Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit

Poor credit affects people from all walks of life. A low credit score may result from expensive medical treatments, career setbacks, or improper financial management. Whatever your case, if you have poor credit, the good news is you have several loan options available. Below, we look at the best personal loans for bad credit.

Lending Sources for People With Bad Credit

Loan Aggregators

Loan aggregators are not direct lenders but, multi-lender marketplaces that give you access to various lenders. Aggregators collect the financial and personal information on your application and match you with lenders who serve your credit level.

Each lender who participates in loan aggregator platforms has individual credit scores and income requirements, but some serve all credit profiles. Loan aggregators are ideal if you are looking for an unsecured loan with poor credit.

You can choose from several online loan aggregators, but the most reputable platforms are Fiona and Credible.

Credible is a loan aggregator providing you with the opportunity to get loan offers from one or more lenders. With Credible, you complete and submit a single loan application and then receive offers from lenders within minutes.

Loan programs from Credible include refinance student loans, private student loans, personal loans, credit cards, and mortgages.

Fiona is another popular loan aggregator available to people with all credit scores. This platform uses a soft credit pull, so you can shop around for loans without worrying about taking a credit hit. Fiona’s products include personal loans, credit cards, and student loan refinancing products.

Personal Loan Lenders

Getting a loan from online personal loan lenders is a quicker and easier alternative than dealing with a loan officer at your local bank branch. You can apply online, and the entire process takes only a few minutes.

Applying with personal loan lenders also allows you to compare offers from various lenders and select the best rates. Here are some popular personal loan lenders to consider:

Monevo offers a convenient process for finding loans of up to $100,000 online, and you can compare loan offers from as many as 30 lenders with a single application. Some of Monevo’s lenders serve credit levels with scores from 450.

OppLoans offers loan amounts of up to $4,000, with interest rates ranging from 59% to 99% APR. The company’s interest rates are high, but there are no minimum credit score requirements.

The benefits of taking a personal loan from OppLoans include funding within two business days. OppLoans can also report your payment history to the three credit bureaus to improve your credit profile.

Upstart accepts borrowers who are new to credit, including recent graduates and students. Loan amounts from Upstart range from $1,000 to $50,000 and interest rates range from 6.16% to 35.99% APR.

LendingClub offers loans of up to $40,000 and charges an origination fee of 3% - 6% of the loan amount. You can select a term of either 36 or 60 months with an APR ranging from 8.05% to 35.89%.

P2P lenders

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lenders are platforms that match borrowers with individual lenders. Each P2P company offers unique investment and lending products. For example, some P2P lenders offer unsecured loans, while others offer asset secured loans.

A popular P2P lender is Prosper.

Prosper is a peer-to-peer lending marketplace where you can apply for personal loans with terms of three to five years. If you qualify as a borrower, you can get a loan of $2,000 to $40,000 with no collateral.

The minimum criteria to qualify for a Prosper loan includes a debt-to-income ratio below 50% and no bankruptcies in the past year. You don’t need a minimum income to qualify, and you can use the loan for any purpose, including debt consolidation, medical expenses, and home improvements.

How Does the Coronavirus Pandemic Affect Bad-Credit Loans?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many lenders and banks allowed their existing borrowers to postpone their loan payments or waive fees. However, to mitigate their risks, many lenders increased the minimum requirements prospective borrowers have to meet.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, lenders and financial institutions changed loan requirements such as minimum income, credit score, business experience, or loan usage restrictions. Some lenders now also require that you submit a business plan or financial statements with your loan application.

While it is more challenging to get a loan with bad credit during the coronavirus pandemic, you have several options available.

If you lost your job due to the pandemic, you might be eligible to get a coronavirus hardship loan. Credit bureaus and financial institutions offer this personal loan as short-term relief to help their communities.

You should also shop around for the best rates. Currently, interest rates are low, and if you qualify for a bad-credit loan, your borrowing costs will be relatively low. Some lenders specialize in bad credit loans, and you should find out what pre-qualification options they have available.

