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Personal Loans for Bad Credit
Borrowers with bad credit have fewer options and higher rates, but several lenders specifically work with lower credit scores — understanding your realistic options helps avoid predatory alternatives.
Lenders That Consider Bad Credit
| Lender | Min. Credit Score | APR Range |
|---|---|---|
| Upstart | 580 | 6.40%–35.99% |
| Avant | 580 | 9.95%–35.99% |
Upstart's Alternative Underwriting
Upstart factors in education and employment history alongside credit score, sometimes approving borrowers that traditional credit-score-only lenders would decline.
Consider a Cosigner
Adding a creditworthy cosigner can meaningfully improve your rate and approval odds if you have access to someone willing to take on that responsibility with you.
Common Mistakes
Turning to predatory payday loans or high-fee alternatives without first checking pre-qualification with legitimate bad-credit personal loan lenders, which often offer meaningfully better terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — lenders like Upstart and Avant specifically work with lower credit scores, though rates will be higher than what borrowers with good credit receive.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification using a soft credit pull, which doesn't affect your score — a hard inquiry typically only occurs if you formally apply.