Can international students get a personal loan in the US?

The SSN/ITIN requirement: Most personal loan lenders require a Social Security Number for credit bureau verification. International students on F-1 visas may have an SSN if they have worked on campus or in authorized employment. Students without work authorization typically lack SSNs. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is accepted by some lenders as an alternative to an SSN.

Lenders that specifically serve international students and visa holders: Stilt: specifically designed for immigrants and visa holders. Does not require a Social Security Number. Uses employment, education, and income as underwriting factors. Available in most states. Prodigy Finance: specializes in international student loans for graduate programs at eligible institutions. Works across many countries of origin and US visa types. MPOWER Financing: student loan lender for international students; may cover living expenses. Some credit unions: credit unions near universities with large international student populations (especially state universities) may have specific lending programs for international students.

Building US credit as an international student: Secured credit card: ITIN holders can open secured credit cards (Discover Secured, Capital One Secured accept ITINs). Using it responsibly for 12+ months builds a US credit file. Credit-builder loans at credit unions: available to members without SSNs at some community credit unions. Once a US credit file is established, personal loan options broaden significantly.

Visa status consideration: Lenders prefer borrowers whose visa status ensures they will remain in the US long enough to repay the loan. F-1 students 1 year from graduation with an employer-sponsored OPT/H-1B pathway are viewed more favorably than students whose US status is uncertain.