What You Need to Qualify for a Short-Term Loan

If you’re thinking about requesting a short-term loan, it helps to know what lenders look for before you apply. It saves you time, and it means we only pass your request to lenders who might actually be able to help.

The basics you’ll generally need:

• Be 18 or older. This is a firm legal requirement.
• Be a US resident in a state we serve. Not every state allows this type of loan, so we only accept requests from states where it’s available. (Check our States We Serve page.)
• Have a regular source of income. Lenders want to see that you have money coming in — from a job, self-employment, benefits, or another steady source — so repayment is realistic.
• Have an active bank account. This is how a lender sends funds and sets up repayment.
• Be able to show valid ID when the lender asks.

What “qualifying” really means (the honest part). Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you a loan. It simply means a lender can consider your request. Each lender adds its own rules on top, and a lender — not us — makes the final decision. Any site that promises “guaranteed approval” is not being straight with you.

A few things that help your chances:

• Give accurate, complete information — mistakes slow things down.
• Apply when you genuinely have income coming in.
• Borrow an amount you can realistically repay on time.

What happens after you apply. You fill out one short form. We check a few basics, store your request securely, and pass it to our lending network. If a lender is interested, they reach out to you with an offer — the rate, fees, and terms — and you decide whether to accept. You’re never locked in by applying.

Think you meet the basics? Start your free request → It takes about 2 minutes and there’s no obligation. We’re not a lender — we simply help you find one.

Read next: Eligibility page · How much does a short-term loan cost · FAQ