Because lenders take credit scores into consideration when reviewing loan applications, you may find it difficult to get a personal loan with bad credit. As a rule of thumb, you need a credit score between 580 and 669 to qualify for a personal loan.
Some lenders consider borrowers with poor credit and those with insufficient credit history to generate a credit score. You may be able to take out a personal loan from those lenders with a credit score as low as 300 to 579.
However, expect less favorable terms if you do qualify for a personal loan with bad credit. For instance, you may get a higher interest rate or a lower loan limit.
Key Takeaways
Credit scores ranging between 300 and 579 are usually considered “bad” by lenders. You usually need a minimum credit score of 580 to qualify for a personal loan.
Having a bad credit score can limit your personal loan options. Plus, you may be offered smaller loan amounts or a higher APR.
In addition to personal loans, you may be able to get cash advances, credit cards or payday loans with bad credit.
WHAT WE’RE GEEKING OUT ON
- Is it Possible to Get a Personal Loan With Bad Credit?
- Loan Options for Bad Credit
- Where to Get a Personal Loan With Bad Credit
- How to Get a Personal Loan With Bad Credit
- Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans
Is it Possible to Get a Personal Loan With Bad Credit?
A personal loan can be useful for addressing different financial concerns. It can help consolidate debt, finance a home improvement project or fund your dream vacation.
Lenders consider credit score when deciding whether to approve a personal loan application, how much money to lend and what interest rate to charge. This is because credit scores can show how financially responsible an applicant is when it comes to paying debts.
If you have a bad credit score, this may tell lenders that you struggle with making payments toward various debts. As a result, your loan application may be denied, or you may receive a smaller loan at a higher interest rate.
There are lenders that accept applicants with poor credit scores. Shop around and compare multiple options to get the best bad credit loan for you. Minimum credit score requirements vary across lending companies, so be sure to check if your particular credit score is accepted by your chosen lender.
What’s Considered a Bad Credit Score?
Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850. Anything below 580 is considered a bad FICO credit score. On the other hand, bad VantageScore credit scores are those between 300 and 600.
Although what’s considered bad slightly differs between FICO and VantageScore, the factors they use to measure scores are quite similar. These include payment history, length of credit history and credit mix.
Your credit score is likely to take a hit if you don’t make payments on time or you have delinquent bills. Using more than 30% of your available credit can bring your score down. Diversifying your portfolio of credit accounts and lessening the number of hard credit inquiries on your record can help you avoid lowering your credit score.
CREDIT SCORES WITH FICO AND VANTAGESCORE
Credit Score
FICO
VantageScore
Very Poor
See AlsoThe Ultimate Guide to Local SEO for Small BusinessJos. A. Bank Clothiers: Reviews, Complaints, Customer Claims | ComplaintsBoardDulles Town Center ::: DirectoryWhere To Buy Weed Online (Legally) in 2021: 5 Best Stores | Juneau EmpireUnder 300
300-499
Poor
300-579
500-600
Fair
580-669
601-660
Good
670-739
661-780
Very Good
740-799
—
What Interest Rate Can You Get?
Personal loan interest rates are calculated based on your creditworthiness and take several factors into account. These include your credit score, which is used by lenders to determine the amount of risk they are taking by loaning you money.
Depending on your financial profile, interest rates on personal loans can range from 6% to 36%. If you have a bad credit score, you may be subjected to interest rates on the higher end of the scale. This means you’ll pay more over the life of the loan.
Because the lowest interest rates are often reserved for those with good to excellent credit, it’s in your best interest to improve your credit score before applying for a personal loan.
Loan Options for Bad Credit
It’s possible to take out an unsecured or secured personal loan even if you have a poor credit score. However, those are not your only options. Below, MoneyGeek lists the other types of loans you can get with bad credit.
CASH ADVANCES
A cash advance is a short-term loan offered by credit card issuers and banks. Unlike a personal loan, a cash advance application doesn’t involve credit checks. This means those with bad credit can have quick access to cash — usually through ATMs, banks or convenience checks.
Although getting a cash advance is easy and convenient, it does have some drawbacks. These include high-interest rates, cash advance fees and ATM fees. You may also risk hurting your credit score because added debt increases your credit utilization.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are a financial tool issued by banks that can be used as short-term loans. They come with a pre-set credit limit that and you can use them for various personal expenses. Low-credit borrowers may benefit from credit cards for bad credit, which can help them establish or improve credit.
