How to Get Approved For a Loan: 5 Strategies to Improve Your Chances

When it comes to getting your loans approved, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every lender has different requirements for approving loans, which include your credit score, your monthly income, your debt-to-income ratio, and your credit portfolio, among other things.

So how to get approved for a loan? Well, all lenders prefer borrowers who would pay them back on time. Therefore, they will only approve your applications if you meet their eligibility criteria. 

Read on to discover some really effective ways to improve your chances of loan approval.

How to Get Approved For a Loan?

Below are some tried and tested strategies to get approved for a loan:

1. Make Sure to Meet the Lender’s Requirements

Whether you’re applying for a personal loan at a credit union, a bank, or an online lender, you will need to meet the basic requirements of the lender. 

For instance, you will need to be at least 18 years old, have a stable monthly income, be a responsible borrower, meet the credit score requirements, and be a citizen of the country where you’re applying.

Every lender has different requirements for loans. So make sure to check their specific eligibility criteria to determine your chances of approval.

2. Do Not Ask for Too Much Money

When applying for personal loans, it is important to only ask for the amount you actually need. Personal loans are designed to help you meet any unexpected short-term expenses. 

However, many borrowers tend to ask for the maximum amount offered by the lender, without realizing that a short-term loan can leave them in debt. Additionally, lenders view this move as risky and may not even approve your loan. 

To avoid this, use a personal loan calculator to calculate how much you can actually borrow and what your monthly payment will be. This can help you decide how much to borrow.

3. Add a Co-Signer

If your credit score is below 690, it is considered bad. Getting a loan with a fair or bad credit score is nearly impossible as lenders prefer strong credit. Therefore, adding a co-signer with a good or excellent credit score to your loan application can boost the likelihood of loan approval.

This is because a co-signer with good credit reassures lenders that they would be responsible for repaying them in case the primary applicant fails to do so. It adds an extra layer of security for the lenders.

However, when adding a co-signer, make sure they’re someone you trust. They should understand the legal obligations they’ll have as a co-signer and be aware of all the risks involved.

4. Opt for a Secured Loan

Your chances of loan approval automatically improve when you opt for a secured loan. When you apply for a secured loan, you will need to offer an asset as collateral. This gives lenders the security and reassurance they need to offer loans. If you fail to repay your loan, they will be legally entitled to take the collateral.

Another benefit of getting a secured loan is that there are fewer requirements as compared to unsecured loans. Since secured loans are less risky, lenders charge lower interest rates and have minimum requirements for them.

5. Lower Your Debt to Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio indicates how much of your monthly income goes towards paying off your debts. The higher your DTI, the lower your chances of loan approval as it indicates that you may not be able to take on any further debt.

So before you apply for a loan, look for ways to increase your income so you can pay off your debts. For instance, ask for a raise at your current job or look for a temporary side hustle. 

Increased monthly income will automatically improve your chances of loan approval. You can report any extra income that comes from dividends, freelancing, contract-based work, or government benefits. 

Apply for a Personal Loan Today to Get Same-Day Funding!

If you’re looking for a loan with less stringent requirements and same-day funding, apply now at Cash in Minutes. We have the most competitive rates in Utah and even accept bad credit. So fill out our easy application form today and our team will reach out to you the same day with an answer.