Can I get a relocation loan before my new job starts?

Yes, this is one of the primary purposes of a relocation loan. Lenders understand that you need the funds to facilitate the move itself. They will use your signed offer letter as proof of future income. You typically need to have a confirmed start date within the next 30-90 days, depending on the lender's policy.

How quickly can I get the funds for my move?

The process is generally very fast. After you complete an online application and are approved by a lender, you can often receive the funds via direct deposit within 1 to 3 business days. Having your documents ready, such as your offer letter and ID, can help expedite the process.

What happens if my company's reimbursement is delayed?

This is a great question. Since a relocation bridge loan is a standard personal loan, you are responsible for making the agreed-upon monthly payments regardless of when your reimbursement arrives. This is why it's important to choose a loan with an affordable monthly payment that fits your new budget, just in case there are administrative delays from your employer.

Is a relocation bonus the same as a reimbursement?

Not always. A reimbursement means the company pays you back for specific, documented expenses you incur. A relocation bonus (or signing bonus) is often a lump sum of money you can use as you see fit. Both can be used to repay a bridge loan, but lenders may view a formal reimbursement policy as slightly more secure. Be clear about which type of package you have when applying.

Can I use the loan for things other than movers and deposits?

Yes. Because this is an unsecured personal loan, the funds are deposited into your account and you can use them for any legitimate expense related to your move. This could include buying new furniture, setting up utilities, initial grocery shopping, or even covering a temporary car rental while you ship your own vehicle. It offers much more flexibility than a company credit card.

Will applying for a relocation loan hurt my credit score?

Checking your rate and seeing offers through our platform involves a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. If you choose to proceed with a specific lender's offer, they will conduct a hard credit inquiry as part of the formal application process. A hard inquiry can cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score.

Loans for Your Corporate Relocation

Get a short-term bridge loan to cover your upfront moving expenses while you wait for your company's relocation reimbursement.

Check Your Rate

Your new job is waiting, but your cash is tied up.

Your company's relocation package is great, but they only reimburse you *after* you've spent the money.
We connect you with lenders who can provide upfront funds, so you can pay for your move without draining your savings.
Security deposits, first month's rent, and movers all demand payment now.
A relocation bridge loan is designed to cover these immediate, large expenses, ensuring a smooth transition.
Putting thousands of dollars on a high-interest credit card feels risky and expensive.
Personal loans typically offer lower fixed rates than credit cards, making them a more predictable and affordable option.
You need to show proof of funds for a new apartment, but your relocation check hasn't arrived.
Get cash in your bank account quickly to satisfy landlord requirements and secure your new home.

What is a Relocation Assistance Bridge Loan?

A relocation assistance bridge loan is a type of unsecured personal loan specifically designed for individuals who are moving for a new job with a corporate relocation package. It acts as a short-term financial bridge, providing you with the cash you need to cover immediate moving expenses. You can then repay the loan in full once you receive your reimbursement check from your employer, or you can pay it off over a set term with regular monthly payments.

Think of it as an advance on your relocation bonus or reimbursement. Instead of waiting weeks or even months for company paperwork to process, you get the funds you need within a few business days. This allows you to pay for movers, security deposits, travel, and temporary housing without liquidating your investments or racking up high-interest credit card debt. The key is that the loan is based on your overall financial profile, including your new employment offer, not just the promise of a future reimbursement.

Get Your Relocation Funds in 4 Steps

1
Apply Online in Minutes
Fill out one simple form with no impact on your credit score. Tell us about your moving needs and new employment.
2
Compare Your Loan Offers
If you pre-qualify, you'll see rates and terms from our network of lenders. Choose the option that best fits your timeline.
3
Verify Your Information
Provide documents like your signed job offer letter and a government-issued ID to finalize your application with the lender.
4
Receive Your Funds & Move
Once approved, funds are typically deposited directly into your bank account. You can then pay for your move and settle in.

See What You Qualify For

Check rates for your relocation loan without affecting your credit score.

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Estimating Your Upfront Moving Costs

Relocation packages vary widely, but most upfront costs fall into a few key categories. It's crucial to budget carefully to ensure you borrow the right amount—enough to cover everything without taking on unnecessary debt. A bridge loan of $5,000 to $20,000 is common for corporate moves, depending on the distance and family size.

Sample Relocation Budget Breakdown

Apartment Security Deposit Typically 1x monthly rent	$2,500
First Month's Rent Due at lease signing	$2,500
Professional Movers (Long Distance) Varies by weight & distance	$6,000
Travel Expenses (Flights, Gas, Hotel) For a family of three	$1,500
Utility Deposits & Setup Fees Gas, electric, internet	$500

Estimated monthly

$424/mo

Based on a $13,000 loan with a 3-year term at 11% APR.

Loan amount: $5,000 – $20,000
APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
Term: 12 mo – 60 mo

Your actual APR depends on credit score, loan amount, term, and credit history. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rates. Shorter terms are often available for those planning to repay the loan upon receiving their reimbursement.

