Most lenders want you to be 18 or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with an SSN, with regular income deposited into a checking account in your name.
On this page
- What most lenders ask for
- Documents to have ready
- What about credit score?
- How much income do you need?
- Active-duty service members
- How this compares with Deer Creek Lending
- Deer Creek Lending requirements
- Requirements by amount
- Common reasons requests are declined
- Self-employed or on benefits
- Will lenders check my credit?
- Questions
- Sources
What most lenders ask for
Each lender sets its own rules, so there is no single list. These are the basics nearly every lender in the network looks for. Tick each line that is true for you.
Documents to have ready
- Government photo ID. Driver's license, state ID or passport.
- Proof of income. A recent pay stub, benefits letter, 1099 or bank statements showing deposits.
- Bank details. Routing and account number. Some lenders connect to your bank in read-only mode to confirm income.
- Proof of address. A utility bill, lease or bank statement, if the lender asks.
Having these ready is the single biggest thing you control about how fast you get funded.
One free request shows what lenders in our network could offer you for $200 to $5,000. No fee, and checking won't affect your credit score.
What about credit score?
There is no universal minimum. Lenders quoting under 36% APR often look for scores around 580 or higher. Some short-term lenders accept lower scores and focus on income and bank history instead, but they price that risk with higher APRs.
A request through us starts with information you give and, at many lenders, a soft inquiry. A hard inquiry usually happens only if you pick an offer and finish that lender's application.
How much income do you need?
Many lenders look for steady take-home pay of about $1,000 a month or more, deposited into your checking account. Benefits such as Social Security and disability payments count with many lenders. Cash income that never reaches a bank account is hard for lenders to verify.
Lenders also look at what you already owe. As a rule of thumb, keep total debt payments, including the new loan, under about a third of your take-home pay.
Active-duty service members
The Military Lending Act protects active-duty service members and their dependents. Covered loans cannot carry a Military Annual Percentage Rate above 36%, and lenders cannot require a military allotment for repayment (CFPB). Many high-cost lenders, including some tribal lenders, simply decline covered borrowers.
How this compares with Deer Creek Lending
Deer Creek Lending sets its own requirements and does not publish a full list on its home page. If you are deciding between applying there and sending a request through us, the core checks are similar: identity, income and a checking account. The bigger difference is cost, which the alternatives page covers.
Deer Creek Lending requirements
Deer Creek Lending does not publish a full requirements list. Its terms say its site is for people 18 or older, and its rates page says finance charges depend on creditworthiness, considering credit and payment history, income, employment, existing debt and types of debt. Loans are subject to credit approval and verification. It does not lend in Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia (Availability and Rates, Terms and Conditions).
Requirements by amount
Larger amounts usually need stronger credit and income. See what lenders typically want for each amount:
Common reasons requests are declined
- Income that cannot be verified, such as cash pay that never reaches a bank account.
- Too much existing debt for the new payment to fit.
- Recent returned payments or overdrafts in your bank account.
- Information that does not match your ID or credit file.
- Living in a state where no lender in the network can lend.
Fixing errors, waiting a few weeks after overdrafts and requesting a smaller amount can all help next time.
Self-employed or on benefits
If you are self-employed, lenders usually want bank statements or tax returns showing steady deposits. If your income is Social Security, disability or a pension, an award letter and the account where it is deposited usually work. Make sure the income you enter matches what your bank statements show.
Will lenders check my credit?
Most do. Many start with a soft inquiry that does not affect your score, then run a hard inquiry if you accept an offer and finish the application. Some lenders also check specialty bureaus that track short-term loans and bank account history. Expect at least one hard inquiry if you take a loan.
Questions
Can I qualify without a job?
Some lenders accept benefits, retirement or self-employment income if it is regular and deposited into your account. A request is the quickest way to find out.
Do I need a perfect credit score?
No. Some lenders look at income and bank history. Lower scores usually mean higher APRs, so compare the total cost.
Can I use a prepaid card instead of a bank account?
Most lenders need a checking account in your name for deposits and payments. A few accept other accounts, but it is uncommon.
Can I get a loan without a bank account?
It is difficult. Most online lenders deposit funds and collect payments by ACH, so they need a checking account in your name.
Sources
- CFPB: What are my rights under the Military Lending Act?
- CFPB: What is the difference between a loan interest rate and the APR?
Why you can trust this page
- Fact-checked October 19, 2026 against the linked sources
- 2 sources linked on this page, mostly primary sources and regulators
- Independent: we are not Deer Creek Lending and are not paid to praise any lender
- Corrections: email [email protected] and we will review it
Written and reviewed by the DeerCreekLendingApply editorial team under our editorial policy. This page is general information, not financial advice.