9 Personal Loans for Non-U.S. Citizens and How to Get One
Being a permanent resident with a Social Security number or ITIN may make it easier to qualify for a personal loan.
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Lead Writer & Content Strategist Qualifying for a personal loan can be challenging for anyone, but those who are not United States citizens may have an especially difficult time. Many lenders have strict eligibility requirements that leave non-U.S. citizens with limited access to affordable financing. If you can’t qualify for a personal loan, consider low-cost alternatives.
Can non-U.S. citizens get personal loans?
Non-U.S. citizens can get personal loans, but eligibility requirements vary by lender, and it’s generally tougher than if you were a citizen.
Some lenders may consider non-citizens high-risk borrowers based on two factors: the duration of their stay in the country and a potential lack of credit.
Since personal loans have long repayment terms — two to seven years, but sometimes longer — lenders could be concerned that you may leave the country before you repay the loan in full. Non-citizens also need time to build credit and may have nonexistent or low credit scores.
Lawful permanent residents, also known as green card holders, will have the easiest time applying for a personal loan because they can usually show long-term status in the country and provide Social Security numbers, which help lenders assess credit.
Lenders may also accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, instead of a Social Security number, though it’s less common.
In addition to permanent residency, some lenders accept a valid visa. Visas that show you’ll be in the country longer than the loan term you’re applying for may be especially helpful.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act protects credit applicants from discrimination based on their national origin or race. Though lenders can review immigration status on a loan application, it should not be the basis of their approval decision, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If you think you’ve been unfairly discriminated against based on your immigration status, you can submit a complaint via the CFPB’s website or by calling 855-411-2372. More than 180 languages are available via phone. 9 personal loans for non-U.S. citizens
These nine lenders accept applications from permanent residents, visa holders and other immigrants. In some cases, you’ll need to provide documentation, such as a copy of your green card or visa.
1. SoFi
on SoFi's website
SoFi offers personal loans to borrowers with good credit (scores from the mid 600s and the mid 700s). SoFi also lets borrowers add a co-borrower to apply for a joint loan.
- Minimum credit score: None.
- Loan amounts available: $5,000-$100,000.
- Terms available: Two to seven years.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants can be permanent U.S. residents or non-permanent residents. Permanent U.S. residents must show proof of a Green Card with at least two years of total validity. Non-permanent residents, including DACA recipients and asylum seekers, need to have an E-2, E-3, H-1B, J-1, L-1 or O-1 visa or a Form I-797A or I-797B.
» MORE: SoFi personal loan review
2. LendingClub
on NerdWallet's secure website
LendingClub offers personal loans to borrowers with a credit score in the 600s or higher. It may be an especially good fit if you need a personal loan to consolidate and pay off debt.
- Minimum credit score: 600.
- Loan amounts available: $1,000-$40,000.
- Terms available: Two to six years.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents or visa holders.
» MORE: LendingClub personal loan review
3. Upgrade
on Upgrade's website
Upgrade accepts borrowers with bad credit (scores from 300 to the high 500s). Upgrade customers can sign up for free credit score monitoring and get tips to build credit.
- Minimum credit score: 580.
- Loan amounts available: $1,000-$50,000.
- Terms available: Two to seven years.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents or visa holders.
» MORE: Upgrade personal loan review
4. Universal Credit
on Universal Credit's website
Universal Credit is an offshoot of Upgrade, but borrowers with low credit scores may have a better chance of qualifying with Universal Credit.
- Minimum credit score: 580.
- Loan amounts available: $1,000-$50,000.
- Terms available: Three or five years.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents or visa holders.
5. Rocket Loans
on Rocket Loans' website
Rocket Loans offers same-day personal loans to good-credit borrowers.
- Minimum credit score: 640.
- Loan amounts available: $2,000-$45,000.
- Terms available: Three or five years.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents.
6. Achieve
on Achieve's website
Achieve is a digital finance company that offers multiple rate discounts for its personal loans. Borrowers who take out a joint loan with a co-borrower can be eligible for a rate discount of up to four percentage points.
- Minimum credit score: 640.
- Loan amounts available: $5,000-$50,000.
- Terms available: Two to five years.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents with either a Social Security number or ITIN.
» MORE: Achieve personal loan review
7. Oportun
on NerdWallet's secure website
Oportun provides personal loans to low- and moderate-income borrowers with limited or no credit history. Oportun offers secured loans in select states.
- Minimum credit score: None.
- Loan amounts available: $300-$10,000.
- Terms available: One to five years.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants must have either a Social Security number or ITIN.
» MORE: Oportun personal loan review
8. TD Bank
on NerdWallet's secure website
TD Bank offers lower rates than many online lenders, but applicants must have good or excellent credit.
- Minimum credit score: 660.
- Loan amounts available: $2,000-$50,000.
- Terms available: Three to five years.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants must have a Social Security number or ITIN.
» MORE: TD Bank personal loan review
9. Capital Good Fund
on NerdWallet's secure website
Capital Good Fund serves borrowers with low income and thin or bad credit in a handful of states. It has several types of loans, including a loan to cover immigration-related costs.
- Minimum credit score: None.
- Loan amounts available: $300-$50,000.
- Terms available: 15 months to seven years.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants must provide a Social Security number or ITIN for most loans.