You may choose between a secured credit card, which requires a security deposit or an unsecured credit card, which doesn’t need any deposit. Shop around and compare each card’s features to get the best option for your needs and circumstances.
PAYDAY LOANS
Low-credit borrowers in need of quick cash may also consider payday loans. These loans are less than $500 and typically must be repaid in two to four weeks. Getting a payday loan only requires a pay stub, so those with bad credit may apply for one.
However, payday loans are expensive and carry high-interest rates. Another factor to keep in mind is that they aren’t widely available. Washington DC and 18 states have laws that prohibit or protect payday loan borrowers.
CALCULATING LOAN PAYMENTS
Before pursuing a loan application, it’s essential to calculate your loan payment and determine if you can afford to pay it back when it’s due. Paying your bills on time and avoiding delinquent debts can help you improve your credit score.
Where to Get a Personal Loan With Bad Credit
Although getting a personal loan with bad credit can be challenging, some lenders may be willing to extend funds to you. That said, expect higher interest rates or smaller loan amounts if you qualify. MoneyGeek enumerates where to look for loans if you have bad credit in the list below.
ONLINE PERSONAL LOAN LENDERS
Online lenders allow borrowers to apply for personal loans in the comfort of their homes. The application is usually fast and convenient and requires documents such as identification, address verification and proof of income. Some online lenders also allow you to pre-qualify for a personal loan, so you can see your interest rates without hurting your credit score.
Many online lenders feature flexible loan amounts, competitive interest rates, minimal fees and fast fund disbursement times. Examples of online lenders include LightStream and Upgrade.
CREDIT UNIONS
You can get a personal loan with bad credit from credit unions like PenFed and Navy Federal. Credit unions may offer more attractive terms like lower interest rates and fees than traditional banks.
Getting a loan from a credit union requires membership. To become a credit union member, you need to meet requirements, like having a family member who belongs to the credit union, working for a particular employer or living in a specific geographic location.
DIRECT AND LOCAL LENDERS
Direct lenders are financial institutions that offer personal loans. These can include local and online banks, credit unions and online direct lenders. Some of them accept borrowers with bad credit, though they may charge higher interest rates.
Local lenders allow you to work with a loan officer at a local bank branch or credit union. Your relationship with your local lender may help you score perks like rate discounts despite the bad credit. However, some local lenders take longer to process loans or require you to visit their branch to apply for a personal loan.
HOW TO COMPARE LOAN LENDERS
When shopping around for bad credit loans, it pays to compare multiple lenders to get the best deal possible. Make sure to look into what each lender has to offer regarding APR ranges, available loan amounts, repayment terms, disbursement times and associated fees. It’s also vital to gather information about their requirements to see if you qualify for their personal loans.
How to Get a Personal Loan With Bad Credit
Applying for a personal loan with bad credit is a fairly simple process. You typically submit an application form and several documents to prove your identity, address and source of income. Additionally, you need to meet the lender’s minimum credit score and income requirements.
Below, MoneyGeek outlines important steps you need to take to get a personal loan with bad credit.
1
Check your credit score
Before you pursue a loan application, it’s critical to check your credit score to determine which lenders you might qualify with. You may pull your credit score from Transunion, Equifax or Experian. Alternatively, you can find out your credit score through credit monitoring services or your credit card provider.
2
Shop for lenders
Lending companies have varying loan amounts, interest rates, repayment terms and minimum requirements. It’s smart to shop around and compare lenders to determine the option that best meets your needs and situation.
3
Get pre-qualified
Pre-qualification allows you to see what loan amount, interest rate and loan terms you qualify for. The process uses soft credit inquiry, which won’t impact your credit score. This is useful if you want to compare offers or find out how much the loan would cost you in the long run.
4
Compare loan offers
As a rule of thumb, you should avoid jumping on the first loan offer you receive. Try to get several offers and compare them to pick the best one for your needs. Make sure to review the interest rates, loan terms and associated fees such as origination fees.
5
Submit an application
Once you’ve reviewed loan offers and selected a lender, the next step is to provide documents that your lender may require, including identification, proof of income and address verification. You may submit your application online, or you can visit your lender if they have a physical location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans
Personal loans, when you have bad credit, can be difficult to navigate. MoneyGeek addresses some frequently asked questions below to help you better understand how to get a personal loan with bad credit.
sources
- Experian. "What’s a Good Interest Rate for a Personal Loan?." Accessed October 7, 2022.
