Can I get a loan if I don't work but my husband does?

Asked by: Randy Bergstrom  |  Last update: May 22, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (34 votes)

You can use someone else's income for a loan only if they agree to become a co-borrower on the loan.

Can I use my husband's income for a personal loan?

You can use your spouse's income to get a personal loan, but they have to be listed as a joint applicant. If you don't opt for a joint loan, only your income will be considered by the lender.

Can I get a personal loan if I'm not working?

Personal loans for the unemployed are possible, but you'll likely have to prove that you have an alternative source of income and the lender may take a closer look at your credit profile.

Does marital status affect loan approval?

If you are applying for individual credit in your own name, a creditor such as a lender or dealer may not deny you credit on the basis of sex or marital status. If your credit is sufficient to qualify you for your own auto loan, a lender or dealer generally may not require that your spouse co-sign.

Is there a way to get a loan while unemployed?

Yes, it is possible to get a loan if you don't have a job. But you'll need some type of income, such as unemployment, retirement benefits, alimony, or child support.

I Have A Problem Paying My Husband's Debt!

28 related questions found

What is a hardship loan?

Hardship personal loans are a type of personal loan intended to help borrowers overcome financial difficulties such as job loss, medical emergencies, or home repairs. Hardship personal loan programs are often offered by small banks and credit unions.

Can I qualify for a loan if I'm not working?

Yes, you may be able to find a lender if you have a source of income that will enable you to make the loan repayments. But there will be a smaller choice of providers and the interest rate is likely to be higher than if you had a steady job.

Can I apply for a loan with my spouse?

Using Your Spouse's Income

If your partner has a strong credit history and income, they can become a secondary “co-borrower” on the loan. A co-borrower can help improve your chances of approval, along with the interest rates and terms you're offered.

Will my husband's bad credit affect me?

Credit scores are calculated on a specific individual's credit history. If your spouse has a bad credit score, it will not affect your credit score. However, when you apply for loans together, like mortgages, lenders will look at both your scores. If one of you has a poor credit score, it counts against you both.

Does your spouse's debt become yours?

In almost every case, you will not be held responsible for debt your spouse has incurred before your marriage. The only exception to this rule is if you become a joint account holder after marriage. If you take this step, you will accept ownership of the debt and be held accountable for its repayment.

How can I get a $5000 loan without income proof?

You may be able to get a personal loan without income verification if you pledge collateral, use a co-signer or have an excellent credit score. There are several ways to get approved for a personal loan with no proof of income, including applying with a co-signer and securing the loan with collateral.

Why do people get denied for personal loans?

Although there are various reasons for getting denied when applying for a personal loan, five of those reasons include a low credit score, low income, a high debt-to-income ratio (DTI), an unstable work history, or an inability to meet basic requirements.

How to get a loan if you aren't working?

You can get a loan even if you're unemployed. Lenders look at multiple sources of income, including government benefits, alimony, and workers' compensation payments. You may also be eligible for a secured loan using some form of property as collateral.

Does my husband's income count as my income?

It states, “If you are 21 or older, you may include another person's income that is available to you. If you are under 21, you may consider the amount of another person's income that is regularly deposited into your account.”

Can a non-working spouse get a credit card?

You can get your own credit card based on your spouse's or partner's income, especially if you don't have any income of your own. And they do not have to be an authorized user on the account. Having a credit card in your own name can help build your credit.

Do all personal loans require proof of income?

Not all personal loans require proof of income, such as a tax document or bank statement, but it's quite common, so it's important to be prepared to back up the income you claim on your application.

Do lenders look at both spouses' credit scores?

Meanwhile, when you apply together for credit or financing, lenders will consider both of your credit scores. So, if one spouse has a lower score, that could affect your results.

How does marrying someone with debt affect you?

Does My Spouse's Debt Affect Me? Getting married doesn't affect your credit score directly, since credit reports don't note your marital status. Spouses retain their individual credit reports and credit scores after marriage; there's no such thing as a combined credit report.

Can I get a personal loan without my spouse?

FALSE. Married couples are not required to apply for credit jointly. You can still apply for individual accounts without your spouse co-signing or being otherwise involved. If one partner has higher credit scores, applying individually – not jointly – for an account may be one option.

Can my wife get a loan without a job?

Even without a job, you can generally get an emergency loan if you can prove a reliable source of income such as disability benefits or a spouse's income. Lenders that offer loans without proof of income are probably predatory.

What is a spousal loan?

The spousal loan strategy is a method of income-splitting that may enable couples to lower their overall family tax bill by entering into a prescribed rate loan arrangement. This arrangement is typically beneficial for couples where one spouse has significantly more taxable income than the other.

Can a married couple get a personal loan together?

A joint personal loan enables two co-borrowers to submit a single loan application. A lender considers the credit and income histories of both co-applicants, such as a married couple or a parent and child.

How to borrow money when unemployed?

“In some cases, unemployed individuals can still secure a personal loan if they have alternative sources of income such as rental income, investments, or government benefits.” Other potential ways to increase your odds of approval include adding a qualified cosigner, and going with a secured loan.

Who is not eligible for a loan?

The most common reason a lender may reject your Personal Loan application is low income. If your income is less than the minimum income requirement set by the lender, the lender may reject your loan request. For instance, most lenders require that your net monthly income should exceed ₹25,000.

What is the easiest loan to get immediately?

Some of the easiest loans to get approved for if you have bad credit include payday loans, no-credit-check loans, and pawnshop loans. Before you apply for an emergency loan to obtain funds quickly, make sure you read the fine print so you know exactly what your costs will be.