SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED
This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
Nerdy takeaways
- Some personal loan lenders accept applications from permanent residents and visa holders.
- Non-citizens may have a better chance of qualifying for a loan with a co-applicant who’s a citizen or by getting a secured loan.
- Local credit unions may offer special loans specifically for non-citizens.
Can non-U.S. citizens get personal loans?
Non-U.S. citizens can get personal loans, but it’s generally tougher for non-citizens than it is for citizens.
Eligibility requirements vary by lender, and some lenders consider non-citizens high-risk borrowers. That’s based on two factors: the duration of their stay in the country and a potential lack of credit history.
Since personal loans have repayment terms usually ranging from two to seven years, lenders could be concerned that you may leave the country before you repay the loan in full.
Non-citizens also may have nonexistent or low credit scores, because it takes time to build credit. Financial history from other countries isn’t typically factored into your credit score in the United States.
Lawful permanent residents, also known as green card holders, often have the easiest time applying for personal loans, because they can usually show long-term status in the country and provide Social Security numbers, which help lenders assess credit.
If you don’t have a Social Security number, some lenders accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN. However, that’s less common.
In addition to permanent residency, some lenders accept a valid visa. It’s especially helpful if your visa shows you’re able to stay in the country longer than the loan term you’re applying for.
🤓 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. Achieve
on NerdWallet's secure website
Achieve is a digital finance company that offers multiple rate discounts for its personal loans. The lender says the average borrower who takes out a joint loan with a qualified co-borrower can save about two percentage points off their loan’s annual percentage rate.
- Minimum credit score: 640.
- Loan amounts available: $5,000-$50,000.
- Terms available: Two to five years.
- Non-citizen eligibility requirements: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents with either a Social Security number or ITIN.
» MORE: Achieve personal loan review
2. American Express
on NerdWallet's secure website
American Express offers personal loans only to eligible American Express cardholders.
- Minimum credit score: N/A.
- Loan amounts available: $3,500-$50,000.
- Terms available: One to five years.
- Non-citizen eligibility requirements: Applicants must have either a Social Security number or ITIN.
3. 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 offers a few different types of loans, including a loan to cover immigration-related costs.
- Minimum credit score: N/A.
- Loan amounts available: $500-$50,000.
- Terms available: Up to seven years.
- Non-citizen eligibility requirements: Applicants must provide a Social Security number or ITIN for some loans.
4. First Tech
on NerdWallet's secure website
First Tech Credit Union offers small to mid-sized loans to its credit union members. You can become a First Tech member if you work for one of its over 1,700 partner companies, live or work in one of its participating communities, belong to one of its participating organizations or have a family member who’s a First Tech member.
- Minimum credit score: N/A.
- Loan amounts available: $500-$50,000.
- Terms available: Six months to seven years.
- Non-citizen eligibility requirements: Applicants must have either a Social Security number, an ITIN or an H-1B visa.
5. 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: N/A.
- Loan amounts available: $300-$10,000.
- Terms available: One to five years.
- Non-citizen eligibility requirements: Applicants must have either a Social Security number or ITIN.
» MORE: Oportun personal loan review
6. Prosper
on NerdWallet's secure website
Prosper offers personal loans to applicants with low credit scores. The lender says co-borrowers applying for a joint loan may have less strict borrowing criteria compared to those who apply for a loan alone.
- Minimum credit score: 560.
- Loan amounts available: $2,000-$50,000.
- Terms available: Two to five years.
- Non-citizen eligibility requirements: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents with a Social Security number.
» MORE: Prosper personal loan review
7. SoFi
on NerdWallet's secure website
SoFi offers mid-sized to large personal loans, typically to borrowers with good or excellent credit. SoFi also lets borrowers add a co-borrower to apply for a joint loan.
- Minimum credit score: N/A.
- Loan amounts available: $5,000-$100,000.
- Terms available: Two to seven years.
- Non-citizen eligibility requirements: Applicants can be permanent U.S. residents, visa holders, DACA recipients or asylum seekers. Acceptable documents include, but are not limited to, an E-2, E-3, H-1B, J-1, L-1 or O-1 visa.