- PEW. "How Well Does Your State Protect Payday Loan Borrowers?." Accessed October 7, 2022.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the rates mentioned may have changed. We recommend visiting the lender's website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, lender or other entity.
FAQs
What's the easiest loan to get with bad credit? ›
The easiest loans to get approved for would probably be payday loans, car title loans, pawnshop loans, and personal installment loans. These are all short-term cash solutions for bad credit borrowers in need. Many of these options are designed to help borrowers who need fast cash in times of need.
Can you get a loan with extremely bad credit? ›Having a bad credit rating doesn't mean you can't get a loan. It just means that it's more difficult for you to find credit at the most competitive prices. That's why secured bad credit loans are sometimes popular because they offer people with poor credit a loan that isn't so dependent on credit scores.
What does your credit score needs to be to get a personal loan? ›To qualify for a personal loan, borrowers generally need a minimum credit score of 610 to 640. However, your chances of getting a loan with a low interest rate are much higher if you have a “good” or “excellent” credit score of 690 and above.
Can I get a loan with a credit of 500? ›How much of a loan can you get with a 500 credit score? If you are looking for a personal loan, some lenders provide them for borrowers with a 500 credit score. You can borrow up to $10,000 through some of these companies. Three of these companies that you can try are MoneyMutual, CashUSA, and CreditLoan.
What companies will give you a loan with bad credit? ›- Best for people without a credit history: Upstart.
- Best for flexible terms: OneMain Financial.
- Best for quick funding: Avant.
- Best for fast approval: LendingPoint.
Some reasons your loan application could be denied include a low credit score or thin credit profile, a high DTI ratio, insufficient income, unstable employment or a mismatch between what you want to use the loan for and the lender's loan purpose requirements.
Can you get a loan with a 300 credit score? ›Let's face it, a credit score between 300 and 579 is bad. It is difficult to find a lender who will give you a personal loan if your credit score is at this level. If you do find a loan, you may find yourself paying very high interest rates and substantial fees.
Can you get a loan with 530 credit score? ›If you're in need of a personal loan, you may be able to get one with a credit score of 530. However, your options will be more limited than someone with a higher credit score. You'll likely have to shop around for the best interest rate and terms. And, you may not be able to borrow as much money as you would like.
How big of a loan can I get with no credit? ›What is the most money you can borrow if you have bad credit? Reputable lenders of personal loans for bad credit allow customers to borrow as much as $40,000 or $50,000. With that said, the lower your credit score, the lower amount you would likely qualify to borrow.
Which bank has the easiest personal loan approval? ›The easiest banks to get a personal loan from are USAA and Wells Fargo. USAA does not disclose a minimum credit score requirement, but their website indicates that they consider people with scores below the fair credit range (below 640). So even people with bad credit may be able to qualify.
What do banks look at when applying for a personal loan? ›
Most personal loan lenders review your credit score, credit history, income and DTI ratio to determine your eligibility. While the minimum requirements for each of these factors vary for each lender, our recommendations include: Minimum credit score of 670.
How hard is it to get a 3000 personal loan? ›You will likely need a credit score of at least 580 for a $3,000 personal loan. Most lenders that offer personal loans of $3,000 or more require bad credit or better for approval, along with enough income to afford the monthly payments.
Can I get a loan with a 524 credit score? ›A 524 credit score can be a sign of past credit difficulties or a lack of credit history. Whether you're looking for a personal loan, a mortgage or a credit card, credit scores in this range can make it challenging to get approved for unsecured credit, which doesn't require collateral or a security deposit.
Can I get a loan with a 570 credit score? ›A 570 credit score is considered fair. This means that you may still be able to get a loan, but you will likely be charged higher interest rates. The amount you can borrow will vary widely depending on the type of loan and the terms. It can also vary depending on your income and what you can afford to repay.
Can I get a loan with a 400 credit score? ›Consumers with very poor credit scores between 400 and 450 often have their credit applications rejected, according to FICO, a credit scoring agency. But it doesn't have to be that way. Loans and credit cards for 400 to 450 credit scores are still available.
