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Idaho offers outstanding scenery and a robust economy. And when it comes to expenses, a recent study showed that Idaho boasts the 28th lowest cost of living in the United States.
Idaho’s GDP is $78.8 billion, representing an annual increase of 3.3%. Despite this, 11% of the population lives in poverty. In addition, higher prices mean paychecks can’t always cover emergencies and other unexpected costs.
There are solutions if you are a resident of Idaho who is struggling with finances. Even with limited banking options or bad credit, you can still get a personal loan in Idaho. You can apply for loans to cover sudden expenses, such as emergency car or home repairs. Or you can use the funds to pay for a wedding or take that dream trip you’ve always envisioned.
If you live in Idaho and need immediate cash, apply now for a personal loan with Jora Credit. All you need to do is visit the website and take a few moments to fill out the application. Depending on when you apply, you could receive up to $4,000 as soon as the same business banking day.
Types of Loans in Idaho
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Idaho was the second fastest-growing state in 2022, and the Gem State experienced a 23.7% population increase from 2010 to 2023. What is the Gem State’s appeal? People like its affordable housing, safe cities and towns, and good schools. Plus, being close to nature also acts as a population magnet.
But like other parts of the nation, Idahoans continue facing rising costs. If you’re an Idaho resident, understanding loan options can help you handle unexpected financial issues.
Here are the quick loans available to you as an Idaho resident:
- Personal loans: A personal loan is money you borrow from a bank, credit union, or online private lender (like Jora Credit). You pay the loans back in fixed-monthly payments (known as installments). Personal loans can be a great path to quick funding. Bad credit loans are available if you have a less-than-perfect credit history. No matter your financial situation, there is a personal loan option for you.
- Payday loan: These are small-amount, short-term loans that help cover minor expenses until the next paycheck. In Idaho, payday loan limits are either $1,000 or 25% of the borrower’s income, whichever is the lesser amount. There is also a limit of three renewals. Otherwise, the annual percentage rate on payday loans is uncapped, with no set criteria. This allows lenders to set the rates; an average annual percentage rate (APR) is 652%.
- Title loan: A title loan lets you exchange the title of your car, boat, RV, or other assets for cash. You still can use that asset throughout the loan’s duration. In Idaho, title lenders must specify that title loans should be used only for short-term cash and can carry high interest rates. Additionally, these loans can’t exceed 30 days in length, although you can renew them.
Other loan types include home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), cash advances, and lines of credit.
Speaking of which, it’s possible to obtain other types of loans through a pawn shop. The state doesn’t have licensing authority or regulatory oversight of pawnbrokers. Instead, municipalities regulate pawn shops. However, the Idaho Department of Finance does regulate and license pawnbroker businesses that also participate in consumer lending activities, like payday or title loans.
But if you’re looking for a bad credit personal loan option, apply now with Jora Credit.
Why Jora Credit?
Idaho loan requirements differ based on financing type and the lender. Payday loans generally have more relaxed requirements than some types of personal loans. Still, it’s a good idea to know general information before applying.
Here's everything you need to know when applying for a loan in Idaho.
Your credit score depends on several factors. These can include your payment history, the amount you owe, and the average age of all your open credit accounts. Most lenders who issue installment loans check your credit score. A good credit score can qualify you for a lower interest rate loan and shorter term, which could save you thousands of dollars in interest-rate payments.
You can get your FICO score from your credit card company or bank. It’s also a good idea to examine your credit report and look for any errors. To do this, request a free copy of your credit report from the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Transunion). If you find mistakes, let the reporting bureau know so they can address them—and potentially raise your score.
It’s important to know that you can afford to pay back any loan you get. Before applying for a loan, calculate how much you pay monthly for food, housing expenses, credit cards, or other loans. Knowing that you can repay a loan can help you avoid ending up in a hard-to-escape debt cycle.
Many lenders will examine your monthly expenses when deciding whether to accept your loan application. If you don’t have enough left over from monthly expenses, they might not approve your loan.
The average median household income in Idaho is $63,377. This works out to approximately $5,281 a month. If, for example, you spend $5,000 a month on household expenses and loan repayments, this leaves you with $281. Ask yourself if this is enough to allow you to take on another loan payment. If the answer is no, you might want to hold off on applying for a loan.
Lenders want assurance that you can pay their loans back. This is why they might examine your employment status and monthly income. Be sure to offer proof of employment (like pay stubs, W2 forms, or previous tax returns) or bank statements.
Also, take time to examine other income sources in addition to wages. Side gigs, alimony, and child support all count as extra income.
If you decide to apply for a secured loan, you must offer collateral. These assets can improve your odds of approval. But keep in mind that lenders can also seize the collateral if you fail to repay the loan.
If you have poor credit or don’t qualify on your own, a cosigner might be the way to go when applying for a loan. Find a lender that accepts cosigners or joint loans. A cosigner with good credit or high income could improve your approval odds.
Most lenders list their typical loan rates, terms, and amounts where you can find them. If something is missing, don’t be afraid to ask. You also might have to go through the application process to learn the exact rates.
