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12 Personal Loans to Consider When You Are Self-Employed

Self-employed borrowers might be able to submit tax returns, bank statements, or other documentation as proof of income for a personal loan.

Emily Guy Birken Emily Guy Birken Edited by Ashley Harrison Updated June 28, 2022

Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. By refinancing your mortgage, total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.
Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as "Credible."

A common requirement when applying for a personal loan is proof of steady income. This could be a challenge if you’re self-employed, especially if your income is irregular or difficult to prove.

However, there are several lenders that are willing to work with self-employed borrowers and that offer other ways to prove your income besides a typical pay stub or W-2.

Here’s what you should know about personal loans for self-employed borrowers:

  • 12 lenders that work with self-employed borrowers
  • Consider a cosigner
  • How to get a personal loan when you’re self-employed
  • Other ways to prove income
  • Alternatives to personal loans
Loading widget - embedded-prequal

12 lenders that work with self-employed borrowers

While some lenders don’t offer personal loans to self-employed borrowers, there are several others that do. Here are Credible’s partner lenders that provide personal loans for the self-employed:

LenderFixed ratesLoan amountsLoan terms (years)Income verification for self-employed borrowers


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
9.95% - 35.99% APR $2,000 to $35,000**2, 3, 4, 5*Must submit complete, official tax documentation for 2 most recent years
  • Fixed APR: 9.95% - 35.99% APR
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 550
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $35,000**
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5*
  • Time to fund: As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except CO, IA, HI, VT, NV NY, WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: Avant
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
  • Min. Income: $1,200 monthly


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
7.79% - 14.99% APR $10,000 to $50,0003, 4, 5, 6Must submit tax returns from 2 most recent years
  • Fixed APR: 7.79% - 14.99% APR
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 700
  • Loan amount: $10,000 to $50,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3 to 6
  • Time to fund: Next business day
  • Fees: No prepayment penalty
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, self-employment, and other purposes


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
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4.99% - 35.99% APR $2,000 to $50,0003, 5Check with lender
  • Fixed APR: 4.99% - 35.99% APR
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 600
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $50,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as 1 - 3 business days after successful verification
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: Best Egg and Blue Ridge Bank
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
5.99% - 24.99% APR $2,500 to $35,0003, 4, 5, 6, 7Must submit tax returns from 2 most recent years
  • Fixed APR: 5.99% - 24.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 660
  • Loan amount: $2,500 to $35,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Time to fund: As soon as the next business day after acceptance
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility:  Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan Uses: Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
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5.99% - 24.99% APR $5,000 to $40,0002, 3, 4, 5Must submit:
  • First 2 pages of Form 1040
  • First two pages of Schedule C or K1
  • Fixed APR: 5.99% - 24.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 600
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $40,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except MA, NV, and OH
  • Customer service: Phone, email, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation only


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
7.04% - 35.89% APR $1,000 to $40,0003, 5Submit a recent tax return or other form of income proof such as a 1099
  • Fixed APR: 7.04% - 35.89% APR
  • Min. credit score: 600
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $40,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 5
  • Time to fund: Usually takes about 2 days†
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: LendingClub Bank
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards, home improvement, pool loans, vacations, and other purposes


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
7.99% - 35.99% APR $2,000 to $36,5002, 3, 4, 5, 6Must be able to verify min. annual income of $35,000
  • Fixed APR: 7.99% - 35.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 580
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $36,500
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Time to fund: As soon as the next business day
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except NV and WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: $20,000
  • Loan Uses: Home improvement, consolidate debt, credit card refinancing, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
6.99% - 19.99% APR1 $3,500 to $40,00023, 4, 5, 6, 7Will likely need to submit tax returns or other documentation
  • Fixed APR: 6.99% - 19.99% APR1
  • Min. credit score: 660
    (TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9)
  • Loan amount: $3,500 to $40,0002
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Time to fund: Many Marcus customers receive funds in as little as three days
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: Goldman Sachs
  • Min. Income: $30,000
  • Loan Uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, and other purposes


