Personal Loans for Bad Credit
Bad credit closes banks but not the whole market: online installment lenders approve on income and bank flow down into the 500s, priced accordingly. The winning move is unglamorous — prequalify with several lenders on soft checks, compare the APR and the monthly payment, and treat "guaranteed approval" as the scam flag it is.
- Sub-580 scores funded with verifiable income
- Soft-check comparison costs nothing and no score damage
- Fixed payments make the total cost calculable up front
Get Your Cash Match
✓ No credit check to see offers • ✓ 2 minutes • ✓ SSL secure
State guides
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
Personal Loans for Bad Credit: FAQ
What credit score do I need for a personal loan?
Banks typically want 640+; credit unions can be flexible below that; online lenders fund scores into the low 500s at much higher APRs. Below about 500, expect secured or cosigner routes.
What APR is normal for bad credit?
Roughly 36% is the ceiling for fair credit from mainstream lenders; subprime online offers commonly run 60%–200%+ APR. Anything marketed as "guaranteed" regardless of income is a red flag.
How much can I borrow with bad credit?
Online bad-credit personal loans typically run $1,000–$10,000; the strongest profiles reach $35,000+. Your income and debt-to-income ratio cap the amount more than the score does.
Will a personal loan help my credit?
If the lender reports to the bureaus, on-time payments build a positive installment line — many online lenders do report. Defaulting hurts far more than borrowing helps, so size the payment to your budget.
Ready to check offers?
One short form, several licensed lenders, and the legal cost of your state shown before you commit to anything.
Check My Eligibility →Disclosure. All City Payday Loan is not a lender, not a broker, and does not make credit decisions. Rates and terms are set by third-party lenders and depend on state law and the lender's underwriting; short-term loans carry APRs that may range from 35.99% to 359.99%. A payday loan is a short-term tool for a temporary cash gap — it is not a solution for long-term debt problems. Late or missed payments may result in additional fees and collection activity. Check your lender's license with your state regulator before you sign.