Yes, it is possible to get a personal loan with little income, though options may be limited to lenders specializing in lower-income borrowers or those willing to accept alternative income sources. Strategies to increase approval chances include adding a co-signer, providing proof of non-employment income (e.g., benefits), choosing a secured loan with collateral, or applying for smaller, more manageable amounts.
Check you're eligible
It's important to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria of the loan that you're applying for. The eligibility criteria for an ANZ Personal Loan requires the applicant to: be at least 18 years old. earn a minimum of $15,000 per annum.
You're more likely to secure a personal loan despite a low income if you apply for a smaller loan amount, apply with a cosigner or work with an online lender. Be wary of credit card-like interest rates, even from reputable lenders, if you don't have good credit.
You need at least $12,000 in annual income to get a personal loan, in most cases. Minimum income requirements vary by lender, ranging from $12,000 to $100,000+, and a lender will request documents such as W-2 forms, bank statements, or pay stubs to verify that you have enough income or assets to afford the loan.
As of 2025, the required minimum salary for Personal Loan varies among lenders. However, on average, most banks and financial institutions require a minimum monthly salary of ₹25,000 for salaried individuals. Some lenders may have higher requirements, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per month.
Key personal loan requirements
If a borrower is unemployed, they won't necessarily have income to show, and their debt-to-income ratio might be much lower than it would be with a stable income. Lenders may charge higher interest rates. Some lenders may offer higher interest rates to unemployed personal loan borrowers.
Getting a personal loan without income proof is possible if you can show financial reliability in other ways. A co-applicant, a good credit score, or a solid banking history can improve your chances of approval.
Here are some common reasons why a personal loan application may be denied:
The 2-2-2 credit rule is a guideline for building strong credit, suggesting you should have two active credit accounts (like cards or loans) for at least two years, with consistent on-time payments for those two years, often with a minimum credit limit of $2,000 per account, to demonstrate financial responsibility to lenders, especially for mortgages. It's a benchmark to show you can handle credit well over time, reducing lender risk and improving approval odds for major loans.
A $20,000 loan over 5 years (60 months) costs roughly $2,600 to over $7,000 in interest, with monthly payments varying significantly by Annual Percentage Rate (APR), such as around $377 at 5% APR or $445 at 12% APR, meaning total repayment could range from approximately $22,600 to over $26,700.
Banks and credit unions may offer the best personal loan rates and the added security of working with a well-established lender, but online lenders often provide fast funding and can make it easier to qualify. The best option for you depends on your finances, credit score and funding needs.
If you want to invest $10,000 over 10 years, and you expect it will earn 5.00% in annual interest, your investment will have grown to become $16,288.95.
Applying for a personal loan can temporarily lower your credit scores by a few points. But the overall effect of the loan on your credit scores largely depends on how you manage the loan. If you make consistent, on-time payments, for example, getting a personal loan could help you improve your credit scores over time.
Low Income
While processing your Personal Loan application, one of the required criteria for eligibility is to have an appropriate regular income through a job, profession, or business. If your income is lower than the criteria or if it is volatile, the chances of you getting a Personal Loan can drop.
Common Documents that are Required
A few common documents are: Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card. Proof of Address: Electricity Bill, Rent Agreement, Passport, Voter ID. Proof of Income (Salaried): Latest Salary Slips, Form 16, Bank Statements.