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Personal loans based on employment – not credit – even for new employees

Typically loans are based on employment, and you can still get a personal loan after starting a new job or with a job offer letter.

Personal loans are given to qualified borrowers, though requirements vary from lender to lender. Eligibility is typically based on employment (income), creditworthiness and other factors. But loans based on employment alone may put less weight or no weight at all on your creditworthiness. And, if you’ve just started your job and are worried if you’re still eligible for a personal loan, options exist. While you need to show you’ll receive income during your repayment period, many will work with you as long as you’re employed — or have a job offer letter in hand.

Online lenders, community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and even your employer can be great sources of financing when you’re just starting a job. And if you need a few hundred dollars to tide you over until your first paycheck, a cash advance might offer the fastest, lowest-cost option.

Legally, lenders aren’t allowed to reject loan applicants based on the type of income they receive. So if you regularly get income from outside of your job — such as child support – that can help your chances of approval. Either way, you still might pay a higher interest rate than someone who’s been at the same job for a while. Consider all your options to find the best offer.

8 top lenders that offer loans based on employment to new employees

LenderMinimum time employed (full time)Minimum Credit ScoreMinimum incomeInterest rates (APR)
UpgradeMust be employed and show your two most recent pay stubs – or have other sources of income580No minimum9.99% to 35.99% APR
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UpstartAccepts a job offer letter, as long as the job starts within 6 months300No minimum7.40% to 35.99% APR
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LendingPointNo minimum, but at least 12 months at your current job will help$25,000 annually7.99% to 35.99% APR
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LendingClubNo minimum600Must have a low debt-to-income ratio8.98% to 35.99% APR
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ProsperNo minimum600No minimum, must have proof of taxable income8.99% to 35.99% APR
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BrigitAt least three recurring deposits from the same source (including unemployment benefits).N/ANo minimum$8.99 to $14.99 monthly membership fee monthly membership fee
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Achieve (formerly FreedomPlus)Based on your employment start date620No minimum8.99% to 29.99% APR
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SoFiMust be employed or have income from other sources – or have an offer of employment to start within the next 90 days680No minimum8.99% APR to 29.99% APR
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Where to get a loan as a new employee

While most types of lenders offer loans to people who recently started a job, a few are particularly friendly to new employees. Which you choose depends on your career, how much you need to borrow and your income before starting your new job. Here’s a closer look at the different options.

Online lenders

  • Best for: Anyone with an established career in a high-paying industry.

Online lenders tend to be more flexible than banks when it comes to extending loans to new employees. Some online lenders have no minimum time on the job requirement and may even extend loans to recent graduates – provided you have a start date and job offer letter.

However, your chances of getting a personal loan is higher if the job is in a field you’ve been in for a while, as opposed to making a career change. But as long as you can prove you have a regular source of income – or will soon – you could get approved.

Cash advance apps

  • Best for: Small advances on your first paycheck — especially if you just left your previous job, received a severance package or qualified for unemployment.

Cash advance apps are a good way to borrow small amounts before payday – usually $20 to $250. Some apps, like Even and B9, allow you to access 50% to 100% of your paycheck. But you need to be employed and establish a history of regular payments with the app.

For example, with Brigit, you need to have three recurring from the same employer or deposit source to use Brigit — but this includes any source of regular income, including unemployment checks or severance pay if you were laid off. Brigit and other apps access your bank account and sometimes your work schedule to verify your income.

Employee loans

  • Best for: New employees who work for employers that offer this benefit.

These may be referred to as paycheck advances from employers, payroll deduction loans or a loan on your pay stubs. Some companies offer these types of loans as an employee benefit by partnering with a company like PayActiv or HoneyBee. You may also be able to apply for a paycheck advance or get your entire paycheck early through your employer’s accounting software. Research your company’s policies to find out if they’re offered. But keep in mind there may be limits on what you can borrow — and you may need to provide a reason.

CDFIs

  • Best for: New employees at small businesses that serve their community.

Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) specialize in offering financing for low-income borrowers and underserved communities. For example, Spring Bank partners with local businesses to offer small personal loans to their employees at discounted rates. But check the requirements before you apply for a CDFI loan. They might not be available until after you’ve worked for your employer for a few months.

Medical residency and relocation loans

  • Best for: New medical residents

This type of private student loan allows you to cover the cost of relocating for a medical residency or fellowship, with low repayments during the term of your program. For example, the Sallie Mae Medical Residency and Relocation Loan offers funds to pay for moving costs and travel that otherwise wouldn’t be covered by a typical student loan.

These tend to have lower rates than personal loans — especially for residents who haven’t started working yet. But beware: Repayments will increase once your residency or fellowship ends.

6 tips to increase your chances of approval as a new employee

If you’ve just started a new job or are about to start working, keep these five tips in mind to help improve your chances of getting a personal loan.

  1. Contact the lender. Call the lender’s customer support line to find out what the lender expects in addition to the application, which could improve your chances.
  2. Check your credit. Check your credit report and correct any mistakes. You’re entitled to one free report per year from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
  3. Apply for a lower amount. Beyond saving you money, only requesting the minimum amount you need to borrow helps increase your chances of approval.
  4. Pay down debts. Lowering your credit utilization ratio can up your credit score and make you more attractive to lenders. Some lenders also have rules on how many personal loans you can take out at once.
  5. Disclose your assets. If you have any assets or savings, you should provide that information with your application to increase your chances of approval.
  6. Let your employer know. Give your employer a heads-up beforehand in case the lender calls to verify your employment and income.

Can I get a loan with a job offer letter?

Yes, it might be possible with a lender like SoFi or Upstart, which only requires you to have a start date in the next 90 or 180 days, among other requirements. This could help you qualify for a larger loan amount, since you have proof that your salary will increase.

How to get a loan as a temporary or gig worker

While lenders prefer to work with full-time employees, freelancers and gig workers can still qualify for financing — as long as your income is relatively consistent. Some apps, like Giggle Finance and Coverr, specialize in small-dollar financing for independent contractors and 1099 workers.

However, it may take longer for lenders to process your application — verifying your income takes more than a glance at a pay stub. And if your income changes dramatically every month, you might not qualify for a competitive rate, if you qualify at all.

Alternate forms of acceptable income to get a loan

Not all income has to be from employment. If you have a regular source of income, a lender may still consider you for a loan. According to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), lenders can’t discriminate against the type of income you receive – for example, from public assistance or child support – as long as the payments are consistent.

Acceptable income sources for a loan include:

  • Part-time or gig work
  • Alimony
  • Child support
  • Dividend payments
  • Pensions or retirement accounts
  • Public assistance
  • Social Security benefits
  • Tips or royalty payments
  • Unemployment benefits
  • VA benefits

Income from your spouse may also be eligible, although it depends on your lender. If you’re unsure, check its requirements before you apply.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a personal loan without pay stubs?

You can get a personal loan if you don’t have pay stubs by looking for a lender that accepts bank statements or other proof of employment instead. Pay stubs are the easiest proof of income, but most lenders will accept other documents. For example, bank statements showing proof of income may be enough if you don’t have a pay stub. And many online lenders and cash advance apps will connect to your bank account directly to verify funds.

Can I get a personal loan with just pay stubs?

Personal loans are a widely accepted way to prove your income when applying for a personal loan. However, with traditional business loans you may need to submit other documents such as proof of identity, proof of address, and in some cases loan purpose, credit checks and monthly expenses.

Can I get a loan based on employment only and not credit?

You may be able to get a loan based on employment not credit with cash advances and some installment loans. However, borrowing limits tend to be lower, and rates are higher with installment loans.

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Holly Jennings and reviewed by Anna Serio, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
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Kat Aoki was a personal finance writer at Finder, specializing in consumer and business lending. She’s written thousands of articles to help consumers make better decisions on their home loans, bank accounts, credit cards, cryptocurrency and more. Kat is well versed in working with leading brands in the real estate, mortgage and personal finance industries, and her expertise has been featured on Forbes Advisor, Lifewire and financial comparison sites like iSelect and realestate.com.au. She holds a BS in business administration from California State University, Sacramento and enjoys hiking and yoga in her spare time. See full bio

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Kat has written 185 Finder guides across topics including:
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