Where is the best place to find bad credit loans? Having bad credit can feel incredibly stressful, but it doesn't have to define your financial future. Many people find themselves in this position after unexpected events like job loss, medical bills, or missed payments that add up over time. Life happens, and credit scores don't always show the full story of your situation. The good news is that more lenders now understand this, and there are reliable options designed to help you rebuild your life, your credit, and get more financial stability. With the right support from a bad credit loan servicer, you can get access to the funds you need while taking steps toward better financial stability.
Best Option
If you've been navigating the tricky waters of bad credit loans, we've got some good news for you. Upstart is the brainchild of ex-Google employees on a mission to make credit accessible while keeping things friendly for borrowers. Why do we continue to rate them at the top for bad credit loans? It's mostly because they've got a unique approach that goes way beyond your credit score.
You're more than a number here
So, what sets Upstart apart? The biggest difference is that they're not fixated solely on that three-digit number that can make or break your loan dreams. They want to know about you - your education, your work history, and how well you're handling your financial business. If you've got a college degree in a solid field and a decent work track record, Upstart is more likely to give you a nod. They even consider your creditworthiness if you don't have enough credit history to produce a standard FICO score. Not many lenders do that.
All applicants welcome
Speaking of FICO scores, it's important to understand that Upstart funds loans through lending partners, who all have different thresholds for approving your application. Expect to need at least a 580 for most loans here, though some partners require a 620. You're also more likely to get matched with cash if you have a decent debt-to-income ratio, no recent bankruptcies, and no currently-delinquent accounts. But, even if you're lacking in that department, Upstart still welcomes you to apply: what have you got to lose?
5 minutes to complete the prequalification paperwork
The online application is a breeze, taking only 5 minutes, but be ready to answer some questions about your job and education. They'll perform a "soft pull" on your credit history - nothing to worry about, just a quick check to verify your details. When you're ready to accept a loan offer, that's when the hard credit check will be done.
Rates and fees are competitive
Upstart offers bad credit loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, all with fixed-rate APRs. Your loan will also come with origination fees that will be spelled out in your loan terms. Upstart provides sample fees and terms at the bottom of their site; they quoted a loan of $10,000 with a 9.3% origination fee on a 60-month loan. While you can't do anything about those fees, you can spend less in interest if you pay off your loan faster: Upstart doesn't penalize you for finishing early or for making extra payments along the way.
More than 43,000 five-star reviews
Out of all of the bad credit loan options out there, Upstart has the absolute best reputation. Not only did the Better Business Bureau give the platform its highest "A+" grade and accreditation, but clients who went to Trustpilot to leave feedback gave Upstart over 43,000 five-star reviews. We even searched those reviews for the phrase "bad credit" and still found plenty of praise from people just like you, who say that Upstart made it possible for them to get out of a dire situation, buy the car they needed, or simply pay off a bunch of bills.
Best choice for bad credit loans
While it's true that you'll still be at the mercy of Upstart's vetted lending partners (they're the ones forking over the cash in the end), this is still your best bet for a bad credit loan. Upstart sees you as more than just a credit score, so your brighter financial future could very well start here. Upstart earns our #1 ranking among the options for bad credit loans.
Great
Lending Tree is another database/marketplace-style site that connects those who are seeking bad credit loans with a network of lenders that fit their needs. You can secure help with a range of financial services, including mortgages, credit cards, and sometimes home equity loans. However, Lending Tree does not offer loans itself; you will be made offers from its partner network, which you can compare and select from to get the best APR or term for your needs.
Easier qualification than other sites
Lending Tree has a pretty open bad credit loan requirement. Many of the minimums for its lenders range from 300-580, which helps those who are concerned about their credit score seriously impacting their ability to get loans. You will also have to provide proof of income and a low debt-to-income ratio. Some lenders will only offer money to those with no recent bankruptcies and no current delinquencies.
Lengthy application to third-party lenders
Lending Tree's application starts by asking you what you're planning to use the personal loan for. You can choose from options like debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, major purchases, home improvement, and business loans. Then, you'll tell Lending Tree how much you need. You can also select how quickly you need the money. Finally, you'll put in your birth date and the details about your living situation (rent vs. own). To see your final results and get offers from Lending Tree's bad credit loan partners, you'll need to put in your Social Security number for final verification.
Get between $1,000 and $50,000 per loan
Lending Tree's bad credit loan lenders offer amounts from $1,000 to $50,000. However, the rates for APR or term lengths aren't listed on Lending Tree's website. Since this platform is a database that connects you to the actual lenders, you'll have to wait to receive your offer to see the final details for repayment. This can help you look at different options side by side, but it may also require more research for you in the end.
Top marks for supporting people with low credit scores
Lending Tree has an impressive reputation with the Better Business Bureau, with an "A+" rating and accreditation. On top of that, it has earned a 4.5-star rating on average out of 5 from verified third-party review sites like Trustpilot. Our research shows that customers find securing a loan through Lending Tree is a simple process, and most customers were approved regardless of how low their credit scores were. However, there were a few customers who were confused about their repayment terms. This could be a mix-up with their actual loan provider (since Lending Tree is only an intermediary), but keep an eye on that when you get offers to make sure you know every detail of repayment before you accept your bad credit loan.
Best spot to see all bad credit loan offers
Lending Tree is another great site if you want to compare loan offers side by side. It also has a reputation for helping those with extremely low credit scores. Yep, they can pretty much find a lender for everyone. However, because you're not taking out money directly from Lending Tree, you may need to do some additional research when you get offers from actual lenders on their customer policies, repayment plans, and fees for paying off your loans early. But if you're okay with doing a little extra legwork, Lending Tree's a very good choice overall for bad credit loans.
Great
Avant is a financial technology company that excels at bad credit loans. It's known for its personal loans and credit card options. Avant operates in 41 of the 50 states, so (at least at the time of our review) you would not be able to secure a personal loan if you live in Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Washington, or West Virginia. Known for using machine learning to evaluate your creditworthiness, you can get faster decisions from Avant. Many customers hear back within 1 business day if approved.
Don't apply if you don't meet a 550 credit score minimum
Avant notably offers bad credit loan options for those with lower credit scores. The only requirements listed on the website for qualification are that you have no more than three inquiries or tradelines with other payday lenders, no online inquiries within the last two years, and no delinquencies related to installment loans that you got online within the last year. However, there are some extra eligibility items to keep an eye on. You will need a minimum credit score of 550 for a personal loan through Avant, and you must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan through income statements showing a minimum income of $1,200 per month.
Quick form to apply
Avant's application is simple and asks for the usual details: name and address, whether you rent or own your current home, what your current monthly housing payment is, if you live with others, your income details (including annual income before taxes), what you will be using the loan for, and your loan amount. Once you submit your details, you'll wait to hear back. Avant may ask for additional verification to prevent fraud, including a photo of your driver's license to ensure your identity, so you can secure your bad credit loan.
APR from 9.95%-35.99% with loan amounts from $300 to $40,000
Generally, Avant offers an APR range from 9.95%-35.99%, depending on how low your credit score is. Loan terms from Avant range from 24-60 months (and you can choose which you prefer). There is also a 9.99% origination or administration fee, which will be deducted from your total loan amount before you receive the money. If you miss payments, there are late fees of $25. You can secure bad credit loan amounts from $300 to $40,000, depending on your location.
No penalties for early payoff
Avant does not charge you any penalty for paying off your bad credit loan early. This way, if your situation improves during your payment period, you can easily get rid of your loan faster if you prefer. Some lenders will charge fees if you decide to pay off your loan early, but you're safe from that with Avant.
User-friendly site with simple repayment
Avant stands out with an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, Avant has an impressive 4.5-star average rating out of 5 on verified third-party review sites like Trustpilot. Currently, there are well over 31,000 total reviews, and over 80% of all feedback is a full 5 stars. Avant customers praise the quick and easy process for the application. Some customers have secured more than one personal bad credit loan with Avant because the process was so simple. Customers note that funding was easy, and repayment was stress-free for most. For those who were accepted, they got their funds in their bank accounts the following day. Most customers loved that they were able to see all the loan details, payment schedule, and options for autopay right on the site's dashboard, making it particularly user-friendly.
Customers come back to get multiple bad credit loans from this #1 pick
Avant stands out as a well-rated bad credit loan option with tens of thousands of positive reviews and a simple user interface. Notably, the APRs are lower than some of our other bad credit loan sites in our review, and with helpful transparency on the site to make sure you know what you're getting into, it's a favorite with repeat customers who return to Avant for new loans. While you can only secure loans in 41 states, this remains a good choice for its reliability and user-friendly approach.
Great
Ace Cash Express is a bad credit loan company that offers a range of financial services. You can find short-term loans, check cashing, money orders, bill payments, card services, and money transfers all from this one location. Ace Cash Express is designed for customers who have lower credit scores and who may not have access to traditional banking, to get you cash. The three loans offered include payday loans, installment loans, and title loans. The main focus for most people will be the installment loans, which are short-term personal loans.