When searching for loans, start with the financial institutions where you already have accounts. A bank is more likely to approve a loan for existing clients.

Loan Sources to Avoid

If you have a low credit score, you may think you should take what you can get. However, some loan sources’ borrowing costs are too high, and you are better off spending the time to find a loan with the best rates. Below, we look at loan sources to avoid.

Subprime Loans

Various lenders offer subprime auto loans to borrowers with low credit scores. However, subprime loans are generally expensive and come with high-interest rates. Some subprime interest rates are three times higher than those for an average auto loan.

Subprime auto lenders are willing to extend loans to borrowers with low credit scores because of the high profit potential. If you fail to make your loan payments, some lenders will have no problem repossessing your car and selling it to the next borrower.

You also run the risk of a loan default, which will lower your credit rating even further. In some states, you will remain liable for the outstanding loan amount after repossession.

No-Credit-Check Loans and Guaranteed Approval Loans

The loan sizes and repayment mechanisms of no-credit-check and guaranteed approval loans are similar to those of installment loans. However, the interest rates and hidden fees of these loans are significantly higher. For example, the APR on a guaranteed approval loan can be as high as 500%.

Payday Loans

With payday loans, you borrow the amount you need from the lender and pay it back when you receive your next paycheck along with an additional fee. These loans typically don’t involve a credit check or application process, but they come with a high borrowing cost.

A payday lender can charge a fee of up to $30 or higher for every $100 you borrow. Even a relatively low fee of $15 for a payday loan of $100 amounts to an annual interest rate of 390%.

Payday loans may seem like the ideal short-term solution if you need cash immediately. However, with the quick turnaround times for these loans, borrowers often need to repeatedly renew their loans, which ramps up fees.

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How to Choose the Best Bad-Credit Loan Company

Several factors determine the best bad-credit loan company for your needs and financial situation.

Eligibility requirements: Before lenders extend you a loan, you have to meet specific requirements. Institutions will typically list minimum credit scores, minimum income, and maximum debt-to-income ratio as requirements.
Interest rates and loan fees: The borrowing costs of a loan are significant in choosing the best bad-credit loan company. While these costs are generally higher for borrowers with bad credit, you should spend some time shopping around and find the cheapest loan.
Repayment term: A short loan repayment term is best if you want to minimize interest or do not want to remain in debt for long. On the other hand, if you want to reduce your monthly loan repayments, select a loan with a longer repayment term of 6 to 12 months.
Lender: If you prefer to do business in person, consider applying with your local bank branch or credit union. Online lenders such as loan aggregators don't provide a personal service, but their interest rates are generally the lowest.

Types of Bad-Credit Loans

Cash Advances

A cash advance is a short-term loan that credit card issuers offer their clients. When you take out this loan, you’re borrowing cash against your card’s available balance. A cash advance is one of the most convenient types of bad credit loans, but they are expensive.

Cash advance fees are the most significant expenses of cash advances. You'll either pay a flat fee per cash advance or a percentage of the cash amount. The interest on a cash advance is typically much higher than the rate on purchases. The interest will also start accruing immediately upon approval.

You should only consider this type of loan if you have an emergency. If you rely on cash advances to pay for everyday expenses, consider using the services of a credit counselor.

Related: Best Cash Advance Credit Cards

Bank Agreements

Bank agreements are minimal overdraft agreements or short-term loans that banks offer their clients as part of their financial products. Banks typically offer agreements to clients with low credit scores. However, to be eligible for these loans, you may have to meet several requirements that include a steady income.

A short-term loan or overdraft agreement is ideal if you need funding fast for a specific purpose. Bank agreements are not suitable to fund everyday expenses, as their interest rates and fees are relatively high.

Contact your local bank branch to find out if they have bank agreements available.

Personal Loans

A secured or unsecured personal loan is a standard form of credit, allowing you to consolidate multiple high-interest debts or make a large purchase. Personal loans generally have a lower interest rate than credit cards, and their loan limits are high, but you need to meet several requirements to qualify.

With a secured loan, the lender requires collateral for example, your home or vehicle. An unsecured loan, on the other hand, doesn’t have any collateral requirements.

