Can I get a personal loan if I just started a new job?
Yes, but it is harder. Most lenders want to see at least 2 years at your current employer. New employees can still qualify if the income is strong, the credit score is solid, and the loan amount is modest.
Context
What lenders look for on employment: Stability matters because they want to know the income will continue. Just starting means no proof of sustained earnings at this position.
Favorable factors that overcome short tenure: (1) Same industry as prior employer - a nurse changing hospitals is less risky than someone switching fields entirely. (2) Employment contract or offer letter showing the salary and start date. (3) Credit score above 700. (4) Substantial savings or assets. (5) Low DTI even at the new salary.
Lenders more likely to approve: Credit unions that underwrite manually, online lenders like Upstart that use education and job title in their models, LightStream for excellent-credit borrowers.
Probationary periods: If your offer letter mentions a 90-day probation, some lenders will wait to see you past it. Applying 90 days in improves your odds.
Pay stubs required? Usually yes - 1-2 recent pay stubs and an employment verification or offer letter. If you are paid bi-weekly, you may need to wait 2-4 weeks after your start date just to have pay stubs to submit.
Self-employed with less than 2 years? See the self-employment Q&A - that is a separate and harder qualification path.
- Reviewed by
- Compliance Review
- Last reviewed
- June 15, 2026
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