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Applying for a personal loan as a non-U.S. citizen
Applying for a personal loan is a straightforward process that can mostly be done online. You can also apply over the phone or in person at a bank or credit union.
To apply, you’ll usually need to meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Show proof of identity with a government-issued ID.
- Provide a U.S.-based address and valid bank account.
- List contact details like a phone number and email address.
- Show proof of income and employment.
Almost all applications require a SSN or ITIN to pull your credit. Though some lenders cater specifically to borrowers with bad credit or thin credit histories, many like to see good credit and two to three years of credit history.
» MORE: Best personal loans
Pre-qualifying for a personal loan
If possible, pre-qualify with the lender to see if you clear its credit requirement. Pre-qualifying includes a soft credit pull, which won’t affect your credit score.
Adding a co-signer or co-borrower to your application
If you’re unable to qualify on your own, adding a co-signer or co-borrower — preferably a U.S. citizen — may increase your chances of getting approved for a personal loan or help you get a lower interest rate or higher loan amount.
A co-signer is someone who adds their name to the primary borrower’s loan application. Though this person won’t have access to the loan funds, they're legally responsible for the loan amount and any additional fees if you’re unable to pay.
A co-borrower is someone with whom you share a joint personal loan. Both individuals have access to the loan proceeds, and both are responsible for repaying the loan. SoFi, LendingClub, Upgrade and Achieve offer joint personal loans.
Adding collateral to secure the loan
Lenders often view secured loans as less risky than unsecured loans, because they can take the collateral to offset a financial loss if a borrower defaults on a loan. You may have a better chance of qualifying for a personal loan as a non-U.S. citizen if you opt for a secured personal loan.
Not all lenders offer this option, but Oportun and Upgrade provide secured loans. Lenders typically accept a vehicle or savings account as collateral.
Alternatives to personal loans for non-U.S. citizens
If you can’t qualify for a personal loan, there are other financing options available. Stay clear of short-term, high-cost loans, like payday loans, which can trap you in a cycle of debt, and consider more affordable alternatives instead.
Lending circles: Lending circles are groups that pool their resources to provide no-interest loans to members on a rotating basis. There may already be lending circles in your community, but if you’re not sure where to start, you can apply with Mission Asset Fund, which matches you with a local lending group of six to 12 people. Loan amounts range from $300 to $2,400.
Specialized loans from local credit unions: Your local credit union may offer loans specifically for non-citizens. Many of these loans cover costs related to gaining citizenship and may be called immigration loans, dreamer loans or citizenship loans. Many credit unions also offer ITIN loans, which are loans you can apply for with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. You’ll need to become a member of the credit union before applying.
Local community organizations: If you need to cover an emergency expense, like a car repair or medical bill, a nonprofit organization may be able to help. Check NerdWallet’s database of local financial assistance programs, which has a list of resources in each state.
Family loans: Borrowing from a family member or friend requires no formal application and it could come with little to no interest. Draft up a loan agreement to ensure both parties consent to the terms of the family loan. Make sure to sign and notarize the agreement.
More NerdWallet resources for non-citizens
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- 1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What Is a Debt Relief Program and How Do I Know if I Should Use One?. Accessed Jan 16, 2025.
- 2. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Finance Rate on Personal Loans at Commercial Banks, 24 Month Loan. Accessed May 23, 2025.
- 3. Internal Revenue Service. Canceled debt – Is it taxable or not?. Accessed Apr 1, 2025.
- 4. National Credit Union Administration. Credit Union and Bank Rates 2024 Q4. Accessed May 23, 2025.
- 5. Angi.com. How Much Does It Cost to Make My Home Accessible?. Accessed Nov 12, 2024.
- 6. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Consumer Use of Buy Now, Pay Later and Other Unsecured Debt. Accessed Jan 27, 2025.
- 7. Internal Revenue Service. Retirement Topics - Plan Loans. Accessed Apr 8, 2025.
- 8. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What is a payday loan?. Accessed Apr 4, 2025.
- 9. The Pew Charitable Trusts. Payday Loans Cost 4 Times More in States With Few Consumer Protections. Accessed Apr 4, 2025.
- 10. Federal Reserve. Military Lending Act. Accessed Apr 4, 2025.
- 11. Internal Revenue Service. Retirement topics: Exceptions to tax on early distributions. Accessed Apr 8, 2025.
- 12. Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Bankruptcy Basics. Accessed Apr 8, 2025.
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How we chose the best personal loans
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Lenders reviewed
We review over 35 lenders, including major banks, top credit unions, leading digital platforms, and high interest installment lenders operating across multiple states.
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Data points analyzed
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NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates personal loan products from more than 35 financial technology companies and financial institutions. We collect over 70 data points and cross-check company websites, earnings reports and other public documents to confirm product details. We may also go through a lender’s pre-qualification flow and follow up with company representatives. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.
Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer consumer-friendly features, including: soft credit checks to pre-qualify, competitive interest rates and no fees, transparency of rates and terms, flexible payment options, fast funding times, accessible customer service, reporting of payments to credit bureaus and financial education. Our ratings award fewer points to lenders with practices that may make a loan difficult to repay on time, such as charging high annual percentage rates (above 36%), underwriting that does not adequately assess consumers’ ability to repay and lack of credit-building help. We also consider regulatory actions filed by agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to consumers and how meaningfully they impact consumers’ experiences.
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