If you have a low credit score, you'll find it easier to get a secured loan. Unsecured loans generally have a higher interest rate and low loan limits, but you don't run the risk of losing your assets if you fail to make the payments on time.

Home Equity Loans for Poor Credit

Home equity loans are similar to secured personal loans. With this type of loan, you borrow a lump sum of cash, using your home's equity as collateral. If you fail to pay the loan's fixed monthly installments, the lender has the right to seize your property.

A home equity loan is easier to get than an unsecured personal loan if you have a low credit score, provided that you have a property to offer as collateral. The interest rates of home equity loans are generally lower than those of personal loans and credit cards.

Whether or not this loan is ideal for you depends on your risk tolerance. If your income is too small to support your lifestyle and make your monthly loan repayments, you run the risk of losing your home.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) for Poor Credit

In essence, HELOCs are similar to home equity loans. You borrow from a lender such as a bank or credit union with your home as collateral. However, instead of borrowing a lump sum of cash, a HELOC allows you to borrow money as you need it similar to a credit card.

This type of loan is ideal for funding long-term projects, for example, multiple home improvement projects over a year. A HELOC is relatively easy to get if you have a low credit score, but you have to repay the funds at a variable rate.

Student Loans for Poor Credit

A common problem among students is that they don't have the credit history to get a loan and pay for their education costs. In many cases, education funding is not the purpose of standard personal loans.

Student loans for poor credit are often the only way to get funding for tuition fees, textbooks, and accommodation. If you have a low credit score, the lender may require a qualified person to co-sign the loan agreement.

The rates and fees of student loans vary from lender to lender. If someone is willing to co-sign your agreement, shop around to find the best rates. A high-interest rate can increase your borrowing costs significantly over the long run, so it is critical not to accept the first loan offer you receive.

Learn More: Best Student Loan Without a Cosigner

How to Spot Bad-Credit Loan Scams

Fraudsters often use bad-credit loan scams to access your sensitive personal information or collect upfront collateral or fees without lending you any money.

No approval process: Before making you a loan offer, authorized financial services and credit providers will obtain and check your credit report and assess your income and payment history. A lender who extends a loan offer without evaluating your financial situation is likely a scammer.
Unsolicited calls: If you haven't recently applied for a loan, reputable lenders will not contact you via phone or email with an unsolicited loan offer. When a lender calls you, requests your personal information, and guarantees approval without doing a credit check, be careful.
The lender tries to pressure you: Scammers often try to pressure targets into accepting their loan offers by offering low-interest rates for a limited time. Reputable lenders don’t use hard-sell tactics, and their loan offerings are generally consistent over time.
No license to operate in your state: According to the Federal Trade Commission, all lenders should register as credit providers in the state where they do business.
Upfront payments: Legitimate lenders will never require upfront cash payments before starting the application process. Another red flag is if the lender asks for loan repayment in the form of a prepaid credit card or gift card.
No secure website or physical address: When researching a lender, ensure that its website address for any sensitive data entry starts with "HTTPS" and displays a padlock symbol before you enter your personal information. The website should also list a physical address for the company.

What Is Considered Bad Credit?

Different credit scoring models exist for determining a person's creditworthiness. The three main credit bureaus Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax developed VantageScore, a model that many lenders use:

300 499 (very poor)
500 600 (poor)
601 660 (fair)
661 780 (good)
781 850 (excellent)

Several factors can lower your credit score. For example, if you repeatedly miss payments on your credit card, apply for a lot of credit in a short time, or frequently change your address, your credit score will drop.

Bankruptcy, court judgments, and mistakes on your report can also harm your credit score. If your credit score is low, lenders will see you as a high-risk borrower, reject your application, or offer you credit at a higher rate.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your credit score.

How to Improve Your Credit (Experian Boost)

The most effective way to increase your credit score is with Experian Boost, a free service allowing you to link your telecom and utility accounts to your Experian credit report. Every time you make an on-time payment to the linked credit accounts, your credit improves.

