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Get a loan without a bank account

You can get a loan without a checking or savings account, but your options may be limited to shorter loans.

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Bethany Hickey

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Without a bank account you may be limited to loans that are less than 12 months long, such as payday advances or small personal loans. Other less-traditional options that don’t require a bank account, like vehicle title loans, can be extremely expensive — so watch out for high rates.

5 lenders that don’t require bank accounts

While borrowers with bank accounts have more options, we’ve gathered five loan options that don’t require a checking or savings account.

LenderLoan typeEligibilityCost
OneMain FinancialPersonal loanNo strict credit score requirements.
Not available in AK, AR, CT, MA, RI, VT.		Rates range from 18% to 35.99%. Origination fee 1% to 10% or $25 and $500.
Go to site
Max CashTitle loanOver 18, vehicle equity, car title, photo ID, regular source of income, US citizen or permanent resident. Not a resident of NY.APRs can range from 29%–300%. The average is about 87%–97% APR.
Go to site
LoanMartTitle loanResident of AL, AZ, GA, MO, NM, UT or SC. Have a car that is paid off or almost paid off, proof of income, over 18, US citizen or permanent resident.Varies by state. While rates are not stated, APRs could exceed 90% and possibly reach up to 300% or more.
Go to site
Dollar Loan CenterPayday loanOver 18, no open bankruptcies, regular income, access to Nevada or Utah.Varies by state. But typical APRs can reach up to 400% or more.
Read review
Check CityPayday loanGovernment ID,
proof of income (employed for at least 6 months), proof of address,
two references.		Varies by state, but could reach up to 460% APR or more.
Read review

6 types of loans without a bank account

Here are six lending options that you may qualify for without a bank account:

  1. CDFI loans — Some Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) offer payday loan alternatives that don’t require a bank account. CDFIs are nonprofits with a mission to serve economically disadvantaged areas.
  2. Personal loans — While less common, some lenders that cater to bad credit borrowers, like OneMain Financial, may not require a bank account to qualify for a loan — unless you’re asked to provide bank statements as proof of income.
  3. Credit card cash advances — Credit card advances are a convenient way to access fast cash. But be prepared to pay $5 to $10 per advance or a 3% to 5% fee on the amount borrowed. You’ll also pay a significantly higher APR on cash advances than regular purchases.
  4. Vehicle title loans — Also called a title loan, this option allows you to borrow against the value of your paid-off vehicle. You can often take out 25% to 50% of your car’s value, though it’s possible to find loans for up to 90% of its resale price. Some lenders don’t require a bank account if you apply in person.
  5. Pawn loans — Rather than sell and buy back your personal items, some pawnshops let you put up your valuables for collateral on a loan. With a pawn loan, you borrow a percentage of your item’s resale value — typically 25% to 60% — repaying it in cash, after which your items are returned.
  6. Payday loans — Also called short-term loans, payday loans are small loans often repaid within a few weeks or a month. If you apply in person, some lenders let you pick up and repay your funds in cash or by money transfer.

If you’re considering a short-term payday, installment or title loan, be aware that APRs can run high — often in the triple digits. And many borrowers find themselves in debt longer than expected due to repeat borrowing.
If you just need a small loan between paydays, consider a no-interest cash advance app. Cash advance apps never charge financing fees or interest on what you borrow, making them cheaper than short-term payday, installment and title loans.

How to get a loan without a bank account

We won’t mince words — your lendings options are much more limited compared to a borrower with an active bank account. On the plus side, applying for a loan without a bank account is nearly identical to applying for a loan with one (minus the bank statements).
Here are general steps to getting a loan without a bank account:

  1. Check your credit. If you have a credit score above 670, you’re likely to have more options available, and knowing your credit score can help you find lenders that can work with your credit rating.
  2. Compare lenders. First step before applying anywhere is compare lenders by rates, loan amounts, reputations, and overall loan conditions.
  3. Gather docs. Once you find a lender, gather documents such as a few weeks or months of pay stubs, proof of residency, valid ID, SSN and contact information. Lenders vary in what documents they require.
  4. Apply. After submitting all your documents with the lender(s) of your choice, wait for the lending decision.

