Personal Loans for Bad Credit: My Hand-Picked Options
I understand that when your credit score isn’t exactly singing, finding a personal loan can feel like navigating a minefield. That’s why I’ve put together this page: to cut through the noise and get straight to the lenders who are willing to work with you, even if your credit history isn’t perfect.
This isn’t just some random list. I’ve carefully chosen these lenders, keeping in mind that you need access to funds, and fast.
Ready to dive in?
Use the table below to filter lenders by loan amount, credit score, and APR. Just click the headers to sort! Found a lender that looks promising? Click the red “+” sign on the left to expand the row and see more details about their requirements and terms (Check the excluded States).
Here’s a pro-tip from me: After you’ve narrowed down your options, apply to multiple lenders. It might seem like extra work, but it significantly increases your chances of getting approved. To apply, simply click on the lender’s logo; it will redirect you straight to their application page. Let’s get that loan!
| Apply Here | Name | Loan Amount | Maximum Loan Amount | APR | Maximum APR | Min Credit Score | Best For: | Income After Taxes (month) | Income - numbers only | DTI (debt to income ratio) needed | Excluded States | Terms | Fees | Qualification Criteria: | Accept Government Assistance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Explore Credit | $250 to $2000 | 2000 | above 36% to likely to 500%+ | 500 | 550 | Borrowers with fair credit needing short-term funds | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia | Weekly to monthly repayments, term length varies | Late and returned payment fees, no hidden fees claimed | SSN, address, license, employment info, bank account, credit score 550 | May qualify | Direct lender |
 | Credit Lend | Up to $2500 | 2500 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Quick funding for those with challenged credit histories | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Depends on Lender | 12–84 months | No fees from platform; lender fees may apply | You must be 18 years or older. Have a valid Social Security number. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Have full-time employment, be self-employed or receive regular benefits. Have a valid bank account for deposits and repayment. Have a valid telephone number and email address. Meet minimum income requirements | Yes | Loan matching service |
 | Maxlend | $100 to $3500 | 3500 | 471% to 841% | 841 | 0 | Emergency funds for poor-credit borrowers needing immediate cash | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia | repayment terms typically spanning 9 to 10 months. | Weekly: Up to $14.75 per $100 borrowed. Bi-Weekly: Up to $29.50 per $100 borrowed. Semi-Monthly/Monthly: Up to $59.00 per $100 borrowed. | Have verifiable income, established checking account, be 18+ US resident, meet minimum income, and not be in bankruptcy. | May qualify | Loan matching service |
 | Ace Cash Express | $100 to $5000 | 5000 | 396% to 498% | 498 | 0 | Quick cash for those with limited banking options | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming | Payday: Next payday; Installment: Up to 180 days | No application fees; may have origination and late fees | 18+, valid ID, active bank account, not in bankruptcy | Yes, accepts disability, retirement, and similar benefits | Both direct lender and loan matching service |
 | Credit Ninja | Up to $5000 | 5000 | above 36% | 36 | 0 | Quick funding for those with less-than-perfect credit | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | North Carolina, Arkansas, Vermont, Hawaii, New York, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Maine, New Jersey, Maryland, Rhode Island, Alaska, Connecticut, Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, Virginia, Wyoming, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, Nebraska, Illinois, New Mexico, Minnesota, West Virginia, Georgia | 4 to 24 months | Origination fees apply, amount varies by state | 18+, valid ID, active bank account, not in bankruptcy | May qualify | Direct lender, with state-specific variations (e.g., CAB in Texas) |
 | Speedy Net Loan | $100 to $5000 | 5000 | up to 36% | 36 | 0 | Quick, emergency cash loans | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | New York,West Virginia,Washington DC | Loan terms range from 2 weeks to 72 months covering short-term payday loans to longer-term personal loans | Up to 15% | 18 years of age or older. US citizen or permanent resident. $1000 in minimum monthly earnings. Valid checking account and email address. Completed application through the portal. | May qualify | Loan matching service |
 | IndyLend | $200 to $5000 | 5000 | 4.99% to 450% | 450 | 0 | Emergency cash needs for borrowers with poor credit or limited financing options. | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Arkansas,Colorado,Connecticut,Iowa,Maine,Maryland,Massachusetts,New Hampshire,New Jersey,New York,North Carolina,Pennsylvania,Rhode Island,Vermont,West Virginia | Determined by third-party lenders | 1% to 8% | 18 years of age or older. US citizen or permanent resident $1000 in minimum monthly earnings. Valid checking account and email address. Completed application through the portal. | May qualify | Loan matching service |