A general rule of thumb is that short-term loans often have a higher APR (annual percentage rate). This makes them a more expensive form of credit.
For example, payday loans need to be repaid by your next payday. Failure to repay the entire loan could mean late fees or higher interest rates. Other loans, like those offered by Jora Credit, can be repaid in set amounts over several months. Both the APR and loan terms can help you know your monthly payment and how much you’ll pay in interest. Use our online calculator to get an idea of what you might owe.
All Idaho consumer lenders—banks, credit unions, payday lenders, and title lenders—must be licensed by the Idaho Department of Finance. This agency also oversees the Idaho Credit Code. It’s also a good idea to check out the lender on third-party sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot. For example, Jora Credit has an excellent ranking on Trustpilot, with more than 1,000 reviews. In addition, a lender’s website’s online testimonials can give you insight into the lender’s reputation and trustworthiness.
Knowing what others are saying can go a long way toward learning whether the lender is reputable and what you can expect as a customer.
Many lenders in Idaho might also examine the following:
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): This ratio represents your monthly debts divided by your monthly income. The percentage result is your DTI. For example, if you earn $4,000 a month and your expenses are $3,000 a month, the DTI would be 3,000/4000 or 75%. Most lenders prefer to see a DTI no higher than 40% (excluding mortgage payments).
- Loan fees: Many lenders might charge extra fees for their loans, like prepayment penalties or origination fees. A prepayment penalty occurs when you pay your loan off before the end of its term, while origination fees come at the start of the loan. But the good news is that Jora doesn't charge such fees.
- Proof of identity/citizenship: In most cases, you need to be a citizen or resident of the United States to qualify for a loan. Make sure you have two or more forms of identification, such as a government-issued driver’s license, state ID, social security card, passport, or birth certificate. Before applying, it’s a good idea to make copies of these documents since you want to submit the originals to any lender.
- Your address: Because many lenders won’t loan out of state, you must prove that you live in Idaho to qualify for an in-state loan. This requires that you prove you live in the state. Examples of residential proof include a rental letter, lease, mortgage, or utility bill to show proof of residence.
- Purpose of the loan: Some lenders offering installment loans want to know why you need the funds. Those offering bad credit loans might not need this information. But it's a good idea to prepare for this question.
Getting a loan in Idaho is a straightforward process. One method is to visit a bank or credit union in person. Many of these lenders also offer online access. Then there are online-only lenders, like Jora Credit. These lenders have simpler application processes. You can even receive the funds within the same day you apply.
But before starting the process, ask yourself these questions:
- Why do I need this loan? There are different reasons why you might need extra money. These can range from emergency funding to financing your dream vacation. Understanding a loan’s purpose can help lead you to the right kind of financing for your purposes.
- How much do I need? Don’t ever apply for more money than you need, since that might mean you have to pay back more and manage a higher interest rate. And again, it’s important that you can afford to repay the loan once you receive the funds.
- Can I repay a loan on time? Before applying, determine your monthly expenses. Then calculate estimated loan repayments into your budget. If you don’t have enough to repay a loan, hold off on applying for one. Even missing one payment could hurt your credit score. It could also hurt any chances you have of getting a future loan.
- Are there other options? There might be other options to get those extra funds. You might qualify for other forms of financing. Or ask a loved one to co-sign a loan with you.
Once you’ve answered the above questions, it’s time to find a reputable lender licensed in Idaho. Do your homework, and examine each lender’s APRs, repayment, loan terms, and extra fees. Note that Jora Credit doesn’t charge prepayment penalties or origination fees.
Make sure you fit the lender’s eligibility requirements, which might involve checking your credit score before applying. You also want to be sure that your income qualifies for the loan type you want.
Jora Credit’s loan application process is simple. If you have bad credit, here’s all you need to do for a bad credit installment loan:
- Create an online account. Then you’ll be asked to complete an online application. You only need to supply your name, social security number, home address, and birth date.
- Provide extra information. Such information generally includes a checking account and bank routing number. You might also need to upload a copy of your state government-issued ID.
- Submit the application. Jora Credit usually makes a credit decision within minutes.
- Accept the offer and receive funds. If you apply before 10:30 a.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, you could receive your funds that same business banking day.*
There are two main types of personal loans: secured and unsecured.
- Secured personal loan: Secured loans require collateral—like a car or a house—in exchange for funds. Secured loans are generally easier to get. This is because you’re using an asset of value to “back” the loan. But if you miss a payment or default, the lender can seize your asset and potentially leave you without a place to live or means of transportation.
- Unsecured: Unlike secured loans, unsecured loans don’t require collateral. The lender relies on your credit score, employment, income, or other indicators. Even if you have bad credit, online lenders like Jora Credit can provide you with financing.
Both secured and unsecured loans come with risks. Late payments could impact your credit score and generate late fees or interest charges. And failure to pay on time could affect your credit score, while late payments or non-payments mean the lender could send your account to a collections agency. Be sure to understand the risks before applying for any loan type.
Your credit score determines loan type, rates, and terms. Good credit scores can mean better terms and lower rates. Bad credit scores might mean a higher APR and a shorter payback period.
