My loan application was rejected. What now?

Try a different comparison portal since each works with different partner banks. Consider applying for a smaller amount (under 3,000 euros). Ask your employer about an Arbeitgeberdarlehen (employer loan). Or wait until probation ends, when conditions improve significantly.

Employee Guide

Loan During Probation PeriodWithout Guarantor in Germany

Q: How long is the probation period in Germany?

The standard probation period (Probezeit) in Germany is six months, though some contracts set it at three months. During this time, either side can terminate with just two weeks notice. The exact duration is in your employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag).

You just started a new job in Germany and need a loan. Maybe for an apartment deposit, a car to commute, or to bridge the gap until your first paycheck arrives. The probation period (German: Probezeit) makes this harder, but about 731 people in probation got loans through Verivox alone in 2025, at a median interest rate of 8.13%.

No guarantor needed

Quick assessment

Schufa-neutral comparison

Stand: March 2026 | Interest data: Verivox 2025, Deutsche Bundesbank

8.13%

Median rate during probation

Verivox 2025

731

Probation approvals (Verivox)

Jan-Dec 2025

7.2%

Average consumer loan rate

Deutsche Bundesbank, early 2026

The honest picture

Most people finish their probation without any problems. Banks know this too. But they have to plan for the worst case, and during probation the notice period is only two weeks instead of four. That shorter timeline is what makes them cautious. It does not mean they will automatically say no.

Probation does not equal automatic rejection

German terms you will encounter

Probezeit = Probation period (usually 6 months)

Buerge = Guarantor

Zweiter Kreditnehmer = Co-borrower

Unbefristeter Vertrag = Unlimited employment contract

Kuendigungsfrist = Notice period

Sicherheiten = Collateral / Security

Konditionsanfrage = Rate inquiry (Schufa-neutral)

Arbeitgeberdarlehen = Employer loan

Why Banks See Probation as a Risk

Banks are not trying to punish you for being new at your job. They are doing a straightforward risk calculation. During the first six months of employment, either you or your employer can end the contract with just two weeks notice. After probation, with an unlimited contract (German: unbefristeter Vertrag), that jumps to four weeks to the 15th or end of the month.

That difference matters. If you lose your job after probation, the bank has at least a month of loan payments covered by your notice period income. During probation, that safety window shrinks to 14 days. For a personal loan as a foreigner in Germany, this is one of several factors banks weigh.

Short notice period

Just 2 weeks during probation. After probation, it becomes 4 weeks. Banks see the shorter window as higher income-loss risk.

No termination protection

The Kuendigungsschutzgesetz (dismissal protection law) only kicks in after six months. During probation, employers can let you go without providing a reason.

No track record yet

Banks prefer borrowers with at least 6-12 months at their current employer. Probation means you have not built that history yet.

Where to Actually Apply for a Loan During Probation

Not all lenders have the same criteria. Some are more open to probation applicants than traditional branch banks. Here is what actually works, based on how the German lending market is structured:

Comparison portals

Smava, Verivox, and Check24 each send your application to 20+ partner banks simultaneously. Since every bank has different risk criteria, applying through a portal gives you more chances with a single form. The inquiry is a Konditionsanfrage and does not affect your Schufa.

Verivox approved 731 probation customers in 2025

auxmoney (online credit platform)

auxmoney explicitly states they accept applicants during their probation period. Their scoring system looks at your overall financial picture rather than just employment status. Rates tend to be higher, but approval odds are better for non-standard situations. You can read more in our P2P lending guide.

Online banks

Banks with automated scoring systems (algorithm-based decisions) tend to be more flexible than traditional branch banks. They evaluate multiple factors at once instead of following a rigid checklist. If you are a foreigner building Schufa history, this can work in your favor.

Employer loans (Arbeitgeberdarlehen)

Some employers lend money to employees directly, often at reduced or zero interest. It feels awkward to ask, especially during probation, but many larger companies have formal programs. Your HR department can tell you if this option exists.