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
7.95% - 35.99% APR $2,000 to $40,0003, 5Will likely need to submit recent tax returns or bank statements to prove annual income greater than $0
  • Fixed APR: 7.95% - 35.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 640
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $40,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as one business day
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except IA, ND, WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, vehicles, small business, new baby expenses, and other purposes


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
6.99% - 22.23% APR10 $5,000 to $100,0002, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7Must submit tax returns or bank statements
(SoFi will also consider credit score, education, and whether or not you have a cosigner)
  • Fixed APR: 6.99% - 22.23% APR10
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $100,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Time to fund: 3 business days
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except MS
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Solely for personal, family, or household uses


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
6.55% - 35.97% APR $1,000 to $50,0002, 3, 5, 6Must submit tax returns from 2 most recent years
  • Fixed APR: 6.55% - 35.97% APR
  • Min. credit score: 560
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000*
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 5, 6
  • Time to fund: Within a day of clearing necessary verifications
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except West Virginia
  • Customer service: Email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, and other purposes


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
5.4% - 35.99% APR4 $1,000 to $50,00053 to 5 years4 Must submit:
Tax return from previous year
Digital deposited check image or business invoice
  • Fixed APR: 5.4% - 35.99% APR4
  • Min. credit score: 580
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,0005
  • Loan terms (years): 3 to 5 years4
  • Time to fund: As fast as 1 business day6
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: $12,000
  • Loan Uses: Payoff credit cards, consolidate debt, take a course or bootcamp, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes
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All APRs reflect autopay and loyalty discounts where available | LightStream disclosure | 10SoFi Disclosures | Read more about Rates and Terms

Avant

Personal loans from Avant are available for $2,000 to $35,000* with terms ranging from two to five years**. If you’re self-employed, Avant requires that you submit your two most recent years’ complete, official tax documentation.

4.6
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
Avant Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
9.95% - 35.99% APR
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
550
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$2,000 to $35,000**
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)

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  • Fixed APR: 9.95% - 35.99% APR
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 550
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $35,000**
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5*
  • Time to fund: As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except CO, IA, HI, VT, NV NY, WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: Avant
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
  • Min. Income: $1,200 monthly

Axos Bank

Axos Bank offers personal loans from $10,000 to $50,000 with repayment terms ranging from three to six years. Self-employed borrowers will need to provide their tax returns from the two most year periods to prove their income.

4.2
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
Axos Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
7.79% - 14.99% APR
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
700
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$10,000 to $50,000
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
Next business day

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  • Fixed APR: 7.79% - 14.99% APR
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 700
  • Loan amount: $10,000 to $50,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3 to 6
  • Time to fund: Next business day
  • Fees: No prepayment penalty
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, self-employment, and other purposes

Best Egg

With Best Egg, you can borrow $2,000 to $50,000 and can choose a term of three or five years. Best Egg works with borrowers who have a variety of employment statuses, such as salaried, self-employed, or retired.

Be sure to check with Best Egg to see what documentation you’ll need to provide while self-employed.

4.1
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
Best Egg Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
4.99% - 35.99% APR
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
600
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$2,000 to $50,000
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
As soon as 1 - 3 business days after successful verification

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  • Fixed APR: 4.99% - 35.99% APR
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 600
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $50,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as 1 - 3 business days after successful verification
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: Best Egg and Blue Ridge Bank
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes

Discover

Discover personal loans range from $2,500 to $35,000 and offer repayment terms of three to seven years. Self-employed borrowers will need to provide their two most recent years’ worth of tax returns to prove their income.

4.4
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
Discover Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
5.99% - 24.99% APR
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
660
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$2,500 to $35,000
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
As soon as the next business day after acceptance

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  • Fixed APR: 5.99% - 24.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 660
  • Loan amount: $2,500 to $35,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Time to fund: As soon as the next business day after acceptance
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility:  Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan Uses: Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding

Happy Money

Happy Money personal loans are available for $5,000 to $40,000 with repayment terms ranging from two to five years. Self-employed borrowers will need to submit the first two pages of IRS Form 1040 along with the first two pages of either the Schedule C or K1 form.

