- Most payday lenders do not use FICO scores, but many still check specialty consumer reporting agencies.
- "Guaranteed approval" is a red flag. Legitimate lenders cannot promise approval.
- Real second chances: second-chance checking, secured cards and credit union PALs.
What is a second chance payday loan?
Lenders use "second chance" to tell people with poor credit, past bankruptcies or old defaults that they can still apply. The loan itself is a normal payday or installment loan. What changes is how the lender decides: mainly on your income and bank activity, not your credit score.
What lenders actually check
- Income and deposits. Pay stubs, benefit letters or bank statements showing regular money coming in.
- Specialty credit reports. Many short-term lenders check agencies that track payday and subprime loans, rather than Equifax, Experian or TransUnion scores. Unpaid payday loans can show up there.
- Bank account history. Returned payments and overdrafts can lead to a decline.
- State databases. Some states track payday loans to enforce limits on how many you can have at once.
"No credit check" usually means no check with the three major credit bureaus, not no check at all. And no legitimate lender can guarantee approval. Treat "guaranteed" offers, and anyone asking for an upfront fee, as a warning sign.
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
Who may qualify
Requirements vary by lender and state, but most ask that you:
- Are 18 or older and live in a state where the lender is licensed
- Have regular income, including benefits
- Have an active checking account (or, with some lenders, a prepaid account that accepts deposits)
- Have a valid ID, phone number and email address
If you are an active-duty service member or a dependent, the Military Lending Act limits most loans to a 36% Military APR, so many payday lenders cannot lend to you.
Better second chances
| Option | What it helps with |
|---|---|
| Second-chance checking account | Getting a bank account after a ChexSystems record |
| Secured credit card | Rebuilding a credit score with a refundable deposit |
| Credit-builder loan | Building payment history while saving |
| Credit union PAL | Borrowing $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR |
See payday alternative loans, options without a bank account and direct lender payday loans for bad credit.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Can I get a payday loan with bad credit?
Often yes. Many payday lenders focus on income rather than credit scores, though most still check specialty reporting agencies and your bank history.
Are second chance payday loans guaranteed?
No. Legitimate lenders cannot guarantee approval. Be wary of any site that promises it or asks for a fee upfront.
Do second chance payday loans build credit?
Usually not. Most payday lenders do not report on-time payments to the major credit bureaus, though unpaid loans can be sent to collections.