What is a hardship loan? ›Hardship loans are a type of personal loan that, in many cases, have more favorable terms: These include faster funding, lower interest rates and deferred payments. They're especially useful for borrowers during trying times, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can I get a loan with no credit and no cosigner? ›- How to get a personal loan with no credit and no cosigner:
- Get a secured personal loan. Your credit, or lack thereof, doesn't matter as much when you put up collateral to secure a loan. ...
- Take out a credit-builder loan. ...
- Use your home equity. ...
- Borrow from someone you know.
You can get a personal loan through a bank, credit union, credit card issuer, or online financial lender. You can normally apply online or in person and will have to provide some basic personal and financial information.
How can I get a loan if I broke? ›- Shop around and compare lenders. Consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for you. ...
- Pick the loan option you like most. After comparing lenders, choose the loan that works best for your needs.
- Complete the application. ...
- Get your funds.
If you are not approved for a loan, you will receive what's called an adverse action letter from the lender explaining why. By law, you're entitled to a free copy of your credit report if a loan application is denied.
How long does it take to get a personal loan? ›
Typically, you can expect to wait 1 – 7 business days for a personal loan to go through. Approval will generally take 1 – 3 business days, while disbursal will typically take 1 – 5 business days. It is possible for a loan to take as long as 30 days to process.
Can I get a loan with a 525 credit score? ›A 525 credit score can be a sign of past credit difficulties or a lack of credit history. Whether you're looking for a personal loan, a mortgage or a credit card, credit scores in this range can make it challenging to get approved for unsecured credit, which doesn't require collateral or a security deposit.
Can you get a loan with 520 credit score? ›A 520 credit score is not the best, but it is not the worst. There are still financial institutions that will give you a personal loan if your credit score is 520. The terms of the loan may not be as good as if you had a higher credit score, but you can still get a loan.
Can I get a loan with 540 credit score? ›A 540 FICO score is categorized as very poor which can limit your options, but it's not impossible to get a loan. If you can qualify for a loan it will likely come with a high-interest rate and high fees, so prepare yourself. The good news is that if you can repay the loan on time you can improve your credit score.
How much of a loan can I get with a 550 credit score? ›How big of a loan can I get with a 550 credit score? The amount you can qualify for with a credit score of 550 usually depends on the lender. One lender that considers borrowers with a credit score of 550 is Avant. They can lend up to $35,000, and their rates range from 9.95%-35.99%.
What can a 500 credit score get you? ›A score of 500 is considered below average for VantageScore and FICO. It can be difficult to be approved for certain types of credit if your credit scores are below average. And if you are approved, you might pay extra fees, face higher interest rates for loans or have to put down a security deposit.
How big of a loan can I get with a 580 credit score? ›You can borrow anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $100,000+ with a 580 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.
Can you get a 2000 personal loan with no credit? ›Yes, you can get a $2,000 loan with no credit if absolutely need be. However, if a lender is willing to work with you, they will most likely charge you much higher interest rates and an origination fee than if you had some established credit history.
Can you get a small personal loan with no credit? ›Yes, it is possible to get a loan with no credit or bad credit, but lenders will likely charge you a higher interest rate than if you had established credit history.
How do I get a loan from cash App? ›- Open Cash App.
- Tap on your Cash App balance located in the lower left corner.
- Go to the “Banking” header.
- Check for the word “Borrow.”
- If you see “Borrow,” you can take out a Cash App loan.
- Tap on “Borrow.”
- Tap “Unlock.”
- Cash App will tell you how much you'll be able to borrow. Select an amount.
Why would a bank reject a personal loan? ›
The most common reasons for rejection include a low credit score or bad credit history, a high debt-to-income ratio, unstable employment history, too low of income for the desired loan amount, or missing important information or paperwork within your application.
Which bank gives loan quickly? ›HDFC Bank offers pre-approved loans to customers in 10 seconds flat*. Non – HDFC Bank customers can get loans in 4 hours.
How much money can I get from a personal loan? ›Personal loan amounts can range from $1,000 to $100,000, and typical repayment terms are one to seven years. A longer loan term will result in lower monthly payments, but higher interest costs.
What is the best reason to give for applying for a loan? ›Debt consolidation
Debt consolidation is one of the most common reasons for taking out a personal loan. When you apply for a loan and use it to pay off multiple other loans or credit cards, you're combining all of those outstanding balances into one monthly payment.
