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10 reasons your payday loan application keeps getting denied

Your credit and income might have more of an impact on your payday loan application than you think.

Why are you getting rejected? Read guide
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This post was last updated on March 16, 2021 to include information about Veritec checks, added more reasons payday loan applications get rejected and add information on how to get a payday loan after being rejected.

The main reasons lenders refuse payday loan applications is that they think you can’t afford to pay it back. Factors like too many negative marks on your credit report can also get your payday loan application thrown out.

Even if your application has been denied, you might be able to qualify for a payday loan with another provider. But first, take steps to ensure you won’t get rejected the next time around by reading about the top reasons payday loans get denied.

1. You don’t have enough regular income

The federal government no longer requires payday lenders to verify your ability to repay. But many lenders have minimum income requirements and some states still require affordability checks.

If you don’t regularly have income from a job, unemployment or another benefit that appears in your bank account, you could be denied. You could also be denied if that amount is too small. Often, lenders require you to bring in at least $1,000 a month to qualify for a loan.

2. You didn’t pass a credit check

Payday lenders generally accept bad credit and most don’t run a hard credit check. But some will still look at your credit report when you apply.

Having a low credit score in itself won’t necessarily get you denied. But some negative marks like judgments and bankruptcies can get your payday loan application denied.

3. You didn’t pass a Veritec check

Payday lenders in some states like Florida run all applicants through a third-party database system called Veritec. Veritec uses the data the state has on your finances to make sure you can afford the loan before you apply.

If you get denied for a payday loan because of a failed Veritec check, it generally means you don’t meet the state’s minimum requirements. Often, this means you have too much debt, not enough income or are already delinquent on a loan.

Check with your state’s payday lending laws before you apply again. In some cases, it may be illegal for a lender to offer you a loan under your current financial situation.

4. You don’t have a bank account

While it’s possible to find a loan without a bank account, it’s not easy. Most lenders prefer to transfer the funds to your account and withdraw your payment on the day it’s due. And even those that offer cash loans many look at your bank statement when underwriting your application.

5. There are overdrafts on your bank account

When you apply for a payday loan online, lenders may ask to see a copy of your latest bank statements. If your history shows that you’ve dishonored payments — that’s when a creditor has attempted to debit from your account and there wasn’t enough money — you look like a risk to a lender.

6. You get paid in cash

Income paid in cash is difficult to verify. That’s because lenders usually look at your bank account to check that you have regular monthly income. Some might even require you to be paid with direct deposit.

A similar problem can apply to people who receive payment in cryptocurrency. Many lenders won’t check your crypto wallet to verify your income.

7. You’ve filed for bankruptcy in the past seven years

Lenders use your financial situation to determine the risk in lending to you. If you have a recent bankruptcy on your record within the past year, you may be flagged as high risk and rejected. However, there are still options for people with a bankruptcy on their record.

8. You aren’t a US citizen or permanent resident

In many cases, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident to qualify for a payday loan. Even if you’re here on a work visa or student visa, payday loans generally aren’t an option for you. That’s because payday lenders don’t accept cosigners to help you meet the residency requirement.

9. You aren’t old enough

In most states the legal minimum age to take out a payday loan is 18. But it’s 19 in Alabama and Nebraska and 21 in Mississippi.

Some lenders also have their own minimum age requirements and won’t lend to anyone under 21. Before you apply, make sure you aren’t too young to take out a loan.

10. You already have a payday loan

In some states, it’s illegal to offer a payday loan to someone who already has one. Some states also have cooling-off periods between payday loans, which can last from 24 hours to over a month.

Even if it isn’t state law, many lenders have a policy that doesn’t allow you to have more than one payday loan out at a time.

How to get a loan after being denied

You still might be able to get a payday loan after being denied by applying with a lender that has looser requirements. One easy way to find one is by using a short-term loan connection service.

But that might not be an option for everyone — or a good idea. If you were denied because you can’t afford the loan, look into payday loan alternatives instead to find a more affordable option.

If you can’t meet residency requirements, consider applying for a personal loan for nonresident instead. Typically these loans come with lower rates and lower monthly payments than you’ll find with a payday lender.

