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Best personal loans for bad credit in August 2024

Aug 07, 2024

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PERSONAL LOANS

Upstart: Bankrate 2024 Awards Winner for Best Bad Credit Loan

4.8

Est. APR
7.80- 35.99%
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $50K
Min credit score
300
See offers

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

ONEMAIN FINANCIAL: BEST FAST FUNDING BAD CREDIT LENDER

4.4

Est. APR
18.00- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1.5k- $20K
Min credit score
Not disclosed
See offers

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

Upgrade: Best for quick small loans

4.7

Est. APR
9.99- 35.99%
with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $50K
Min credit score
600
See offers

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

BEST EGG: BEST FOR SECURED LOAN OPTIONS

4.6

Est. APR
8.99- 35.99%
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k- $50K
Min credit score
600
See offers

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

Avant: Best for short repayment options

4.7

Est. APR
9.95- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k- $35K
Min credit score
580
Read our review

on Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

LendingPoint: Best for low minimum rate with many repayment terms

4.4

Est. APR
7.99- 35.99%
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Loan amount
$2k- $36.5K
Min credit score
600
Read our review

on Bankrate

In the last two years, we helped fund over $744 million in loans. Let’s fund yours next.

Compare rates on personal loans for low credit from Bankrate’s top picks

Use this table to quickly compare key points that make it easier to find the best lender for your credit situation. Ensure you meet the lender requirements and make sure you can get a loan that is within your budget. 

LENDER BEST FOR EST. APR LOAN AMOUNT LOAN TERM MIN. CREDIT SCORE
Upstart Limited credit history 7.80%-35.99% $1,000-$50,000 3 - 5 years No requirement
OneMain Financial Same-day bad credit funding 18.00%-35.99% $1,500-$20,000 2 - 5 years Not specified
Upgrade Quick small loans 9.99%-35.99% $1,000-$50,000 2 - 7 years 600
Best Egg Unique secured loan options 8.99%-35.99% $2,000-$50,000 3 - 5 years 600
Avant Shortest repayment term options 9.95%-35.99% $2,000-$35,000 2 - 5 years 580
LendingPoint Low minimum rate with many repayment terms 7.99%-35.99% $1,000-$36,500 2 - 6 years 600

A closer look at our top bad credit lenders

In the following section, we take a deep dive into lender details to help you decide which lender is best for your credit situation. We cover why each pick stands out against other bad credit lenders, how they compare to industry averages and — when available — unique proprietary data showing you how other Bankrate users are using each lender’s products to improve their financial situations.

Upstart: Bankrate 2024 awards winner for best bad credit loans

Upstart
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8

Overview: Upstart is Bankrate's pick for overall best bad credit loan for a number of reasons. From its tight funding timeline to its exceptionally low minimum requirements, the lender stands out for credit-challenged borrowing across the board. One major reason it tops the best list is that Upstart doesn’t just look at your credit score. It factors in job history and educational background, which makes it possible for people with bad or no credit history to get approved.

Est. APR
7.80%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k– $50k
Min credit score
300

OneMain Financial: Best fast funding bad credit loans

OneMain
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: OneMain Financial offers same-day funding to qualified borrowers. But double-digit minimum APRs make it one of the more expensive bad credit lenders. 

Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k– $20k
Min credit score
Not specified

Upgrade: Best for quick small loans 

Upgrade
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Upgrade is headquartered in San Francisco and has helped millions of customers access credit. It has a minimum score requirement of 600 — one of the lowest available among personal loan lenders. And it's one of the two lenders out of all of the best bad credit loans that offers loans as small as $1,000. 

Est. APR
9.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k– $50k
Min credit score
600

Best Egg: Best for secured loans

Best Egg
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Since its inception in 2014, Best Egg has funded over 1.1 million loans and has gained a trusted reputation with a 95 percent customer satisfaction rating. Its loans have similar rates, amounts and terms as other bad credit lenders, but it offers direct payment to creditors when consolidating debt.

Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k– $50k
Min credit score
600

Avant: Best for short repayment options

Avant
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Headquartered in Chicago, Avant has been around and offering solutions to potential borrowers with less-than-perfect credit for over 10 years. Against the wider loans landscape, Avant offers shorter terms and requires a lower minimum credit score than average. 

Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k– $35k
Min credit score
580

LendingPoint: Best for low minimum rate with many repayment terms

Lending Point
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Georgia-based LendingPoint is a fintech company that has been in business for 20 years. Its loans have a fairly limited amount range, but its low minimum APR and additional loan terms set it apart.

Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k– $37k
Min credit score
600

What are bad credit loans? 

A bad credit loan is typically designed for borrowers whose credit scores fall between 300 and 579. Lenders consider it riskier to lend to borrowers with bad credit because there may be a higher chance they won’t be able to repay the loan. 

Like traditional personal loans, bad credit loan funds can be used for a variety of different needs. Consumers often choose a bad credit debt consolidation loan to pay off a pile of high-interest-rate credit cards. Or you may need a bad credit emergency loan to fund something urgent like a car repair or medical expense without depleting your savings account.

When you apply for a bad credit loan, the process is much the same as any other personal loan. The only difference is that you’ll likely pay a higher APR and may be offered a smaller loan or shorter term than a good or excellent credit borrower.

Compare rates by prequalifying with at least three lenders. Review their upfront and any ongoing fees. Origination fees are usually deducted from your funds when the loan is completed. Once you find a lender that fits your needs, submit an application. Decisions are typically made within a matter of minutes, and funds may be available within one business day, depending on the lender.

Bankrate insight

Some lenders may set a higher bar for what they consider “bad credit,” so check the lender’s minimum requirement before you apply. 

Average personal loan rates by credit score

As of August 7, the average personal loan interest rate is 12.38 percent, according to a Bankrate study. Your rate may vary depending on your credit score and financial situation. As a bad-credit borrower, your rates are likely to be above the national average. 

Rates for bad credit borrowers are typically higher than the national average. 

Credit score Average loan interest rate
720–850 10.73%-12.50%
690–719 13.50%-15.50%
630–689 17.80%-19.90%
300–629 28.50%-32.00%

The author’s expert insight

"A bad credit loan can be an excellent tool to reign in out-of-control credit card balances. Paying off maxed-out cards and replacing them with a fixed-rate regular payment can boost your scores rapidly. In my years in lending, it’s not uncommon to see a 50- or 100-point spike in scores after months after paying off several cards. There is a catch, though: You need to avoid over-using credit cards in the future, or your scores will plummet again."

- Denny Ceizyk, Bankrate Senior Loans Writer

Types of bad credit loans

Personal loans aren't the only type of bad credit loans available. Each serves a different purpose and caters to a specific financial need. 

Pros and cons of bad credit personal loans 

A bad credit personal loan can give you access to quick cash in an emergency, give you relief from high-interest rate credit cards or help you pay for a large car or home repair. But there are disadvantages that also must be considered before making a decision. Fully weigh the pros and cons of a bad credit personal loan before taking one out.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • You could save hundreds of dollars in interest compared to credit cards.
  • Can help boost your credit score with on-time payments.
  • Funds may be available within one business day.
  • Usually, no collateral is needed, so your car or home isn’t at risk.
  • Easier to qualify for than home equity loans.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Origination fees of up to 12 percent of the loan amount.
  • Funds are received all at once, so you can’t reuse credit as it’s paid off.
  • May not qualify if you don’t have a steady income.
  • Higher interest rates and costs than home equity loans.
  • Shorter maximum terms than home equity loans or cash-out refinances.

How to compare personal loans when you have bad credit 

A bad credit loan isn't a one-size-fits-all product. Consider these steps to choose the best bad credit loan for your needs. Cash advance loans, secured loans and unsecured loans are the most common types of bad credit loans. 

Before selecting an option, know how to effectively compare each option by taking the steps below.

  1. Calculate a monthly payment you can afford: Review your budget and decide on a monthly amount that fits your spending habits. Use a loan calculator to see how different loan amounts, repayment terms and interest rates affect your payment.
  2. Determine what loan terms best fit your needs: Try longer terms for a lower payment and shorter ones for a quicker payoff. Don’t borrow more than you need to keep your loan amount as low as possible. 
  3. Prequalify with three or more lenders: To find the best deal available, prequalify with at least three different lenders and compare the terms of each offer. Prequalifying allows you to compare real offers side-by-side without affecting your credit.
  4. Look at customer experience and reviews: Consider a lender’s customer service options before applying, especially if you prefer in-person service. Choose a lender with flexible contact times if you need after-hours or weekend customer service.
  5. Identify unique features and useful perks: Lenders sometimes offer perks like introductory APRs and online financial tools and apps, especially if you're already a member of the institution.