The first week of the month is the best time to apply for a loan because lenders typically use this time to process new loan applications. If you apply at the end of the month, you might find that there are delays in obtaining financing.
Who determines if you get a loan? ›The big three C's – Credit, Capacity, and Collateral – are really the drivers how lenders determine who gets a loan, how much they'll loan, and what the interest charge will be. But the lending institution looks at some other factors as well.
What is the monthly payment on a $3000 personal loan? ›The monthly payment on a $3,000 loan ranges from $41 to $301, depending on the APR and how long the loan lasts. For example, if you take out a $3,000 loan for one year with an APR of 36%, your monthly payment will be $301.
Can I get a loan with a 617 credit score? ›A 617 credit score can be a sign of past credit difficulties or a lack of credit history. Whether you're looking for a personal loan, a mortgage or a credit card, credit scores in this range can make it challenging to get approved for unsecured credit, which doesn't require collateral or a security deposit.
Do I need a bank account to get a personal loan? ›The answer is yes. You can borrow without a bank account. But it is easier to get a personal loan when you have a bank account, because that's usually where the lenders deposit the loan proceeds. And it can be easier to get a bank loan when you already have an account there.
How can I get a loan when I keep getting denied? ›- Prequalify With Other Lenders. Since different lenders have different lending requirements, try prequalifying with other lenders. ...
- Provide Collateral. ...
- Request a Lower Loan Amount. ...
- Increase Your Down Payment Amount.
How can I get money fast without a loan? ›
- Sell spare electronics. ...
- Sell your gift cards. ...
- Pawn something. ...
- Work today for pay today. ...
- Seek community loans and assistance. ...
- Ask for forbearance on bills. ...
- Request a payroll advance. ...
- Take a loan from your retirement account.
There are lenders who will give you credit even if you have a CCJ. These include doorstep loan companies like Provident, also includes online lenders offering short-term loans and low balance credit cards. Another type of lender you may be able to obtain credit from are guarantor loan companies.
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The most common reasons for rejection include a low credit score or bad credit history, a high debt-to-income ratio, unstable employment history, too low of income for the desired loan amount, or missing important information or paperwork within your application.
What do banks look at when applying for a personal loan? ›Most personal loan lenders review your credit score, credit history, income and DTI ratio to determine your eligibility. While the minimum requirements for each of these factors vary for each lender, our recommendations include: Minimum credit score of 670.
How long does declined credit stay on file? ›That is why it is always recommended to wait for some time after you get rejected to apply for another loan. Also, it is important to note that hard inquiries like declined loans can stay on your credit file for up to five years before they are removed from your history.
How can I get cash right now? ›- Borrowing money from friends and family.
- Selling or pawning your stuff.
- Take out a cash advance on your credit card.
- Shop around for the right bad credit loan.
Cash App Borrow is a type of short-term loan offered through the Cash App platform. This is how it works: If you're eligible you can take out a loan from $20 to $200. You then have four weeks to pay back the loaned amount plus a 5% flat fee.
What apps will let me borrow money instantly? ›- Earnin — Best for earning-based borrowing.
- Chime — Best for overdraft protection.
- Brigit — Best for same-day loans.
- MoneyLion — Best for multiple options.
- Current — Best for checking and spending.
- Dave — Best for highest cash advance.
- Empower — Best for quick cash advances.
Provident offer what are sometimes called doorstep loans. This is just a personal loan, except with a friendly, personal service. Once you've completed your online application, you'll get a decision in principle. If you're accepted at this stage you'll be contacted by a member of the team, who'll arrange to visit you.
How can I get a loan without a guarantor? ›
If you're taking out a loan without a guarantor there will be the option to have an unsecured or secured loan. Unsecured loans, often referred to as personal loans, do not require you to put an asset up as security. Generally, this means you'll need a fair to excellent credit score to be accepted for a loan.
What is a CCJ loan? ›What Are CCJ Loans? CCJ loans are offered to those who have had a County Court Judgment issued to them. This is the process where someone has taken court action against an individual, on the basis that they have not paid back money that is owed.
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If you operate Cash App to make a direct deposit of your paycheck, you can earn $100 for free. You will want a unique routing number and account number to use Cash App, as well as a valid physical address. You can earn as much as $100 a day on this way.
How do I make quick cash? ›- Pick up freelance work online. ...
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