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Personal Loans » Advice » 8 Tips to Increase Your Personal Loan Eligibility

8 Tips to Increase Your Personal Loan Eligibility

Getting a personal loan can be pretty useful if you need cash urgently. In this article, we review the different factors you should focus on when qualifying for a personal loan as well as the different ways to increase your personal loans eligibility.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Table Of Content

Getting a personal loan it's not an easy task, especially if your credit is not high. You might not have to give collateral if you apply for a personal loan – but since lenders don’t require collateral for personal loans, the interest rate is higher.

In this chart compiled with LendingTree customer data, you can see that those with a 720+ credit score pay an average of 7.63%. At the other end of the scale, for those with a poor credit rating of less than 560, the rate shoots up to an eye-watering 113%.

 

There are several things you have to take into account when you qualify for a personal loan.

What Are The Factors I Should Focus on?

  • Income: This is one of the most important factors lenders look at when you apply for a loan. From the lender’s perspective, the higher your income, the more likely he will approve your application with an amount you desire. The lender also considers the income you have left over after taking care of other financial commitments.
  • Credit History: This is the next most important factor, which consists of your past and current relationships with lenders. For instance, if you are late paying your credit card bill, a lender considers it a negative remark when you are applying for a loan. If you paid off your previous loans, to the lender, it makes you look more credible as you go through the loan application process. This is why it’s important for you to pay your bills on time.
  • Employment: This factor varies amongst lenders. If a lender does have an employment requirement, it’s possible that they want you to have a full-time job. If you have a part-time job or if you are self-employed, there are other loan opportunities available.

Keep in mind that these loan options are fewer in number than the ones available for people with traditional forms of employment. Moreover, there are options available for those who are unemployed and those who receive benefits from the government. Keep in mind that you still have to prove how you can pay the loan back.

  • Applicant’s age: This is another factor that’s taken into account by the lender to determine your loan term. The younger you are, the higher the probability of you qualifying for a loan. Since lenders place a cap on loans prior to people applying, the younger you are the better.
  • Source of Income: Lenders also consider your source of income when deciding whether or not they will grant you a loan. If you have a salary with a company that has a good reputation, it looks very appealing to the lender. Those who are employed by the government and PSUs are considered top priority because lenders consider these stable jobs. Moreover, people who are architects and doctors have high regards as well. Those who are self-employed have to show additional documents such as bank statements and ITR that supports their income.
  • Existing Relationship with the Bank: Banks like it when you already have an existing relationship with them as you’re going through the loan application process. Furthermore, making on-time payments on a previous loan from the same back adds a lot of value. Lenders deem you as a trustworthy borrower.

What is The Required Income For a Personal Loan?

Lenders differ regarding income requirements. There are lenders out there that require set minimums. You can find out what the requirements are by looking on their website or by calling their customer service line.

Moreover, lenders also weigh your income against your debt and expenses instead of having a cutoff number for eligibility. Now that you know the factors regarding loan eligibility, let’s take a look at ways to increase the probability of you getting a loan.

1. Determine What Type of Personal Loan You Need

As you hear people talking about personal loans, they are talking about unsecured, closed-end installment loans. From a technical perspective, lenders consider mortgages, auto loans, payday loans, and credit cards personal, which is contrary to business loans. Moreover, it’s wise for you to know what type of loan you’re applying for.

Personal loans offer a flexible form of finance, as they can be used for practically any purpose. In this chart compiled from LendingTree consumer data, you can see that debt consolidation is the most common reason for taking out a personal loan. The least common reason is for home improvement. This is likely due to more advantageous products that can be used for home improvements such as home equity lines of credit.

 

Lenders typically offer secured loans for individuals who do not qualify for loans with prime interest rates.

For instance, if you give your home or vehicle up for collateral, you can qualify for a mortgage, title, or home equity loan. Moreover, keep in mind that since these are secured personal loans, your home and/or car is at risk of being taken if you fail to pay back the loan.

2. Know Your Limitations

If you want a loan, you should already be aware of your credit history and score. Your bank of choice should be able to tell you the credit requirements of the loan you’re applying for. It’s best to be proactive in obtaining your credit score report and score multiple weeks before applying. Moreover, look over your credit report and review it to ensure there aren’t any inaccuracies.

Lenders heavily take your credit report into account. If there are errors on your credit report, it could cost you your loan approval. Remember to always take into account your financial status while preparing to apply for a loan. Moreover, apply for a loan that you know you can afford to pay back effortlessly.

3. Create a Checklist

It’s crucial for you to craft a checklist of the information you need, which is based on the information from the bank.

In addition, it can take some time for you to obtain the documents you need from creditors, your employer, and other financial resources. If you don’t have all of the information you need, the lender can deny you easily.

4. Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score doesn’t always stay the same. Moreover, it’s important for you to take actions that will improve your credit score; especially if your credit score is near the next bracket.

  • Excellent Credit 760+
  • Good Credit 700+
  • Fair Credit 640+

If you have a credit score of 770, improving it to 780 is not worth your time. On the contrary, if your credit score is 680, increasing it 770 is a significant improvement which will increase your chance of getting approved. You will also save a lot of money because you’ll have better interest rate options.

