Quick answer
With no credit history, start with lenders that look beyond a score: credit unions, secured loans backed by savings, and loans with a cosigner. A credit builder loan or secured card can create a credit file in months. Avoid high-cost lenders that market to thin files, and borrow small while your history builds.
Having no credit history, sometimes called a thin file or being credit invisible, is common for young adults, recent immigrants and people who have always paid cash. Lenders cannot see how you have handled debt, so they lean on other information or ask for extra security.
What lenders can use instead of a score
- Income and employment. Pay stubs, offer letters or tax returns.
- Bank account history. Regular deposits and few overdrafts.
- Existing relationship. A checking or savings account at a credit union.
- Collateral or a cosigner.
Options, safest first
| Option | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Credit builder loan | Payments go into savings you receive at the end | Builds history, not cash now |
| Share-secured or savings-secured loan | Your savings back the loan | Low risk for lender, often lower APR |
| Secured credit card | Deposit sets your limit | Keep balances low |
| Cosigned personal loan | Cosigner shares responsibility | Their credit is on the line too |
| Small installment loan | Some lenders weigh income and banking | Compare APR carefully |
The CFPB describes secured cards, credit builder loans and store cards as ways to start or rebuild credit, with payments reported to the nationwide credit reporting companies.
What to avoid
- Lenders that charge upfront fees before you get a loan.
- Payday and title loans, which do not typically help you build credit and can trap you in fees.
- Applying to many lenders at once. Each full application can add a hard inquiry.
Build a file while you borrow small
- Open a secured card or credit builder loan and pay on time every month.
- Keep card balances low relative to the limit.
- Check your credit reports after a few months to confirm accounts are reporting.
See how to build credit and credit builder loans for step-by-step plans.
When you are ready, use the form on this page to see whether partner lenders may have an offer for your profile, or call (800) 236-7761. Compare every offer by APR and total cost before you accept.
Examples are illustrations, not offers. Approval, APR and terms depend on the lender, your state and your credit profile.
Frequently asked questions about how to get a loan with no credit history
Can I get a personal loan with no credit history?
Some lenders consider income, employment and bank account history instead of, or alongside, a credit score. Credit unions and secured loans are often the easiest places to start.
Is no credit better than bad credit?
Neither is ideal, but no credit means there is nothing negative on file. Building a short, clean history can open better options fairly quickly.
How do I start building credit?
The CFPB lists secured credit cards, credit builder loans and some store cards as ways to start. Payments are reported to the credit bureaus, and on-time payments build your history.
Should I use a cosigner?
A cosigner with good credit can help you qualify, but they are fully responsible if you do not pay, and missed payments hurt both of you.
Sources
- CFPB: What are some ways to start or rebuild a good credit history? (accessed 2026-10-09)
- CFPB: What is a credit score? (accessed 2026-10-09)
- CFPB: What is a credit report? (accessed 2026-10-09)
- CFPB: What is a credit inquiry? (accessed 2026-10-09)
Last updated 2026-10-09. How we research and update pages.