Different applications depending on where you're located
Ace Cash Express has some basic qualifications for successful bad credit loan applications: you need to show evidence of recurring income, not be in bankruptcy or about to file, and you can't be an active military service member. Finally, you will need to live in the state where you are applying for the loan. Also, only individuals in some states will be allowed to apply for their bad credit loans online. If you live in Delaware, Florida, Missouri, or Texas, you can apply online. Otherwise, you'll need to go into an Ace Cash Express store location to apply.
Easy application for $100 to $1,000
To complete the application for a bad credit loan and see how the process works, we stated that our test customer was located in Florida, which offers online applications. Ace Cash Express will ask you for your name and email, and you'll need to make an account before you proceed. Ace Cash Express will then ask for your personal information and financial information to complete your application. You'll select how much you want from a dropdown menu. Our test state, Florida, offered loan amounts from $100 to $1,000 per loan. Then, you'll complete your personal details, including street address, zip code, and city, and finish your account. Annoyingly, though, during our sign-up process, Ace Cash Express had a pop-up asking "are you still there?" when we hadn't stopped consistently using the page. You will also be asked if you rent or own your current residence and whether you are currently considering filing for bankruptcy. You'll also be asked if you have any outstanding short-term loans with other lenders.
Up to 200% APR and $200 to $300 in interest on some loans
Ace Cash Express offers loan amounts up to $2,500, depending on your state (Texas and Missouri are the highest amounts). If you are approved for your loans, your repayment will be due on your pay dates (if you are paid every two weeks, you will have to pay your loan back every two weeks on your payday). Ace Cash Express does offer fees and term information, but you do have to dig for it in the FAQ rather than find it on the main pages of the website. For the $1,000 loan in Florida, you would pay a verification fee of $5 as well. The two examples for term lengths ranged from 84 to 90 days. For a $1,000 bad credit loan, this can look like a total of $200 to $300 in interest accrued on your original loan amount. According to our research, the APR range is quite high, though. Payday advances can have APRs as high as 252.32%. For installment loans, you're looking at over 200% in interest. The fees on the website are listed in dollar values, though, which may be slightly confusing.
72 hours to change your mind at no cost
Ace Cash Express also offers a 72-hour satisfaction guarantee. If you change your mind about your loan, you can return the principal amount of your bad credit loan within 72 hours of the time you were approved and received your money without paying any interest. This means if you get paid or find another avenue to get cash, you can get out of a loan if necessary, so don't be worried about getting locked in the second you sign.
Known as a reliable and friendly service
Ace Cash Express has a top-notch grade of "A+" from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, it has an impressive 4.7-star average out of 5 on third-party review sites like Trustpilot. With over 10,000 individual reviews and a 75% rate of 5-star ratings overall, Ace Cash Express stands out from the pack as a trustworthy loan servicer. Borrowers were extremely happy with their customer service, whether they secured their bad credit loans in person or online. Ace Cash Express is known for having friendly individuals who are ready to assist customers with getting their finances figured out. For customers who specifically secured an installment loan, the reviews were also almost all 5 stars. Ace Cash Express made repayment easy, and customers said there were no surprises.
A top pick, but you might have to go in person
Ace Cash Express is a fantastic site if you're looking for a service you can trust. Customers say that they were able to get loans quickly with the help of top-notch customer service members at this bad credit loan provider. There were no surprises, and the site was easy to navigate. With a 72-hour policy that lets you change your mind at zero cost, there are plenty of reasons to choose Ace Cash Express as your next loan provider. The main downside is the limited online applications by state, and we would like to find an easier breakdown of the APR options.
Very Good
Best Egg is a financial technology site that offers options for bad credit loans to help you manage your finances. The company was founded in 2014 and is one of the newer bad credit loan options in our review. Best Egg offers personal loans, credit cards, and tools to help you manage money right from the website (including credit scores and credit simulators). Best Egg operates in most US states, but you won't be able to secure a loan in Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington D.C., or outlying US territories.
Higher credit score is required for qualification
Best Egg personal loans are a little less flexible than some of the other bad credit loans in our review. For most cases, to be accepted, you will have to show a minimum credit score of 640 to qualify. However, the site also says they look at "more than just your credit score," so it's a little unclear how likely you are to be accepted based on that number. The suggested (but not required) debt-to-income ratio is 35% or lower. You will also have to be a US citizen and reside in an eligible state where Best Egg operates.