4.5
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
Happy Money Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
5.99% - 24.99% APR
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
600
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$5,000 to $40,000
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification

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  • Fixed APR: 5.99% - 24.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 600
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $40,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except MA, NV, and OH
  • Customer service: Phone, email, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation only

LendingClub

With LendingClub, you can borrow $1,000 to $40,000 with a repayment term of three or five years. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to submit a recent tax return or other forms like a 1099 as proof of income.

4.3
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
LendingClub Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
7.04% - 35.89% APR
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
600
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$1,000 to $40,000
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
Usually takes about 2 days†

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  • Fixed APR: 7.04% - 35.89% APR
  • Min. credit score: 600
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $40,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 5
  • Time to fund: Usually takes about 2 days†
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: LendingClub Bank
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards, home improvement, pool loans, vacations, and other purposes

LendingPoint

LendingPoint offers personal loans from $2,000 to $36,500 with terms from two to six years. If you can verify that you earn at least $35,000 annually, then you might qualify for a LendingPoint loan as a self-employed borrower.

4.5
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
LendingPoint Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
7.99% - 35.99% APR
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
580
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$2,000 to $36,500
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
As soon as the next business day

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  • Fixed APR: 7.99% - 35.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 580
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $36,500
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Time to fund: As soon as the next business day
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except NV and WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: $20,000
  • Loan Uses: Home improvement, consolidate debt, credit card refinancing, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes

Marcus

Personal loans from Marcus range from $3,500 to $40,0002 and come with terms of three to six years. You’ll likely need to submit tax returns or other documentation to prove your self-employment income.

4.3
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
Marcus Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
6.99% - 19.99% APR1
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
660
(TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9)
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$3,500 to $40,0002
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
Many Marcus customers receive funds in as little as three days

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  • Fixed APR: 6.99% - 19.99% APR1
  • Min. credit score: 660
    (TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9)
  • Loan amount: $3,500 to $40,0002
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Time to fund: Many Marcus customers receive funds in as little as three days
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: Goldman Sachs
  • Min. Income: $30,000
  • Loan Uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, and other purposes

Prosper

With Prosper, you can borrow $2,000 to $40,000 with a repayment term of three or five years. Prosper requires that borrowers have some form of annual income greater than $0 and will likely request recent tax returns or bank statements for verification — which means that self-employed borrowers might qualify.

4.5
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
Prosper Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
7.95% - 35.99% APR
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
640
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$2,000 to $40,000
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
As soon as one business day

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  • Fixed APR: 7.95% - 35.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 640
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $40,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as one business day
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except IA, ND, WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, vehicles, small business, new baby expenses, and other purposes

SoFi

SoFi offers personal loans from $5,000 to $100,000 with terms ranging from two to seven years. To potentially qualify for a loan, self-employed borrowers will generally need to show proof of consistent income through tax returns or bank statements.

In addition to income, SoFi will also consider your credit score, education, and whether or not you have a cosigner.

4.9
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
SoFi Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
6.99% - 22.23% APR10
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
Does not disclose
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$5,000 to $100,000
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
3 business days

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  • Fixed APR: 6.99% - 22.23% APR10
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $100,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Time to fund: 3 business days
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except MS
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Solely for personal, family, or household uses

Upgrade

With Upgrade, you can borrow $1,000 to $50,000 with a repayment term of two, three, five, or six years. To apply, self-employed borrowers must provide their two most recent tax returns.

4.3
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
Upgrade Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
6.55% - 35.97% APR
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
560
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$1,000 to $50,000*
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
Within a day of clearing necessary verifications

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  • Fixed APR: 6.55% - 35.97% APR
  • Min. credit score: 560
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000*
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 5, 6
  • Time to fund: Within a day of clearing necessary verifications
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except West Virginia
  • Customer service: Email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, and other purposes

Upstart

Upstart loans are available from $1,000 to $50,0005 for terms from three to five years4. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to submit the previous year’s full tax return plus proof of recent income in the form of a digitally deposited check image or a business invoice.