In this chart using Experian data, you can see the average FICO score has increased significantly over the last decade.

 

The best way to improve your odds of getting approved is to always pay your bills on time and reduce your debt-to-available-credit ratio.

If you have negative remarks or late payments on your credit report, it’s best to wait for six months and not miss payments to improve your odds of getting a loan. Moreover, having a good relationship with your lender is an advantage if you have a negative item on your credit report. Write the lender a nice letter asking him to remove the negative remark.

5. Apply in One Bank At A Time

One of the mistakes you should avoid is applying for multiple loans all at the same time. It’s best to see if one or two lenders will approve of you getting a loan. Whether you know it or not, applying for multiple loans shows up negatively on your credit report. 

Lenders don’t like that at all because they consider you a risky borrower. More than likely, the lender will not approve your loan application.

6. Ask questions

When you find a loan that interests you, contact the bank personally to find out the eligibility requirements and ask important questions.

Also, it may be necessary for you to make an appointment with the loan officer so he can go over the required materials, documents, and timelines in order for you to continue with the loan approval process. Every bank has its own requirements. This is why it’s important for you to know them upfront for preparation purposes.

7. Be Honest

Honesty is a vital attribute you have to have in order to get approved for a loan. If you are dishonest during the application process, lenders will deny your application as they evaluate your credit score and history.

It’s very important for you to be upfront and honest throughout the loan application process.

For instance, if you are honest with us but not successful with getting a loan, you are in a good position for us to help you in your financial situation so you can apply again in the future. It also positions you to be seen as a responsible and respectful borrower.

Furthermore, if you are not honest throughout the application process, lenders will not approve your loan application. This will also prevent you from getting credit from other lenders in the future.

8. Add Spouse/Parents as Co-Applicants

A lot of people do this to add more weight to their loan application.

Adding a family member to your application not only adds fuel to the fire, but it also gives the lender an extra sense of security that you will repay the loan. As a result, you’ll get the amount you desire to have.

What if I’m Not eligible?

Here are some things that you can do if you discover that you don’t meet minimum income requirements:

  • Apply For A Lower Amount – If you are not able to show the lender you can meet the income requirements, consider borrowing less. Moreover, it’s lower payments for you and less risk for the lender.
  • Choose A More Affordable Loan – The lender may also feel that the loan fee(s) and the interest rate is too expensive for you. Lenders consider this risky. There are other loans you can get that have lower interest rates and fees. As a result, you’ll be ion a better position to manage your repayments.
  • Try Your Current Bank – If you have a good relationship with your bank, you will be in a better position to get loan approval. The information regarding the loan product that interests you is on your bank’s website.

What is the Easiest Personal Loan to Get?

Personal loans are not the easiest to obtain, especially for those with poor credit. Alternative sources that are specialized in financing subprime borrowers can help them borrow money more easily with minimal requirements.

Lenders offer quick loans to borrowers with poor credit (629 FICO or lower). You will be eligible if you have poor credit and can prove steady income. Although your credit score does not affect the time it takes for a lender for you to get a loan, your loan will likely have a high APR. You may also be denied for large amounts.

When comparing fast cash personal loans from online lenders, take into account the rates, terms, and how long it will take for the lender to fund the loan. If your interest rate is high, think about whether you can wait to borrow. You can also pre-qualify with multiple lenders to compare rates, terms, and loan features before making a decision.

Where Can I Get a Personal Loan With No credit?

A loan can be obtained with or without credit. There are three options for getting a loan without credit and with no co-signer: credit-builder loans; secured personal loans; and home equity loans.

Regular personal loans are not available without collateral. They usually require a minimum credit score of 620+ and a history of at least a few years. Online lenders may offer installment loans without a credit check. Although you might be able repay this short-term loan in a few months, interest rates are usually quite high.

This is where a cosigner can be of great assistance. You can get someone with a credit history that is established to co-sign your application so you can use their credit instead of yours during the approval process.

A poor credit score doesn’t necessarily mean you have no credit history. If someone says you don’t have a credit score, it usually means there’s not enough information about your borrowing behavior. Personal loans for people with bad credit are designed specifically for borrowers who don’t have an extensive credit history.

You might not be able to build credit if you have an immediate need for money. These are some options for lending.

  • Earnin – Earnin is a great option for those who are employed. It can provide a small amount that will last you until you get your next paycheck. Earnin can advance up to $100 per day and up to $500 per pay period. You can tip what you consider fair and it doesn't charge interest or mandatory fees.
  • Stilt – This lender provides loans to immigrants and the “underserved.” It accepts applications even if your Social Security number is not yet available. According to the company, it will analyze information like your financial habits, educational history, and work experience.
  • Oportun – This lender may be able to approve you even if your credit score is not good. They offer both secured and unsecured personal loans. Oportun claims it will not only check your credit, but also considers other factors. Oportun reports your payment history and other factors to credit bureaus so that it can help build credit with on-time payments.
  • Brigit – Brigit will advance up to $250 if you are willing to pay a monthly fee. You can also use the app to track your spending and get auto advances for your case.
Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.