William Lipovsky
Some travel now, pay later finance options are offered by UpLift and Affirm. They’ll require a “soft” credit check, but a soft credit check won’t affect your credit score.
For a no credit check option, try FlexPay or a payment plan through an online traveling agency to book your reservation; you’ll need to pay the balance before you leave for your trip, but there are no interest or fees.
And, of course, you can apply for a personal installment loan; personal installment loans can be used for just about anything, including travel.
Below, we have all the details on vacation financing and a word of caution on unnecessary debt.
What Is Vacation Financing?
Vacation financing allows you to book your travel — from flights and hotels to rental cars and other expenses — and pay for it later.
Typically, you’ll need to pay the amount in full before the date of travel or, with a personal loan, in installments over a set term (such as 12 months).
Before taking out a personal loan, keep in mind that financial experts advise against going into debt for non-essentials like travel.
This advice likely doesn’t include emergency travel to visit a sick relative or attend a funeral; however, if you want cash for a leisure vacation, you could try to earn cash quickly through an option like freelance work or push your travel plans back so you can put some money aside each paycheck to pay for it.
Of course, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to travel and simply can’t pay for it, we have the list of options below.
The List
Consider the following vacation financing options:
FlexPay and Payment Plans
Online travel agency (OTA) financing and FlexPay options are available at the time of booking.
Typically, you’ll set up a payment plan with the travel company. A security deposit may be required — and will be applied toward the total cost of the trip — but you likely won’t be asked to provide any financial or credit information (meaning no credit check).
Keep in mind, with these options, the amount you borrow must be paid in full before the beginning of your trip.
Possible downsides include:
- FlexPay isn’t a “travel now, pay later” option since you’ll have to pay in full before you leave for your trip.
- Since you have to pay back the amount before you leave, it may not be a viable option for last-minute or emergency travel financing.
goBahamasPlus
This online travel agency will help you book a cruise, hotel, vacation package, and more for the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
- Terms: No interest, no fees. You must book at least 45 days in advance and the balance must be paid in full at least 30 days before the start of your trip. The total cost must exceed $400 and you will be required to make a $100 down payment at the time of booking.[1]
- Credit check required? No[1]
- How to apply: As long as you meet the booking requirements, select FlexPay as your payment method when you check out on the goBahamasPlus website.
Airfordable
This airfare booking site allows you to pay for your flight in installments.
- Terms: You’ll pay a one-time service fee per booking at the time of creating your reservation. You must book at least 19 days in advance. Airfare must be at least $100. Flight must be paid in full before the date of travel. Canceled flights must still be paid in full. (Exception: If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can receive a full refund)[2]
- Credit check required? No[2]
- How to apply: Book your flight through Airfordable and select your preferred payment plan.
Travel and Vacation Loans
Travel and vacation loans are good for travel now, pay later, and are often provided by third-party companies when you book through an OTA or airline.
These loans function like personal installment loans but are specifically for travel expenses.
Possible downsides include:
- Travel loans typically require a credit check — but you may be able to qualify even if you have bad credit or no credit history.
- Financial experts warn against going into debt for unnecessary expenses like travel. Make sure you have a plan to pay back the loan.
UpLift
You can use UpLift unsecured installment loans for flights, vacation rentals, hotels, and more through the company’s travel providers. Partners include Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Funjet Vacations.
- Terms: The APR rate ranges from 0% to 31.99%.[3] Uplift doesn’t charge fees. You do not need to pay back the loan back before you travel; you’ll pay the loan amount back in monthly installments over a fixed term, such as 12 months.[4][5]
- Credit check required? Yes. A “soft” credit check is required; a soft credit check will not impact your credit score.[6]
- How to apply: When booking a trip through one of UpLift’s travel providers, select UpLift as your payment method at checkout, and you’ll be directed to the application.
Affirm
Affirm offers installment loans to finance travel. You can book through partner sites like Expedia, CheapAir.com, and Groupon Getaways.
- Terms: You’ll pay a service fee at the time of booking, plus 0 to 30% APR. Loan lengths range from four to 12 months. A down payment may be required.[7]
- Credit check required? Yes. A “soft” credit check is required; a soft credit check will not impact your credit score.[8][7]
- How to apply: When booking a trip through one of Affirm’s partners, select Affirm as your payment method at checkout, and you’ll be directed to the application.[8]
Personal Installment Loans
You can get a personal installment loan for just about anything, including travel.
Several legitimate and affordable personal loan options don’t require a credit check and/or approve borrowers with bad credit.
Possible downsides include:
- Personal installment loans typically require a credit check — but you may be able to qualify even if you have bad credit or no credit history. Beware: Some lenders have high interest rates.
- Financial experts warn against going into debt for unnecessary expenses like travel. Make sure you have a plan to pay back the loan.
OneMain Financial
This lender is known for providing loans to those with bad credit or limited credit history.
- Terms: Secured or unsecured loans from $1,500 to $20,000. Percentage-based fees range from 1% to 10% and vary by state.[9] Loan lengths range from 24 to 60 months.[10]
- Credit check required? Yes. There is no minimum credit score, and it won’t affect your credit.[11]
- Apply
Avant
This lender offers personal loans to those with bad-to-average credit by considering factors beyond your credit score when determining loan eligibility.
- Terms: Loans from $2,000 to $35,000. APR rates range from 10% to 36%. Loan lengths range from 12 to 60 months.[12]
- Credit check required? Yes; most of its customers receiving loans have a credit score of 600 to 700.[13]
- Apply
OppLoans
This lender focuses on personal loan solutions for borrowers with bad credit. But, be aware that interest rates are significantly higher than those from the lenders listed above.
- Terms: No hidden fees. Loans are offered from $500 to $4,000. APR ranges from 59% to 160%. Payment plans range from nine to 18 months in length.[14]
- Credit check required? OppLoans offers no credit check loans.[14] Applicants must be at least 18, have a checking or savings account, reside in one of the states in which they operate, and have a regular source of income received by direct deposit.[15]
- Apply
See our related research for information on fly now, pay later options.
