1. Apply Online or by Phone

Getting started with Northstar Loans is easy. You can apply online anytime or give us a call and our team will walk you through it step by step. If you’d rather stop in, we have three Milwaukee locations where you can talk with someone face to face.

2. Quick Verification

We verify a few key items to determine pre-approval:

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• Employment (or income source)

• Bank account status (must be open and active)

• Bankruptcy status (must not be open)

• Loan history (verified with 3rd party reporting)

For loans under $800, we don’t use the three major credit bureaus. Instead, we review other financial information, like recent loan activity and payment behavior, to help ensure the loan is affordable for you. For loans over $800, a credit check is pulled from TransUnion.

3. Pre-Approval & Next Steps

After verification, we’ll contact you by phone with your pre-approval status.

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At this stage, we’re able to move you forward in the process, but final approval and loan amount are confirmed in-store once all required documents are reviewed.

4. Bring Your Documents

To complete your application, please bring the following:

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• Valid State ID / Driver’s License / Passport

• Most recent pay stub

• Most recent bank statement

• Debit card (must be permanent and in your name)

Additional requirements:

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• Card Bank Accounts require 2 months of Activity (must be ACH Debit capable)

• Fixed income (SSI, etc.): Award letter

• Card must display your name (temporary cards are not accepted)

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In some cases, we may need to verify your current address. If the address on your ID, bank statement, or income documents does not match, you may be asked to bring an additional document, such as a utility bill, showing your current address.

5. Final Approval in Store

Once your documents are reviewed, we’ll complete the final approval in-store.

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At this stage, we confirm your loan details and ensure everything is accurate before funding.

6. Receive Your Loan

After final approval, your loan is issued according to your terms.

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• Loan terms are typically 7 months

• Payments may be biweekly (for employed customers) or monthly (for fixed income)

• No early payoff penalties

What to Expect

• Most first-time customers receive loans under $1,000

• The process is designed to be fast, but still requires in-person verification

• Our team is available to guide you and answer questions at every step

Need Help?

If you’re unsure what to bring or have questions about your application, our team is here to help before you come in, so your visit is as quick and smooth as possible.