- Prequalification usually uses a soft credit check that does not affect your score.
- Lenders that skip the major bureaus usually charge much higher APRs.
- “No credit check, guaranteed approval” personal loans with upfront fees are scams.
Soft check vs. hard check
| Soft credit check | Hard credit check | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Checking your rate or prequalifying | Final application |
| Affects your score? | No | Can lower it a few points temporarily |
| Visible to other lenders? | No | Yes |
Many banks and online lenders let you see your likely rate with a soft check. That gives you most of the benefit of “no credit check” without the high price.
Real options when your credit is poor
- Credit unions, including payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
- Secured personal loans backed by savings or a CD, which are easier to qualify for.
- Co-signed loans, using someone with stronger credit.
- Lenders that consider more than your score, such as income, education or bank-account data.
- Installment lenders for bad credit, which often skip the major bureaus but charge high APRs. See installment loans for bad credit.
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
Red flags
- Guarantees approval before seeing your information
- Asks for a fee, gift card or wire transfer before paying out
- Will not show the APR and total cost in writing
- Is not licensed in your state
Need a small amount?
For a few hundred dollars, cash advance apps and bank small-dollar loans often need no credit check at all and cost far less. See also no credit check payday loans.
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 personal loan with no credit check?
Rarely from mainstream lenders. Most do at least a soft check to prequalify. Lenders that skip credit checks usually charge very high APRs.
Does checking my rate hurt my credit?
Usually not. Prequalification typically uses a soft credit check. A hard check happens only when you formally apply.
What is the easiest personal loan to get with bad credit?
Secured loans, co-signed loans and credit union loans are often easiest. High-APR installment lenders also approve many bad-credit borrowers.