Basic requirements
Big Picture Loans lists a short set of minimum requirements. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. resident
- Have a bank account in good standing
- Have a working phone number
- Have a valid email address
Meeting these does not guarantee approval. The lender says approval and amounts are based on minimum income, other credit criteria and verification of the information you provide.
Documents and information you may need
Under its identity-verification policy, the lender asks for your name, address and date of birth and may request a driver’s license or other ID. Have recent pay information ready, including how often you’re paid, so your payment schedule can match your income.
Credit score and credit checks
There is no published minimum credit score. The company describes its customers as having poor to fair credit. It runs a credit check on every application and may pull reports from specialized credit bureaus, which track things like past short-term loans and bank account history.
Common reasons applications get declined
- Income can’t be verified or falls below the lender’s minimum
- Bank account problems, such as a recently closed account or frequent returned payments
- Identity mismatch between your application and your records
- State availability; the lender says product availability changes from time to time
- Changed circumstances for returning borrowers, who may not qualify for the same amount again
How to improve your chances
- Double-check your name and address match your ID and bank records.
- Request only what you need. Smaller amounts are easier to approve and cheaper to repay.
- Apply with the bank account where your pay is deposited.
- Answer verification calls or emails quickly; delays can stall funding.
Before you apply: check whether a credit union Payday Alternative Loan is available. Requirements are similar for members and the APR is capped at 28%. See alternatives.
Big Picture Loans requirements checklist
| Requirement | Why the lender asks | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Open bank account in good standing | Funds are deposited and payments collected here | Use the account that receives your pay |
| Monthly income requirement or verifiable income | Shows you can repay | Have recent pay details ready |
| Age 18+ and U.S. resident | Legal eligibility | Match your name and address to your ID |
| Valid email address | Loan documents and the final decision are sent by email | Use an inbox you check daily |
| Working phone number | Verification calls and questions | Answer unknown calls while your application is open |
The lender says meeting these minimums is only the first step. It also weighs the information on your application and data from credit bureaus.
Can you get Big Picture Loans with bad credit or a bankruptcy?
Possibly. According to the lender’s FAQ, past bankruptcy, bounced checks, charge-offs and other credit problems won’t always prevent approval, provided other criteria are met. That doesn’t mean anything goes. Stable, verifiable income and a healthy bank account history carry a lot of weight.
If you are currently in bankruptcy and already have a Big Picture Loans loan, the lender asks you to contact it with your loan number and the name or case number used in your filing so it can update your account.
Big Picture Loans bank verification, explained
During the application you may be offered the option to sign in to your online banking. The lender says this lets it verify your identity and view a secure, read-only copy of your bank statement, and that it generally takes less than two minutes. Only do this on the official site. If verification fails, the lender asks you to call customer service at 1-800-584-4880.
Tip: make sure recent deposits and your name on the account match your application. Mismatches are a common reason for extra verification steps.
Big Picture Loans state availability
Big Picture Loans says its installment loans aren’t available to residents of all states and that the list may change with or without notice. It does not publish a list on its FAQ, so the safest step is to call before you apply. If your state isn’t served, a lender licensed in your state or a credit union is the next place to look; our alternatives comparison can help.
Requirements for returning Big Picture Loans borrowers
- You can only have one loan open at a time.
- After repaying, log in to My Account with the same email to reapply.
- If your circumstances have changed, you may not be approved for the same amount.
- Returning customers who meet the lender’s credit parameters can qualify for APRs below the 395% new-customer floor, starting at 160%.
What happens after you apply for Big Picture Loans
- If something is missing, the lender calls or emails you. Calling 1-800-584-4880 can speed this up.
- After you sign, the lender verifies your information on tribal land.
- You receive the final decision by email.
- Changed your mind? Call by 5:00 p.m. CST the same day to cancel.
For timing details, read how long Big Picture Loans takes.
Income and Big Picture Loans: practical tips
The lender’s FAQ lists a monthly income requirement or a verifiable source of income but doesn’t publish a dollar minimum. What matters in practice is that deposits in your bank account match what you report. Regular direct deposits make verification easier, and it helps to know your exact take-home pay and pay dates before you start.
Big Picture Loans requirements compared
| Big Picture Loans | OppLoans | Credit union PAL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membership needed | No | No | Yes (PAL I: at least 1 month) |
| Minimum amount | $200 | Typically $500 | PAL I: $200 |
| Bad credit considered | Yes | Yes | Varies by credit union |
| Max APR | 699% | 195% | 28% |
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Big Picture Loans with no bank account?
No. A bank account in good standing is a listed requirement because funds are deposited and payments are collected there.
Do I need a job to qualify?
The lender requires minimum income that it can verify. It does not publish the minimum amount or list which income sources qualify, so ask before applying.
Can I apply for Big Picture Loans by phone?
No. The lender says all applications are submitted online and it doesn’t process applications over the phone.
Does Big Picture Loans approve people with a past bankruptcy?
It can. The lender says bankruptcy and other credit problems won’t always prevent approval if other criteria are met.
Shopping around pays off: Even one extra quote can cut hundreds off what you repay. See my options.
Sources
- Big Picture Loans homepage and disclosures: https://www.bigpictureloans.com/
- Big Picture Loans app listing (App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/big-picture-loans/id6444485879
- Big Picture Loans rates page: https://www.bigpictureloans.com/loan-rates
- Big Picture Loans FAQ: https://www.bigpictureloans.com/faq/
- OppLoans application disclosures: https://secure.opploans.com/register/lead_intro
- NCUA: Payday Alternative Loans: https://ncua.gov/regulation-supervision/regulatory-compliance-resources/payday-alternative-loans