 | FundsJoy | $200 to $5000 | 5000 | 4.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Fast online loans for all credit types, including bad credit | $800 | 800 | up to 70% | Connecticut,New Hampshire,Washington,Vermont | Determined by third-party lenders | Up to 5% | 18 years of age or older US citizen or permanent resident $800 in minimum monthly earnings Valid checking account and email address Completed application through the portal | May qualify | Loan matching service |
 | Big Buck Loans | $100 to $5000 | 5000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Fast online loans for all budgets and needs | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Arkansas,Connecticut,Indiana,Minnesota,Montana,New York,New Hampshire,South Dakota,West Virginia | 3 to 24 months | No fees from platform; lender fees may apply | At least 18 years old. Legal US citizen or resident. Valid US bank account. Minimum $1,000 monthly income. Ability to afford the loan. | Yes | Loan matching service |
 | Viva Pay Day Loans | $100 to $5000 | 5000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Borrowers with bad credit needing quick access to funds | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Arkansas,Connecticut,New Hampshire,New York,Montana,South Dakota,Minnesota,West Virginia,Indiana | 2 to 24 months | No fees from platform; lender fees may apply | Over 18 years old Receive a regular monthly income of more than $1,000 Have a permanent address Valid checking or savings account with direct deposit Must be able to afford the expected repayments | Yes (TANF, SSI, Welfare, etc.) | Loan matching service |
 | Green Dollar Loans | $100 to $5000 | 5000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Individuals seeking quick personal loans with flexible terms | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Arkansas,Connecticut,New Hampshire,New York,Montana,South Dakota,Minnesota,West Virginia,Indiana | 61 days minimum, 90 days maximum | 8% arrangement fee | Over 18 years old. Regular income. Permanent address. Valid checking or savings account with direct deposit. Legal U.S. citizen | May qualify | Loan matching service |
 | Badcreditloans | $500 to $10000 | 10000 | up to 36% | 36 | 0 | Borrowers with poor credit needing emergency funds. | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Depends on Lender | 90 days minimum to 72 months (6 years) maximum | No fees from platform; lender fees may apply | Age 18+, US citizen/resident, regular income, checking account, contact info. | Yes, as part of income verification. | Loan matching service |
 | CashUSA | $500 to $10000 | 10000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Fast personal loans for various credit profiles | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Depends on Lender | 3 to 72 months | No fees from platform; lender fees may apply | 18 years of age or older. US citizen or permanent resident $1000 in minimum monthly earnings. Valid checking account and email address. Completed application through the portal. | Yes (counts as income) | Loan matching service |
 | Viva Loan | $100 to $15000 | 15000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Fast personal loans for various credit profiles | $800 | 800 | up to 70% | New York,West Virginia,Washington DC | 5 to 24 months | $25 | 18 years of age or older US citizen or permanent resident. 800 in minimum monthly earnings. Valid checking account and email address. Completed application through the VivaLoan portal. | allow military personnel and income from benefits | Loan matching service |
 | Zippy Loans | $100 to $15000 | 15000 | 12.00% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Bad or no credit | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Depends on Lender | Up to 60 months for installment loans; next payday for short-term loans | No fees from platform; lender fees may apply | 18+, US resident, regular income, provide name/address/income info. | Yes (Accepts income from benefits) | Loan matching service |
 | Eagle Cash Loans | $100 to $35000 | 35000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Quick funding for those with challenged credit histories | $800 | 800 | up to 70% | Depends on Lender | Determined by third-party lenders | No fees from platform; lender fees may apply | Have a valid checking or savings account with direct deposit. Be 18 years of age. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Minimum regular income of $800 per month. | May qualify | Loan matching service |
 | Personal Loans™ | $250 to $35000 | 35000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 580 | Quick online loans with flexible terms and amounts | $2000 | 2000 | up to 70% | Depends on Lender | 3 – 72 months | No fees from platform; lender fees may apply | 18+, U.S. citizen/resident, $2,000+/month income, 580+ credit, valid bank account | Yes, as part of income (e.g., benefits) | Loan matching service |
