HomePersonal LoansFirst Time Personal Loans No Credit History
Advertising Disclosure Acorn Finance receives compensation from some of the companies featured on our website, which may influence the presentation and order of the offers shown. Please note that not all loan options, savings products, or lenders are represented on our site.

First Time Personal Loans With No Credit History

Compare monthly payment options from several lenders in under 2 minutes.

How much would you like to finance?

Compare Loans for No Credit History

It may be pretty difficult to qualify for a first time personal loan with no credit history, but it does not mean it is impossible. There are various options available for someone with no credit history that may be looking for financing.

An unsecured personal loan may be one of the more difficult options to qualify for, but there are plenty of alternatives to explore and a few to avoid. Some online lenders have no credit check installment loans that may be able to help someone with no credit history get through a minor financial hardship or just establish some credit history. The important thing to remember is that since you do not have any credit history, lenders may view you as a risk and they are likely to treat you like one. You may have to pay some of the highest interest rates and fees in the financial industry.

Get Started

Compare rates from top lenders

Learn More About First Time Loans

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. Since they are not reported to your credit report, they will not help you establish credit, which will not allow you to move past the current financial situation you are in. Additionally they can be very costly and are only offered in small amounts 

Alternatively you may be able to establish credit using a personal loan with a cosigner. Ultimately the only way to know what your options are is to check offers. To find out if you qualify for a personal loan from one of our top lending partners, check offers through our online platform with no credit score impact.

How do you compare first time loans?

Some lenders may have less strict requirements. Most lenders have a credit score requirement and income requirements, but some have no credit score requirement. The best way to compare loans is to leverage a platform such as Acorn Finance that allows you to access personalized offers from a network of top national lending partners. At Acorn Finance, checking offers does not impact your credit score and you can inquire with a cosigner. In some cases you may have to face that you just don’t qualify for a loan or a loan that makes sense. We encourage borrowers to work on boosting their credit score to increase their chance of qualifying for a personal loan. 

Is getting a personal loan with no credit worth it?

When you have limited credit, and you need cash quickly, your options may be limited. That’s why — if you can get qualify — finding a personal loan or loan that’s reported to the credit bureaus can provide the opportunity to get cash while building credit. 

While the costs may be high, it may be worth it depending on your situation. As you compare offers, consider the costs and payments and how the loan will help or hurt you. 

Just make sure you’re borrowing responsibly and are able to afford any monthly payments you have. You only want to borrow what you know you can afford to repay monthly and start your credit-building journey on the right track.

Why choose Acorn Finance for a personal loan with no credit?

We know you have a choice when it comes to finding a personal loan. But at Acorn Finance, we’re here to be a trusted partner on your financial journey. 

Making financial decisions can be confusing, especially when you have bad or no credit. With all the financial jargon and plethora of options, finding the right loan for you can be difficult. That's why we developed a user-friendly platform that allows borrowers to check personal loan offers from our network of trusted financial partners. Within seconds, you can receive personalized offers with no credit score impact. Our platform gives you a real picture of your options and helps you determine the appropriate path forward.

What is a personal loan for no credit?

Most personal loans require a credit check. However, you can check offers with a soft credit pull which does not impact your credit score. You can do so at Acorn Finance. There are some loans designed for borrowers that are just starting to build credit history, such as a secured credit card. With these loans, lenders can leverage things such as down payments, collateral, income, bill payment history, and more to determine eligibility. 

How do you find the best personal loans with no credit?

As you begin the personal loan process you might be confused as to where to start. The motive for wanting a personal loan without a credit check can vary, but rest assured you can explore offers without impacting your credit score. At Acorn Finance you can check personal loan offers without impacting your credit score. The ability to compare offers can help you confidently determine which offer works best. If you accept an offer from one of our lending partners, they will need to perform a hard credit pull before funding. 

Personal Loan Calculator

HOW IT WORKS

Find the loan you're looking for

Table comparing monthly payments, APRs for approved personal loans.
1
See your options
Take a few minute to answer few questions, and we'll match you with the right range of lenders to consider
2
Choose your loan
Find your favorite marketplace of offers and apply directly with the lender you prefer
3
Do your project
If you're approved, use your funds to cover all your costs now, and pay the lender back month by month

What can I do with a $1,000 personal loan?

