Getting an instant loan in Nigeria should be simple, but for many people, rejection comes as a surprise. This blog uncovers the key reasons your application might be declined, even when using a trusted loan app in Nigeria. Whether you’ve been rejected before or are preparing to apply again, this guide will help you understand exactly what online loan platforms are looking for and how to get ahead.

Tunde Did Everything Right; So Why Was He Still Rejected?

Tunde works in customer service at a logistics company in Ibadan. His rent renewal came earlier than expected, and his landlord wanted a full 12-month payment upfront of ₦220,000. Tunde had ₦150,000 saved. He needed an urgent loan to cover the rest.

He downloaded a popular loan app in Nigeria (one of the best loan apps, according to a friend), entered his BVN, work details, bank info, and requested ₦70,000.

“We regret to inform you that your loan application has been declined.”

Tunde was shocked. He had a full-time job, regular income, and no active loans.
He applied again on two other loan apps in Nigeria. Same result. Declined. Rejected. No explanation.

Confused and frustrated, he nearly gave up until a colleague explained something no loan app ever really tells you:

It’s not just about your salary. It’s about your financial behaviour.

Why Loan Apps Reject Good Applicants And What You Can Do About It

Before you apply again, here’s what loan apps in Nigeria check behind the scenes and how you can improve your approval odds.

1. Your BVN Is a Digital Mirror, And It Says a Lot About You

Think of your BVN as your financial reputation. Even though you’re applying for a loan without collateral, your BVN lets lenders see:

• If you’ve taken loans from other platforms.

• If you repaid on time (or defaulted).

• If you have a history of “loan hopping” (applying to many loan apps in a short period).

If you’ve defaulted or delayed repayment in the past, even once, it could hurt your chances. Build trust back by clearing any outstanding online loans before applying again.

2. Your Bank Account Tells a Story

Lenders now assess:

• How much comes in monthly?

• How often do you spend your money?

• If you have consistent transaction patterns.

If your account is constantly drained or inconsistent, even the best loan apps may flag you as risky, even if you earn well.

Keep your salary in one account. Avoid sudden large transfers before applying for an instant loan. Let your account show steady, predictable behaviour.

3. You Applied to Too Many Loan Apps at Once

Lenders can see how many other apps you've applied to via your BVN. If you've requested 10k from five different loan apps in 48 hours, it signals desperation and high risk.

Stick to trusted platforms like QuickCheck that offer low-interest loans. Jumping from one loan app in Nigeria to another may seem smart, but it lowers your chances of approval and signals desperation to lenders. Be selective: one solid application is better than five blind ones.

4. You Don’t Have a Clear Repayment Plan

Loan providers love certainty. If you can’t demonstrate a reasonable repayment capacity, no amount of “urgency” will make them say yes.

Don’t apply for more than you need. A small, easy-to-repay loan (10k–20k) is more likely to be approved. Repay it on time, then apply for bigger amounts later.

Tunde’s Second Chance  And How He Got Approved

After learning all this, Tunde stopped applying randomly. He:

• Cleared an old unpaid balance on a forgotten app.

• Allowed his salary to land twice in one bank account.

• Waited two weeks, then applied again this time through QuickCheck, a regulated app with a history of offering instant loans and low-interest loans.

  

He applied for just ₦20,000 instead of ₦70,000.
Approved in minutes.
He repaid in full before the deadline.
The next month, he was approved for ₦50,000 with no stress.

Sometimes, it's not that you're not eligible, it's that you're sending the wrong signals.

Coming Next:

You got the loan, now what?

The next post in this series teaches you how to stay ahead of your repayment date, avoid late fees, and build a healthy borrowing habit that boosts your chances of higher loan approvals in the future.

You’ve gotten in the door. Now let’s help you stay in control.
Stay glued. Your peace of mind depends on it.

FAQs

Can I get a loan in 5 minutes?

Yes, you can! If you want to try QuickCheck, download the QuickCheck app from Google Play, sign up to create an account, and apply for a loan in minutes. Once accepted, the loan will be credited instantly to your preferred bank account.

How much can I borrow from QuickCheck?

QuickCheck offers urgent loans ranging from ₦10,000, ₦20,000 to ₦500,000 or even ₦1,000,000, depending on your creditworthiness and eligibility. 

Do I need to submit any documents?

No. You do not need to submit any documents to get a loan. With QuickCheck, you can access an urgent loan with no collateral or paperwork required. All you need to do is correctly fill in the required information on the QuickCheck app.