How to get a personal loan with bad credit 

You can get bad credit loans at the same places you would look for traditional loans, such as banks, credit unions and online lenders. There are five key steps to keep in mind when getting a loan with bad credit.

For a more in-depth explanation as to why these steps are crucial and how to find the loan for your credit situation, visit our guide on how to get a personal loan with bad credit

Where to get a personal loan with bad credit

Bad credit loans are offered by credit unions, community banks and online lenders. Always compare at least three different offers to make sure you’re getting the best loan terms for your situation.

Online lenders generally offer the most competitive terms for low or bad credit. They may work with investors willing to take bigger risks on low credit score borrowers than banks and credit unions.

Banks and credit unions don’t usually cater as much to bad credit borrowers. However, some banks may participate in no-credit-check small loan programs. The guidelines and requirements vary depending on where you live. Credit unions may also offer payday alternative loans.

Bankrate insight

Although you can take out multiple bad credit loans, it’s best to avoid doing so, as it can result in a cycle of debt that's difficult to break out of. If you find you’re relying on bad credit personal loans to consolidate debt, it may be time to seek financial counseling. 

Alternatives to bad credit loans

Bad credit loans carry a reputation for high interest rates which can lead to long-term financial damage. Before committing to a loan you're not positive you can manage, consider the alternatives.

How to spot bad credit loan scams

Avoid potential scams while shopping for a personal loan by being aware of these eight red flags.

  1. The lender guarantees approval: If you come across a lender that doesn’t ask about your payment history before assuring you that you'll be approved, you might be dealing with a predatory lender.
  2. The lender charges upfront fees: Reputable lenders don’t ask for any money to approve you or give you funds. Most deduct them from the amount funded with easy-to-understand written disclosures that give you all the details about the loan you’re taking out.
  3. The lender pressures you to act immediately: If a lender claims it can press charges if you don't accept or claims that the offer expires within the same day, it’s a scam.
  4. The lender gives you unsolicited offers: UUnsolicited loan offers via email, phone calls, and door-to-door solicitation are not legitimate advertising practices of trustworthy lenders.
  5. The lender doesn't have clear contact information: If it's difficult to find the lender’s contact information or you receive emails and texts with clickable links or strange email addresses, it’s a red flag for a scammer.
  6. The lender has no physical address: Although online lenders exist, all reputable institutions should have a physical address listed as its headquarters on the website. 
  7. The lender isn't registered in your state: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that lenders be registered in the state where they do business. Research whether the business is licensed in your state.
  8. The website is not secure: A lender's site should be secure, meaning the website address should begin with "https" and feature a padlock symbol on any page where you're asked for personal information.

Bankrate insight

If you get involved in a bad credit loan scam, dispute the charge with your bank or credit card issuer, change your passwords, keep an eye on your accounts and report the scam to the FTC.

Ask the experts: If I get a bad credit personal loan, can I refinance it later?


Nationally recognized student financial aid expert

"You may be able to refinance a bad credit personal loan, depending on your specific circumstances. You might qualify for a new loan at a lower interest rate if your credit score has improved or prevailing interest rates have decreased. If your income has increased or you’ve paid down other debt, your debt-to-income ratio may have decreased, making you more attractive to potential lenders. Adding a cosigner with very good or excellent credit can help you qualify for a lower interest rate. Lender criteria may vary, so it pays to shop around."

Senior Loans Writer

"It may be worth it to refinance a bad credit personal loan if your scores have improved enough to get a much lower rate. First, determine if your lender charges a penalty for paying the loan off early. If they do, a refinance may not make financial sense because the prepayment penalty costs will eat into your refinance savings. Second, if the lender charges fees for your refinance, calculate your refinance breakeven point. For example, if a refinance will save you $50 per month but costs you $1,000, it will take you 20 months to recoup the refinance costs. Refinancing makes sense if you plan to keep the loan for more than 20 months. Finally, avoid extending your term if possible. An example of this would be if you have three years left on a five-year personal loan term, try to refinance to a new loan with a three-year term, so you don’t start the five-year payoff clock again."

Frequently asked questions

How we chose our best bad credit loan lenders

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

57

years in business

30

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

665

data points collected

To select the best personal loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 30 lenders. Each lender was ranked using a meticulous 20-point system, focusing on four main categories: