Although most lenders pull your credit report before deciding whether to approve you for a to lend, some offer loans without a credit check. Since loans that don’t require a credit check usually come with exorbitant interest rates, it’s best to avoid them.
What is a no credit check loan?
A loan without a credit check is a loan that does not require a credit check. You might be tempted to apply if you don’t have the best credit and think you can’t be approved for other types of financing products. Here are some examples of loans without a credit check:
Payday loans
Payday loans are small, short-term loans that you can repay the next time you get paid. In most cases, you will pay them back within two to four weeks. These no credit check loans are designed to provide you with quick cash to hold you over until your next paycheck.
Installment loans without credit check
With no credit check installment loans, you borrow a lump sum of money and repay it over time via fixed monthly installments or installments. They usually come with larger loan amounts than payday loans and can be used to cover just about any expense.
Auto title loans
Auto title loans are secured loans that use your car as collateral. You give the lender title to your car in exchange for borrowing money. The amount you can receive will depend on the value of your car. Most lenders will let you drive your car while you pay off the loan. If you default on a car title loan, the lender can repossess your vehicle.
Secured credit cards
You cannot be approved for a traditional unsecured credit card with bad credit. This is where secured credit cards come in – some issuers don’t do credit checks for them. When you sign up for a secured credit card, you make a cash deposit which is usually equal to your credit limit. The credit card issuer will take your deposit if you do not pay your bill.
Co-signer loans
If you don’t qualify for a loan on your own, ask a trusted friend or family member to be your co-signer and apply for a loan with you. You’re more likely to be approved and earn a great interest rate if you have a co-signer with good or excellent credit. Just be sure to repay the loan so you can improve your credit and not leave your co-signer responsible for the payments.
Why are no credit check loans not a good idea?
Although no credit check loans may seem like good options at first glance, you should avoid them if possible. Their sky-high interest rates lead to high payments, which can land you in a cycle of debt and wreak havoc on your credit. You may find that a loan without a credit check does more harm than good for your long-term financial situation.
Can I get a loan with bad credit?
You don’t have to turn to a no credit check loan if you have bad credit. Fortunately, there are many lenders who accept borrowers with bad credit. They may look at factors other than your credit to determine if they should approve you for a loan, such as your income, work history, and debt-to-equity ratio.
What are the alternatives to loans without credit check?
There are several alternatives to no credit check loans that can give you the funds you need, even if you have bad credit or no credit. Here is a brief overview of them.
Bad credit lenders
A number of lenders specialize in providing money to borrowers with bad credit. If you go with a bad credit lender, you may be able to get a relatively low interest rate for someone with less than stellar credit.
credit unions
Compared to banks, credit unions often have lenient requirements. As long as you are a member, you may be able to get approved for a loan from a credit union, even with bad credit. Credit unions will likely look at your overall financial situation in addition to your credit. In addition, the interest rate they can charge is capped at 18%.
Alternative payday loans
Alternative payday loans (APP) are small, short-term loans offered by some federal credit unions. They are generally more affordable than traditional payday loans and come with longer repayment terms. If you apply for PAL, a credit union will ask you for proof of your income to ensure that you can repay your loan.
Secured loans
Secured loans are backed by collateral, which is something valuable that you own. Collateral can be physical property such as a house, car or boat. It can also be a cash deposit. Since secured loans are less risky for lenders, you can get approved for a loan with bad credit. The caveat, however, is that the lender can seize your collateral if you fail to repay your loan.
The bottom line
If you have bad credit or no credit and need to borrow money, do not resort to a loan without a credit check. Instead, explore the alternatives available to you and think about the pros and cons of each. By choosing an alternative like a loan from a lender with bad credit, you can save on interest and significantly reduce the overall cost of borrowing.
