NON-US CITIZENS — IMMIGRANT-FRIENDLY LOANS

Personal Loans for Non-US Citizens 2026: Best Lenders & How to Qualify

Q: Can non-US citizens get a personal loan?

Yes. Non-US citizens can get personal loans in the US. You do not need to be a US citizen — many lenders accept permanent residents (green card holders), visa holders (H1B, L1, O1, TN), and even some undocumented immigrants with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Loans from $1,000 to $50,000 are available with rates from 7.80% to 35.99% APR. Stilt and Upgrade are among the best lenders for non-citizens.

Q: Can I get a personal loan with an ITIN instead of an SSN?

Yes. Some lenders accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security Number. Stilt specifically serves immigrants and accepts ITINs. Upgrade and some credit unions also accept ITINs. You will need proof of income (bank statements, pay stubs), proof of address (utility bill, lease), and a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver license, or matricula consular).

Q: What visa types are accepted for personal loans?

Most lenders accept: Green Card holders (permanent residents), H1B (work visa), L1 (intra-company transfer), O1 (extraordinary ability), TN (NAFTA professional), E2 (investor), and F1 (student visa, with restrictions). DACA recipients can apply with some lenders. Undocumented immigrants may qualify with an ITIN at specialized lenders like Stilt. The key requirement is having a US-based income and a US bank account.

Q: What do I need to get a personal loan as a non-US citizen?

You typically need: (1) A valid government-issued ID (passport, green card, driver license), (2) SSN or ITIN, (3) Proof of US income (pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns), (4) US bank account, (5) US address (utility bill or lease), (6) Proof of legal residency or visa status. Some lenders also require a minimum time in the US (6-12 months) and a minimum credit history, though some lenders consider alternative credit data.

Q: Can DACA recipients get personal loans?

Yes, but options are limited. DACA recipients do not have SSNs but can use their ITIN. Stilt and some credit unions serve DACA recipients. You will need proof of income, a US bank account, and a valid government-issued ID. Rates may be higher (15-36% APR) due to limited credit history. Always compare multiple lenders to find the best rate.

Q: Can F1 students get personal loans?

F1 visa holders can get personal loans but with restrictions. Most lenders require a co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident. Stilt offers loans to F1 students without a co-signer (based on future earning potential, academic record, and financial behavior). Upstart also considers F1 students with a co-signer. Loan amounts are typically smaller ($1,000-$25,000) and rates may be higher (10-36% APR).

Q: Do I need a credit history to get a personal loan as a non-citizen?

Not necessarily. Some lenders like Stalt and Upstart consider alternative data (education, employment, bank account history, future earning potential) instead of traditional credit scores. If you have a US credit history, you will get better rates. If not, lenders may require a larger down payment, a co-signer, or charge higher rates. Building US credit with a secured credit card or credit-builder loan first can improve your options.

Q: What is Stilt and how does it help non-citizens get loans?

Stilt is a lender specifically designed for immigrants and non-US citizens. They accept ITINs, do not require a co-signer, and consider factors beyond credit score (education, employment, financial behavior). Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $35,000 with rates from 7.80% to 35.99% APR. Stilt serves F1 students, H1B workers, DACA recipients, and other visa holders. Pre-qualification takes 2 minutes with a soft credit pull.

Loans up to $50K · Rates from 7.80% APR · ITIN accepted · Green card, H1B, L1, F1, DACA OK

Check My Rate →Compare All Lenders →

Soft pull only · No score impact · 2-minute pre-qualification

You do not need to be a US citizen to get a loan

Many lenders accept green card holders, visa holders (H1B, L1, O1, TN, F1), and even ITIN holders. You need a US-based income, a US bank account, and valid identification. Some lenders like Stilt and Upstart specialize in serving immigrants and consider alternative credit data. Check your rate at Money Pup Loans.

Quick Answer

Yes, non-US citizens can get personal loans. Upstart (7.80% APR, 580+ credit, accepts ITIN with co-signer), SoFi (8.99%, 0% fees, green card holders), Avant (9.95%, 580+, bad credit OK), and OneMain Financial (no credit minimum, accepts ITIN) are top choices. Compare all at Money Pup Loans.

Which Visa Types Qualify for Personal Loans?

Visa / Status	Can Get a Loan?	SSN or ITIN?	Co-Signer Needed?	Best Lenders
Green Card (Permanent Resident)	Yes — same as citizens	SSN	No	SoFi, Discover, LightStream, all lenders
H1B (Work Visa)	Yes	SSN (usually)	No (with credit history)	Upstart, SoFi, Avant
L1 (Intra-Company Transfer)	Yes	SSN or ITIN	Maybe (new to US)	Upstart, Avant, LendingPoint
O1 (Extraordinary Ability)	Yes	SSN or ITIN	Maybe	Upstart, SoFi
TN (NAFTA Professional)	Yes	SSN or ITIN	Maybe	Upstart, Avant
F1 (Student Visa)	Yes (limited)	ITIN usually	Often required	Stilt, Upstart (with co-signer)
DACA	Yes (limited)	ITIN	Helps	Stilt, credit unions, OneMain
Undocumented (ITIN only)	Yes (limited)	ITIN	Helps	Stilt, OneMain, credit unions
E2 (Investor Visa)	Yes	SSN or ITIN	Maybe	Upstart, SoFi, Avant

Best Lenders for Non-US Citizens (2026)

Compare lenders that accept non-citizens. All "Check Rate" links use a soft credit pull — no score impact.