» MORE: SoFi personal loan review
8. Upstart
on NerdWallet's secure website
Upstart offers loans to borrowers across the credit spectrum and uses non-traditional data, like employment history and education background, to qualify applicants.
- Minimum credit score: N/A.
- Loan amounts available: $1,000-$75,000.
- Terms available: Three or five years.
- Non-citizen eligibility requirements: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents with a Social Security number.
» MORE: Upstart personal loan review
9. Wells Fargo
on NerdWallet's secure website
Wells Fargo offers a wide range of loan sizes to its customers. You must have a qualifying Wells Fargo account for at least one year prior to applying for a personal loan.
- Minimum credit score: N/A.
- Loan amounts available: $3,000-$100,000.
- Terms available: One to seven years.
- Non-citizen eligibility requirements: Applicants must have a Social Security number or ITIN.
» MORE: Wells Fargo personal loan review
Applying for a personal loan as a non-U.S. citizen
Applying for a personal loan is a straightforward process. You can often apply entirely online, and some banks and credit unions accept applications over the phone or in person.
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 Social Security number or ITIN, so the lender can check your credit. Many lenders like loan applicants to have good credit (a score in the mid-600s or higher) and two to three years of credit history. However, some lenders cater specifically to borrowers with bad credit (scores below 600) or thin credit histories.
Application tips for non-citizens
Pre-qualify
Many lenders let potential borrowers pre-qualify, which helps determine if you meet its lending requirements. Pre-qualifying also shows you the loan amount, annual percentage rate and terms you’d qualify for.
When you pre-qualify, the lender will perform a soft credit pull, which won’t affect your credit score. Pre-qualifying with multiple lenders lets you compare loan offers and find the best option for you.
» GET STARTED: Pre-qualify for free on NerdWallet
Add a co-signer or co-borrower
If you’re unable to qualify on your own, some lenders will let you apply with a co-signer or co-borrower. Adding a co-signer or co-borrower to your loan application — preferably a U.S. citizen — may increase your chances of loan approval. It could also 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. This person won’t have access to the loan funds, but they're legally responsible for repaying the loan 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 funds, and both are responsible for repaying the loan.
Add collateral to secure the 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, since lenders often view secured loans as less risky than unsecured loans.
This is because the borrower pledges a valuable asset as collateral to get a secured loan. The lender is allowed to use that collateral to offset a financial loss if the borrower doesn’t repay the loan as promised.
Lenders typically accept a vehicle or savings account as collateral, but not all lenders offer secured personal loans.
Borrowing alternatives 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. Consider more affordable alternatives instead.
Lending circles
Lending circles are groups that pool their money together 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.
This nonprofit organization can match 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.
Several 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.
Financial assistance from local community organizations
If you can’t afford housing, utility bills, food, transportation or medical care, there may be a non-profit organization in your community that is able to help. Some charities even provide financial assistance in the form of small, low-interest loans.
This quick-help tool from NerdWallet can guide you to the appropriate resources to meet your needs. You can also call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to connect to resources in your area.
Family loans
Borrowing from a family member or friend requires no formal application. Plus, a family loan could come with little to no interest.
Draft up a loan agreement to ensure both parties consent to the terms of repaying the loan. Make sure to sign and notarize the agreement.
More NerdWallet resources for non-citizens
Methodology
How we chose the best personal loans
Our team of consumer lending experts follow an objective and robust methodology to rate lenders and pick the best.
30+
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.
25+
Categories assessed
Each lender is evaluated across five weighted categories and 27 subcategories, covering affordability, eligibility, consumer experience, flexibility, and application process.
60+
Data points analyzed
Our team tracks and reassesses hundreds of data points annually, including APR ranges, fees, credit requirements, and borrower tools, ensuring up to date, accurate comparisons.
Star rating categories
We evaluate more categories than competitors and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience.
NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates personal loan products from more than 30 financial technology companies and financial institutions. We collect over 60 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.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodologies for personal loans and our editorial guidelines.
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary,
trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed
studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with
industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness
and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high
standards for journalism by reading our
editorial guidelines.