A $1,000 personal loan has a number of uses, including (but not limited to):
Home improvement Buying a car Wedding costs
Debt consolidation Medical bills Startup business costs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Still have questions?

Can you get a loan with no credit history?

+

There are many reasons why someone may not have any credit history. Maybe they are young and just starting out their financial future, or maybe they were recently divorced and their partner had taken care of all the finances in the marriage. There are many reasons somebody may have little to no credit history, but either way, getting an unsecured personal loan without any credit on record will be very difficult.

Lenders like to see some sort of history to get a snapshot of your ability to make payments on time. That in itself demonstrates that you can manage your money and use the tools you have in front of you to figure out how to make payments and keep track of due dates. It shows that there is some sort of stability in your life that you can use your income wisely and be responsible for your debts.

If you are only looking for an unsecured personal loan, chances are pretty slim unless you have a cosigner sign onto your loan with you. Having a cosigner with good credit sign on to a loan with you tells the lender two main things. First, that this person with good credit has enough trust in you to take responsibility for the loan if you should happen to default. And second, that there is a contingency plan in place for the lender to recoup their money if you should happen to default.

How do you get a personal loan from a bank with no credit?

+

If you are looking for an unsecured personal loan from a bank with no credit and you do not have a cosigner, then you are not left with too many options other than Payday lenders and cash title loan shops. Both of which you want to avoid at all costs, especially if you are just a young adult starting off in the world. Your only option may be to build up your credit enough so that you can apply for an unsecured personal loan on your own.

But first, why should you avoid Payday loan centers and cash title loan shops? These two options could have detrimental consequences on your financial situation that could send ripple effects into the next several years of your financial future. As someone just starting off, you do not want to start off on the wrong foot.

Payday loans are a quick way to get a personal loan. It is a short-term loan that allows you to borrow against your next paycheck. Once you have been approved for the loan, you will receive your funds in cash or a check and then the amount of the loan will be due in full plus finance charges in 14-days. APRs on Payday loans can be 300%, 400%, or sometimes even higher.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finally cracked down on Payday lenders to end the common practice of debt spiraling. Debt spiraling was the practice of rolling one Payday loan into another loan to cover the fees from the previous loan. People would fall into this spiral for months and sometimes even years, or eventually, default and ruin their credit. The point is, even though the practice of debt spiraling has been discontinued, Payday loans are not a good way to get financing.

Title loans are a form of Payday loan that you can get quickly and easily using your car as collateral. If you default on your loan, the lender can take your vehicle. The same 400% or higher APRs are charged, and if you can't pay when the loan is due, you can roll it into another loan or lose your car. Again, not a good way to start out your credit history.

So, the best thing you can do if you want to apply for a loan with no credit history is to build up your credit until you can apply for an unsecured personal loan.

How do I apply for a loan with no credit history?

+

If you want to apply for an unsecured personal loan with no credit history, the first step is usually to build up your credit and establish some credit history. You can do that by applying for a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan. Both of these options are designed specifically for people just starting out and working on their credit history. Let us take a closer look at what each one is and how they work.

Secured credit card: An unsecured credit card acts like a debit card. You make deposits onto the card, and then you are free to use that card to pay for your everyday expenses like gas, groceries, dining out, etc. Each month you will make a deposit and you can spend your money however you please. What is good about this is that each time you make a deposit, the credit card company will report your payments to the three major credit bureaus, helping you establish a credit history of making on-time payments. If you continue this process for a few months, the credit card company might allow you to open a line of unsecured credit on the same card.

Credit-builder loan: A credit builder loan is like the opposite of a secured credit card in that you do not spend money, you simply are putting money into a savings account that you will be able to withdraw at the end of the repayment period. How it works is that a bank will give you a "loan" for $1,000. Each month you make deposits of a predetermined amount. If you make all the payments on time, at the end of the loan repayment period, you will receive the money from the loan. Each successful payment along the way is reported to the three major credit bureaus.