Lender	APR Range	Max Loan	Min Credit	ITIN Accepted?	Visa Types	Funding	Apply Now
🏆 Money Pup Loans	Varies	$50K	580+	Compare all	All types	1-2 days	Check Rate →
🤖 Upstart	7.80-35.99%	$50K	580+	With co-signer	H1B, L1, F1, green card	1 day	Check Rate →
💼 SoFi	8.99-29.99%	$100K	680+	No (SSN required)	Green card, H1B	1-7 days	Check Rate →
🔓 Avant	9.95-35.99%	$35K	580+	Case by case	Green card, H1B, L1	1 day	Check Rate →
💳 LendingPoint	9.99-35.99%	$36.5K	600+	Case by case	Green card, H1B	1-2 days	Check Rate →
🔒 OneMain Financial	18-35.99%	$20K	None	Yes	All types with ITIN	1-2 days	Check Rate →

Not a US citizen? Compare 10+ lenders that accept ITIN, green card, and visa holders. One soft credit pull.

Check My Rate → No Score Impact

What You Need to Apply as a Non-US Citizen

📋 Required Documents

• Government-issued ID — passport, green card, driver license
• SSN or ITIN — depending on lender
• Proof of US income — pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns
• US bank account — checking or savings
• Proof of US address — utility bill, lease, bank statement
• Visa / immigration documents — I-94, EAD, visa stamp
• Employment verification — offer letter or employment letter

💡 Tips for Approval

• Build US credit with a secured credit card first
• Open a US bank account as soon as you arrive
• File US taxes (even with ITIN) to establish financial history
• Keep 6+ months of bank statements showing income
• If denied, try OneMain Financial (accepts ITIN)
• Consider a co-signer who is a US citizen/permanent resident
• Compare multiple lenders — each has different immigrant policies
• Check if your home country credit history can be transferred

How to Build US Credit as a Non-Citizen

If you are new to the US and have no credit history, here is how to build one:

Get an SSN or ITIN

If you have a work visa, apply for an SSN. If not, apply for an ITIN from the IRS. You need one of these to start building credit.

Open a US bank account

Open a checking and savings account at a major bank (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo). Some banks accept ITINs and foreign IDs.

Apply for a secured credit card

Secured cards (Discover it Secured, Capital One Secured) require a $200-$500 deposit but report to all 3 credit bureaus. Use it for small purchases and pay in full each month.

Become an authorized user

Ask a family member or friend with good credit to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. Their positive history appears on your credit report.

Get a credit-builder loan

Credit-builder loans (Self, Cred.ai) hold your money in a savings account and report monthly payments to credit bureaus. You build credit while saving money.

Pay all bills on time

Rent, utilities, phone bills — some services report to credit bureaus. Always pay on time. After 6-12 months, you will have a credit score.

Apply for a personal loan

After 6-12 months of credit history, apply for a personal loan. Start with Upstart or Avant (580+ credit). Compare lenders at Money Pup Loans.

Non-Citizen Loan Cost Example

Example: A green card holder borrows $10,000 over 3 years:

Credit Score	Estimated APR	Monthly Payment (3yr)	Total Interest	Apply
740+ (Excellent)	8%	$313	$1,280	Check →
670-739 (Good)	12%	$332	$1,957	Check →
620-669 (Fair)	18%	$362	$3,012	Check →
580-619 (Poor)	28%	$414	$4,904	Check →
No credit (ITIN)	30-36%	$427-$466	$5,372-$6,776	Check →

*Estimates based on $10,000 loan, 36-month term. Check your actual rate at Money Pup Loans.

Get a Loan — No US Citizenship Required

Compare 10+ lenders that accept ITIN, green card, and visa holders. Soft credit pull only. Funding in 24-48 hours.

Compare My Offers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-US citizens get a personal loan?

Yes. Green card holders, visa holders (H1B, L1, O1, TN), and ITIN holders can get personal loans. Loans from $1,000 to $50,000 with rates from 7.80% to 35.99% APR. Check your rate at Money Pup Loans.

Can I get a personal loan with an ITIN instead of an SSN?

Yes. Some lenders accept ITINs — OneMain Financial, Stilt, and some credit unions. You need proof of income, US bank account, and valid ID. Compare lenders at Money Pup Loans.

What visa types are accepted for personal loans?

Green card, H1B, L1, O1, TN, E2, and F1 (with restrictions). DACA and undocumented immigrants may qualify with ITIN at specialized lenders. Compare at Money Pup Loans.

What do I need to get a personal loan as a non-US citizen?

Valid ID, SSN or ITIN, proof of US income, US bank account, US address, and visa/immigration documents. Some lenders require 6-12 months in the US. Compare at Money Pup Loans.

Can DACA recipients get personal loans?

Yes, but options are limited. DACA recipients can use ITIN at Stilt, OneMain Financial, and some credit unions. Rates may be 15-36% APR. Compare lenders at Money Pup Loans.

Can F1 students get personal loans?

F1 visa holders can get loans but most lenders require a US citizen co-signer. Stilt offers loans to F1 students without a co-signer. Upstart also accepts F1 with co-signer. Compare at Money Pup Loans.

Do I need a credit history to get a personal loan as a non-citizen?

Not necessarily. Some lenders consider alternative data (education, employment, bank history). If you have US credit, you get better rates. If not, try Stilt or OneMain. Compare at Money Pup Loans.

What is Stilt and how does it help non-citizens get loans?

Stilt is a lender for immigrants. They accept ITINs, do not require a co-signer, and consider factors beyond credit score. Loans from $1,000 to $35,000. Compare Stilt with other lenders at Money Pup Loans.

Written by

Sarah Mitchell

Personal Finance & Lending Analyst · 16 years experience

Sarah specializes in immigrant lending solutions and helps non-citizens navigate the US financial system.

Get a Loan — No Citizenship Required

Compare 10+ lenders. ITIN accepted. Green card, H1B, F1, DACA OK. Soft credit pull only. Funding in 24-48 hours.

Check My Rate → Free

No score impact · Results in 2 minutes · Funds in 24-48 hours