5-minute application
At Best Egg, you can apply for your bad credit loan fully online, or you can call a customer service team member to get started. To complete the online application, you just need your email, and you will be sent right to the questionnaire. Best Egg suggests that the application will take around 5 minutes total. You'll type in the amount you need and the reason for your loan to get started. You'll be asked for your address and personal information, as well as the type of work that you do and how long you've been employed at that position. Best Egg will need your annual income after taxes and your total household income, so make sure you have those ready. There are also questions about the types of bank accounts that you have (including retirement and investment accounts). Finally, you have to agree to let Best Egg check your credit score, but they promise that this will have no impact on your overall score.
Borrow between $2,000 and $50,000
In general, you can find personal loan amounts from $2,000 to $50,000, so this bad credit loan site offers much larger amounts than many of its competing lenders. Best Egg's interest rates aren't too high: you'll find options from 7.99%-35.99% depending on how well you qualify. For most looking for bad credit loans, you can expect to be on the higher end. Most loan terms offered by Best Egg are from 2-7 years.
No fees for early payment
Best Egg does not have any fees or penalties if you want to pay off your bad credit loan early. You can make additional payments or pay off the entire thing at once if you have the means. Best Egg also offers payment assistance in some cases. So, if you are unable to pay your loan, you can contact Best Egg to see if you qualify for assistance before your account becomes past due.
A helpful and customer-focused service
Best Egg currently has an outstanding "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, customers who secured loans with Best Egg find it to be a reliable lender, offering the business 4.6 stars out of 5 through verified reviews on Trustpilot. With over 11,000 total reviews and 88% of those holding a full 5 stars, it's clear that most customers are happy with their loans from Best Egg. Recent reviews praise the service for keeping customers informed during every step of the process. The site offers easy setup, and quick loan approval turns into funds in your bank account in a couple of days. Many of these reviews were specifically from individuals who did not have solid credit scores. For customers who needed a little work to qualify, Best Egg helped them with step-by-step plans to make a bad credit loan possible.
Trusted and easy to use
With higher lending amounts, competitive APRs, and standout scores from Trustpilot and the BBB, Best Egg really is one of the best bad credit loan options out there. However, with it having a higher requirement for your credit score than some of its competitors, if your score is below 600, you might have more trouble securing a loan with Best Egg than with other lenders. Still, it's definitely worth checking out if you're close to the credit score threshold and have other good financial background to show.
Good
Bad Credit Loans is more of a connection service rather than a direct lender. The company got started in 1998 and is designed to help anyone who has a lower credit score to find a lender through its network. You can submit a loan request for any need, and Bad Credit Loans will provide your details to a group of possible lenders who will offer you loan options. Bad Credit Loans is a "go-between," but it doesn't charge any fees for its service. Think of it more as a database or a helping hand to get you to the right lender.
Basic qualifications plus your debt-to-income ratio
Bad Credit Loans only has the basics in terms of qualification requirements to secure a loan through one of their network lenders. You'll need to be 18 or older, a US citizen, have a valid US bank account, a provable source of income, and a valid email and phone. According to our research, while Bad Credit Loans doesn't have restrictions itself, most of its lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio when making lending decisions. To qualify with most of Bad Credit Loans' lenders, you'll want your debt-to-income ratio to be below 50%.
Lengthy and detailed application
Bad Credit Loans will ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number to set up your initial account with them. From there, you'll fill out a loan request, which has 5 steps. You'll be asked for your personal information and details, as well as the main reason for a bad credit loan. You'll also be asked about your living situation: how long you've been at your current residence and whether you rent or own the residence. Finally, you'll be asked about your income, including what kind of employment you have, how long you've held your current position, and how often you get paid. You'll have to enter your employer's name and contact information for verification. You should also have your driver's license ready, as you'll be asked to provide the number.
Loan amounts from $100 to $10,000
Bad Credit Loans allows you to request a loan for any amount between $100 and $10,000. However, the terms and fees and APR details aren't held by Bad Credit Loans. Your loan request will be shopped around to Bad Credit Loans' network of lenders, and they'll make you an offer based on how well you qualify. So, you'll get the details of APR and fees for your loan from the servicer directly once you are made an offer.
Satisfaction guarantees depend on your lender
Bad Credit Loans also doesn't offer any satisfaction guarantees, as it is a free service that connects you to lenders. You'll have to research the individual lender's policies when you receive offers to figure out how customer satisfaction works with those providers. In all, Bad Credit Loans does require a bit more work on your end than other bad credit loan sites in our review.
Top marks for team members
Bad Credit Loans currently holds a "B-" rating from the Better Business Bureau, but it has an impressive rating on third-party review sites like Trustpilot, where Bad Credit Loans has a 4.8-star average out of 5. Customers say that the lenders they were connected with were easy to work with and that Bad Credit Loans made the loan process simple. Further, when dealing directly with Bad Credit Loans, customers praised the individual customer service members by name. However, there were only around 50 total reviews for this bad credit loan service, so it may not be as widely used as going directly to a loan servicer.
A good research resource, but may be extra work
Bad Credit Loans isn't a loan provider itself, but it will connect you with one. While we love that this service is free from the start, there is a little more work involved for you. You submit your info (with a pretty lengthy questionnaire) and have to wait for loan providers to reach out to you. In this case, this can mean extra research on your part to find out how trustworthy the individual loan providers are. For these reasons, Bad Credit Loans is an above-average service, but doesn't rank higher than our top sites to secure loans directly, earning it a competitive score in our review.
Average
Upgrade is a website that offers bad credit loans or personal loans. Known for its fixed interest rates and easy monthly payments, Upgrade is a direct lender that helps you even if you have only a "fair" credit score. You can get secured or unsecured loan options: unsecured loans don't require collateral, whereas secured loans use your car or home as collateral to qualify for a better rate. Upgrade also allows co-applicants if you want to get a better rate.
Basic qualifications include those on a visa
Upgrade only requires the basics to apply for a bad credit loan. To qualify, you'll need to be 18 or older, a US citizen or living in the US on a valid visa, and able to prove that you can repay your loan. If you want to get a lower APR (but you don't want to rely on your credit score), Upgrade offers some tips like setting up autopay during your application, using all or part of your loan to pay off existing debt, and putting up your car or built-in fixtures of your home (like ceiling fans or bookshelves) as collateral on secured loans.
Make your account for a quick application
The application starts with your desired bad credit loan amount, then you'll be asked whether you want to fill out an individual or joint application. Either way, you will need to fill out your personal details, including your name, address, and date of birth. After adding details about your current level of income, you'll be asked to create an account with Upgrade to continue with your application. Your rate will be determined by your ability to pay off the loan, and you can expect better rates if you apply with a second individual or with collateral.
Borrow between $1,000 and $50,000
Upgrade offers loan amounts from $1,000 to $50,000 and term lengths from 24-84 months. Most of the rates at Upgrade are affordable, but you may not qualify for the lower tiers depending on where your credit score is when you apply. You can expect to see APRs from 7.74%-35.99%, and for your bad credit loan, you might want to prep for the higher end of that range. There is a one-time origination fee of 5% which will be taken out of your total loan amount before it reaches your bank account.
Fast service, but some customers have high APRs
Upgrade currently holds an impressive "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, it has tons of reviews on third-party review sites like Trustpilot. Currently, Upgrade shows a 4.4-star average rating out of 5 there, with most of the recent reviews showing all 5-star ratings. Customers say that working with Upgrade was easy and helpful, and that the services were quick and didn't require extensive paperwork. However, a few recent one-star reviews said that their interest payments were much higher than the top-end rate listed (35.99% APR). Some borrowers claimed to have been charged interest rates over 100% for bad credit loans. While these reviews were few and far between, they did keep Upgrade from being one of our top picks.
Keep an eye on the APRs
Upgrade is a standout service with high BBB ratings and a quick and easy application for bad credit loans. However, with some customers claiming interest rates that are higher than what the site suggests, the company falls a little bit as far as its place in our rankings (especially since some of these 1-star reviews were posted within a day of our research). We want you to find the best deals possible, and if Upgrade is hitting customers with 100%+ interest rates for low credit scores, then this may not be the best bad credit loan site to consider. For these reasons, it earns a more middle-ground rating overall.
Fair
LendingPoint is a financial technology company as well as a direct lender that operates online. It's known for being accessible for fast funds and offering options for borrowers who have fair to average credit. LendingPoint specializes in personal loans and point-of-sale financing for e-commerce platforms. LendingPoint operates in all US states except for Nevada and West Virginia.
