Securing a personal loan can be a lengthy process, especially if you have a flawed credit history. So what can you do if you’re strapped for cash? Getting a personal loan with no credit check is one way to expedite the loan process. No credit check personal loan lenders do not use your credit score or credit history when reviewing your loan application, increasing loan opportunities for people with bad credit scores.
BetterLoans advises against lending from a lender that does not do any credit checks because it is more likely to commit you to a debt cycle that is hard to get out of. BetterLoans only partners with responsible lenders that make sure the borrower is granted a loan only if they have the capacity to pay the loan back.
First, we will start by discussing how it is possible and then analyse the benefits, drawbacks and alternatives to determine if a loan with no credit check is right for you.
How Is It Possible to Get a Personal Loan with No Credit Checks?
Some lenders may opt to use alternative data to decide whether to approve a loan or not. For example, some lenders can use the information from a bank statement or use employment-related data to decide if a borrower qualifies for a loan. However, these types of lenders usually provide smaller loan amounts and are frequently also categorised as payday loan lenders.
Benefits of a Personal Loan with No Credit Check
An obvious benefit to a no credit check personal loan is that your poor credit history will not be taken into account during the application process. Usually, banks or other lenders will only consider loan applications from people with a credit score of 610 or above. People with higher credit scores can even negotiate more favourable loan terms for themselves, for example, a higher loan amount and lower interest rate.
Traditional lenders are also cautious about lending to people with no credit history. Although lacking a credit history is considered a good thing, lenders usually rely on past credit history when deciding to approve a loan. This means that no credit check lenders can be beneficial, particularly if a borrower does not have enough time to build their credit score.
Loans with no credit checks can be less stressful and usually require fewer documents.
No Credit Check Personal Loans Drawbacks
While the actual terms of your loan may vary, a personal loan with no credit check often comes with less favourable terms for the borrower. Compared to traditional personal loans, you will most likely find yourself paying a higher interest rate. The loan amount and loan period will also be shorter than with traditional lenders.
When considering such a loan, be mindful of the repercussions on your budget during the repayment period. Higher interest rates and shorter repayment periods can put more financial strain on you in the future. This translates to further hurting your credit score and jeopardising your financial future.
Finally, it may be easy to fall victim to unscrupulous lenders advertising no credit check loans in South Africa. Although you have a poor credit score and have been blacklisted by traditional lenders, you should avoid unregistered lenders offering quick and easy loans. Always take the time to read the terms and conditions of your loan, check lender reviews and whether your chosen lender is registered with the National Credit Regulator.
Alternatives to Personal Loans With No Credit Checks
If you’re hesitant to apply with a lender that does not perform a credit check, there are a few alternatives. Of course, if you’re in no hurry to get your hands on the money, it is advisable to try saving up for the expense on your own. Take the time to plan your finances and stow away some money for future expenses.
If you need money right away because of an emergency, first check if you can get a loan with NCR-registered lenders. BetterLoans makes this easy. Just complete our loan application and we will provide a list of all the pre-approved loan offers provided by our partner lenders.
Depending on the reason why you need the loan, you might want to consider splitting your major expenses over a period of time or using other lines of credit. For example, if you want a loan to finance furnishing your home after a big move, you can purchase an item of furniture as you can afford it instead of all at once. For essential furniture items, you could use your credit card.
If you are seeking a personal loan to consolidate or pay off debts such as medical expenses, you may want to speak to your existing creditors about your financial situation. There are usually opportunities for you to refinance your existing debt to suit your affordability or enter a payment plan.
Additionally, it is advisable to seek professional financial help in the form of debt counselling. Finding a debt counsellor is a more holistic solution to your current financial problem. Your debt counsellor can help you explore all of your options, and recommend a way forward that is most beneficial to your financial future.
Finding a guarantor for your personal loan can allow you to secure a traditional personal loan from a trusted lender. This also allows you to build your credit score and focus on building positive financial habits.
Looking for a Loan Without a Credit Check
As always, it is advisable to take a step back and consider the big picture. Start by asking yourself why you need a personal loan and how much you absolutely need to borrow. Also consider if you need to take on this expense at this time, for example, non-essential home renovations or vacations can be postponed while medical procedures may not put off until later.
Your credit score is a valuable financial tool that is key to securing important long-term loans, for example, home loans and car loans. Getting a copy of your credit report from one of South Africa’s four credit bureaus’ is free and can provide valuable insight into your next steps. Your credit report as well as bank statements can help you pinpoint issues in your spending or debt management.
