Basics
Why AARC Doesn't Pull Your Credit — and What That Means for You
• 2 min read
Credit scores have nothing to do with whether your injury case will settle. That's why pre-settlement funding is approved on case merits alone.
Traditional lenders use credit scores to predict whether you'll repay them on time. With a pre-settlement advance, repayment comes from the settlement, not from your paycheck, so your credit history is irrelevant.
This is significant for two groups in particular: people with damaged credit who would be rejected by banks, and people with great credit who don't want a hard inquiry on their report.
Because AARC does not report to the credit bureaus, taking an advance does not affect your score in either direction. There is no impact on your ability to get a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card later.
What we do review: the police report, medical records, insurance policy limits, and your attorney's assessment. Those are the only factors that drive an approval.
Why credit scores are irrelevant here
Credit scores exist to predict whether a borrower will make monthly payments on time. Pre-settlement advances have no monthly payments — repayment comes from the settlement, not from your paycheck — so the score has nothing to predict.
What we actually need to predict is whether the case will recover and roughly how much. That is a function of the facts of the case, not your past financial behavior.
Two groups this is especially valuable for
The first group is claimants with damaged credit. A bankruptcy, a foreclosure, or a stretch of medical-debt collections can lock you out of traditional credit for years. Pre-settlement funding remains available regardless.
The second group is claimants with great credit who do not want a hard inquiry on their report. Our underwriting does not touch your credit file at all, so your score is preserved entirely.
What we do review
We look at liability (who was at fault), damages (how serious the injuries are and how well documented), and coverage (whether there is insurance or assets to collect from).
We also review your attorney's reputation and case history. Cases with experienced PI counsel tend to recover at higher rates, which helps approval.
And what we don't report back
AARC never reports advances to the credit bureaus. There is no record on your credit file that funding ever happened, regardless of whether your case wins or loses.
That means an advance has zero impact on your ability to get a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card in the future.
Talk to AARC before you make a financial move you'll regret
Every situation is different, and the right answer depends on the specifics of your case, your timeline, and what you need the money for. The single best thing you can do is have a short, no-pressure conversation with someone who funds these cases every day.
Call AARC at (800) 297-3834 or apply online in about three minutes. There is no credit check, no obligation, and no cost to find out what you qualify for. If a cash advance isn't the right tool for your situation, we'll tell you that too.
Frequently asked questions
- What happens if I lose my case?
- Nothing is owed. Because the funding is non-recourse, AARC absorbs the loss if your case does not result in a recovery.
- Is a pre-settlement cash advance a loan?
- No. It is non-recourse funding tied to your personal injury claim. There are no monthly payments, and if your case does not recover, you owe nothing.
- Do I need good credit or a job to qualify?
- No. AARC does not run a credit check and does not require employment or income verification. Approval is based on the strength of your claim and your attorney's representation.
- How fast can I get funded?
- Most approved applicants receive funds in as little as 24 hours once AARC has the case documents from your attorney.
- How much does it cost?
- AARC uses a flat fee rather than compounding monthly interest. Typical advances are $500, $750, or $1,000, and the illustrative payoff at settlement is 2x the advance amount.
About the author
Written by the funding team at AARC — Accident Advance & Resource Center. AARC underwrites pre-settlement cash advances for personal injury claimants and works directly with plaintiff attorneys across 45 states. Our team reviews case documentation daily and writes from that firsthand experience.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always confirm details with your attorney. Contact AARC or call (800) 297-3834 with questions about your specific case.