Just need the basics to borrow
LendingPoint's eligibility criteria page only states that you need to be 18 years or older, be a US citizen (and provide a valid government-issued ID), have a Social Security number, be able to show a minimum annual income of $35,000 from employment, retirement, or other sources, and have a bank account in your name. The company promises that it "looks beyond your credit score" so that your eligibility for bad credit loans is based on a "complete picture" of your finances and true creditworthiness.
Quick application to get your loan
To apply for a bad credit loan at LendingPoint, you'll fill out a quick basic form that includes your name, the loan amount you'd like to borrow, and the purpose of your loan. Then, you'll make a quick account verification with your phone number and email before you can complete the rest of the application. LendingPoint will ask you for your mailing address and social security number (and possibly photo evidence of your government ID). The entire process doesn't take too long, though (around 5 minutes) as long as you have everything you need on hand.
Borrow amounts from $1,000 to $36,000
LendingPoint offers personal loans from $1,000 up to $36,000. Rates for repayment start as low as 7.99% APR, but you can expect to be on the higher end with a lower credit score. The highest rates at LendingPoint are around 35.99% APR for bad credit loans. Most terms offered at LendingPoint range from 24-72 months, and you can choose which repayment term works best for you.
No penalties for paying off early, but watch for origination fees
LendingPoint does not charge you any penalty fees if you want to repay your loan earlier than the original term. There may be an origination fee of 10% of the loan amount, depending on where you are located, though. This will be taken out of the original borrowed amount before the money from your bad credit loan is sent to your account.
Good reputation, but not as accessible for individuals with low credit scores
LendingPoint has an outstanding reputation with the Better Business Bureau, showing a perfect "A+" rating and accreditation. On top of that, LendingPoint holds a 4.7-star average rating on Trustpilot. However, this includes some confusing numbers. While LendingPoint says that it doesn't consider your credit score, but rather other areas of your finances, some reviews note that the minimum credit score for borrowing money from LendingPoint is 620. This is much higher than many of the other bad credit loan lenders in our review, making LendingPoint less accessible compared to other options. Those who could secure loans with LendingPoint were very happy with the process, and said that their payout was fast, and they had their money within a few days. On the other hand, some customers say they were rejected before even finishing the form, so it may be less helpful overall when compared to other options for bad credit loans.
Not ideal for those with low credit
LendingPoint has high scores on third-party review sites, but that isn't enough to make it a strong contender for customers looking for bad credit loans. Our research shows that the minimum credit score to be considered is 620, which is much higher than many competitors who serve customers with credit scores under 500. Plus, this wasn't disclosed on LendingPoint's qualification criteria page, so you may get rejected without knowing why if you weren't aware of the credit score minimum. For this reason, LendingPoint is a decent lender overall, but doesn't score high for those looking for bad credit loans.
Fair
Personal Loans is a 100% online service that helps out customers who need bad credit loans. However, Personal Loans isn't a direct lender: it helps you find loans by connecting you with its network of lending partners. Similar to other database or marketplace-style sites in our review, Personal Loans is the intermediary offering to connect you with a lender for debt consolidation, home improvements, medical expenses, or other needs with its free service.
Keep a few things in good standing to connect to lenders
Personal Loans itself doesn't have any qualification requirements, and all of its partner lenders may have different things that they're looking for. Personal Loans' job is to connect you with the right one based on where you're at currently. Some things you might keep in mind, though, are that you shouldn't have any recent bankruptcies or accounts that are more than 60 days delinquent. In general, Personal Loans suggests you have a debt-to-income ratio of below 40% to prove your ability to repay the bad credit loan.
Longer application to address all lenders
The application process at Personal Loans starts by asking you how much you'd like to borrow. You'll also fill out the reason for your loan, which can include anything from "emergency" to a vacation. However, the questionnaire is quite long and detailed, as Personal Loans needs to cover everything that its various lending partners might want to know about you before letting you take out a bad credit loan. Compared to going directly to a site, you can expect a 10-20 minute process of filling out all of your personal, living, and financial details on Personal Loans.
Borrow between $250 and $35,000
Personal Loans lets you request any amount between $250 and $35,000. The specifics of APRs and repayment terms will depend on the offers you get from specific lenders. Since Personal Loans connects you with its partners to get you a bad credit loan regardless of your credit score, it doesn't have the details available (since Personal Loans isn't the direct lender). You'll have to wait and see what kind of offers you get once you submit your application. There may also be some extra research for you in this case, if you want to look up the reputation of a specific lender or whether or not the company offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Hasn't been reviewed in over a year
Personal Loans currently holds an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. As for its reviews, we were a little concerned to see there were only 24 total reviews for Personal Loans on Trustpilot. While most of these were positive (with a 4.4-star average out of 5), it was somewhat concerning that so few borrowers have left feedback for this site. Recent reviews stopped about a year before our research was conducted on Personal Loans, which raised another red flag. It's unclear if customers are still regularly using this site to connect with bad credit loan providers. While the reviews we did find offer praise for quick connections with lenders through Personal Loans, it may be safer to go with a more established database site instead - especially given how much personal information they collect.
