Being self-employed offers many benefits, including flexibility and the potential for unlimited income. However, when it comes to obtaining a personal loan, self-employed people frequently confront specific problems. Learn the process of obtaining a personal loan for self-employed individuals, covering everything from eligibility requirements to the application process.
What is a personal loan?
A personal loan is a sort of loan in which you receive a large sum of money ahead of time and repay it over a predetermined length of time, often one to seven years. People often get these loans to pay for weddings, big purchases, home improvements, debt restructuring, and other one-time costs.
Personal loans are uninsured, which means you don’t have to put up any collateral, like your house or car, to get one. However, because there’s no collateral, they are riskier for lenders. This means that self-employed people often face higher interest rates and stricter requirements compared to those with regular jobs. However, obtaining approval for a personal loan is still achievable if you understand what lenders are looking for.
Can you get a personal loan if you are self-employed?
If you work for yourself, you can still get a personal loan, but it might be harder than for someone with a regular job. Lenders like to see stable income and work history, which can be trickier to prove when you’re self-employed.
However, it’s possible to get a loan if you can show that you can pay it back, usually with tax returns, bank statements, and other financial records. A decent credit score and a sound business plan will also help you get authorized.
Types of Personal Loans for Self-Employed
There are various types of personal loans available for self-employed individuals:
- Unsecured Personal Loans: These loans do not demand collateral and are entirely dependent on your creditworthiness.
- Secured personal loans: These need collateral, like a car or some other property, that the seller can take away if you don’t pay back the loan.
- Business Loans: While not personal loans per se, business loans can be used for personal expenses if your business and personal finances are intertwined.
- Online Personal Loans: A lot of online lenders offer personal loans that are only for people who are self-employed. These lenders may have more flexible eligibility requirements and faster approval processes.
Challenges Faced by Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed people can find it harder to get a personal loan. Lenders prefer borrowers with steady incomes, which can be tricky for self-employed individuals whose earnings vary. They also often need to provide more paperwork, like tax returns. Lenders might see self-employed people as riskier, so they might have to pay higher interest rates or meet stricter requirements.
Personal Loan Eligibility for Self-Employed
Eligibility criteria for personal loans can vary from one lender to another, but generally, self-employed individuals must meet the following requirements:
Proof of Income
Lenders want to know that you can pay back the loan and that you have a steady source of income. This is clear from tax returns, bank accounts, and financial statements. To prove your income when you’re self-employed, gather these documents:
- Your tax returns for the past two years
- 1099 forms for the past two years
- Bank statements
- Profit and loss statements if you have your own business
Some lenders may not ask for these, but it’s a good idea to have them ready, especially if you earn from different sources.
Lenders also consider other regular income sources such as retirement, alimony, child support, rental income, Social Security, and disability benefits. Including all of your sources of income in your application can help you get approved.
Credit Score
Lenders pay great attention to your credit score and history. A high score (800+) shows you borrow responsibly. A good score (700+) helps, too, but getting approved is tougher if your score is fair or poor.
Business Continuity
Lenders prefer borrowers with a stable business history. Ideally, you should have been in business for at least two years.
Income & Job History
As a self-employed borrower, you’ll need to provide proof of stable, recurring income from your business or freelance work, usually through tax returns, profit and loss statements, and bank statements. Many lenders look for at least 1–2 years of self-employment history.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Lenders prefer a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of less than 40–50%. This number shows how much of your monthly income you spend on paying off debt. If your DTI is lower, it means you can actually pay back a new loan.
Applying for a Personal Loan as a Self-Employed Individual
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a personal loan if you are self-employed:
- Assess Your Needs: Determine how much money you need and what you will use it for. This will assist you in selecting the appropriate loan type and lender.
- Check Your Credit Score: Before applying, review your credit score to determine your creditworthiness. This will help you figure out what loan rates to expect.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant papers, such as tax returns, bank statements, financial statements, and proof of business registration.
- Compare Lenders: To get the best deals and interest rates, compare lenders. Think about both standard banks and loans you can get online.
- Submit Your Application: After picking a lender, you need to fill out the loan application and send in all the necessary paperwork.
- Wait for Approval: The lender will assess your application and supporting materials. This process can take from a few days to several weeks.
- Receive Funds: If you get the loan, the lender will send the money to your bank account. After that, you can use the money for what you said you would.
Tips for Getting Approved for a Personal Loan
Here are some tips to improve your chances of getting approved for a personal loan:
- Improve Your Credit Score: Pay off your debts, make all of your payments on time, and don’t ask for too many loans at once.
- Provide Comprehensive Financial Information: The more information you provide about your income and business, the better your chances of approval.
- Consider a Co-Signer: You could get a loan with bad credit if you have a family member or friend with good credit co-sign it.
- Shop Around: Different lenders use different criteria and interest rates. Compare many options to choose the best fit for your requirements.
- Explore Online Lenders: Many online-only personal loan providers have more flexible credit requirements and specialized products/programs tailored for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
Lenders Who Consider Income from Self-Employment
Here are some top online lenders to consider if you’re self-employed and looking for a personal loan:
- Upstart: Uses AI and non-traditional data to assess borrowers, offering loans up to $50,000, especially for freelancers.
- LendingClub: This company accepts applications from self-employed individuals with at least one year of tax returns. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $40,000.
- Best Egg: It requires a minimum credit score of 700 and at least $100,000 in annual income. It offers loans from $2,000 to $35,000.
- Prosper: Considers 1-2 years of consistent self-employment income for loans between $2,000 and $40,000, with a credit score of 600+.
- SoFi: While not specifically for self-employed, SoFi considers 1099 income for loan eligibility and is popular among professionals.
Get Your Personal Loan as a Self-Employed Individual!
Obtaining a personal loan for self-employed people is fully feasible with the appropriate strategy. Maintaining a solid credit score, keeping detailed financial records, and creating a quality loan application will help you get approved. Whether you opt for traditional banks or online lenders, there are numerous options available to meet your financial needs.
Self-employed loans can provide the financial flexibility you need to manage personal and business expenses. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process, you can secure a personal loan that suits your unique situation. Remember to compare different lenders, provide comprehensive financial information, and consider online personal loans for added convenience and flexibility.