To sign up for Experian Boost, you must have at least one active account, such as a credit card.

Examples of eligible payments you can link include:

Landline and mobile phones
Cable, satellite, and internet
Gas, electric, and solar
Water and sanitization
Streaming subscriptions, including Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Disney+, and Starz

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Document Requirements for a Loan Application When You Have Bad Credit

When applying for a loan with bad credit, you need to submit several documents. The specific documents a lender requires depend on the loan type, but they generally include:

The lender's loan application: Each lender has specific application forms you have to complete and submit.
Proof of identity: Most lenders require two identification documents, such as your passport, state-issued ID, driver's license, or Certificate of Citizenship.
Proof of address: Documents such as a utility bill or rental agreement proves your lifestyle's stability.
Income-verification documents: Lenders require income-verification documents for bad-credit applications, including recent pay stubs, tax returns, 1099s or W-2s, and bank statements.
Vehicle details: If you apply for an auto loan, you have to provide your vehicle's make, model, VIN, and resale value.
Reason for your application: If you have bad credit, the lender may require that you furnish a written explanation of your situation and extenuating circumstances for example, divorce, job loss, or medical problems.

FAQs

How much can I borrow if I have poor credit?

The amount you can qualify for with bad credit depends on several factors, including the loan type, your credit score, and the lender's loan policy. Whether the loan is secured or unsecured also determines the loan amount. In the case of a secured personal loan with collateral, you can borrow higher amounts, even if you have a low credit score. Personal loan amounts generally range from $1,000 to $50,000. However, to borrow at the high end of this range, you will need a sizeable, steady income and an asset you can put down as collateral.

Can I get a loan if I am unemployed?

It is possible to get a loan if you are unemployed, especially if you earn regular income in the form of stock dividends, Social Security benefits, disability income, or child support. If you can back your application with an excellent credit score, lenders may grant you a loan if you are unemployed. Unemployed applicants with a low credit score are rarely successful with loan applications. In these cases, lenders are often apprehensive about making loan offers, even if you're applying for a secured loan with a high-value asset as collateral.

Do I have to put down collateral to get a bad-credit loan?

If you are applying for an unsecured loan, you don't have to put down collateral. Unsecured loans are viable options for borrowers who don't own assets. However, if you have a low credit score, lenders are more likely to qualify you for secured loans.

Do banks and credit unions offer bad-credit loans?

Borrowers often prefer to apply for loans at credit unions, which are not-for-profit institutions that offer loans at lower interest rates and with more flexible terms. If you have a low credit score, credit unions and banks are not your best options. Financial institutions implement standard qualification procedures that include assessing your credit history, collateral, and cash flow. The loan officers of credit unions are more subjective in their evaluation than banks, especially if you have a deposit with them or add a co-signer. However, if your credit score is below the institution's cut-off level, your application is unlikely to be successful.

Can I get a loan without a credit check?

With some loan types, lenders don't require a credit check, but they compensate for the increased risk by charging high interests and fees. Additionally, lenders who don't do credit checks tend to implement more aggressive collection tactics, including your assets' repossession. When a lender doesn't require a credit check, make sure you don't walk into a loan scam. In these cases, the lender will often charge an upfront fee.

Do I need a checking account to get a loan?

Most lenders require that you have a checking account so they can gauge your banking and payment history. If you don't have a checking account, you can still get a loan, but you will likely have to offer collateral. You can also apply for payday loans without a checking account, but this type of loan is expensive.

Final Thoughts

Are you looking to apply for a loan with bad credit? You have several options available to secure a loan at affordable rates and fees. Start by improving your credit score with Experian Boost, and organize your finances to ensure that all your payments go out on time.

When shopping for loans, stick to reputable lenders such as banks, credit unions, online loan aggregators, and Peer-2-Peer lenders. Collect as many loan offers from lenders as you can, and make sure that you accept the offer with the lowest interest rates and fees. The loan term should also fit your financial situation.

Before accepting a loan offer, ensure that there are no limitations so that you can use the loan for whatever purpose you want.

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