Are No Credit Check Loans A Scam?

Written by Bryan Daly
Fact-checked by Caitlin Wood

Are No Credit Check Loans a Scam?

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Credit Check Loan Lookout No Credit Check Loans

It can be hard to qualify for a loan if you have bad credit, need fast cash, and don’t have time to improve your creditworthiness. That’s why some lenders offer loans with no credit check involved. However, many think that these lenders are really trying to swindle them. Keep reading to learn whether no credit check loans are a scam.

What is a No Credit Check Loan?

A no credit check loan is a sum of money that you borrow from a lender and repay over time. The lender doesn’t check your credit before approval as a bank or credit union would. Here are some common examples of no credit check loans:

Payday Loans – Small loans ($100 – $1,500) with short repayment terms (14-days), easy approval requirements and extremely high rates.
Auto Title Loans – Lenders may accept your car’s title as collateral. No credit check but you could lose your vehicle if you default on the loan.
Guarantor Loans – Someone can co-sign your loan and take over your payments if you can’t afford them. Watch out, this can be risky for their finances.
Secured Personal Loans – Some personal loans also require collateral. Be careful here too, as the lender may seize your asset if you miss too many payments.

Are No Credit Check Loans a Scam?

You should always be on the lookout for scam artists and predatory lenders, especially when it comes to lenders who don’t check your credit. But to answer the question, no, not all no credit check loans are a scam. That said, you will be taking on some risk when you choose a no credit check loan, such as:

High-Interest Rates – Some no credit check loans come with really high-interest rates. The lender may say it’s because they’re taking a chance by approving a client with bad credit but take this with a grain of salt. Payday loans are one of the most common examples of loan products that have predatory rates.
Short Terms – No credit check loans often come with more restrictive payment periods. If you can’t afford your full loan balance or payment by its due date, you’ll be charged a stiff penalty and extra interest. Once again, payday loans are comparable here because of their 2-week terms.
High/Hidden Fees – Some lenders charge for anything and everything. This is especially true with no credit check loans, where it’s easy to overlook the fine print when you need cash. Fees for loan insurance, origination, and NSF or late penalties can be disguised by technical jargon or hidden from you entirely.
Collateral – Bad credit can make you more likely to miss payments, so some lenders ask for an asset as collateral. While secured loans can be larger and have better rates, the lender legally owns your asset until your debt is repaid and has the right to seize it if you default.

Additional Reading

No Credit Check Loan Ads

Unfortunately, with buzzwords like “no credit check or documentation”, “easy approval” and “fast cash”, it’s not always hard for a no credit check lender to reel you in.

Be wary of a loan advertisement that uses these buzzwords. Although the easier approval process can be appealing when you have bad credit, it means the lender doesn’t really care if you pay your loan back. They might actually make more from a defaulted account because it can force you into a cycle of debt.

Alternatives to No Credit Check Loans

When you have terrible credit, you might think there are no options. Don’t worry, there are alternatives that can cause less financial harm, including but not limited to:

Credit Counselling – There are non-profit credit counselling agencies out there. A good counsellor can give you financial lessons, direct you toward debt management solutions and negotiate with your creditors.
Bad Credit Personal Loans – There are also many subprime lenders that can offer you a personal loan with a better rate and longer-term. While your credit may be checked, you probably won’t have to risk assets.
Building Credit – If you don’t need fast cash, it’s safer to improve your credit score until you’re eligible for a better loan. Try paying your other debts, not using too much credit and looking for mistakes or fraud on your credit report.

Considering a No Credit Check Loan?

No credit check loans come with risks that can make their easier requirements irrelevant. Taking on more debt may only lead to financial disaster, including worse credit. Before you apply, make sure to speak with a financial advisor, research your alternatives and factor the potential debt into your budget.