Depending on the size and type of the loan you’re applying for — such as unsecured or secured — you may need less or more documentation. For example, a title loan requires your vehicle’s title that’s free of a lien. A legitimate lender you’re working with lets you know the expectations and basic requirements of the loan.

Why do most lenders require a bank account?

A bank statement can give a lender a lot of information. When reviewing your application, lenders like to see how much money you have to get an idea of how you handle your personal finances — many require that you have a positive balance.
Bank accounts also make it easier for lenders to transfer loan funds quickly. Most lenders use the electronic Automated Clearing House (ACH) to disburse your loan and collect repayments. ACH works only between bank accounts.
Beyond this, a bank account can show lenders that you’re financially healthy and not a borrowing risk. The less of a risk you are, the better the chance you have for approval and competitive rates.

Compare more loans that don’t require a bank account

1 - 0 of 0
Updated regularly
Name Product USFSL Filter Values Loan amount Turnaround time Requirements
Chime SpotMe®
Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Chime SpotMe®
Up to $200
Instant
Qualifying $200 direct deposits into Chime checking account each month. Chime debit or Credit Builder card.
Access fee-free overdrafts up to $200 when eligible. Plus get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit. See Chime terms and conditions.
Go to siteMore Info
EarnIn
Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
EarnIn
Up to $750 per pay period, but only $150 per day
1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Direct deposit sent to a checking account, a regular pay schedule, a fixed work location or an online timekeeping system at work
No mandatory fees, no interest and no credit checks. Subject to EarnIn terms & conditions.
Go to siteMore Info
OppLoans Installment Loans
Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
OppLoans Installment Loans
$500 to $4,000
As soon as the same business day
+18 years old, Receive paychecks through direct deposit, $1,500 minimum monthly income, Live in eligible state
Comes with the option to change your due date so you won’t fall behind on repayments.
Go to siteMore Info
Cleo
Finder Score: 4.1 / 5: ★★★★★
Cleo
Up to $250
3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
Not stated
Automatically monitor your spending plus access cash advances up to $100 at a time.
Go to siteMore Info
Sorbet
Not rated yet
Sorbet
Based partially on the amount of your accrued & unused PTO
Up to 5 business days for approval and 5 business days for funding, or faster for a fee
18 years old or age of majority in your home state, annual income $30,000 a year, proof of income may be required, have a bank account supported by Sorbet
Tap your unused PTO for a cash advance so you can access that money early. Loans made by Lead Bank. Select Go to site for more info.
Go to siteMore Info
Max Cash Title Loans
Up to $50,000
Same business day to 1 business days
Must be a US citizen or permanent resident, 18 or older with a regular source of income.
With a quick online application, Max Cash could help connect you with a lender, finding you options in minutes.
Go to siteMore Info
Dave ExtraCash
Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Dave ExtraCash
Up to $500
Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee
At least two direct deposit paychecks to your bank account from your employer, extra money in your bank account
Borrow up to $100 to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
Go to siteMore Info
LoanMart Car Title Loans
$2,500 to $50,000
1 business day
Resident of an eligible state, car title in your name, proof of income, valid state ID
A LoanMart auto title loan allows you to borrow money against your car, even if you have bad credit.
Go to siteMore Info
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Getting a bank account expands your loan options

Without a bank account your lending options are limited to mostly expensive payday loans, pawn shops, vehicle title loans and some personal loans. If you’re not comfortable with those, you can expand your opportunities with a bank account.
If you have a valid ID like a passport or drivers’ license, a Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification number and some cash on hand, you can open a checking account at a financial institution.
If you’re concerned about paying a minimum opening deposit or monthly fee, most financial institutions now have free checking account options with low or no minimum deposits.

Bottom line

It’s possible to get a loan without a checking account. Your three main options are payday, auto title and pawnshop loans. Some personal lenders may offer no-bank-account loans, but they’re rare. You could also get a credit card cash advance or apply for a CDFI loan, although it could take up to a month to fund.
But you may want to consider opening a bank account to give yourself more options. The most competitive personal loan lenders require borrowers to have an active checking account to verify your finances and send loan proceeds to you. If you don’t have a bank account due to bad credit or a ChexSystems profile, consider opening a second-chance bank account.

