5 Loans for Bad Credit With No Credit Checks

If you have bad credit but need to borrow money for an unexpected expense, there are personal loan lenders and loan apps that can provide you with a loan without a hard credit check. In many cases, these loans need to be repaid when you get your next paycheck.

Loans for bad credit with no credit checks are usually small-dollar loans with shorter repayment periods. They also have high interest rates and fees, which can make it difficult for you to repay them. Before borrowing a loan, shop around and compare your options to make an informed decision.

What Is a No-Credit-Check Loan?

No-credit-check loans refer to unsecured loans where the lender doesn’t determine your eligibility by running a hard credit check. Instead, these financial institutions only do a soft credit check, which doesn’t leave a footprint on your credit report. Lenders consider other factors, such as your income, employment status, and debt-to-income ratio, to determine your creditworthiness.

Applying for a bad credit personal loan involves a hard credit inquiry, which can make it difficult for some borrowers to qualify. It’s easier to qualify for loans for bad credit with no credit check, but it comes at a cost. You’ll pay higher annual percentage rates (APRs) and will usually have to repay the loan in a shorter amount of time.  

“By definition, a credit inquiry is a written record on your credit report that shows who accessed one of your credit files (maintained by Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) and what date they reviewed it,” explains Brad Reichert, debt expert and founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC. 

“Certain types of credit checks have the potential to negatively impact your credit score by a few points (about 3-6 points) each time they’re done, although that doesn’t mean credit score damage always happens,” he adds. “Typically, hard inquiries occur when you actively and intentionally apply for new credit or services that require a credit review,” says Reichert.

Can You Get a No-Credit-Check Loan With Bad Credit?

Yes, even if you have a poor credit score, you can qualify for a no-credit-check personal loan if you have sufficient income and/or the ability to repay the loan using other financial assets.

Loan lenders will still evaluate your creditworthiness by reviewing your employment stability, income sources, and current debts. This lending approach often makes it possible for borrowers with a low credit score to qualify.   

5 Lenders Offering Loans for Bad Credit With No Credit Check

We reviewed 15 lenders and loan apps offering loans for bad credit with no credit check. We chose our top five recommendations based on customer experience, speed of funding, eligibility requirements, and loan costs.  

Things To Consider About Loans for Bad Credit With No Credit Check

Before you apply for no-credit-check installment loans for bad credit, it’s important to know that these short-term loans are expensive. When used sparingly, they may be a viable option for covering unexpected expenses. However, when you overuse them, it can lead to a cycle of debt.

If you don’t have any other bad credit loan options available and have a plan to repay the money you borrow, it can be an option worth considering. That said, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you do.

Pros

• Lenders won’t do a hard credit check
• It’s easier to qualify for these loans
• The application process is convenient and fast
• Approvals only take minutes
• Fewer qualifying requirements
• Provide quick access to cash for emergencies
• Fast funding, usually within one business day

Cons

• The interest rates (APRs) are significantly higher than other loan alternatives
• There can be additional fees, such as prepayment penalties, late fees, and origination fees
• Loan amounts are usually smaller
• Repayment terms are shorter
• It’s easier to get stuck in a debt cycle if you overuse them

How To Shop for No Credit Check Loans

If you’ve determined that a no-credit-check loan for bad credit is the right choice for you, here are some tips on how to shop around and compare your loan options to find the best personal loans:

• Look for online lenders that do a soft credit pull instead of a hard inquiry.
• When comparing loan options, look at the APR instead of the interest rate. The APR includes the interest rate and any other fees or charges that may be involved with the loan. This gives you the true cost of borrowing on a percentage basis, so you can compare loans on a standardized “apples-to-apples” basis.  
• Check the lender’s eligibility requirements. You may have to provide proof of income, pay stubs, driver’s license, Social Security number, and details about your debts.
• Check the repayment terms to ensure you understand when and how you’ll have to repay the loan.
• Review the loan payments and check your budget to ensure you’ll be able to afford them.
• Check the lender’s customer reviews to ensure they’re reputable and have a good industry reputation. This will help you avoid potential scams.
• Check to ensure that the lender is licensed to operate in your state before you submit a loan application.

Alternatives To Bad Credit Loans With No Credit Check

If you need to borrow money, loans for bad credit with no credit check are not your only option. Consider some of the alternatives we’ve listed below for more cost-effective borrowing options.

Secured Loans

Secured loans for bad credit are usually easier to qualify for. Even if you have a bad credit score, you may be able to qualify if you have an investment or savings account, a vehicle, or some other valuable asset to offer as collateral.

Keep in mind that secured installment loans can be risky. If you miss too many monthly payments, you risk losing the collateral.

Credit Unions

Many credit unions, like Navy Federal Credit Union, offer personal loans to members, even if they have bad credit. If you’re an existing member and have a relationship with a credit union, you may be able to borrow a loan.

One of the key benefits of a credit union loan is that the interest rate is capped at 18%. In comparison, payday loans, which are a type of no-credit-check loans, cost an average of 400% APR.

Peer-To-Peer Lending Platforms

Peer-to-peer lending platforms connect borrowers who need short-term funds with investors who are looking to lend their own excess cash for a certain percentage return or profit. Lenders on these platforms usually have lower minimum credit score requirements, so you may be able to qualify even with a less-than-perfect credit history.

You can apply for the loan online and receive a decision quickly. It’s important to know that P2P loans have higher interest rates compared to traditional personal loans and can have added fees, which can make them expensive.

Get a No-Credit-Check Loan

Loans for bad credit with no credit check can be a lifeline for many borrowers in a tough financial spot. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully because of the potential of getting stuck in a cycle of debt with high borrowing costs.

Consider less expensive alternatives like getting a secured loan, applying with a co-signer, or borrowing from a friend or family member. If those aren’t available to you, compare the lenders and loan offers carefully, make sure you understand the repayment terms, and only borrow what you need. Make on-time payments once you borrow to improve your credit score.