Checking Lending Buddy eligibility takes about a minute, and knowing the requirements up front helps your request move faster. Lending Buddy is a free loan-connection service, not a lender, so each lender in our network makes its own final decision. The basics below are what you'll generally need to submit a request for $200 to $5,000. Meeting them doesn't guarantee an offer, but it gives your request the best possible start.
Basic Lending Buddy Requirements
- U.S. residency. You must live in the United States.
- Age. At least 18 years old—or 19 in Alabama and Nebraska, and 21 in Mississippi and Puerto Rico.
- An active checking account in your name, used to receive funds and, often, to make payments.
- Regular income from employment, self-employment, benefits, or another verifiable source.
- A valid email address and phone number so lenders can reach you and verify your identity.
All credit types may submit a request. Lenders may weigh your income and banking history alongside your credit, which is why borrowers with lower scores still receive offers in some cases. If that's you, our bad credit loans page sets realistic expectations.
Documents and Information to Have Ready
You won't upload documents to us, but a lender may ask for some of these during verification:
- Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID
- Social Security number or ITIN, where the lender accepts it
- Recent pay stubs, a benefits award letter, or bank statements showing income
- Your bank's routing number and your checking account number
- Proof of address, like a utility bill or lease, if requested
For a full checklist, see our guide to documents needed for a loan.
State Availability
Lending is regulated state by state, so loan offers, amounts, and terms aren't available in all states. Some states cap rates or fees, and some limit certain types of short-term loans. Lenders in our network only make offers where they're permitted to lend. If no lender currently serves your state or profile, you won't be charged anything for submitting.
Military Borrowers and the Military Lending Act
If you're an active-duty servicemember, or a spouse or dependent of one, the Military Lending Act (MLA) gives you additional protections. Covered consumer loans are limited to a Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) of 36%, which includes many fees and add-on products. The MLA also prohibits certain terms, such as mandatory arbitration and requiring a military allotment for repayment. Lenders typically verify covered status through the Department of Defense database, so some loan products may not be offered to covered borrowers. You can also seek free financial counseling through your installation's personal financial counselor or military relief societies.
Types of Credit Checks
| Check type | When it's used | Effect on your score |
|---|---|---|
| Soft inquiry | Often used to prequalify or review your request | No effect; visible only to you |
| Hard inquiry | May be used before final approval | Can lower your score slightly for a short time |
| Alternative data | Some lenders review bank activity or specialty reports | Varies by lender and report |
Lending Buddy doesn't make credit decisions; lenders decide which checks to use. Learn more in how credit scores affect loan rates.
Tips to Strengthen Your Request
- Request what you need. A smaller, realistic amount can be easier for a lender to approve.
- Report accurate income and pay dates. Lenders verify them, and mismatches cause delays.
- Keep your account in good standing. A few weeks without overdrafts helps.
- Double-check contact details. A typo in your email or phone can stall verification.
- Stay reachable. Keep your phone close after you submit.
Ready to see the full process? Visit how it works, review rates and fees, or explore personal loans.
Income Sources Lenders May Consider
"Regular income" doesn't have to mean a traditional paycheck. Depending on the lender, acceptable sources may include full- or part-time wages, self-employment or gig income, Social Security, disability or retirement benefits, pensions, and other recurring deposits you can document. What matters most is that the income is consistent and verifiable, usually through pay stubs, benefit letters, or bank statements. If your income varies month to month, use a conservative average so the payment you agree to stays manageable in slower months.
If You Don't Meet the Requirements Yet
If you don't have a checking account, consider opening one at a local bank or credit union—many offer low-cost or second-chance accounts. If your income is new, a few weeks of steady deposits can help. And if you need help today, our emergency loans page lists alternatives worth trying first.
Check Your Eligibility in Minutes
If you're a U.S. resident of eligible age with an active checking account, regular income, and a working email and phone, you're ready to submit. Lending Buddy makes it free and simple, and there's never an obligation to accept an offer. Select Apply Now to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum requirements for Lending Buddy?
To submit a request through Lending Buddy, you generally need to be a U.S. resident at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and Nebraska, 21 in Mississippi and Puerto Rico), with an active checking account, regular income, and a valid email address and phone number. Meeting these basics doesn't guarantee an offer from a lender.
Can I qualify for Lending Buddy with bad credit?
Borrowers of all credit types may submit a request with Lending Buddy. Lenders in our network may look at your income and banking history along with your credit score. Submitting doesn't guarantee an offer, and loans for lower credit scores often carry higher APRs, so review the total cost before you accept.
Are loans available in every state?
No. Lending is regulated by each state, so offers, loan amounts, and terms aren't available everywhere. Some states cap rates or restrict certain short-term loans. Lenders only make offers where they're permitted to lend. If no lender currently serves your state, submitting your request costs you nothing.
I'm in the military. Are there special rules?
Yes. The Military Lending Act protects active-duty servicemembers and their covered spouses and dependents by capping the Military Annual Percentage Rate on most consumer loans at 36% and banning certain terms, like mandatory arbitration. Some loan products may not be offered to covered borrowers, and free financial counseling is available through your installation.
