Best Bad Credit Loans 2026
Personal loans for credit scores from 500 upward
Personal loans designed for borrowers with poor or limited credit history (typically 500–629 FICO). Lenders specialising in bad credit use alternative data beyond credit scores — bank account history, employment stability, income — to make approval decisions.
Avg APR
18% – 36%
Loan Amount
$1,000 – $15,000
Term
24 – 48 months
Advertisement
Top Lenders for Bad Credit Loans
Upstart
Thin or no credit file
APR Range
7.40% – 35.99%
Loan Range
$1,000 – $50,000
Min Score
300
Funding
1–3 days
Avant
Fair credit, fast funding
APR Range
9.95% – 35.99%
Loan Range
$2,000 – $35,000
Min Score
580
Funding
1–2 days
LendingPoint
Flexible repayment
APR Range
7.99% – 35.99%
Loan Range
$1,000 – $36,500
Min Score
580
Funding
1–3 days
OneMain Financial
Secured option available
APR Range
18.00% – 35.99%
Loan Range
$1,500 – $20,000
Min Score
600
Funding
1–2 days
Oportun
No credit history required
APR Range
35.95% – 35.95%
Loan Range
$300 – $10,000
Min Score
0
Funding
1–2 days
Advertisement
Pros
- Accessible to borrowers major banks decline
- Can rebuild credit with on-time payments
- Faster than secured loan alternatives
- No collateral required for most options
Cons
- Significantly higher APR (18–36%)
- Lower loan limits than good-credit lenders
- Origination fees often higher (1–10%)
- Risk of deeper debt if payments missed
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum credit score for a personal loan?
Some lenders accept scores as low as 300 (Upstart uses AI underwriting). Most bad-credit lenders start at 580.
Will a bad credit personal loan hurt my credit further?
The hard inquiry costs 5–10 points temporarily. Making on-time payments rebuilds credit steadily over 6–12 months.
What is the maximum APR on a bad credit personal loan?
Most states cap APR at 36% for licensed lenders. Avoid any offer exceeding 36% — it's predatory territory.
Advertisement