Once you have established some credit using the methods above, you can either qualify for a regular credit card or try to see if you can qualify for an unsecured personal loan.

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 lender's 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.

What do you do if you have no credit history?

+

The best thing you can do if you have no credit history is to simply just keep on working on it. Keep building your credit one month at a time using a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan.

There is one alternative to a Payday loan that is not as aggressive and may offer a different solution. Some online lenders may offer some sort of installment loan that you could explore. An installment loan is a small short-term personal loan that you pay off over several monthly payments. The interest rates on these types of loans can be pretty high as well, but if it is through a respected online lender and not a Payday loan center, they could be a reasonable option.

Is no credit worse than bad credit?

+

This is a tough question to answer. Although no credit technically isn't bad credit, it still isn't good. You still are seen by lenders as a risk and many lenders will not take a chance on you. When you compare the two, it depends on how bad someone's credit score really is. Do they have multiple bankruptcies on their record? Do they have numerous delinquent accounts in collections?

The benefit of having no credit history versus a bad credit score is that you can easily build yourself up into the good credit rankings, where someone with bad credit may take years to do the same. People who have bad credit will have certain negative marks on their credit reports for years. Missed payments, delinquent accounts in collections, and loan defaults will stay on someone's credit report for 7-years. That will be a constant weight on their credit score while they are trying to lift themselves up. A bankruptcy can last on your credit report for ten years.

When you have no credit history, you are a blank slate. Sometimes it is a good thing to start from new.

What is your credit score if you have no credit?

+

When you have no credit history, you may still have a credit score. If you have no credit, you may have an extremely low score but no one has a credit score of zero. Lenders can see your credit history and should be able to understand why your credit score is extremely low if you have no credit.

How do I get a credit report with no credit history?

+

The short answer is that you can't. According to Experian, in order for you to begin populating a credit score in their system, you will need to have at least one or two active credit accounts which have activity for 3 to 6 months.

How can I get an instant loan online with no credit history?

+

The best way to get an instant loan online with no credit score is with a no credit check installment loan. You can apply online and receive your funds the same day in some cases. To qualify for an installment loan from an online lender, you still have to be able to show proof of steady income.

In addition to proof of income, an online lender may require the following:

  • Be at least 18-years old.
  • Reside in the same state that your loan application is for.
  • Have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • Have a valid and active email address.
  • Provide proof of steady income in the form of employment, self-employment, retirement, disability, or another verifiable income source.
  • Provide proof of a personal bank account that has been established in your name for at least 30-days.
  • Not currently involved in bankruptcy proceedings or intend to file bankruptcy.
  • Not an active duty service member of the United States Armed Forces.

Installment loans make a decent option for someone who has zero credit history. Remember, the interest rates will be fairly high and you may have to pay other fees in addition to the interest rate. On any type of installment loan program, make sure you make all the payments on time to avoid additional fees. Always borrow within your means and make sure you have a monthly installment payment plan that you can realistically afford.

What are the advantages of getting a personal loan with no credit history?

+

Honestly, there are not too many advantages to getting a personal loan with no credit history. However, if you do somehow qualify for an unsecured personal loan with no credit history, as long as you make all your payments on time, then you will begin to build your credit history. The next personal loan you apply for may have a much better interest rate than your first loan, and there is a decent chance the origination fee will be less. Though, you most likely will not qualify for an unsecured personal loan that does not contain an origination fee for some time.

What are the disadvantages of personal loans with no credit history?

+

There are numerous disadvantages to taking out an unsecured personal loan that you should consider before applying. First, you will most likely be paying interest rates above 29.99%. The interest rate combined with an origination fee among other possible applicable fees will make it incredibly expensive to secure the original loan amount. If you start to fall behind on your monthly payments, you may have to pay high penalties for late payments and you could really begin to ruin your already fragile credit situation.

Can I get a loan completely online with no credit history?

