Bear Loan requirements: what lenders actually check.
There is no minimum credit score. Lenders in our network look at five simple things — age, residency, income, a checking account and a way to reach you. Use the quick checker below to see if you meet the basics.
Do you meet the basics?
Tick what applies. Nothing is submitted — this is just for you.
Tick the boxes to see where you stand
Most working adults meet all five. Credit score isn't one of them.
Request my offersThe five requirements, explained
What each one means, why lenders check it, and what counts.
Age 18 or older
Loan agreements are contracts, so you must be an adult in your state. Alabama and Nebraska set the age at 19; Mississippi at 21.
U.S. residency
Lenders are licensed by state, so you need a U.S. address in a state where the product is offered. Check your state.
Regular, verifiable income
Lenders confirm you can repay. Employment, self-employment, Social Security, SSDI, pension, alimony and child support all count when they arrive on a schedule. Many lenders look for roughly $1,000+ per month.
An active checking account
Funds are deposited here and payments drawn from here. The account should be in your name and ideally where your income lands — it makes verification faster and offers larger.
Valid ID, email and mobile number
A government ID confirms identity; email and phone are how the lender sends your agreement and reminders. No paper documents are mailed.
Requirements by loan type
The basics are the same; the bar rises a little with the amount.
| Short-Term $200 – $1,500 | Installment $500 – $5,000 | Personal $2,000 – $5,000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum credit score | None | None | None — stronger credit gets lower APR |
| Typical income lenders look for | $1,000+/month | $1,200+/month | $1,500+/month |
| Income history | Current pay cycle | 1–3 months of deposits | 3+ months of deposits |
| Checking account | Active | Active, 30+ days old | Active, 90+ days old preferred |
| Existing loans | No open short-term loan with the same lender | Debt-to-income considered | Debt-to-income considered |
| Collateral / co-signer | None | None | None |
Typical criteria across the lender network; each lender sets its own and they vary by state.
What to have on hand
Most people finish without uploading anything. Have these nearby in case a lender asks.
If you don't meet one of them
What usually happens, and what you can do.
What lenders look at beyond the basics
Meeting the five requirements gets you an answer. These decide how much and at what rate.
Income stability
Deposits that arrive on the same schedule each month matter more than the exact amount.
Banking activity
Recent overdrafts or returned payments lower offers; a positive balance on payday raises them.
Existing obligations
Other loans and payments count against what you can afford — lenders call this debt-to-income.
Requirements FAQ
Still unsure? Browse the full FAQ or see how we vet lenders on About Bear Loan.
Is there a minimum credit score?
No. There is no minimum score to request a loan. Lenders look at income, banking activity and existing obligations alongside your credit history (see bad credit loans). A lower score usually means a smaller amount or a higher APR, not an automatic no.
Can I apply if I'm self-employed or on benefits?
Yes. Any regular, verifiable income counts — self-employment, Social Security, disability, pension, or a combination. Lenders look for deposits that arrive on a predictable schedule.
Do I need a checking account?
Yes. Funds are deposited to, and payments are drawn from, an active checking account in your name. Prepaid cards and savings-only accounts generally don't qualify.
What is the minimum income?
It varies by lender and product. Many lenders look for roughly $1,000 or more per month in verifiable income for short-term and installment loans, and more for larger personal loans. Your offer size scales with your income.
Do I need to be employed?
Not necessarily. Employment is one source of income, but benefits, pensions and self-employment income are accepted. What matters is that the income is regular and can be verified.
Can I apply with a recent bankruptcy?
You can request offers. Some lenders in the network decline recent bankruptcies; others consider them once discharged. The soft check means asking costs nothing.
Meet the basics? Request your offers.
Three minutes, a soft credit check, and lenders show you what you qualify for.