If your credit score isn’t where you want it to be, you’re not alone. Millions of people in the U.S. face financial challenges due to low credit—yet they still need help with emergency expenses, consolidating debt, or covering essential bills.
The good news? You can absolutely get a personal loan with bad credit in 2025. In fact, many lenders now specialize in working with borrowers who have credit scores under 600.
This guide will show you exactly how to get approved, what to avoid, and which lenders are worth your time.
Bad credit usually means a FICO score under 580. But don’t worry—your score isn’t the only thing lenders look at when deciding whether to approve a personal loan with bad credit. Many also consider:
Some lenders, like Upstart or OneMain Financial, even use alternative data like job history and education.
Head to AnnualCreditReport.com and pull all three credit reports for free.
Look for:
Fixing these could boost your credit score within weeks—improving your chances of getting a personal loan with bad credit.
Never borrow more than necessary. Make a clear plan:
Keeping your request reasonable helps lenders see you as a lower risk.
Don’t just go with the first ad you see. Look for reputable lenders that clearly serve borrowers with low credit scores:
| Lender | Min. Credit Score | Loan Range | APR | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upstart | 580+ | $1,000–$50,000 | 6.4%–35.99% | Fast online approval |
| OneMain Financial | None | $1,500–$20,000 | 18%–35.99% | In-person branches |
| Avant | 550+ | $2,000–$35,000 | 9.95%–35.99% | Flexible repayment plans |
| LendingPoint | 600+ | $2,000–$36,500 | 7.99%–35.99% | Low income-friendly loans |
Look for lenders offering soft credit checks for prequalification. This lets you see:
All without affecting your credit score.
If your credit is very low, two ways to improve approval odds:
This gives lenders more confidence when offering a personal loan with bad credit.
Too many hard inquiries can lower your score. Stick to 1–3 strong applications—ideally after prequalification.
Choose only trusted lenders with transparent terms.
Getting denied doesn’t mean it’s over. Try these options:
These options help you build credit and prepare for a future personal loan with bad credit.
When searching for a personal loan with bad credit, avoid:
Stick with lenders who are transparent and reputable.
Even small improvements can help you qualify for a better personal loan with bad credit.
Inflation and rising expenses have left many Americans financially strained. A well-managed personal loan with bad credit can be your first step toward:
Needing a personal loan with bad credit doesn’t make you irresponsible—it makes you human.
With the right strategy and lender, you can get approved and take control of your finances again.
Q1: Can I get a personal loan with bad credit and no co-signer?
Q2: What is the minimum credit score to get a personal loan in 2025?
Q3: Will applying hurt my credit?
Q4: How much can I borrow with bad credit?
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