Compare connection services

These providers work to help connect you to a short-term loan you’re likely to qualify for. Submit your information and potentially receive loan offers from a network of lenders.

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Fast5kLoans Short-term Loans Connection Service
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$100 to $35,000
As soon as the next business day
Regular source of income, Verifiable bank account, US citizen, Ages 18+
Get connected with multiple lenders you might qualify with — even if you have bad credit.
LendYou Short-term Loans
Finder Rating: 2.5 / 5: ★★★★★
LendYou Short-term Loans
$100 to $2,500
Same business day to 1 business day
$1,000+ monthly income, direct deposit, US citizen or permanent resident, ages 18+
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CashUSA Installment Loans
Not rated yet
CashUSA Installment Loans
$500 to $10,000
As fast as same business day
Regular source of income, Bank account, US citizen or permanent resident, Age of majority in your state
Explore its online education center to get tips on budgeting, how to prioritize your bills and more.
CashAdvance.com Payday Loans
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CashAdvance.com Payday Loans
$100 to $999
Varies by lender
Employed, at least $1,000 in monthly take-home pay, valid checking account, US citizen, over 18, valid home and work phone number, valid email address, resident of eligible state.
Use its repayment calculator to see how the loan term and amount you borrow affects the overall cost.
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Bottom line

There are multiple reasons why you might have been rejected for a loan, but don’t be discouraged. You can review your application to make sure you didn’t miss any information before you apply with another payday lender. Not every loan option is right for you so be sure to consider all your options and compare the costs before applying again.

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8 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    VonSeptember 25, 2018

    I was denied on my payday loan. I don’t have any other outstanding loans, I pay on time every month. The money is drafted directly out of my bank account. This is money that I depend on. This is the first time this has every happened. Called the lender and they say it was due to Veritec system.

      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JoshuaSeptember 26, 2018Staff

      Hi Von,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Veritec is used by some stated to determine loan eligibility. It is a third party database system that helps lenders meet their state lending laws and protect consumers who are taking out loans. For this reason, some lenders greatly depend on Veritec to decide whether to approve your loan or not.

      If your application was rejected, you may try other lenders. However, it would be a good idea to first determine why you were rejected in the first place. When you know that, fix that problem and then, try apply for another loan. This way, you can increase your chance of getting approved. Most importantly, please review the criteria, details of the loan product and contact the lender directly to discuss your loan options and eligibility.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Default Gravatar
    BrandonApril 2, 2018

    I’m starting a new job tomorrow and I need help get a loan.

      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JeniApril 2, 2018Staff

      Hi Brandon,

      Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

      Since you are starting a new job, you may consider getting a personal loan for new employees. There are some minimum requirements to apply such as:

      – you need to be at least 18 years old to be eligible to apply.
      – you may need to be employed full-time and you may need to earn a certain amount of income to be eligible.
      – your residence, you will usually need to be a US citizen or permanent resident to be eligible.
      – your credit history.

      There are also lenders offering personal loans for part-time employees.

      I hope this helps.

      Have a great day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

    Default Gravatar
    helpMarch 3, 2018

    if you are denied a loan at a payday loan place can they legally keep your information?

      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      RenchMarch 13, 2018Staff

      Hi,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      Yes, your information is secured and stored with them for their records. If you have provided your banking details, this process is encrypted and secured, your information should not be stored. There’s no need to worry and you may also contact your lender to further inquire.

      Best regards,
      Rench

    Default Gravatar
    NathanOctober 12, 2017

    I keep getting declined for a loan.

      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      RenchOctober 12, 2017Staff

      Hi Nathan.

      Thanks for reaching out to us.

      I’m sorry to hear that you’re getting rejected when applying for a loan. I suggest not to apply for another loan without further checking its eligibility criteria thoroughly because getting rejected from a loan adds negative reports to your credit score.

      Your credit score determines your borrowing power so if you have a poor credit score, you may have better chances with lenders that offer bad credit personal loans. Working on improving your credit score would also help you get a better finance and flexible options.

      Hope this helps.

      Best regards,
      Rench

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