Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit 2026
Loans up to $50,000 · Credit scores from 580+ · Fast approval · No perfect credit required
Soft credit check to see your options · Multiple lenders compete for your loan
Quick Answer
You can get a personal loan with a credit score as low as 580. Lenders like Money Pup Loans match you with multiple lenders willing to work with bad credit. Expect APRs from 9.99% to 35.99% depending on your score, income, and debt-to-income ratio. Loans up to $50,000 are available.
Top 6 Personal Loans for Bad Credit: Sept 2026
| Lender | APR Range | Loan Amount | Min Credit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Money Pup Loans🏆 BEST FOR BAD CREDIT | Varies by lender | Up to $50K | 580+ | Multiple lender matching, accepts lower credit |
| Upstart🤖 AI APPROVAL | 7.80%–35.99% | $1K–$50K | 580+ | AI underwriting, considers education & income |
| OneMain Financial🔒 SECURED OPTION | 18.00%–35.99% | $1.5K–$20K | 600+ | Secured loan option for very low scores |
| Avant⭐ BAD CREDIT FOCUS | 9.95%–35.99% | $2K–$35K | 580+ | Focused on bad credit borrowers |
| LendingPoint💳 FLEXIBLE | 9.99%–35.99% | $2K–$36.5K | 600+ | Flexible payment options |
| CashUSA.com🚨 EMERGENCY | 5.99%–35.99% | $500–$10K | Any | Emergency small loans, any credit |
What Your Credit Score Gets You
| Credit Score Range | Tier | Expected APR | Max Loan Amount | Approval Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300–579 | Very Poor | 35.99% or denied | $1K–$10K | Low |
| 580–639 | Poor | 18%–35.99% | $1K–$25K | Fair |
| 640–699 | Fair | 12%–24.99% | $2K–$40K | Good |
| 700–749 | Good | 8%–18% | $5K–$50K | Very Good |
| 750–850 | Excellent | 6.99%–12% | $5K–$100K | Excellent |
How to Improve Your Approval Odds with Bad Credit
Check your rate with a marketplace first
Using a lender marketplace like Money Pup Loans lets you see offers from multiple lenders with one soft credit pull — no score impact. This maximizes your chances of finding a willing lender.
Lower your debt-to-income ratio
Pay down existing debt or increase your income before applying. Lenders want your DTI below 43%. The lower, the better your approval odds.
Consider a co-signer
A co-signer with good credit (700+) can help you qualify for lower rates and larger loan amounts. Both parties share responsibility for repayment.
Offer collateral (secured loan)
Some lenders offer secured personal loans backed by your car or savings account. Secured loans have lower rates and higher approval odds for bad credit.
Apply with stable employment
Lenders want to see 2+ years of employment history. A stable job with verifiable income significantly improves approval chances, even with bad credit.
Borrow only what you need
Requesting a smaller loan amount ($5K instead of $25K) increases approval odds. Lenders are more comfortable with smaller loans for bad credit borrowers.
Ready to see your options?
Multiple lenders compete for your loan. Bad credit? No problem — lenders accept scores from 580+. Soft credit check only.
Get Matched With Lenders Who Say Yes
Bad credit does not mean no options. Multiple lenders compete for your loan. Loans up to $50K. Fast funding.
See My Loan Offers →Soft pull only · No SSN required to compare
Bad Credit? Path to Mortgage Approval Starts Here
If you have bad credit and want to buy a home, a personal loan can be a strategic stepping stone:
Get a personal loan to consolidate credit card debt
Credit utilization drops → score rises 30-80 points
DTI improves → mortgage qualification easier
Apply for FHA mortgage (580+ credit score)
FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 with only 3.5% down. Improving your credit first can save you thousands on mortgage rates.
Avoid These Predatory Loans at All Costs
Payday Loans
300%–400%+ APR
Short-term loans that trap borrowers in cycles of debt. Many states have banned them. Avoid entirely.
Title Loans
100%–300% APR
You risk losing your car. One missed payment = repossession. Not worth the risk.
No Credit Check Loans
200%+ APR
If a lender does not check credit, the rates are predatory. Legitimate lenders always do at least a soft pull.
Advance Fee Scams
100% scam
If a lender asks for upfront payment before giving you a loan, it is a scam. Never pay upfront fees for a personal loan.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum credit score for a personal loan with bad credit?
Some lenders accept credit scores as low as 580 for personal loans. However, lower credit scores typically result in higher APRs (up to 35.99%). Scores of 640+ unlock better rates, and 700+ qualifies for the lowest APRs starting around 7.99%.Check your personalized rate →
→ See your loan options — bad credit OK, loans up to $50K, soft credit check onlyCan I get a personal loan with a 500 credit score?
Getting an unsecured personal loan with a 500 credit score is very difficult through traditional lenders. You may need to consider secured loans, credit union loans, or co-signed loans. Some specialized lenders work with scores as low as 580, but rates will be high.Check your personalized rate →
→ See your loan options — bad credit OK, loans up to $50K, soft credit check onlyWill applying for a personal loan hurt my credit score?
Checking your rate through a lender marketplace uses a soft credit pull that does NOT affect your score. Only a formal loan application triggers a hard inquiry (3-5 point temporary drop). If approved and you make on-time payments, a personal loan can actually improve your credit score over time.Check your personalized rate →
→ See your loan options — bad credit OK, loans up to $50K, soft credit check onlyCan I use a bad credit personal loan to consolidate debt before getting a mortgage?
Yes. Consolidating high-interest credit card debt with a personal loan can lower your monthly payments, reduce your debt-to-income ratio, and improve your credit score — all of which strengthen your mortgage application. This strategy is especially effective if you plan to buy a home in 3-6 months.Check your personalized rate →
→ See your loan options — bad credit OK, loans up to $50K, soft credit check onlyHow much can I borrow with a bad credit personal loan?
With bad credit (580-639), most lenders offer personal loans up to $25,000-$50,000. The amount you qualify for depends on your income, existing debt, and the lender. Higher credit scores and income unlock larger loan amounts.Check your personalized rate →
→ See your loan options — bad credit OK, loans up to $50K, soft credit check onlyAre there personal loans with no credit check?
Legitimate personal loan lenders always perform at least a soft credit check. "No credit check" loans are typically payday loans or title loans with extremely high rates (300-400%+ APR). Avoid these and instead use lenders that accept low credit scores with reasonable APRs.Check your personalized rate →
Written by
Mortgage-Info Editorial Team
Editorial & Research Team
Our editorial team researches this topic using primary sources (Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA) and lender-published data, and reviews this content regularly for accuracy.
Your Credit Score Does Not Define You
Get matched with lenders who look beyond your credit score. Loans up to $50K. Fast approval. Soft credit check to see your options.
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