Loans for No Credit History
No FICO scoreNew to credit? Build your profile with the right loan.
No Credit History Loan Overview
Having no credit history — sometimes called being 'credit invisible' — is different from having bad credit. About 26 million Americans have no credit file at all. The good news is that some lenders use alternative data (bank account history, rent payments, employment) to underwrite loans for people without a traditional credit score. A personal loan can be your first step to building a credit profile.
Score Range
No FICO score
Typical APR
15.99% – 29.99%
Approval Odds
Moderate
Tips for No Credit History Borrowers
Look for lenders that accept 'thin file' or no-credit applicants
A co-signer with established credit is your strongest asset
Credit-builder loans are designed specifically for this situation
Start with a small loan and build from there
Consider a secured credit card alongside your loan to build credit faster
Best Lenders for No Credit History
Petal, Self, MoneyLion, and local credit unions often work with no-credit borrowers. SoFi and Upstart use alternative data that can help if you have income but no credit history.
Upgrade
4.3 / 5.0
Upgrade serves a wide credit range with flexible options, including secured and joint loan options for lower-credit borrowers.
APR
9.99% – 35.99%
Amount
$1,000 – $50,000
Min. Score
580
Avant
4.1 / 5.0
Avant specializes in personal loans for borrowers with average credit, offering a streamlined process and reasonable rates for the 580–700 range.
APR
9.95% – 35.99%
Amount
$2,000 – $35,000
Min. Score
580
Upstart
4.3 / 5.0
Upstart uses AI and alternative data to underwrite loans, making them ideal for young borrowers and those with limited credit history.
APR
7.80% – 35.99%
Amount
$1,000 – $50,000
Min. Score
300
OneMain Financial
3.9 / 5.0
OneMain Financial offers personal loans with in-person service at 1,400+ branches, specializing in fair and poor credit borrowers.
APR
18.00% – 35.99%
Amount
$1,500 – $20,000
Min. Score
No minimum published
No Credit History Loan FAQs
No credit means there isn't enough information to generate a score. Bad credit means there IS a score but it's low due to missed payments or other issues. Some lenders actually prefer no-credit over bad-credit applicants.
How much do you need?
Check rates from 200+ lenders — no credit impact.