+

You might be able to get a loan online with no credit history. There are some lenders that specialize in first-time borrowers. Some of these lenders may offer online services. If you do not have a cosigner and need an online loan, you should do plenty of research to find legitimate lenders that can help borrowers with no credit history. It might be a good idea to go into your bank and ask them if they have any recommendations.
One of the best ways to build your credit history is to apply for a loan with a cosigner. Oftentimes, this will allow you to qualify for a loan and help you secure a lower interest rate. If you can pay the loan off on time, you now have a positive mark on your credit history. While you may need more than one positive mark on your credit history to be an established borrower, one positive mark is better than a negative mark or no mark at all. If you have a cosigner you may be able to qualify for a loan. You can apply online with a cosigner to check offers.

What do you do if you have no credit history?

+

Having no credit history can be a challenge when it comes to securing personal loans. For lenders, credit history is one of the key indicators of risk, and without a track record of repayment, borrowers may be considered too high-risk for a loan.

So how do you earn credit? If you have no credit you may be able to qualify for a credit card with a low spending limit. Alternatively can get a secured credit card. Whether the credit card is secured or unsecured you should use it on a regular basis and pay the balance in full. This can help you establish a track record while boosting your credit score.

In addition, some lenders may be willing to work with borrowers who have no credit history if they have other forms of collateral, such as a savings account or a car.

Will I get approved if I have no credit history?

+

If you're looking for a first time personal loan with no credit history in India or anywhere else in the world, you may be wondering if you'll be approved. The good news is that there are lenders who are willing to work with first time borrowers with no credit history.

However, the approval process may take a bit longer and you may be required to provide additional documentation. In general, first time loans with no credit history are available, but it's important to do your research and compare offers from multiple lenders before choosing one. It's usually a better idea to use secured loans to establish credit history. Unsecured loans may be hard to qualify for and more expensive compared to secured loans.

Why would someone have no credit history?

+

While no one has a credit score of zero, an individual may have no credit history. If you've never utilized credit, you may be absent from the scoring model and have no credit history. Credit scores usually start at 300, and go up from there. With no credit history it can be challenging to get a loan, so you may be wondering how to establish credit history. On the other hand, having no credit history may be better than having a bad credit history. In order to establish credit history and keep your score going up, you need to use credit on a regular basis. To establish some credit history, try getting approved for a secured credit card or loan. You may qualify for a loan with co-signer that has credit history if you don't have enough or any.

How fast can you build credit with no credit history?

+

If you have no credit history, it can be difficult to get approved for a loan so it's a good idea to focus on building credit first.

There are a few ways you can build credit quickly, even with no credit history. One way is to get a secured credit card. With a secured card, you put down a deposit that acts as your credit limit. This shows lenders that you're willing to put up your own money in order to borrow, and can help you to build credit quickly.

Another way to build credit is to take out a small personal loan from a lender who reports to the credit bureaus. By making your payments on time and in full, you can show lenders that you're a responsible borrower, even without a credit history.

While you score will not reflect changes overnight, over the course of a few months your credit history should reflect your efforts. However, one piece of credit may not be enough to get you approved for a personal loan.

What credit do you start with?

+

In general, there are two types of credit: revolving and non-revolving. Revolving credit, such as credit cards, allows you to borrow up to a certain limit and then pay back the debt over time. Non-revolving credit, such as a personal loan, is a set amount that you borrowed and then paid back in full over a fixed period of time.

In terms of getting started, it's usually best to start with non-revolving credit. This type of credit demonstrates to lenders that you're able to manage a set amount of debt and make payments on time. Once you've established this track record, you can begin to apply for more revolving credit products.

Credit scores usually start around 300 and go up from there. Most individuals will start with revolving credit that has a low limit. Revolving credit, such as a credit card, can be secured. Another type of credit to start with is a secured installment loan such as an auto loan. To qualify for a larger loan, especially with a limited down payment, you may need to use a co-signer.

What does credit history mean?

+

Credit history refers to the record of an individual's borrowing and repayment activity. This information is used by lenders to help assess the creditworthiness of a potential borrower.