4.6
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
Rates and terms
Fees and Discounts
Customer Experience
Upstart Personal Loans
Fixed APR
Range of fixed rates available from this lender
5.4% - 35.99% APR4
Min. credit score
Minimum credit score needed to qualify
580
Loan amount
Total amount you can borrow from this lender
$1,000 to $50,0005
Time to fund
How long it takes to receive your money
As fast as 1 business day6

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  • Fixed APR: 5.4% - 35.99% APR4
  • Min. credit score: 580
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,0005
  • Loan terms (years): 3 to 5 years4
  • Time to fund: As fast as 1 business day6
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: $12,000
  • Loan Uses: Payoff credit cards, consolidate debt, take a course or bootcamp, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes

Learn More: Where to Get a Personal Loan

Consider a cosigner

If you’re just starting out as being self-employed, then providing the commonly required two years’ worth of tax returns might be difficult.

In this case, applying for a personal loan with a cosigner could be a good option. Not all lenders allow you to apply with a cosigner, but some do.

Tip: Even if you don’t need a cosigner to qualify for a personal loan, having one could get you a lower interest rate than you’d get on your own.

Before you borrow, be sure to consider as many lenders as possible. This way, you can more easily find a loan with a good rate as well as favorable terms. Credible makes comparing lenders easy — you can see your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in two minutes.

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  • Free to use, no hidden fees
  • One simple form, easy to fill out and your info is protected
  • More options, pick the loan option that best fits your personal needs
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Check Out: How to Get a $5,000 Personal Loan Fast

How to get a personal loan when you’re self-employed

If you’re ready to take out a personal loan, follow these four steps:

  1. Shop around and compare lenders. Research and compare as many personal loan lenders as you can to find the right loan for you. Consider not only interest rates but also repayment terms, any fees charged by the lender, and requirements for self-employed borrowers. Also remember to check if the lender accepts cosigners, as having one might help you get approved if you’re having trouble proving your income.
  2. Choose your loan option. After comparing lenders, choose the loan option that best suits your needs.
  3. Complete the application. Once you’ve picked a lender, you’ll need to fill out a full application and submit any required documentation, such as tax returns or bank statements.
  4. Get your funds. If you’re approved, the lender will have you sign for the loan so your money can be sent to you. The time to fund for a personal loan is typically about one week — though some lenders offer fast personal loans that are funded as soon as the same or next business day after approval.
Tip: You typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for a personal loan. While some lenders offer personal loans for bad credit, these loans typically come with higher interest rates than good credit loans.

If you’re struggling to get approved because of your credit, applying with a cosigner could improve your chances. Having a creditworthy cosigner might also qualify you for a better interest rate than you’d get on your own.

Before you get a personal loan, it’s important to consider how much that loan will cost you over time. This way, you can be prepared for any added expenses. You can estimate how much you’ll pay for a loan using our personal loan calculator below.

Enter your loan information to calculate how much you could pay

? Enter the total amount borrowed $
? Enter your annual interest rate %
or
? Enter the amount of time you have to repay your loan years
Total Payment $
Total Interest $
Monthly Payment $

With a $ loan, you will pay $ monthly and a total of $ in interest over the life of your loan. You will pay a total of $ over the life of the loan.


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Learn More: How to Get a Personal Loan With a 600 Credit Score

Other ways to prove income

While traditionally employed borrowers can typically provide a pay stub or W2 to prove their income, you might need to rely on other types of documentation if you’re self-employed, such as:

  • Tax statements: Providing your previous year’s tax return can help you show how much income you earn annually. If you don’t have a copy, you can check with your tax preparer, tax software provider, or the IRS.
  • Bank statements: If you have income regularly deposited into your bank account, then you might be able to use bank statements as proof of income. You can typically get copies of past statements by visiting your bank or by downloading them from your online account.
  • Business ledgers: If you own a small business, lenders might ask to see your business’s ledgers as proof of income. You might need to download or print several months’ worth of ledger entries to share with your lender — be sure to check with them to see exactly what you need to provide.
  • Social Security or other government benefits: If you’re receiving government benefits like Social Security, these benefits could act as proof of regular income, even if you’re also self-employed. You can generally get a benefit verification letter from the appropriate government website, such as the Social Security website. You might also be able to request a verification letter by calling or visiting the government agency.
  • Court-ordered agreements: If you receive alimony or child support, this could also be used as proof of income. You might need to share the court order with your borrower, along with proof of receipt of several months’ worth of benefits. Be sure to check with the lender to see what their exact requirements are.

Check Out: How to Get a $10,000 Personal Loan Fast

Alternatives to personal loans

Personal loans aren’t the only way for self-employed individuals to borrow money. Here are a few other options to consider:

  • Use a credit card. A credit card might be a good choice if you need to cover small or ongoing expenses as you can repeatedly draw on and pay off your credit line. Some cards come with a 0% APR introductory period, which means you could avoid paying interest if you repay your balance by the end of the period. However, if you can’t pay off your card in time, you could get stuck with some hefty interest charges.
  • Tap into your home’s equity. If you own your home, you might be able to access your home’s equity through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). While these loans typically have lower interest rates than personal loans, keep in mind that you risk losing your house if you can’t make your payments.
  • Take out a secured personal loan. While most personal loans are unsecured (meaning you don’t have to provide collateral), a secured personal loan requires collateral, such as a car, jewelry, or other item of value. Because there’s less risk to the lender, you might have an easier time qualifying for this type of personal loan if you’re self-employed. Just remember that if you can’t keep up with your payments, you could lose your collateral.

If you decide to take out an unsecured personal loan, remember to consider as many lenders as you can to find a loan that works for you. Credible makes this easy — you can compare your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in two minutes.

Ready to find your personal loan?
Credible makes it easy to find the right loan for you.

  • Free to use, no hidden fees
  • One simple form, easy to fill out and your info is protected
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  • Here for you. Our team is here to help you reach your financial goals

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Keep Reading: Credit-Builder Loans: What Are They and How to Get One


About Rates and Terms: Rates for personal loans provided by lenders on the Credible platform range between 3.99%-35.99% APR with terms from 12 to 84 months. Rates presented include lender discounts for enrolling in autopay and loyalty programs, where applicable. Actual rates may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown and will be based on the lender’s eligibility criteria, which include factors such as credit score, loan amount, loan term, credit usage and history, and vary based on loan purpose. The lowest rates available typically require excellent credit, and for some lenders, may be reserved for specific loan purposes and/or shorter loan terms. The origination fee charged by the lenders on our platform ranges from 0% to 8%. Each lender has their own qualification criteria with respect to their autopay and loyalty discounts (e.g., some lenders require the borrower to elect autopay prior to loan funding in order to qualify for the autopay discount). All rates are determined by the lender and must be agreed upon between the borrower and the borrower’s chosen lender. For a loan of $10,000 with a three year repayment period, an interest rate of 7.99%, a $350 origination fee and an APR of 11.51%, the borrower will receive $9,650 at the time of loan funding and will make 36 monthly payments of $313.32. Assuming all on-time payments, and full performance of all terms and conditions of the loan contract and any discount programs enrolled in included in the APR/interest rate throughout the life of the loan, the borrower will pay a total of $11,279.43. As of March 12, 2019, none of the lenders on our platform require a down payment nor do they charge any prepayment penalties.

About the author
Emily Guy Birken
Emily Guy Birken

Emily Guy Birken is a Credible authority on student loans and personal finance. Her work has been featured by Forbes, Kiplinger’s, Huffington Post, MSN Money, and The Washington Post online.

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Home » All » Personal Loans » 12 Personal Loans to Consider When You Are Self-Employed

Types of Personal Loans

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Common Personal Loans

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Personal Loan Basics

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