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The process

How Bear Loan works, step by step.

One three-minute request, a soft credit check, offers you can compare, and money in your account as soon as the next business day. Here is what happens at every stage — including the parts you don't see.

Apply Now Check the requirements first

3-minute formDecision in minutesFunds by tomorrow

From request to cash in four steps

Each step shows what you do, what happens behind the scenes, and how long it usually takes.

Tell us what you need

About 3 minutes

What you do

Choose an amount from $200 to $5,000, pick how fast you can repay, and enter the basics: name, address, income source, and the checking account where funds should land.

Behind the scenes

Your details are encrypted and matched against the eligibility rules of lenders licensed in your state. No pay stubs or uploads at this stage.

Tip: use the account your pay is deposited into. Lenders can verify income faster and are more likely to offer the amount you asked for.

Get matched in minutes

Usually under 5 minutes

What you do

Nothing — wait for the decision screen. Most people see it within a few minutes.

Behind the scenes

A soft credit inquiry checks identity and eligibility without touching your FICO score. Lenders weigh income and banking activity alongside credit history, which is why there's no minimum score to apply.

If no lender can make an offer, you'll be told right away — no fee, no mark on your credit.

Review your offer

Take your time

What you do

Read the agreement: lender's name, APR, every fee, payment amount and dates, total repayment. Compare if you received more than one. Accept one, or decline at no cost.

Behind the scenes

Federal Truth in Lending rules require these numbers on the agreement before you sign. If an offer doesn't show them, don't sign it.

Compare the total repayment, not just the monthly payment — a longer term lowers the payment but raises the total. Our calculator shows both.

E-sign and get funded

Next business day · same day before 10 a.m.

What you do

Sign electronically and authorize the lender to deposit funds and collect payments from your checking account.

Behind the scenes

The lender may run a hard inquiry at this point. Funds are sent by ACH; your bank's processing time determines when the money shows up.

Agreements signed before 10 a.m. local time on a business day can be funded the same day with many lenders. Weekends and bank holidays add a day.

Soft pull vs. hard pull — what touches your credit

Soft inquiry — when you request offers

Lets lenders confirm who you are and whether you're eligible. Not visible to other lenders and does not change your score. You can request offers as many times as you like.

Hard inquiry — only if you accept

Happens when you e-sign a specific lender's agreement. It appears on your report and can lower your score by a few points for a short period. One loan = at most one hard pull.

After you're funded

The loan is between you and the lender named on your agreement. Here's how the rest works.

RepaymentThe lender debits your checking account on the dates in the agreement — one payday for a short-term loan, monthly for installment and personal loans. You get a notice before the first withdrawal.
Paying earlyMost installment and personal loans in our network have no prepayment penalty. Extra payments go to principal and cut the interest you pay.
If a payment date won't workContact the lender before the date. Many offer a date change or an extended payment plan where state law allows. Late payments can add fees and may be reported.
Credit reportingInstallment and personal loan payments are often reported to credit bureaus, so on-time payments can help your history. Short-term loans usually aren't reported.

See rates & fees Need help reaching a lender?

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What slows things down — and how to avoid it

Typos in your bank detailsA wrong routing or account number means a failed deposit. Copy them from your bank app.

Income that can't be verifiedCash income with no deposits is hard to confirm. Use the account your pay lands in.

Signing late in the dayAfter 10 a.m. local time, most lenders fund the next business day.

Weekends and holidaysBanks don't process ACH on those days, so a Friday evening signature usually lands Monday.

How it works — FAQ

Not answered here? The full FAQ has 33 more, and About Bear Loan explains who is behind the service.

How long does the whole process take?

Most people finish the form in about three minutes and see a decision within five. Once you e-sign, funds are typically deposited by the next business day; same-day funding is possible for agreements signed before 10 a.m. local time, depending on the lender and your bank.

Do I need to upload documents?

Usually not. Lenders verify identity, income and your checking account electronically. A lender may ask for a recent pay stub or bank statement if something can't be confirmed automatically.

What if I don't like the offer?

Decline it. There's no fee and no obligation. You can also adjust the amount or term in the form and request again.

Can I get more than one offer?

Yes. Depending on your profile and state, more than one lender may respond. You compare APR, payment and total cost side by side and choose one — or none.

Is applying the same as accepting a loan?

No. Submitting a request only asks lenders for offers. A loan exists only after you e-sign a specific lender's agreement.

What happens on the due date?

Your lender debits the account you provided on the schedule in your agreement. You'll receive a reminder before the first withdrawal. If a date doesn't work, contact the lender before it arrives.

Ready when you are.

Three minutes, a soft credit check, and your real offers to compare.

Apply Now — it's free Check the requirements

No impact to your score$0 application fee3-minute form256-bit encrypted