Credit For Life's Loan-Matching Process
We're a free loan-matching service. Here's exactly what happens when you submit a request.
- One short request
- Many lenders start with a soft check
- You choose — no obligation
Credit For Life connects people who need money with lenders who might be able to help. We don't lend money ourselves — we simply pass your request along and let you compare what comes back.
Get Matched in 4 Steps
1. You submit one request
Tell us the loan amount you're looking for and a few basic details — no paperwork, no office visit. It takes a few minutes.
2. Soft check and matching
Your request goes to our network partner that provides the loan request form, which may share it with lenders and partners in our network. Most use a soft credit inquiry to see if they can make you an offer. A soft check does not affect your credit score.
3. You see offers from lenders
If a lender in our network can help, you'll see the loan amount, APR and term of their offer. Not every request gets an offer, and offers, amounts and rates vary by lender.
4. You choose — a lender may run a hard check
You decide whether to move forward with an offer. Before final approval, the lender you choose may run a hard credit check, which can affect your credit score. Funding timing varies by lender — some fund quickly, others take longer.
Who can apply
To submit a request through Credit For Life, you generally need to:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a US resident
- Have an active bank account
- Have a source of income
Availability, amounts and terms vary by lender and by state. Our primary market is California, and Credit For Life is not available in every state.
Our Role: Loan-Matching, Not Lending
Our Role
- A free loan-matching service
- A place to compare offers from multiple lenders
- A source of plain-English guides to California lending rules
What We Don't Do
- Not able to guarantee an offer or approval
- Not able to change a lender's decision on your behalf
Our Compensation Model
Using Credit For Life costs you nothing. We may be compensated by the lenders and lending partners in our network when a consumer is matched with them or a loan is funded. This doesn't change the offer you see or what you pay a lender. Full details are in our advertiser disclosure. For the numbers behind California loan costs, see rates and terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is Credit For Life a lender?
No. Credit For Life is a free loan-matching service. Your request goes to our network partner that provides the loan request form, which may share it with lenders and partners in our network; they make the credit decisions.
Will checking my options affect my credit score?
Most lenders in our network start with a soft credit inquiry to show possible offers, which does not affect your credit score. A hard credit check only happens if you accept a specific lender's offer.
How does Credit For Life make money?
We may receive compensation from lenders and lending partners when a consumer is matched or a loan is funded. Using Credit For Life is free for consumers. See our advertiser disclosure.
How fast can I get funded?
Funding time varies by lender and product. Some lenders fund the same or next business day; others take longer. The lender's offer will show the expected timing before you accept.
See what lenders can offer you
One short request. Many lenders start with a soft credit check. No fee to use Credit For Life.
Apply NowApproval not guaranteed · Lenders set rates and terms