 | Upstart Loans | $1000 to $50000 | 50000 | 6.7% to 35.99% | 36 | 300 | Low credit scores, high DTI ratios | $1000 | 1000 | 50% | Depends on Lender | 36 or 60 months | Origination up to 12%, late fee up to $15 or 5% | Considers factors beyond credit score, such as education and employment history. Minimum age of 18 years old (inferred, not explicitly stated). U.S. citizen or permanent resident (inferred, not explicitly stated). Valid email address and bank account. SSN. | Yes (same as "Allow Govt Assistance") | Direct lender |
 | Upgrade Loans | $1000 to $50000 | 50000 | 7.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 580 | High DTI ratios | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Washington, D.C, West Virginia | 24 to 84 months (2 to 7 years) | Origination fee: 1.85% - 9.99%; Late fee: up to $10 | U.S. citizen/resident, 18+ years old, verifiable bank account | May qualify | Direct lender |
 | Honest Loans | $100 to $50000 | 50000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Quick funding for those with challenged credit histories | $800 | 800 | up to 70% | Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Oregon, West Virginia | 61 days to 72 months | No fees from Honest Loans; individual lenders may charge fees | 18+, US citizen/resident, active checking account, valid contact info. | Yes | Loan matching service |
 | SuperMoney | $500 to $50000 | 50000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 36 | 0 | Quick loans for bad or no credit history | $1000 | 1000 | up to 70% | Depends on Lender | Up to 10 years | No hidden fees, but depends on lender | Bank account, 18+, basic info; criteria vary by lender. | May qualify | Loan matching service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I apply to multiple lenders?
Applying to multiple lenders increases your chances of getting approved. Different lenders have different criteria, so it’s worth trying several to see which one works best for you.
What is a soft credit pull, and how does it affect my credit score?
A soft credit pull is when a lender checks your credit history without affecting your credit score. Most lenders on this list use soft pulls initially, but always check their terms to confirm.
How do I apply for a loan through this page?
Easy! Once you’ve found a lender you like, click on their logo to be taken directly to their application page. Applying to multiple lenders can increase your chances of approval.
What should I look out for when reading the fine print?
Always check the interest rates, repayment terms, and any fees involved. Understanding these details is crucial to making the right choice for your financial situation.
Are these lenders trustworthy?
I’ve carefully selected these lenders to ensure they are reputable and willing to work with individuals who have bad credit. However, it’s always important to do your own research and read reviews from other customers.
Can I get advice on managing my credit or financial situation?
If you’re struggling with your credit or financial situation, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help and can discuss your options with you.
How do I know which lender is best for me?
Use the table to compare lenders based on your needs—loan amount, credit score, and APR. Then, expand the rows to see more details about each lender’s terms and conditions. This will help you make an informed decision.
What does 'Min Credit Score' mean?
This is the minimum credit score required by the lender to be eligible for a loan. Keep in mind, this is just a guideline; approval isn’t guaranteed even if you meet the minimum.
What does 'DTI (debt to income ratio) needed' mean?
DTI stands for Debt-to-Income ratio. It’s the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes towards paying debts. Lenders use this to assess your ability to repay the loan. A lower DTI is generally better.
What does 'Best For:' mean?
This is a brief description of the type of borrower the lender is best suited for, like “Emergency funds for poor-credit borrowers.”
What does 'Excluded States' mean?
This lists the states where the lender doesn’t offer loans. If your state is listed here, you won’t be able to apply with that particular lender.
What does 'Terms' refer to?
This refers to the repayment schedule and length of the loan. For example, it might say “Weekly to monthly repayments, term length varies.”
What does 'Fees' mean?
This refers to the fees charged by the lender, such as origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties. Be sure to understand these fees before accepting a loan.
What does 'Accept Government Assistance' mean?
This indicates whether the lender accepts government assistance (like Social Security, disability, or unemployment benefits) as a form of income. If you rely on government assistance, look for lenders that answer “Yes” to this question.
What does 'Type' mean?
This describes whether the lender is a “Direct Lender” (they fund the loan themselves) or a “Loan Matching Service” (they connect you with potential lenders).
