The readiness check
Flip the switch on each line that is true for you today. The dial at the top of the page fills as you go and shows how prepared you are before you apply.
What lenders look at
- Credit history. Whether you have paid on time, how much of your credit you use, and how long you have had accounts.
- Income against debts. What you earn each month compared with what you already owe each month.
- Stability. A steady income and an active bank account in good standing.
- The request itself. The amount and term you are asking for.
For an Instacash loan the basics are: 18 or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in a state where we lend, a regular source of income, an active checking account, and an email address and mobile number. The full list is under what you need to apply.
Common reasons for a "no", and what to do
- Too much existing debtYour monthly debt payments are high compared with your income.Pay down a balance firstOr ask for a smaller amount, so the new payment is lower.
- A thin or damaged credit historyFew accounts, or recent late payments.Build a few months of on-time paymentsA credit builder loan reports your payments to the credit bureaus.
- Income that can't be verifiedThe lender could not confirm what you earn.Have documents readyRecent pay stubs, benefit letters, or bank statements showing deposits.
- An error on the application or reportA wrong digit, or an account on your report that is not yours.Correct it and try againDispute report errors with the credit bureau before you reapply.
If you are declined, the lender has to tell you why, or tell you how to find out. You can also ask for a free copy of the credit report they used, within 60 days. More on that in how to get a personal loan.
Apply the low-risk way
Start with a rate check that uses a soft inquiry. You find out where you stand without any effect on your credit score, and you only go further if you like the offer.
- Checking your rate with us takes about three minutes.
- A hard inquiry may be made only if you accept an offer.
- Want a stronger profile first? See how to improve your credit score quickly.