Your credit score consists of the following:
- Payment history (35%): The payment history is your ability to pay your debts on time.
- Credit history (15%): This refers to the average age of all your open credit accounts.
- Credit utilization (30%): Credit utilization refers to how much credit you use compared to your open accounts. Lenders generally like utilization of 15% or lower.
- Credit mix (10%): Credit mix means the different types of credit you have (installment or revolving).
- Credit inquiries (10%): These happen when a lender completes a hard credit check. Lenders will do this if you apply for a new account.
Other factors to consider are bankruptcies or foreclosures, which can stay on your credit report for years.
Keep an eye out for errors and mistakes, which can also lower your credit score. Monitoring your credit reports can help you pinpoint and correct errors. These might include misspelled names, duplicate accounts, or incorrect missed payments.
Approximately 20% of consumers have a mistake on their credit reports. If you find an error, take the time to dispute it with the reporting credit bureau.
A lot of things can bring down your credit score. Some are beyond your control, like a past bankruptcy or a messy divorce that leaves you with more financial complications than expected.
But since your credit score plays such a crucial role in the types of financing you can get, it’s essential to find ways to improve it. With that in mind, here are some of the best ways to give your credit score a boost:
- Make on-time payments. Missing one payment might not seem like a big deal, but it can lower your credit score. And if you continue to miss payments, your account could end up in collections, which could hurt your score even more. Try to keep up with your payments, even if that means only paying the minimums on your open accounts.
- Catch up on payments. If you’re already behind on payments, try to bring that account current as soon as possible. This will prevent late fees while adding to your positive payment history. Accounts less than 30 days past due might not appear on your credit report, so updating them could help your credit score. Jora Credit does not have late fees, making it easier to manage and catch up on your payments without additional costs.
- Get your accounts out of collections. Once an account ends up in collections, it can remain on your credit report for up to 7 years. But bringing it current or getting it out of collections can help you rebuild your credit.
- Try to pay more than the minimum. Your total debt amount across all open accounts can affect your credit score. Pay more than the minimum monthly payment on your accounts if your finances allow. Not only can this reduce your total interest charges, but it will also reduce how much you owe – and improve your credit.
- Become an authorized user. As an authorized user on someone else’s account, you can use that account as if it were your own. However, you do not need to actively use the account to build credit. Simply attaching your name to it can add to your payment history and credit utilization. As long as the primary account holder is responsible, you can boost your credit this way. Please note that Jora Credit does not offer the option to add an authorized user.
- Get Experian Boost. Experian Boost is a tool that lets you add nontraditional accounts or payments to your credit file to improve your FICO credit score. This includes things like rent payments or certain streaming services. By adding them to your credit file, you can almost instantly increase your credit score.
- Dispute errors. Review your credit report for errors and dispute them. These could be duplicate accounts, name misspellings, or wrongly reported accounts in collections. Once the error is gone, your credit score should bounce back.
- Avoid applying for multiple new accounts at once. When you apply for a new line of credit or loan, the lender usually runs a credit check or hard inquiry. Applying for or opening several accounts in a short period could be seen as risky behavior and hurt your credit score. So, limit the number of new accounts you apply to only those you need.
- Get credit monitoring. You can monitor your credit score with a free credit monitoring service, which might be available through your bank. This can help you determine your progress toward building your credit.
- Use a credit-builder loan. A credit-builder loan is designed to help people build credit. It’s typically best for people with poor or fair credit. As long as you make on-time payments over the life of the loan, your credit score should improve.
Remember, building credit can take some time – sometimes months or even years. So, try not to worry if your score is not yet where you need it to be. As long as you keep working at it, it will improve.
How much you can borrow in Idaho depends on the lender and loan. Personal loans can range from $500 to $10,000. State payday loan maximums are either $1,000 or 25% of your income. If you’re a first-time borrower, you could be eligible for a Jora Credit loan of up to $4,000.*
Again, this depends on the loan and the lender.
Applying for a bank or credit union loan can take longer than acquiring a payday loan or title loan. Secured loans might also require more time. Generally, online personal loans don’t take as long. If you apply for a loan through Jora Credit, you only need to answer a few questions. You could receive your funds on the same day.
Your credit score might also determine approval time. A higher credit score can mean a quicker approval time.
Idaho boasts many consumer lenders that offer various loan types—including bad credit loans. So you have plenty of financing options, even with bad credit. One such bad credit lender is Jora Credit. To apply, submit proof of employment, income, and other financial and personal details.
If you’re an Idahoan needing extra cash, there is a loan option for you. Installment, personal, and bad credit loans can help you get your finances on track. These loans can also help cover expenses like weddings, home repairs, or vacations. Be sure to research your choices before applying. Check out the lender’s requirements. Make sure your targeted lender has a state license. Check your finances so you know with certainty that you can repay the loan.
Also, be prepared to provide basic personal and contact details, and have your employment and banking information handy. Knowing your credit score in advance is also a good idea. This helps you understand what financing you qualify for and at what rates.
Do you have bad credit? Do you need money fast? Jora Credit offers quick funding and flexible repayment plans for those living in Idaho. To get started, visit Jora Credit today.