Can a foreign national or non-US citizen get a personal loan in the US?

What lenders require: Valid US address (P.O. boxes typically not accepted). Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). US bank account in your name. Some form of US credit history or income verification.

Visa types that typically qualify: H-1B, H-4 EAD, O-1, L-1, J-1, F-1 OPT (with authorization to work), E-2, TN visa holders (Canada/Mexico). Most lenders require a visa with at least 12 months remaining validity.

Lenders known to serve non-citizens: Stilt (specialized lender for visa holders, considers visa type and future earnings potential). Avant (accepts ITIN). Upgrade (accepts ITIN and work visa). Some community banks and credit unions with immigrant-serving missions. Self Credit Builder (for building US credit history first).

Building US credit from scratch: If you are new to the US with no credit history, start with a secured credit card (CATO Bank, Deserve, or a credit union secured card). Use it for 6-12 months. Then apply for a personal loan using the credit history you have built. This is the fastest path to qualifying at reasonable rates.

ITIN vs SSN: An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is available to non-residents and resident aliens who cannot get an SSN. Fewer lenders accept ITIN, but those who do (Avant, Upgrade, Stilt) treat ITIN borrowers similarly to SSN borrowers if other criteria are met.

Undocumented individuals: Options are very limited. Some community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and credit unions serve this population. Stilt and some Mexican consulate programs also have products for this group.