What improves your chances

Unlimited contract after probation (unbefristeter Vertrag)

Public sector or large employer (lower perceived risk)

Salary well above the loan repayment amount

No gaps between your previous and current job

Clean Schufa record (no negative entries)

Smaller loan amount (under EUR 5,000 is easier)

How to Apply: Step by Step

Applying for a loan during probation follows the same basic process as any other loan application in Germany, but with a few extra things to keep in mind.

Check your Schufa first

Request your free annual Schufa Datenkopie before applying. This tells you exactly where you stand. If you are new to Germany and have no Schufa history yet, that is a separate challenge, but it is not necessarily worse than a negative entry.

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio

Banks generally want your total monthly debt payments to stay below 35% of your net salary. If you earn EUR 2,500 net, that means all loan payments combined should not exceed about EUR 875 per month. Keep the monthly installment at 10-15% of your net salary to show you can comfortably afford it.

Gather your documents

You will need: your employment contract (showing unlimited term after probation if possible), your last 1-3 salary slips, a copy of your ID or passport, and proof of your German address (Meldebescheinigung). If you have a Blue Card or residence permit, have that ready too.

Submit through comparison portals

Use at least two different comparison portals. Each one works with different partner banks, so a rejection from Smava's partners does not mean Verivox's partners will also say no. The inquiry is a Konditionsanfrage (Schufa-neutral), not a Kreditanfrage.

State the loan purpose

"Moving for a new job" or "car for commuting to work" are purposes banks understand and view favorably. A clear, employment-related purpose can improve your chances because it shows the loan supports your ability to keep earning.

Interest Rates During Probation: Real Numbers

You will pay more than someone with a permanent contract. The question is how much more. According to Verivox data from 2025, the gap is smaller than most people expect.

Category	Median effective rate	Source
Probation customers	8.13%	Verivox, 2025
Regular customers	6.39%	Verivox, 2025
Average consumer loan	7.2%	Deutsche Bundesbank, early 2026

What does that mean in practice? On a EUR 5,000 loan over 36 months, the difference between 8.13% and 6.39% works out to about EUR 4 per month, or roughly EUR 144 over the full loan term. That is the real cost of getting the money during probation instead of waiting six months.

Note: these are median values. Your actual rate depends on your personal creditworthiness, loan amount, and term. Rates can be higher or lower.

If you are comparing loan offers, always look at the effektiver Jahreszins (effective annual interest rate), not the nominal rate. The effective rate includes all fees and gives you the true cost. For more on how loan comparison works in Germany, see our main guide.

Compare Loan Offers Now

Compare different loan providers below. Rate inquiries are Schufa-neutral, so comparing does not affect your credit score.

* Representative example: Net loan amount EUR 10,000, term 84 months, effective annual interest 3.99% - 9.99% (credit-dependent). This is a brokerage offer.

Alternatives When You Do Not Have a Guarantor

Many guides about probation loans focus on getting a guarantor (German: Buerge). But the reality is that most people do not have someone willing to take on that financial responsibility. Here are alternatives that do not require one.

Start with a small amount

Loans under EUR 3,000 with short terms (12-24 months) get approved much more easily during probation. The bank's risk is minimal. If you need more, consider whether a small loan would cover your immediate need.

Offer collateral

A car (vehicle title as security), life insurance policy, or savings account used as a pledge can replace the need for a guarantor. If you are buying a car, the vehicle itself often serves as collateral. Our car loan during probation guide explains how this works in detail.

Add a co-borrower

A co-borrower (German: Zweiter Kreditnehmer) is different from a guarantor. Both people are equally responsible for the loan from the start. If your partner has a stable income and good Schufa, adding them as a co-borrower significantly improves approval odds and can lower the interest rate.

Wait it out

If your need is not urgent, waiting until probation ends is genuinely the best financial decision. Your chances improve dramatically, interest rates drop (from around 8.13% to about 6.39% median), and you have more options. Six months goes by faster than it feels right now.

Never hide your probation status

Some people consider leaving out the probation detail or claiming they have been employed longer than they actually have. This is a bad idea for a concrete reason: banks verify employment details. If they discover false information after approving the loan, they have the legal right to terminate the contract immediately.

