort. With new job payday loans, you borrow between $100 and $1,500, which is repaid on your next payday. Payday loans have more lenient requirements than personal loans, so it’s easier to get one with a new job, but keep the high cost in mind.

1 - 3 of 3
Name Product CAFSL APR Loan Amount Loan Term Key Features
iCash Payday Loan
Varies by province
$100 - $1,500
7 - 62 days
24/7 instant approval and e-Transfer, accepts bad credit
Cashco Financial Payday Loans
Varies by province
$100 - $1,500
Up to 62 days
Instant approval, no credit check
More Info
Cash Money Payday Loan
Varies by province
$100 - $1,500
5 - 40 days
Instant approval, accepts bad credit
More Info
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How long do I have to work to get a loan?

Lenders usually want to see at least three months at a new job because this is the typical length of a probationary period. However, some lenders are more flexible than others when evaluating applications. Your employment history is just one of several factors that they look at, and if you’re less than three months at a new job, then lenders may place more weight on other factors. If you have a good credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio, these can help you get approved.

Can I get a loan with a job offer letter?

It might be possible as long as you have another source of income. This could help you qualify for a larger loan amount, since you have proof that your salary will increase. However, it likely won’t help you get a loan if you currently don’t have any regular income.

Can I get a loan if I’m temporarily employed?

It’s possible to get a loan if you’re working a temporary job. However, some lenders might not be willing to work with you unless you have another job lined up or another source of income. It can help if you’ve consistently worked in the same field for at least a few years. This shows that you can consistently bring in income, even if you don’t have a traditional full-time job.

You may also want to consider urgent emergency loans if you need money quickly for something like rent. While many of the options you’ll have available to you are expensive short-term options, if you know you’ll be employed soon, they can be useful.

How to apply for a loan with a new job

Once you’ve compared your loan options and decided on the best fit for you, head to the lender’s website to apply online via its secure application page. You’ll need to provide personal information, like your contact, employment and income details.

Before you apply, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the necessary documents on hand to streamline the application process.

What documents do I need?

You will usually need to provide the following:

  • Your personal details. This includes your full name, date of birth, address, email address, phone number and Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  • Your employment details. You may need to provide your employer’s name and contact information.
  • Your income details. You may need to submit pay stubs or bank statements to provide proof of your income.
  • Your banking details. You will need to provide the name of your bank, the branch address and transit number and your own personal bank account number.

What do lenders consider?

Lenders look at a variety of eligibility factors, which can include any of the following:

  • Your age. Lenders don’t base credit decisions on your age, but you usually need to be at least 18 years old, or the age of majority in your province or territory, in order to be eligible to apply.
  • Employment type. You may need to be employed full-time and you may need to earn a certain amount of income to be eligible. Some lenders don’t accept part-time or freelance work as sufficient employment.
  • Debt-to-income ratio. Lenders like to see that you have a steady stream of cash coming in. A general rule of thumb is that your debt should take up no more than 40% of your income, although lower is better.
  • Job title. Lenders may use your job title to cross-reference with your salary and to also predict how likely you are to default on loan repayments.
  • Credit history. Banks and credit unions will normally require that you have good credit. However, there are bad credit personal loans available.
  • Housing situation. Many lenders tend to prefer homeowners over renters.

Tips for getting approved for a new job loan

If you’ve just started or are about to start a new job, try to keep these factors in mind when filling out your loan application.

  • Apply for a lower amount. Lenders may be more hesitant to approve you if you haven’t been at your job long. Calculate how much you need and borrow the minimum amount.
  • Offer security. A secured loan is less risky for a lender and you may be more likely to be approved. Keep in mind you may lose your collateral if you can’t make your repayments.
  • Apply with a cosigner. Do you have an employed friend or family member who’s willing to cosign your loan application? This could help you get approved. Be aware that both of your credit scores will be impacted, and your cosigner will be responsible for repayment if you default.
  • Wait to apply. Even a few months of work could give you a better chance of being approved. Wait until your probationary period is up to show you have a steady source of income.
  • Meet the other minimum requirements. Lenders have a range of basic eligibility requirements you need to meet that extend beyond employment.
  • Check your credit history. If you aren’t sure what’s on your credit file or what your credit score is, it’s worth checking before you apply.
  • Provide as much supporting documentation as possible. If you have any assets or savings, you should provide that information with your application as this increases the lender’s trust that you can repay your loan.
  • Talk directly with the lender. Contacting your lender before you apply can help you understand the specific criteria you’ll need to meet if you want to have a good chance at approval.

Compare lenders & apply now

Bottom line

Getting a personal loan is difficult when you need a loan but have only just started a new job. While not all lenders accept those who have been employed for less than three months, there are plenty of online lenders out there that can finance your loan.

FAQs about new job loans

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Kyle Morgan is SEO manager at Forbes Advisor and a former editor and content strategist at Finder. He has written for the USA Today network and Relix magazine, among other publications. He holds a BA in journalism and media from Rutgers University. See full bio

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Emma Balmforth is a producer at Finder. She is passionate about helping people make financial decisions that will benefit them now and in the future. She has written for a variety of publications including World Nomads, Trek Effect and Uncharted. Emma has a degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Waterloo. She enjoys backpacking, reading and taking long hikes and road trips with her adventurous dog. See full bio

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