START OR REBUILD YOUR CREDIT
Empowering BIPOC, Immigrants, and Credit-Challenged Individuals Build Credit!
We recognize that the growing racial wealth gap in the United States is strongly influenced by limited access to credit. Credit-challenged individuals—particularly those with little or no credit history in Black, Hispanic, and low-income communities—face significant obstacles to building financial security. These groups are more than twice as likely as their white counterparts to be unbanked or underbanked, restricting their access to affordable loans, asset-building opportunities, and full participation in the economy. Without clear pathways to establish and strengthen credit, the cycle of financial exclusion persists, further widening the wealth gap across generations.
About Noir Lending CDFI Inc.
Noir Lending CDFI Inc. is an emerging, Black-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to advancing economic justice. Our mission is to empower BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), immigrant, and credit-challenged individuals of any race or background through accessible credit-building loan programs, trusted banking partnerships, and financial education that supports long-term financial stability.
Founded to address systemic exclusion from traditional financial systems, Noir Lending helps individuals across the U.S. start or rebuild credit, increase financial literacy, and lay the groundwork for generational wealth. We believe that good credit is not a luxury—it is a gateway to opportunity.
Credit Builder Loan Program Overview
The Noir Lending Credit Builder Loan Program is a structured, impact-driven initiative inspired by best practices from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund. Designed for individuals with limited or challenged credit histories, the program offers a safe, supportive path to building credit, accessing mainstream banking services, and reducing reliance on predatory lenders. Whether you're starting fresh or recovering from past financial challenges, this program provides a proven, step-by-step model for achieving greater financial resilience.
Easy Process
Program Goals
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Help participants start or rebuild credit
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Establish relationships with trusted banking institutions
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Increase financial literacy through structured education sessions
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Reduce reliance on high-cost, predatory lending services
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Promote long-term economic inclusion and upward mobility
Loan Program Options
Participants can choose between two flexible, credit-building pathways:
Option 1: Monthly Payment Plan
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Loan Amount: $500 (received after 12 on-time monthly payments)
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To Get Started: No upfront cost
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Payment Plan: $46.25/month for 12 months
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Credit Reporting: Monthly reporting to major credit bureaus
Upon Completion:
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$500 returned to the participant
Additional Assistance:
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Funds deposited into a partner bank of the participant’s choice to open a checking account
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Participant becomes eligible for a secured credit builder credit card
Option 2: Tax Refund Plan
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Loan Amount: $500
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To Get Started: Upfront deposit of $555 (includes a $55 flat program fee and covers 12 months of reporting)
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For Muslim Participants: The $55 is presented as a non-interest administrative fee
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Credit Reporting: Monthly reporting to major credit bureaus over 12 months
Upon Completion:
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$500 returned to the participant
Additional Assistance:
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Funds deposited into a partner bank of the participant’s choice to open a checking account
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Participant becomes eligible for a secured credit builder credit card
Financial Education Requirement
All participants are required to complete at least two online financial education sessions during the 12-month program period. These sessions, facilitated by Partner Banks, cover key topics such as budgeting, credit use, savings strategies, and banking literacy. The goal is not only to build or restore credit but to equip participants with the financial knowledge needed to make informed decisions and achieve long-term economic success.