If a bank refuses to lend $100, explore alternative financial solutions. First, verify your creditworthiness through free credit reports and address errors or improve your score via timely payments and debt management. Second, consider peer-to-peer lenders like LendingClub or Prosper, which offer small loans with flexible terms. Third, visit community banks or credit unions, which often have looser lending criteria. Fourth, borrow from friends or family with clear agreements. Finally, use digital payment apps like Venmo or Cash App for small cash advances, though these may incur fees.

Banks may deny small loans due to risk assessments and regulatory compliance. Traditional lenders prioritize loans over $500 to minimize administrative costs and default risks. The Federal Reserve’s 2023 report found that 20% of U.S. adults have subprime credit scores, limiting access to conventional credit. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) notes that 60% of rejected loan applicants lack knowledge of their credit profiles, exacerbating denial rates. Community banks, however, approve 35% more small loans than large banks (FDIC, 2022), as they cater to local markets. Peer-to-peer platforms approve 30% of small loans, per LendingClub’s 2023 data, by leveraging algorithmic underwriting. These alternatives address gaps left by traditional institutions, ensuring financial accessibility despite initial rejections.