Bethany Hickey's headshot
Written by

Editor, Banking

Bethany Hickey is the banking editor and personal finance expert at Finder, specializing in banking, lending, insurance, and crypto. Bethany’s expertise in personal finance has garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets, such as Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GOBankingRates, SuperMoney, AOL and Newsweek. Her articles offer practical financial strategies to Americans, empowering them to make decisions that meet their financial goals. Her past work includes articles on generational spending and saving habits, lending, budgeting and managing debt. Before joining Finder, she was a content manager where she wrote hundreds of articles and news pieces on auto financing and credit repair for CarsDirect, Auto Credit Express and The Car Connection, among others. Bethany holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was poetry editor for the university’s Qua Literary and Fine Arts Magazine. See full bio

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Bethany has written 435 Finder guides across topics including:
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106 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    roseNovember 7, 2019

    can I have a payday loan but I dont have direct deposit? I got my salary weekly

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoNovember 8, 2019

      Hi Rose,

      Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well. Yes, you can apply for a payday loan when you don’t have a bank account. Be reminded that it will likely cost you more than the average personal loan. These types of loans are payday, auto title, pawn, debit card and signature loans. Fees and APRs that can top out at 700% or more. Given this, carefully review the eligibility criteria of the loan before applying to increase your chances of approval. Read up on the terms and conditions and product disclosure statement and contact the bank should you need any clarifications about the policy.

      If you decide to open a bank account – please contact your bank to have your direct deposit setup. Otherwise, you can review the options stated on the page for loans you can apply for it without a bank account. Make sure you read the eligibility and cost carefully and when you are decided, click the GREEN BUTTON on the right side and you will be brought to the lender’s official page. For other lenders, click the orange READ REVIEW button and you will be brought to a Finder review page about the lender. You can simply search for their website via Google to proceed with your application.

      Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.

      With care,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    AnonymousMay 7, 2019

    Need a personal loan of $10,000. What are the requirements for a person with no bank account and part time job?

      AvatarFinder
      JeniMay 7, 2019Finder

      Hi Anonymous,

      Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

      Most lenders would have these minimum requirements below:

      -Credit Rating: Varies, but the lowest average score is 640.
      -Annual Income: Typically $25,000 or more.
      -Credit History: You will usually need a credit history, sometimes of several years, in order to qualify.
      -Debt-to-income ratio: Most lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio of 45%, not including your mortgage.

      If you do not have a bank account and not working but receiving benefits, you may consider getting a disability loan. Loans for people on disability — often called SSI loans — are available even if you have a limited income or less-than-stellar credit. While short-term loans are the easiest to qualify for, you may be able to find more competitive offers from federal credit unions or even the federal government. Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&C or PDS of the loan products before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.

      You may also consider getting an auto title loan if you own a car and willing to use it as collateral.

      I hope this helps.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

    Default Gravatar
    LisaApril 16, 2019

    Can I get a loan without a bank account? I get social security disability and have a part-time job.

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoApril 17, 2019

      Hi Lisa,

      Thanks for getting in touch! Yes, while it is possible to get a loan without a bank account, your options are quite slim and APRs will be higher compared to an average loan. Our page shows the options you have of a loan at the moment. You can also review your options in getting a bank account as it is very easy and you’ll find tips on how to do it on our page. As a friendly reminder, review the eligibility criteria of the loan before applying to increase your chances of approval. Read up on the terms and conditions and product disclosure statement and contact the bank should you need any clarifications about the policy.

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    TanekaApril 15, 2019

    I don’t have a bank account and I need a loan. I get paid every week on a debit card. And I don’t have a car or anything to pawn. What are my options?

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoApril 16, 2019

      Hi Taneka,

      Thanks for getting in touch with Finder! There are ways to get a loan when you don’t have a bank account and according to the information above your options include payday, auto title, pawn, debit card and signature loans however these loan options come with a higher APR. Consider your options of opening a bank account before applying for these loans and you can find information on how to open a bank account on the information above.

      Hope this helps!

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    MohammedMarch 31, 2019

    I need loan pay off to family frineds borrow money from them can i get loan plz

      AvatarFinder
      johnbasanesApril 1, 2019Finder

      HI Mohammed,

      Thank you for reaching out to Finder.

      If you are looking for loans you can actually get without a bank account, the page we’re on offers a list of lenders that you could reach out to for an application. Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
      Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You may also see a list of lenders offering short-term loans. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

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