WalletGrower

Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit in 2026

A low credit score doesn't mean you can't get a personal loan — but it does mean you need to be more careful about which lender you choose. We found the best options that balance accessibility with reasonable terms.

Last updated:
6 products reviewed

Our Top Pick

Upstart

Best for Bad Credit

Upstart specializes in approving borrowers with fair to limited credit through sophisticated AI analysis beyond traditional credit scores. APR rates range from 7.94% to 35.99%, with loan amounts from $1,000 to $50,000. Funding happens within 1-2 business days. Upstart is ideal for borrowers with poor credit histories, past financial challenges, or limited credit but strong recent payment behavior.

Apply NowFull Review

Rankings

Upstart

by Cross River Bank

4.4
Best for Bad Credit

Upstart uses AI-powered underwriting to approve borrowers with fair and limited credit histories, making it accessible to those rejected by traditional lenders.

Key Features

APR Range: 7.94% - 35.99%Loan Amount: $1,000 - $50,000Repayment Terms: 24 - 84 monthsOrigination Fee: None

Pros

  • • Approves fair and limited credit borrowers (typically 600+ credit score)
  • • AI-powered underwriting considers full financial picture
  • • Fast funding (1-2 business days)

Cons

  • • Higher APR rates for lower credit scores (up to 35.99%)
  • • Maximum loan amount of $50,000 is moderate
Apply NowLearn More
#2

Avant

by Elevate Credit, Inc.

4.0

Avant makes personal loans accessible to borrowers with fair credit, offering quick online approval and funding for those seeking alternatives to payday loans.

Key Features

APR Range: 9.95% - 35.99%Loan Amount: $2,000 - $35,000Repayment Terms: 24 - 60 monthsOrigination Fee: None

Pros

  • • Accessible to borrowers with fair to poor credit (580+)
  • • Fast funding (1-3 business days, often 1 business day)
  • • No origination or prepayment fees

Cons

  • • APR rates can be high for lower credit scores (up to 35.99%)
  • • Maximum loan amount of $35,000 is moderate
Apply NowLearn More
#3

OneMain Financial

by OneMain Holdings

3.8

OneMain Financial offers secured and unsecured personal loans to borrowers with fair credit, with local branch locations providing in-person service.

Key Features

APR Range: 18.99% - 35.99%Loan Amount: $1,500 - $10,000Repayment Terms: 24 - 60 monthsOrigination Fee: Up to 10%

Pros

  • • Physical locations for in-person consultation
  • • Accepts fair to poor credit borrowers (typically 580+)
  • • Secured loan options for better rates

Cons

  • • High APR rates (18.99% - 35.99%)
  • • Origination fees up to 10%
Apply NowLearn More
#4

Universal Credit

by Universal Finance, Inc.

3.6

Universal Credit provides personal loans to borrowers with poor credit, offering accessible alternatives to payday lending with online-only simplicity.

Key Features

APR Range: 24.99% - 35.99%Loan Amount: $500 - $5,000Repayment Terms: 24 - 48 monthsOrigination Fee: None

Pros

  • • Approves borrowers with very poor credit (scores as low as 300)
  • • Small loan amounts ($500 - $5,000) for short-term needs
  • • Quick online application

Cons

  • • Very high APR rates (24.99% - 35.99%)
  • • Maximum loan amount of only $5,000
Apply NowLearn More
#5

Upgrade

by Upgrade, Inc.

4.1

Upgrade offers personal loans and financial wellness features to borrowers with fair to good credit, with emphasis on helping customers build credit and achieve financial goals.

Key Features

APR Range: 9.99% - 35.99%Loan Amount: $1,000 - $50,000Repayment Terms: 24 - 84 monthsOrigination Fee: None

Pros

  • • Accessible to fair credit borrowers (typically 600+ credit score)
  • • Cash rewards for on-time payments
  • • Credit-building features and financial tools

Cons

  • • APR rates higher than premium lenders for lower credit
  • • Limited to 15% rewards even with perfect payment history
Apply NowLearn More
#6

LendingClub

by LendingClub Corp

4.2

LendingClub is a peer-to-peer lending platform that has moved toward institutional funding, offering competitive rates and significant loan amounts with accessibility to fair-credit borrowers.

Key Features

APR Range: 8.99% - 35.89%Loan Amount: $1,000 - $40,000Repayment Terms: 36 - 60 monthsOrigination Fee: None

Pros

  • • Competitive APR rates for fair and good credit
  • • Accessible to fair credit borrowers (typically 600+ credit score)
  • • Peer-to-peer lending model with institutional backing

Cons

  • • Funding slower than online alternatives (3-6 business days)
  • • APR rates can be high for poor credit (up to 35.89%)
Apply NowLearn More

Full Comparison

FeatureUpstartAvantOneMain FinancialUniversal CreditUpgrade
APR Range7.94% - 35.99%9.95% - 35.99%18.99% - 35.99%24.99% - 35.99%9.99% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$1,000 - $50,000$2,000 - $35,000$1,500 - $10,000$500 - $5,000$1,000 - $50,000
Term Lengths24 - 84 months24 - 60 months24 - 60 months24 - 48 months24 - 84 months
Origination FeeNoneNoneUp to 10%NoneNone
Funding Speed1-2 business days1-3 business days1-2 business days1-2 business days1-3 business days
Our Rating4.4/5Best4/53.8/53.6/54.1/5

How We Picked These

For bad credit personal loans, we prioritize lender willingness to approve lower credit scores, use of alternative data (income, education, employment) in underwriting, reasonable APR caps, transparent fee structures, and reporting to credit bureaus (to help borrowers rebuild credit).

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need for a personal loan?
Some lenders like Upstart approve borrowers with scores as low as 300 by using AI and alternative data. Most bad-credit lenders require at least 580-600. Below 500, secured loans or credit-builder loans may be better options.
What APR should I expect with bad credit?
With a credit score of 580-669, expect APRs of 15-30%. Below 580, rates can reach 25-36%. While these are higher than prime rates, they're still often lower than payday loans or credit card cash advances.

Find Your Best Financial Product

Compare rates, rewards, and features to find the right match for your needs.

Compare Now