Bridge Loans vs. Other Options for Your Corporate Move

When facing upfront moving costs, you have a few choices. While using a credit card or waiting it out might seem viable, a personal loan designed for this purpose often provides the best balance of speed, cost, and convenience. Understanding the trade-offs is key to making a smart financial decision for your relocation.

Comparing Your Financing Options

Feature	Relocation Bridge Loan	Credit Cards	Waiting for Reimbursement
Interest Rate	Fixed, typically 8-25%	Variable, often 20-30%+	N/A
Funding Speed	1-5 business days	Instant (if you have one)	4-8+ weeks
Impact on Savings	None	None	High (requires depleting cash)
Best For	Large, planned expenses and predictable payments.	Small, unexpected costs or if you can pay off the balance quickly.	Those with enough savings to cover all costs comfortably.

Don't Put Your Move on Hold

Find out if a relocation loan is the right fit for your situation.

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Qualifying for a Relocation Advance Loan

What Lenders Typically Look For

Signed Offer Letter: This is crucial. Lenders need to see proof of your new employment and salary to verify your ability to repay the loan.
Good to Excellent Credit: A credit score of 640 or higher is generally preferred for the most competitive rates, though some partners work with scores starting around 580.
Verifiable Income: Your new salary will be a primary factor. Some lenders may also consider income from a spouse or other sources.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders will assess your existing debt payments relative to your new income. A DTI below 40% is typically favorable.
U.S. Citizenship or Residency: Applicants must typically be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder eligible to work in the U.S.

If your credit is borderline, providing a detailed copy of your company's relocation reimbursement policy can sometimes strengthen your application by showing the lender a clear source of repayment.

Example scenario

My company offered a great relocation package, but I had to pay for the movers and the security deposit myself first. Getting a short-term loan made the whole process stress-free. I paid it off the week my reimbursement check came in.

David M.·Software Engineer, moved from Austin to Seattle

Tips for a Smooth Relocation Loan Process

Navigating a corporate move is complex enough without adding financial stress. A little planning can ensure your bridge financing works for you, not against you.

Confirm Your Reimbursement Timeline. Get clarity from your new HR department on exactly when and how you will be reimbursed. This helps you choose a loan term that aligns with your cash flow.
Read Your Relocation Policy Carefully. Understand what is a reimbursable expense and what isn't. You don't want to borrow money for something your company won't cover.
Don't Over-Borrow. Create a detailed moving budget and borrow only what you need to cover those upfront costs. It's tempting to add a buffer, but every dollar borrowed accrues interest.
Check for Prepayment Penalties. Since you might pay the loan off early with your reimbursement check, ensure your lender doesn't charge a fee for doing so. Most personal loans do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a relocation loan before my new job starts?
Yes, this is one of the primary purposes of a relocation loan. Lenders understand that you need the funds to facilitate the move itself. They will use your signed offer letter as proof of future income. You typically need to have a confirmed start date within the next 30-90 days, depending on the lender's policy.
How quickly can I get the funds for my move?
The process is generally very fast. After you complete an online application and are approved by a lender, you can often receive the funds via direct deposit within 1 to 3 business days. Having your documents ready, such as your offer letter and ID, can help expedite the process.
What happens if my company's reimbursement is delayed?
This is a great question. Since a relocation bridge loan is a standard personal loan, you are responsible for making the agreed-upon monthly payments regardless of when your reimbursement arrives. This is why it's important to choose a loan with an affordable monthly payment that fits your new budget, just in case there are administrative delays from your employer.
Is a relocation bonus the same as a reimbursement?
Not always. A reimbursement means the company pays you back for specific, documented expenses you incur. A relocation bonus (or signing bonus) is often a lump sum of money you can use as you see fit. Both can be used to repay a bridge loan, but lenders may view a formal reimbursement policy as slightly more secure. Be clear about which type of package you have when applying.
Can I use the loan for things other than movers and deposits?
Yes. Because this is an unsecured personal loan, the funds are deposited into your account and you can use them for any legitimate expense related to your move. This could include buying new furniture, setting up utilities, initial grocery shopping, or even covering a temporary car rental while you ship your own vehicle. It offers much more flexibility than a company credit card.
Will applying for a relocation loan hurt my credit score?
Checking your rate and seeing offers through our platform involves a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. If you choose to proceed with a specific lender's offer, they will conduct a hard credit inquiry as part of the formal application process. A hard inquiry can cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score.

Ready to Plan Your Move?

Start by seeing what loan options are available to you. It's fast, free, and won't impact your credit score.

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Make your next move your best move

Personal loan disclosure

Money Savvy is not a lender. We are a marketing service that connects consumers with participating lenders. Rates, amounts, and terms vary by lender, your credit history, and other factors.

Loan amounts: $1,000 – $100,000
Repayment terms: 3 – 84 months
Min APR: 5.99%
Max APR: 35.99%
Origination fees: 0% – 10% of the loan amount
Late fees: May apply; vary by lender

Representative example: A $10,000 loan with a 36-month term at an 18.99% APR would have an approximate monthly payment of $366.39 and a total cost of $13,190.04, including interest and a $500 origination fee.

Your actual APR depends on your credit score, income, and other factors. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

California residents: California Financing Law disclosures available upon request.