Establish your credit history with the right loan

Consider a situation like this: When they first were married, Mike and Carla lived with family members. Now, through their hard work, they are ready to move out and start a family. When they went to look for an apartment, they were turned down because they don’t have a credit history or a credit score.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reports that 45 million people in the United States either don’t have a credit history or it is insufficient. And the example of Mike and Carla reflects the reality that many people face: Establishing a credit history can be difficult.

Options for people with no credit history

Folks like Mike and Carla can find it hard to get a loan from a bank, a place to rent, a credit card, maybe even a cell phone. Without a credit history, they face options such as having to ask a family member to co-sign their rental application, or needing to take out a higher cost payday loan.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

How to establish your credit history with Oportun

At Oportun, customers are not required to have a credit history or score to be approved for a loan. And Oportun reports customer accounts (payments and non-payments) to two of the three major credit bureaus to help customers establish their credit history.*

How a loan from Oportun helps your family’s financial future

While the word “debt” can sound like a bad thing, that is not always the case. Debts handled the right way — by making payments on time and not borrowing more than you can pay back — can help you pay for unanticipated expenses. It can also help you establish your credit history, which can help your family’s financial future.

A loan from Oportun offers affordable monthly payments. As you make your payments on time, over time you can establish your credit history.  Having a good credit history could put you in a better position to rent that apartment. Also, you could even buy a house for your family, purchase a car, apply for credit cards, get cell phones for your children, and much more.

There are times when asking for a loan is a wise decision. And paying your loan on time benefits you and your family by helping you build your future together.

*Oportun reports account payment histories to credit bureaus. Late or missed payments may have a negative impact on credit history or credit score. If you do not have a Social Security number, the credit bureaus may not be able to report your credit history completely and accurately.  

The information in this site, including any third-party content and opinions, is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any Oportun product or service to your unique circumstances. Contact your independent financial advisor for advice on your personal situation.


Credit cards through Oportun subject to credit approval. Terms may vary and are subject to change. The Oportun® Visa® Credit Card is issued by WebBank. The Oportun Credit Card is open to all consumers, except for residents in CO, DC, IA, MD, WI, and WV. See the Oportun Cardholder Agreement or the Oportun Cash Back Cardholder Agreement for details, including applicable fees.


Personal loans through Oportun subject to credit approval. Terms may vary by applicant and state and are subject to change. If you refinance, you may pay interest over a longer period of time or at a higher rate and the overall cost of your loan may be higher. Loans in NM and WI are originated by Oportun, Inc. California loans made pursuant to a California Financing Law license. NV loans originated by Oportun, LLC. In AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA and WY loans are originated by Pathward®, N.A.. Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply.