Bear Loans requirements
The basic conditions most lenders in our network look for, plus the details that can speed up approval or slow it down.
The core checklist
| Requirement | What lenders usually want |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18, or the age of majority in your state (19 in some states) |
| Residency | A U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in a state the lender serves |
| Income | Regular, verifiable income from a job, benefits, or other steady source |
| Bank account | An active checking account in your name that accepts direct deposit |
| Contact details | A working phone number and email address |
| Identity | A valid government-issued ID and Social Security number |
Each lender sets its own rules on top of these, and your state may add limits. Meeting the list doesn't guarantee approval.
What lenders look at beyond the basics
Income stability
Lenders want confidence you can make the payments. A regular deposit pattern over the last few months helps more than one large payment.
Bank account health
Frequent overdrafts or a recently opened account can count against you. A few months of normal activity is a good sign.
Existing debts
If most of your income is already committed to other payments, a lender may offer a smaller amount or decline.
Credit history
Some lenders pull a traditional credit report, others rely on alternative data. A low score won't automatically stop a request, but it usually raises the APR. See bad credit loans for more.
Ways to improve your chances
- Request only what you need; smaller amounts are easier to approve
- Use the same name and address that appear on your bank account
- Double-check your routing and account numbers
- Answer verification calls or emails quickly
- Avoid sending many applications to different sites on the same day
Ready? The application form takes about five minutes.
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