My Fair Lending

Personal Loan Referral and Education

Personal Loan Eligibility

Understand the lender's role and the questions to ask before submitting information.

  • ✓Free educational resources
  • ✓Compare written terms
  • ✓Decisions belong to lenders

A lender determines its own eligibility requirements and decides whether to make an offer. My Fair Lending does not approve requests, verify qualification or predict a lender's decision. Completing a referral or request form is a step in a process, not confirmation that you qualify.

Before proceeding, ask the lender which documents it needs, which states it serves for the product in question and how it assesses a request. Information about identity, income, credit or existing obligations may be relevant, but the exact requirements vary. Use the lender's current instructions rather than a general checklist as a promise of eligibility.

Understand the credit inquiry involved at each stage. Ask whether a step uses a soft or hard inquiry and how the lender handles credit reporting. Do not assume that an initial eligibility indication means a final decision has been made or that the terms cannot change.

Read the destination site's privacy notice before submitting personal or financial information. Our role is free referral and general education; we do not make loans or broker loans. Product availability and terms vary by state, lender and credit profile, and some products are not offered in every state.

Good to know

Personal Loan Eligibility — FAQs

General information only. Ask the lender about the terms of a specific offer.

+ Can My Fair Lending determine whether I qualify?
No. Only the lender can assess a request under its requirements and make its credit decision.
+ Are requirements identical in every state?
No. Products, availability and lender requirements vary. Ask the lender about the specific product and your state.

Information and resources

Understand the terms before you decide

Read the lender's complete disclosures. Availability and terms vary by state, lender and credit profile.