A good credit history typically indicates that a borrower has a track record of making timely repayments, which makes them a less risky proposition for a lender. By contrast, a bad credit history may indicate that a borrower has difficulty meeting their financial obligations, which can make it more difficult to obtain loans or other forms of credit in the future.

How do I check my credit history?

+

There are three major credit reporting agencies in the United States: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of these agencies once every 12 months.

You can also get your credit score, which is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be approved for a loan with favorable terms.

There are many ways to check your credit history and score as well as to apply for a loan with no credit. You can order your reports online, over the phone, or through the mail. You can also get your score from some financial institutions and credit card companies. When you check your credit history, be sure to look for errors and dispute any inaccuracies.

How long does your credit history follow you?

+

Your credit history is a record of how you've handled borrowing and repayment in the past. It includes information on your credit accounts, late payments, collection actions, and bankruptcies. Lenders use this information to assess your riskiness as a borrower and to set the terms of any loans they extend to you. While it's important to have a good credit history, you may be wondering how long it will follow you and how to get a personal loan with no credit history at all.

The answer depends on the type of information in your credit history. Negative information, such as late payments and collections, can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

What is the difference between credit score and credit history?

+

Credit score and credit history are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different things.

Your credit score is a number that lenders use to evaluate your creditworthiness. This number is based on factors such as your payment history, the amount of debt you have, and the length of your credit history.

Your credit history, on the other hand, is a record of your past borrowing and repayment activity. This information is used to calculate your credit score, but it also provides lenders with valuable insight into your financial habits.

When you apply for a loan, the lender can review both your credit score and your credit history to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for financing.

Why is credit history important?

+

Credit history is important because it's one of the key factors lenders consider when deciding whether or not to approve a loan. A good credit history shows that you're a responsible borrower who has a track record of making on-time payments.

A bad credit history, on the other hand, can make it difficult to get approved for a personal loan, no credit history or otherwise. That's why it's important to make sure you keep an eye on your credit report and work to improve your credit score.

There are a number of ways to do this, including paying your bills on time, maintaining a good credit utilization ratio, and diversifying your credit mix.

Can you get a loan with no income and a cosigner?

+

The best way to find out if you qualify for a loan is to get prequalified. While income is usually considered by lenders when making loan decisions, if you have a cosigner, they may consider the income of the cosigner instead. When you take out a loan with a cosigner, both parties are equally responsible for the loan. Keep this in mind in the event you are unable to cover payments. Communicating with your cosigner can help protect both of you as well as your relationship. On the flipside, if you are asked to cosign a loan for someone, understand what this entails and make sure you trust the individual before agreeing. 

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. 

What can I do if I don't have a cosigner for my loan?

+

If you don’t have a cosigner, but need to borrow money, you can try to find a lender willing to help you. Requirements can vary by lender so just because you get turned down by one, does not mean you won’t qualify for a different lender. You may feel desperate or stressed if you need to borrow money, but try to find center and make sound financial decisions. The truth in some cases is that it’s better to boost your credit score before taking out a loan. To find out if you qualify for a personal loan from our network of top national lenders, submit some personal information today. Checking offers through our platform does not impact credit score. 

How to get a loan with no credit and no cosigner?

+

With no credit and no cosigner, you may not be eligible for a loan or you’ll need to turn to an alternative form of funding. Payday loans or cash advances do not usually require a credit check. However, they can come with extremely high interest rates and small loan amounts. In some states, payday loans are not allowed. Additionally, they are usually not reported to your credit score. Keep this in mind as you may pay a lot to borrow a little bit of money, with not much upside. If you can qualify for a loan that’s reported to one of the credit bureaus you can work to build your credit to increase your chance of qualifying down the road. 

Can you get a loan without a credit check?

+

Some loans are obtainable without a credit check. Some of these types of loans require caution before proceeding, These types of loans can sometimes take advantage of borrowers desperately needing money and charge exorbitantly high interest rates. Make sure you read the fine print carefully when it comes to getting a loan without a credit check to avoid predatory lending tactics or dishonest marketing scams. 

One home, endless possibilities

MORE HOME IMPROVEMENT FINANCING OPTIONS

Personal Loan Information