Can I Get a Payday Loan If I Just Started My Job?

Last updated on January 8th, 2026 at 01:04 pm

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You can sometimes get a payday loan if you have just started your job, but approval depends on whether the lender can verify your income and confirm that your new job is stable.

Payday lenders must follow strict affordability rules, so they need to see that you have a reliable income before they approve any short-term credit. MoneyHelper explains how lenders assess income and affordability, even for people who are new to a job or have recently changed roles.

The FCA also sets rules for payday lenders, requiring them to check that repayments are affordable and that borrowers are not at risk of financial harm. These rules affect anyone who has just started work, especially if you have not yet received your first payslip. Below, we look at how payday lenders treat new employees and what your options are.

If you have just started work after a period of unemployment, lenders may look more closely at your credit history and your past borrowing behaviour before making a decision.

How Long Do You Need To Be Employed Before A Payday Lender Will Approve You?

The length of time you need to be employed varies between lenders, but most require at least one payslip or a month’s employment history. Some lenders may accept proof of a new contract or a letter from your employer, but this is less common.

Lenders want to see that your income is stable. If you have only been employed for a few days, the lender may not be able to verify your earnings, making approval less likely.

What Income Checks Do Payday Lenders Carry Out?

Payday lenders carry out income checks to confirm how much you earn and whether your income is regular.

They may review bank statements, payslips or open banking data to verify your salary. They will also assess your essential expenses, including rent, bills and other debts, to ensure that repayments will not put you under financial pressure.

If you have just started your job, the lender may need extra evidence that your income is guaranteed. Without this, they may decline the application.

Does Probation Affect Your Chances Of Getting a Payday Loan?

Being on probation can affect your chances of getting a payday loan because your employment is not yet fully secure. Many employees start their job on a three or six-month probation period, and lenders may consider this less stable than a permanent role.

However, probation does not automatically mean your application will be rejected. If your income is clear, your contract is permanent and your bank statements show regular earnings, some lenders may still approve you.

What Documents Will You Need To Get a Payday Loan After Starting a New Job?

You will usually need:

• a payslip
• a contract of employment
• recent bank statement

If your job is new and you have not yet been paid, the lender may ask for a copy of your employment contract to confirm your salary and working hours.

Most lenders also use open banking, which allows them to review your income directly from your bank account. This can sometimes make it easier to prove your earnings if you have recently changed jobs.

Can I Get a Payday Loan If I Am Waiting For My First Payslip?

It is difficult to get a payday loan if you are waiting for your first payslip because the lender cannot confirm your income. Some lenders may consider your application if you can provide a signed contract showing your start date and salary, but this is not guaranteed.

If your first payment is still several weeks away, most lenders will consider the risk too high. Payday lenders must follow strict affordability rules, so without proof of income, they are unlikely to approve your application.

Why Might a Payday Lender Reject New Employees?

A payday lender might reject a new employee because they cannot verify income, because you have not yet been paid or because your job is still within its probation period. Lenders must ensure you can afford the repayments, so anything that creates uncertainty about your income can lead to a decline.

Other reasons include a poor credit history, too many recent credit applications or existing debts that make your budget look overstretched.

Are There Alternatives If You Have Just Started a New Job?

There are alternatives if you have just started a new job and cannot get a payday loan. Some people ask their family or friends for help, their employer about an advance on wages, which some companies offer informally. Credit unions may also offer small loans if you meet their membership criteria.

If your financial issue is urgent, you might also consider speaking with creditors to arrange payment plans or extensions (see emergency cash loans). These options can help you avoid taking on expensive borrowing while your employment is still new.

Will Applying For a Payday Loan Affect My Credit Score?

Applying for a payday loan affects your credit score because lenders run a hard credit check. If you apply multiple times within a short period, this can lower your score further. Your score may also fall if the loan is approved and your overall level of debt increases.

However, if you repay the loan on time, you can rebuild your score over the following months. The key is to borrow only what you can afford.

You can sometimes get a payday loan when you have just started a new job, but approval depends on your income, your repayment history and whether the lender can verify your employment. Most lenders prefer at least one payslip before approving credit, and probation periods can make approval harder. Before applying, check whether you have alternatives and consider whether borrowing is affordable while your job is still new.