Key takeaways
- You must be at least 18, or your state's minimum age, and live in one of the 19 states Regional Finance serves.
- Core documents: government-issued photo ID, proof of income and proof of residence.
- No minimum credit score is published. A soft check comes first, then a hard inquiry if you proceed.
- Larger loans may require a vehicle as collateral, which means a lien on the title.
Regional Finance Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Regional Finance loan, you generally need to meet these basics.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 or older, or the minimum age in your state, whichever is higher |
| Residency | Live in AL, AZ, CA, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MS, MO, NM, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA or WI |
| Identity | Valid government-issued photo ID |
| Income | Verifiable income that supports the monthly payment; no published minimum |
| Credit | No published minimum score; full credit profile is reviewed |
| Collateral | Sometimes required for larger loans, usually a vehicle |
Not sure your state qualifies? See Regional Finance locations by state.
Documents Checklist
Gather these before you start. Complete files move fastest.
- Photo ID: driver's license, state ID or passport that is not expired
- Proof of income: recent pay stubs, a benefits award letter, or bank statements showing deposits
- Proof of residence: a recent utility bill, lease or mortgage statement in your name
- Social Security number: needed for the credit check and identity verification
- Bank account details: for direct deposit and autopay
- Vehicle title and insurance: only if the loan will be secured by your car
How Regional Finance Checks Your Credit
- Soft credit check. Prequalification uses a soft pull. It is visible only to you and does not affect your score.
- Offer review. You see an estimated amount, APR and term based on your profile.
- Hard inquiry. If you choose to proceed, a hard pull is made. It may lower your score by a few points for a short time.
- Final approval. Your documents are verified, and the final terms appear on your Truth in Lending disclosure.
Learn the difference in detail in soft vs hard credit checks, and see score guidance in Regional Finance credit score requirements.
Factors That Affect Your Regional Finance Approval
Debt-to-income ratio
Lenders compare your monthly debt payments with your gross income. A lower ratio leaves room for a new payment.
Payment history
Recent on-time payments count heavily. Recent late payments or collections can lower the amount offered.
Employment stability
Steady income over time signals that you can keep up fixed monthly payments.
Loan amount requested
Asking for less, with a shorter term, can improve approval odds and reduce total cost.
Here is a quick way to estimate your debt-to-income ratio: add up monthly debt payments, divide by gross monthly income, and multiply by 100. For example, $900 in payments on $3,000 of income is a 30% ratio.
Collateral Requirements for Larger Loans
Regional Finance may require a first lien on a motor vehicle for larger loans, and sometimes for smaller ones. A lien means the lender is listed on your title until the loan is paid off.
- The car usually needs to be in your name with a clear title
- Proof of insurance is typically required
- You keep driving the car while you repay
Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with an expired ID
- Uploading blurry or cropped documents
- Listing net income in one place and gross income in another
- Applying with several lenders at once, which stacks hard inquiries
- Skipping the cost review: always read the APR, fees and total of payments
Once you are ready, see how the Regional Finance application works step by step.
Prepare in 15 Minutes
Use this short routine the day before you apply. It removes the most common causes of delay.
1. Check your credit reports
Pull free reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Dispute errors such as accounts that are not yours or late payments you made on time.
2. Calculate your budget
Subtract rent, utilities, transportation, food and current debt payments from take-home pay. What is left is the most a new payment can safely take.
3. Scan your documents
Save clear, uncropped photos of your ID, two recent pay stubs and a utility bill in one folder.
4. Decide the amount
Know exactly how much you need and why. A focused request is easier to approve and cheaper to repay.
Requirements FAQ
What do I need to apply for a Regional Finance loan?
A valid government-issued photo ID, proof of income, proof of residence in a state Regional Finance serves, and your Social Security number for the credit check.
Is there a minimum income for Regional Finance?
No minimum income is published. Your income must support the monthly payment after your existing debts.
Can I qualify with Social Security or disability income?
Verifiable benefit income is commonly accepted as proof of income. Bring your award letter or bank statements showing deposits.
Do I need a bank account?
A bank account is helpful for direct deposit and autopay. Some borrowers receive funds by check at a branch instead.
Does Regional Finance require a cosigner?
A cosigner is not a standard requirement. Ask your lender whether a co-applicant could improve your terms.
What if I live outside the 19 states?
Regional Finance only lends in the states where it is licensed. You would need to look at other lenders in your state.
Meet the Regional Finance Requirements? Check Your Options
Have your ID and income documents ready, then start a free request with a soft credit check.
Apply NowGo back to the Regional Finance overview or review Regional Finance rates and fees.