Low-doc personal lines of credit are generally not common—but with some preparation, research, and relationship building, you certainly can clinch a personal line of credit that requires little paperwork for approval. What’s up with a low-documentation line of credit, anyway? Well, for starters, this credit product is cash to which you have access and that you can tap into whenever you want. But wait a minute…things aren’t that easy, though?
How does a low-doc personal line of credit work? What’s the paperwork required for approval? What are your odds of approval, anyway? To get a low-doc personal line of credit:
- Understand What a Low-Doc Personal Line of Credit Is.
- Seek Lenders Who Provide
- These Types of Lines of Credit.
- Decide How Much You Need to Borrow.
- Check Whether You Qualify.
- Prepare Valid Documentation.
- Provide Collateral (for a Secured Low-Doc Personal Line of Credit).
- Apply for the Low-Doc Line of Credit.
Read on!
1. Understand What a Low-Doc Personal Line of Credit Is
To get a low-doc personal line of credit, understand what this funding program is all about. When you apply for a low-doc personal line of credit, the lender is okay if you provide little documentation. Don’t confuse “low-doc line of credit” with “no-doc line of credit,” though. In a no-doc line of credit—which is as rare as snow in summer—the lender approves your application without asking for any documentation from you.
You can get a no-doc personal line of credit if you have a strong relationship with the lending institution, have substantial net worth, or agree to secure the line of credit with cash or investments you’re holding at the same bank that is lending you the money.
Okay, where were we?
Ah, low-doc personal lines of credit! Traditionally, a personal line of credit’s approval process entails a long list of documents—including tax returns, personal financial statements and bank statements—that some borrowers, especially those with troubled financial histories and low FICO scores, may find difficult to gather.
So basically a low-doc line of credit is somehow a breath of fresh air for those applicants who may struggle to gather the required paperwork. Upon approval of your application, the bank hands you a check or gives you a special debit card upon which it loads part of the approved amount.
2. Seek Lenders Who Provide These Types of Lines of Credit
To get a low-doc personal line of credit, seek lenders who provide these types of credit. There are few low-doc personal lines of credit to choose from, so you want to get the best deal. Generally, a personal line of credit offers a lower interest rate than the average credit card’s APR. However, you won’t be eligible for the best rates if you have a low credit score.
Shop around to see which bank gives you the best rate and the easiest approval process. Some lenders who provide these types of credit lines include U.S Bank, TD Bank, Regions Bank and PenFed Credit Union. Compare the funding, APRs, maximum and minimum credit limit, interest rates, maximum and minimum withdrawal limit, and penalties. This way, you avoid overwhelming interests and get the most suitable terms.
3. Decide How Much You Need to Borrow
To get a low-doc personal line of credit, decide how much you need to borrow. To borrow within your capacity, consider factors such as your income, credit history and any outstanding debts you may have. Stay on top of your finances and pay attention to your income level and other financial obligations, including credit cards, auto loans and personal loans.
Make sure your credit history is strong enough to get you the amount you’re seeking. Your credit history has a lot to say about your financial status; that’s why a patchy credit often doesn’t get you the best deals on credit limits.
4. Check Whether You Qualify for the Low-Doc Personal Line of Credit
To get a low-doc personal line of credit, make sure you qualify in the first place. Remember that lenders focus on your ability to repay whatever amount you withdraw from the line of credit—so thoroughly review your credit history and credit score, two key parameters of creditworthiness that say a lot about your risk level as a borrower.
Get a copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to ensure that your credit score meets the requirements. Also, see if there are any problems you should deal with before you start applying. Here are some ways to help you boost your credit score:
- Pay your bills on time: a late payment reflects poorly on your record with the credit bureaus and reduces your credit score. Pay your bills on time, all the time.
- Keep an eye on your credit utilization: your credit utilization is the second largest factor that influences your credit score, after early payments. Use below 30% of your credit limits on credit cards. Assuming you have a credit card with a $5,000 credit limit, avoid spending over $1500. If you happen to exceed 30% of the credit limit, repay the money as soon as possible.
- Pay down debts: If you have any revolving lines of credit or installment loans before applying for a low-doc personal line of credit, pay them down as low as you can.
- Ask for higher credit limits: besides giving you greater buying power, a higher credit limit reduces your credit utilization, impacting your credit score positively.
5. Prepare Valid Documentation
To get a low-doc personal line of credit, prepare valid documentation to make the application process smooth. Don’t be surprised that you need to present documents to get a low-doc personal line of credit. It’s low-doc, not no-doc. The idea is that you’re providing fewer documents than are needed for a traditional personal line of credit.
Here are a few documents the lender may require for verification to approve the application:
- Tax returns that date from 24 months or older. They give the lender insight into your income.
- Interim financial statements covering less than a year.
- Income declaration form, which is a legal document where you declare your employment and income status. The lender provides this form, and then you fill it out, including your SSN and the amount you wish to borrow.
>>>PRO TIPS: How to Get a Personal Line of Credit With No Job
6. Provide Collateral (for a Secured Low-Doc Personal Line of Credit)
To get a low-doc personal line of credit, consider providing collateral, especially if you have poor credit or if the lender so requires. The good thing about taking a secured, low-doc personal line of credit is that it may help you get a more favorable term and a lower interest rate.
Deposit any valuable property you may have with the lender as collateral—your car, gold or stock portfolio. However, keep in mind that mismanaging the line of credit exposes you to a potential loss of your property. The lender will sell off your property to cover the loss.
7. Apply for the Line of Credit
To get a low-doc personal line of credit, apply for the line of credit. The application process for a low-doc personal line of credit is much the same as applying for any loan.
For a low-doc line of credit, the bank or credit union requires that you apply at a branch. Once you’ve decided on a lender and the credit limit you’re seeking, go to the branch closest to you and apply. The lender checks the documents for authenticity and notifies you if you qualify for the low-doc personal line of credit.
Conclusion
To get a low-doc personal line of credit, understand what a low-doc personal line of credit is, and seek lenders who provide these types of lines of credit. In addition, decide how much you need to borrow, check whether you qualify for the low-doc personal lines of credit, and prepare valid documentation. Lastly, provide collateral (for a secured low-doc personal line of credit) and apply for the low-doc line of credit.
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