It might be safer to go with a more popular database site
Personal Loans is a decent free site to check out, but there are other, more established sites of a similar style that are much higher rated in our review. The general lack of reviews for Personal Loans raises some questions about how often the site is used. Since customers haven't reviewed Personal Loans in over a year, we recommend trusting your financial security to a more popular database site, even if Personal Loans is free
Subpar
OneMain Financial is a personal loan company that offers a range of different services (including opportunities for bad credit loans). You can find financial education, credit cards, bill-saving services, auto loans, and personal loans with OneMain Financial. For those looking for bad credit loans, OneMain Financial says it specializes in access for "nonprime" customers (or those with bad or fair credit scores).
Any qualification requirements?
OneMain Financial notes that its only main requirements for a personal loan (or bad credit loan) are the basics: you have to show your income with pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, or other official documentation. You'll also have to show your debt-to-income ratio, which should ideally be below 36%. You may need to provide a government ID or proof of residence. OneMain Financial states that its policy is to work with individuals who have a wide range of credit scores, so you won't be turned down just for that factor.
Only takes 4-5 minutes to get your offers
OneMain Financial allows you to apply for your bad credit loans online, by phone, or in person at one of their 1,300 physical branches. You can also predict your loan payments and see how that might impact your finances by using the OneMain Financial personal loan calculator on the website before you ever apply for a bad credit loan. When we completed the online application, OneMain Financial's process took around 4-5 minutes. The site will ask you how much you want to borrow, and there's a link on that page that will tell you more about loan amounts and fees. Once you finish entering your personal details, which include address, income, and social security number, you'll authorize OneMain Financial to do a credit report, and promise that you are not using or planning to use a debt relief company to settle debts. From there, you'll see your "prequalified offers" based on your details.
Borrow from $1,500 to $20,000
OneMain Financial offers loan amounts from $1,500 to $20,000, depending on how much you need, and checking for offers won't impact your credit score. Most loan terms for OneMain Financial are from 24-60 months long, and you can expect fixed rates for your bad credit loan repayment percentages from 18%-35.99% APR (though the lower your credit is, the more you'll wind up on the higher end of that range). All of these details are right on the front page of OneMain Financial, making it easy to see what you can expect from your loan.
Return the money within 7 days for no fees
OneMain Financial is one of the few bad credit loan options in our review that offers a customer satisfaction guarantee. This promises that if you change your mind about your loan, you can do so within 7 days of receiving your money if you are able to still pay the entire sum back. This means you won't have to pay fees or interest if you change your mind and pay back the loan.
Concerning government action over incomplete refunds
OneMain Financial currently holds an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7-star average on Trustpilot, but there's a red flag to look out for despite its high score. According to a BBB alert, OneMain Financial has been recently part of government action that resulted in a settlement where the company paid out over claims that OneMain Financial was being dishonest. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau claimed that OneMain Financial did not clearly indicate that add-on products for some purchases were optional, and that it did not actually provide full refunds to customers when the products were cancelled within the stated period. OneMain Financial paid a penalty for this back in 2023. Considering one of the high points of OneMain Financial over other similar competitors is the customer satisfaction guarantee, we're a little more cautious about this lender overall.
Might be safer to go with a more transparent lender
While OneMain Financial still has an overall good reputation as a bad credit loan provider, the recent government action in the last few years has raised some red flags about the company's transparency and honesty. For these reasons, OneMain Financial ranks much lower than the more trustworthy lenders in our review. While it might still be worth a look to see your prequalification offers, it earns a lower rating from us due to the concerns about dishonest practices.
Weak
Super Money is an online financial platform that offers you a way to compare different lenders for bad credit loans side by side. And, loans aren't all that Super Money offers. You can compare different financial products, including credit cards, mortgages, and insurance. Super Money, like other comparison sites or database-style platforms, is not a direct lender, so you won't be getting your bad credit loan from Super Money, but rather from one of its partner lenders.
