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Can you get a loan with just your NIN? We’ve been receiving a lot of questions about this. Some users ask us questions like:
- Which loan app accept only NIN?
- Can I borrow loan with just NIN?
- Are there loan apps that accept only NIN?
- Can I use NIN to borrow loan?
And many more.
Today, we’ll take time to answer these questions one after the other and guide you on how to get a loan with just your NIN.
As loan apps are becoming more popular and regulated in Nigeria, many new loan apps now accept NIN (National Identification Number) as a means of verifying your identity for loans instead of or in addition to your BVN.
Before now, most loan apps were only accepting BVN for loans, but now that NIN has been made compulsory and available to all citizens, it has been considered a legit means of identity for KYC verification.
With this development, borrowing has been made accessible for people who haven’t linked their BVN yet, or who don’t want to share their BVN with loan apps.
Learn More: Top 20 Loan App in Nigeria 2026 (Updated and Trusted Guide)
Why Do Loan Apps Ask for NIN?
Your NIN (National Identification Number) which is issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), is a primary identity ID for Nigerians.
Every loan carry out a verification process usually known as KYC (know your customer). Loan apps usually ask for NIN for the following reasons:
- To verify your identity with a government database
- To help reduce fraud
- To document and track your loan history
In the case of borrowing a loan, your NIN can be used to replace or supplement BVN verification which enables loans for people who don’t want to use BVN or haven’t gotten one yet.
Note: most apps will eventually ask for BVN if you want higher amount, so think of NIN for first-time or smaller loans.
Why Loan Apps with NIN are good?
Although BVN alone cannot be used to illegally withdraw money from an account, most people are still not comfortable with sharing their BVN to different sources since BVN is directly linked to their bank account.
This is where NIN come to play. To many, NIN seems to be more safer to share than BVN. Below are few reasons why loan apps with NIN are good for you:
- No BVN needed: this simple guarantee more privacy and convenience for the borrowers
- Fast identity verification: loan app verification using NIN often complete in few minutes
- Useful for people without BVN yet
- Best for those that are wary of sharing their BVN
Few Drawbacks of Loan Apps with NIN Verification Only?
Below are few challenges that you may face when using loan apps with NIN verification only:
- Lower loan limits: most loan apps won’t give you big loans with NIN verification only compared with BVN-verified accounts that can receive higher amounts
- Most loan apps will still ask for BVN verification later before you can continue using them or before your loan limit can be increase
How These Loan Apps Were Selected?
At this point, it’s important to let you know how these loans apps were selected among others. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) regulate digital lenders to protect borrowers from unethical practices.
All the Nigerian loan apps mentioned here:
- Operate legally in Nigeria
- Are linked to CBN-licensed banks or FCCPC-registered digital lenders
- Do accept NIN and personal information verification for loan disbursements
- Have active users with positive reviews
- Publish verifiable loan terms
This is important because any unregistered apps that ask for your NIN could easily use it for illegal purposes which may harm your personality.
Top Loan Apps in Nigeria That Accept NIN 2026
Below is a list of loan apps in Nigeria where you can start borrowing small loans with NIN, but will later verify your BVN.
1. OKash (via OPay)
OKash is one of the most widely used loan features in Nigeria, and you can register and verify with NIN instead of BVN, especially for existing Opay users. Verification also includes a selfie check for identity confirmation. Once verified, you can apply for loans directly in the OPay app.
2. EaseMoni (via OPay)
EaseMoni works similarly to OKash. It is also also integrated with OPay, meaning you can start with your NIN, especially if you are an existing Opay account user, and once verified with your NIN and facial check, you can request loans instantly.
3. PalmCredit
PalmCredit is known for quick loans and flexible loan limits. Many users report being able to register and apply with just NIN, especially for users that have Palmpay account. In fact, Palmpay users can access Palmcredit loan instantly without further verifications. Nevertheless, BVN is always requested for higher limits and to increase your account Tier.
4. FairMoney
FairMoney is another popular loan app that allows users to conditionally access their loans with just NIN. Fair money operates as a lender and also a digital banking platform that lets you use NIN and a valid utility bill to open an account and access their loan. This makes it easy for people without BVN but with proper ID documents like NIN and utility bills to access their loans.
5. Aella Credit
According to users, Aella credit also lets you register on their loan app with minimum requirement of NIN and identity verification with minimal documentation. Their loans are suitable for small urgent loans, salary earners and small business owners.
6. Sparkle Loan (via Sparkle Bank)
Sparkle is a digital bank where you can apply for loans without BVN by using your NIN and KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. On fact, their existing bank users can directly access their loans without further requests. It’s one of the few loan apps in Nigeria where you can potentially grow your loan amount just by using the account regularly.
7. Kuda Loan (via Kuda Bank)
Kuda Bank lets you access loans using your NIN during sign-up. Kuda loan is an overdraft/personal loan tied to your Kuda account, giving you quick access without extra documentation. So if you are an existing Kuda bank user, you can access their loans without further verification.
8. Irorun
Irorun is another app that lets you borrow small to medium amounts (like ₦1,000–₦50,000) with your NIN and simple eligibility checks. Some users report that BVN verification could be optional for first time users who are willing to use their NIN. They don’t need guarantors, but new users are eligible for small loan limits.
9. EasyLoan
EasyLoan offers loans up to about ₦100,000 by verifying your NIN and basic personal info. They have flexible repayment options and sometimes rewards for on-time repayment. Recently, their requirements have tightened, meaning you’ll need to do proper verifications to access bigger loans.
See Also: Best Loan Apps in Nigeria 2026 | Expert Rankings and Reviews
How NIN-Only Loan Usually Work
These NIN loan apps work by giving you access to small amount of loan to let you test their services before upgrading to top tier.
For some like OKash, Palmcredit, Easemoni, Kuda, etc, their NIN-only loans will only work for customers who are fully registered and verified on their main banking app.
To use any of these apps, follow these steps:
- Go to Play store and search for the specific app
- Download the app and install
- Enter your phone number
- Enter your NIN (11-digit number)
- Submit selfie/photo ID if required
- Wait for verification
- Choose your loan amount and apply
Some apps may ask for utility bills or selfie comparison for extra verification.
Safety Tips When Borrowing with NIN
- Confirm app legitimacy: only download from official Play Store or App Store
- Check CBN licensing: only regulated lenders are safer to submit your NIN to avoid illegal use of it
- Avoid giving unnecessary data: no loan app needs your contacts or unrelated personal info, be careful of the kind of information you dish out to them
- Repay on time: delaying your loan repayment will increase interest and harm your loan reputation
Conclusion
In 2026, few reputable loan apps let you start borrowing with just your NIN and simple KYC verification without asking for your BVN immediately. Some even let you increase your loan limits over time by building your repayment history.
That said, random “NIN-only” loan apps without CBN licence, claiming huge loans instantly are scam. Always check user reviews and registration to avoid scams.