Termination means the full remaining balance becomes due at once (German: faellig stellen). You would need to repay everything immediately. Paying a slightly higher interest rate during probation is always better than facing a full repayment demand because you lied on the application.

Practical Tips for Getting Approved

Show your employment contract

An unlimited contract (unbefristeter Vertrag) after probation makes a real difference. Banks read the contract to see what happens after your six months are up. If it says unlimited, they know your job continues.

Keep the monthly payment low

Aim for 10-15% of your net salary at most. If you earn EUR 2,500 net, a monthly payment of EUR 250-375 shows you have plenty of room to handle the repayment even if something unexpected happens.

Use multiple portals

Each comparison portal (Smava, Verivox, Check24) partners with different banks. A rejection from one portal's network does not affect your chances with another. The inquiries are all Schufa-neutral.

Mention your industry and employer

Public sector jobs, large corporations, and in-demand industries (healthcare, IT, engineering) are seen as lower risk. If you work for a well-known employer, make sure the bank knows.

Show continuity

If you switched directly from one employer to another with no gap in employment, mention this. Banks view seamless job transitions much more favorably than a period of unemployment followed by a new position.

What If Your Loan Application Gets Rejected?

A rejection is not a dead end. It just means that particular bank said no. Here is what to try next. For more detailed guidance, see our full guide on what to do after a loan rejection.

Try a different portal

Smava, Verivox, and Check24 each work with different partner banks. One portal's rejection says nothing about the others.

Apply for a smaller amount

Banks approve EUR 1,000-3,000 during probation much more readily than EUR 5,000+. Consider if a smaller amount solves your immediate problem.

Ask about employer loans

An Arbeitgeberdarlehen (employer loan) bypasses banks entirely. Many companies offer this, sometimes at zero interest. Ask your HR department.

Consider a fast small loan

Microloans and instant loans (Sofortkredit) have different approval criteria and can bridge short-term gaps while you wait for probation to end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting a loan during probation in Germany

How long is the probation period in Germany?

The standard probation period (Probezeit) is six months, though some contracts set it at three months. During this time, either side can terminate with just two weeks notice. The exact duration is stated in your employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag).

Will my employer find out about my loan application?

No. A Konditionsanfrage (rate inquiry) through comparison portals is confidential and does not appear on your Schufa record. Your employer has no way of knowing you applied. Just make sure you are submitting a Konditionsanfrage, not a Kreditanfrage.

Do rejections hurt my Schufa score?

Rejections themselves are not recorded in Schufa. However, too many formal loan applications (Kreditanfragen) within a short period can leave a mark. Rate inquiries (Konditionsanfragen) through comparison portals are Schufa-neutral and do not affect your score.

What is the difference between a guarantor and a co-borrower?

A guarantor (Buerge) only becomes liable if you cannot pay. A co-borrower (Zweiter Kreditnehmer) is equally responsible from day one and must submit all financial documents. For banks, a co-borrower is often the preferred option because both parties share full liability.

Can I get a car loan during probation?

Yes. Car loans are often easier to get during probation because the vehicle itself serves as collateral. The bank holds the vehicle title (Fahrzeugbrief) as security until the loan is fully repaid. See our detailed car loan during probation guide.

What interest rates can I expect during probation?

According to Verivox data from 2025, the median effective interest rate for probation customers was 8.13%, compared to 6.39% for regular customers. That is about 1.7 percentage points higher. Your actual rate depends on your personal financial situation and the lender.

My loan was rejected. What now?

Try a different comparison portal since each works with different partner banks. Consider applying for a smaller amount (under EUR 3,000). Ask your employer about an Arbeitgeberdarlehen (employer loan). Or wait until probation ends, when conditions improve significantly.

Which platforms approve loans during probation?

Comparison portals like Smava, Verivox, and Check24 forward your application to 20+ partner banks. auxmoney explicitly accepts probation applicants. Online banks with automated scoring systems also tend to be more flexible than traditional branch banks.

Is an unlimited contract better for getting a loan?

Significantly better. An unlimited employment contract (unbefristeter Vertrag) signals that your job continues after probation. A fixed-term contract (befristeter Vertrag) during probation makes approval harder because the bank sees two risk factors stacking up.

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