Only minimum requirements to apply
Super Money asks that you pass a few minimum qualifications for securing a loan. You'll only need to be over the age of 18 and a US citizen. You will also need to show proof of employment to demonstrate that you will be able to pay back the bad credit loan.
Application is fast and offers multiple matches
Super Money has a quick application process that mostly focuses on the basics. You'll start by putting in the amount of money you want to borrow, what your loan is for, and then answer some questions about your current debt. You'll also be asked where your credit score currently sits (remember, this won't disqualify you, so be honest). You will also be asked if you intend to apply with a co-borrower (which can increase your chances of getting better offers in terms of APR and higher loan amounts). Finally, the site will ask if you're a military service member, and what kind of accounts you have with your bank (so you can accept your deposit). Based on our test answers, someone with a credit score between 300-520 as a single borrower already had 4 matches for lenders that could offer a bad credit loan.
Terms, fees, and when you get your cash
For Super Money personal loans (which is what you'll get with a bad credit loan), you can borrow from $1,000 to $100,000, which is one of the highest ranges for loan servicers in our review. However, keep in mind that you will be connected with lenders that fit your finances, so you may not have access to this large of a range, depending on what you need the loan for. You also won't be able to see the specifics until you finish filling out your personal information and see the lenders that are matched with your profile.
Some customers say lenders can't be trusted
Super Money holds a "B+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, which is lower than many of the bad credit loan companies in our review. According to the BBB, Super Money is being used by scammers to call customers and get money out of them, which is deeply concerning. However, it has a competitive 4.6-star average on third-party review sites like Trustpilot. Recent reviews note that the service through Super Money is quick and reliable. The loan applications were straightforward, and customers appreciated getting a fast decision from the actual lender partners. On the other hand, Super Money does receive some criticism from recent reviewers who claim to have been referred to scammers by Super Money. Since this platform works by letting loan companies pay for borrower referrals, some customers feel that the requirements on the actual lenders aren't stringent enough.
Don't mess around with scams
Super Money itself seems like it's offering a decent option for customers who want to compare lenders for bad credit loans, but the concerns about scams aren't something you want to mess around with. Considering your financial security is on the line, it's safer to go with a more established site that doesn't have scam claims to its name or about the lenders who are partners on the website.
Continued from above...
Having bad credit can feel incredibly stressful, but it doesn't have to define your financial future. Many people find themselves in this position after unexpected events like job loss, medical bills, or missed payments that add up over time. Life happens, and credit scores don't always show the full story of your situation. The good news is that more lenders now understand this, and there are reliable options designed to help you rebuild your life, your credit, and get more financial stability. With the right support from a bad credit loan servicer, you can get access to the funds you need while taking steps toward better financial stability.
Bad credit loans are designed specifically for people who may not qualify for traditional financing. Services that offer bad credit loans recognize that everyone deserves a second chance and that your credit score shouldn't completely stop you from moving forward. Bad credit loans can help pay off emergency expenses, consolidate debt under one payment, or cover important life necessities like your car payment or rent. These loan servicers can also help you show that you're responsible with payments, which can improve your credit score over time. By working with lenders who understand your circumstances, rather than with more traditional loan companies or banks, you can take steps toward financial recovery while meeting your current needs.
Applying for a bad credit loan online has become simple and stress-free. You no longer need to spend hours filling out long forms or waiting weeks for approval. Many online lenders offer fast applications that only take a few minutes and give you a clear answer without unnecessary pressure. Once approved, your funds can often be deposited directly into your account, sometimes as soon as the next day. Ideally, you'll be able to handle all of your finances right away, so bad credit loans are helpful if you need money quickly.
The best bad credit loan servicers offer plans that make borrowing more manageable. Some lenders provide flexible repayment term lengths, lower interest rates for consistent on-time payments or co-borrowers, and even options to refinance once your credit improves. With the right bad credit loan, you can get the same assistance that you might find with higher credit (though you can expect higher APRs if your credit score is low).
If you're ready to get your finances back under control and rebuild your credit in the process, we totally get it. But taking out a loan of any kind can be stressful, so you want to make sure you choose the best lender. To help you out (and keep you from signing up for a service that might not be totally honest), we've put together some factors that can help you pick the best loan provider out there:
Everyone deserves to have their finances under control, even if their credit score isn't where they'd like it to be. So, if you're ready to take the next step to improve your credit or just get your feet back under you, we've got your back. Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked the most well-known bad credit loan services on the market. Soon, your low credit score will just be a bad memory: you're going in the right direction, and now you can be smart and safe about where you borrow money. You've got this!
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