If your credit score isn’t where you want it to be, getting a personal loan can feel like hitting a wall. But here’s the truth — bad credit doesn’t have to mean no credit. Dozens of lenders in the United States now offer personal loans specifically designed for borrowers with low or damaged credit scores.
Whether you need money for medical bills, car repairs, or consolidating debt, this list breaks down the 10 best personal loans for bad credit in the US right now — with real rates, real terms, and zero fluff.
What Counts as “Bad Credit” in the US?
Most lenders use FICO scores. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 580–669 — Fair credit
- 500–579 — Poor credit
- Below 500 — Very poor / bad credit
If you’re anywhere in these ranges, the lenders below are your best shot at getting approved without a co-signer.
1. Upstart — Best for Thin Credit History
Upstart doesn’t just look at your credit score. It factors in your education, job history, and income too. That’s a big deal if you’re young or rebuilding your financial life.
- APR: 7.40% – 35.99%
- Loan amount: $1,000 – $50,000
- Min. credit score: 300
- Funding time: As fast as 1 business day
Upstart is one of the few lenders willing to approve borrowers with a credit score as low as 300. If you’ve had a rough patch but have stable income, this is worth checking first.
2. LendingPoint — Best for Fair Credit Borrowers
LendingPoint focuses on the “near-prime” market — people who are just below the good credit threshold. They look at your full financial picture, not just your score.
- APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
- Loan amount: $2,000 – $36,500
- Min. credit score: 580
- Funding time: Next business day
One thing LendingPoint does well is flexibility. You can adjust your payment date to match your paycheck schedule, which helps you avoid late fees.
3. Avant — Best for Middle-Range Bad Credit
Avant has been in the game since 2012 and has helped over 1.5 million borrowers. They specialize in personal loans for people with credit scores between 550 and 700.
- APR: 9.95% – 35.99%
- Loan amount: $2,000 – $35,000
- Min. credit score: 550
- Funding time: As soon as next business day
Avant charges an administration fee (up to 9.99%), so factor that into your total cost when comparing options.
4. OneMain Financial — Best for Secured Loan Option
OneMain is one of the oldest personal lenders in the US, with physical branches across the country. If you’re more comfortable talking to someone in person, this is a solid choice.
- APR: 18.00% – 35.99%
- Loan amount: $1,500 – $20,000
- Min. credit score: No minimum stated
- Funding time: Same or next business day
The rates are on the higher end, but OneMain lets you secure your loan with collateral (like a car), which can help you qualify or get a lower rate.
5. Upgrade — Best for Debt Consolidation
Upgrade is a fintech lender that makes paying off credit card debt simple. They can send your loan funds directly to your creditors, cutting out the middleman.
- APR: 9.99% – 35.99%
- Loan amount: $1,000 – $50,000
- Min. credit score: 560
- Funding time: Within 4 business days
Upgrade also offers free credit monitoring and financial health tools, which is genuinely useful if you’re trying to rebuild your score while paying off debt.
6. NetCredit — Best for Very Low Credit Scores
NetCredit goes where most lenders won’t. If your credit score is below 550, this is one of the few legitimate options available to you.
- APR: Varies by state (can be high)
- Loan amount: $1,000 – $10,500
- Min. credit score: No minimum
- Funding time: As soon as the next business day
Be aware that rates can be steep. Only use NetCredit if you’ve been turned down elsewhere and need funds urgently.
7. LendingClub — Best Peer-to-Peer Option
LendingClub connects borrowers with individual investors rather than banks. This means more flexibility and sometimes better rates than traditional lenders.
- APR: 8.98% – 35.99%
- Loan amount: $1,000 – $40,000
- Min. credit score: 600
- Funding time: 2–4 business days
LendingClub is especially useful for debt consolidation. Their “Direct Pay” feature sends money straight to your creditors, which many financial advisors recommend.
8. PenFed Credit Union — Best for Credit Union Rates
Credit unions typically offer lower rates than banks or online lenders. PenFed is open to anyone in the US, not just military members.
- APR: 7.99% – 17.99%
- Loan amount: $600 – $50,000
- Min. credit score: 650 (estimated)
- Funding time: 1–5 business days
The rates here are significantly lower than most lenders on this list. The trade-off is that you need to become a member first, but it only takes a few minutes online.
9. Oportun — Best for No Credit History
Oportun was built from the ground up to serve borrowers without a credit history at all. If you’re new to the US or have never had credit before, this is your starting point.
- APR: Up to 35.99%
- Loan amount: $300 – $10,000
- Min. credit score: None required
- Funding time: Same day in some locations
Oportun reports to all three major credit bureaus, so using this loan responsibly can actively help build your credit score over time.
10. Prosper — Best for Returning Borrowers
Prosper is another peer-to-peer lending platform with a strong track record since 2005. They reward repeat borrowers with lower rates on future loans.
- APR: 8.99% – 35.99%
- Loan amount: $2,000 – $50,000
- Min. credit score: 560
- Funding time: 1–3 business days
If you plan to borrow again in the future, Prosper’s loyalty benefits make it worth starting here.
Quick Comparison Table
| Lender | Min. Credit Score | APR Range | Max Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upstart | 300 | 7.40%–35.99% | $50,000 |
| LendingPoint | 580 | 7.99%–35.99% | $36,500 |
| Avant | 550 | 9.95%–35.99% | $35,000 |
| OneMain | None | 18%–35.99% | $20,000 |
| Upgrade | 560 | 9.99%–35.99% | $50,000 |
| NetCredit | None | Varies | $10,500 |
| LendingClub | 600 | 8.98%–35.99% | $40,000 |
| PenFed | ~650 | 7.99%–17.99% | $50,000 |
| Oportun | None | Up to 35.99% | $10,000 |
| Prosper | 560 | 8.99%–35.99% | $50,000 |
Tips to Get Approved Faster
- Check your credit report first — errors on your report can be hurting your score for no reason
- Pre-qualify before applying — most lenders offer soft credit checks that don’t affect your score
- Apply with a co-signer — a trusted family member with good credit can unlock better rates
- Borrow only what you need — smaller loan amounts are easier to approve
- Show stable income — pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns go a long way
Final Thoughts
Having bad credit isn’t a life sentence. The lenders above are real, legitimate options that work with borrowers across all credit ranges. Start by pre-qualifying with two or three of them — it’s free, it won’t hurt your score, and you’ll quickly see which one gives you the best deal.
Always read the fine print before signing. APRs, fees, and terms can vary based on your state and individual credit profile.