If you’re not a U.S. citizen, getting approved for a personal loan in the U.S. can be challenging — but it’s not impossible. Several lenders are open to offering personal loans to non-citizens as long as you meet certain requirements, such as having a valid visa, proof of income, and sometimes a co-signer.
One of the top lenders for non-citizens is Upgrade, known for its flexible qualifications and broad availability. However, the best loan provider for you will depend on your financial needs, credit profile, and residency status.
Top Lenders That Offer Personal Loans to Non-U.S. Citizens
Before applying for a loan, it’s smart to explore different lenders. Here are four Credible partner lenders that support personal loans for non-citizens:
Credible’s Selection Process
Credible evaluated 31 lenders using 899 data points to determine which lenders are best for non-citizens. Their analysis focused on lenders that provide loans to permanent residents (with or without Social Security numbers) and U.S. citizens. Evaluation criteria included:
- Interest rates and fees (18%)
- Loan terms (18%)
- Customer service and experience (17%)
- Eligibility requirements (14%)
- Satisfaction scores (10%)
- Speed and efficiency (10%)
- Options for those with poor or no credit (9%)
- Available discounts (4%)
Credible confirmed this information through direct research, lender websites, support teams, and partner sources.
Can Non-U.S. Citizens Get Personal Loans?
Yes, but eligibility depends on the lender’s criteria. Some lenders accept non-citizens, while others may only work with permanent residents or visa holders. Many lenders require good credit history and steady income. If you lack these, you may need a co-signer.
What Lenders Usually Require from Non-U.S. Citizens
Here’s what most lenders expect when evaluating loan applications from non-citizens:
1. Credit History
Most lenders prefer to see at least two years of U.S. credit history. However, some may accept international credit reports or alternative documentation showing your payment history from your home country.
2. Type of Visa
Your visa type matters. You might qualify if you hold one of the following:
- E-1, E-2
- G-series
- H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3
- J-1
- L-1
- O-1
- TN
3. Loan Term Duration
Most lenders won’t give you a loan with a term longer than the time remaining on your visa. For instance, if your visa expires in two years, you likely can’t get a five-year loan.
4. Co-Signer
If your credit or income isn’t strong enough, applying with a U.S. citizen co-signer can increase your chances of approval. It can also help you secure better rates.
Editor Tip:
“International students with visas like F-1, M-1, or J-1 might qualify for personal loans, especially if they’re working part-time. Focus on lenders with low income requirements like LendingClub (no minimum), Upstart ($12,000), or Best Egg ($3,500).”
— Barry Bridges, Personal Loans Editor, Credible
Steps to Get a Personal Loan as a Non-Citizen
Step 1: Compare Lenders
Start by reviewing loan options and comparing interest rates (APRs), fees, repayment terms, funding speeds, and qualification requirements.
Step 2: Prequalify for Offers
Use loan marketplaces to check your prequalified offers without affecting your credit score. This lets you compare lenders quickly.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather key paperwork such as:
- Government-issued ID (like a driver’s license or visa)
- Proof of address
- Contact info and Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
- Income documentation (pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns)
- Employer information
- Proof of visa/residency status
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Apply through the lender’s website. Most will perform a hard credit check, which might temporarily reduce your credit score by a few points.
Step 5: Review and Sign the Agreement
Once approved, carefully review your loan agreement — including the APR, repayment schedule, and any fees. If everything looks good, sign the documents. The loan amount will usually be deposited into your account within one to three business days.
What If You Have No U.S. Credit History?
Lacking U.S. credit history can be a challenge. However, these options can help:
Nova Credit
Nova Credit allows immigrants to:
- Transfer their foreign credit report to the U.S.
- Apply for secured credit cards
- Use a U.S.-based co-signer
- Establish credit with responsible usage and on-time payments
You can also build your profile by opening a U.S. bank account or using international credit reports when possible.
Interest Rates and Loan Amounts Based on Credit Score and Income
By Credit Score (Credible User Data)
| FICO Score | Avg. APR | Avg. Loan | Avg. Income | % Prequalified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 11.60% | $27,418 | $137,361 | 87.9% |
| Very Good | 14.52% | $23,307 | $118,377 | 79.9% |
| Good | 22.07% | $21,699 | $113,437 | 60.2% |
| Fair | 30.14% | $10,488 | $101,815 | 20.5% |
| Poor | 33.40% | $6,262 | $96,216 | 0.3% |
By Income Level (Credible User Data)
| Income Range | Avg. APR | Avg. Loan | Avg. FICO Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| $90,000+ | 21.24% | $26,130 | 709 |
| $60,000 – $89,999 | 23.36% | $13,598 | 698 |
| $40,000 – $59,999 | 25.34% | $9,641 | 695 |
| $20,000 – $39,999 | 27.44% | $6,650 | 696 |
| Under $20,000 | 30.22% | $4,707 | 690 |
Even if you have a lower credit score, don’t give up. You can still improve your chances by applying with a co-signer or working to improve your credit profile over time.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Loan
There may be fewer options for non-U.S. citizens, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Comparing multiple lenders is the smartest way to find a loan that fits your needs and budget.
Use Credible or similar marketplaces to check your prequalified rates within minutes — with no impact on your credit. Just remember, prequalification is only an estimate. Final offers may differ once a hard credit check is performed.
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