Many reputable lenders offer unsecured personal loans to those with bad credit, ranging between APR of $5.99% to 35.99%. Better than payday loans with an APR of 400%! From 0 credit scores to those requiring a 500 – 580 range, we compiled a list of reliable lending options that can provide the cash you need without having to risk your collateral in the process.

But before we show them to you, watch our video that shows how people with bad credit can get a personal loan:

ElitePersonalFinance Marketplace

Loan Type: Personal Loans ▼

SuperMoney Debt Consolidation

5/5

$100 - $100,000

CS: 0 • 5.96% - 35.99%

Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect

LendingforBadCredit

5/5

$100 - $40,000

CS: 0 • 5.99% - 35.99%

Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect

SuperMoney

5/5

$100 - $100,000

CS: 0 • 5.96% - 35.99%

Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect

SmartAdvances

5/5

$100 - $20,000

CS: 0 • 5.99% - 35.99%

Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect

MoneyMutual

5/5

$100 - $5,000

CS: 0 • 5.99% - 35.99%

Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect

Visit EPF Marketplace: Personal Loans »

Best Unsecured Personal Loans for Bad Credit of September 2026

Loan Company:	Min. Credit Score:	APR:	Amount:	Apply:
ZippyLoan	0	Vary	$100 - $15,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect
LifeLoans	0	vary	$100 - $40,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect
NextDayPersonalLoan	0	Vary	$100 - $40,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect
VivaLoan	0	Vary	$100 - $15,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect
BadCreditLoans	0	5.99% – 35.99%	$500 – $10,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect
CashUSA	0	5.99% – 35.99%	$1,000 – $10,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect
PersonalLoans	580	5.99% – 35.99%	$1,000 – $35,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect
OppLoans	0	59% – 160%	$500 – $4,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect
OneMain	Not Specified	18% – 35.99%	$1,500 – $20,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect
First Tech Federal Credit Union	0	6.70% – 18%	$500 – $50,000	Apply Now SSL No Credit Effect

BadCreditLoans

Check Rates SSL No Credit Effect

Loan Amount

$500 – $10,000

APR

5.99% - 35.99%

Min. Credit Score

0

Approval

Instant Approval

Terms

1 Month – 72 Months

Fees

• No fee to submit a loan request or connect with a lender
• APR and loan fees are determined by the individual lender
• Origination fees may apply depending on the lender and loan offer
• Late payment, nonpayment, and other fees may apply according to the lender's loan agreement
• All applicable fees are disclosed by the lender before the borrower accepts the loan
• BadCreditLoans.com does not determine lender rates, fees, or loan terms
• No prepayment fee is specified by BadCreditLoans.com; any applicable terms are determined by the lender

Qualification Criteria

• Minimum age: 18
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a Social Security number, or legal residency
• Must have regular income from full-time employment, self-employment, disability, or Social Security benefits
• Must have a checking account in your name
• Must provide valid work and home telephone numbers
• Must provide a valid email address
• Credit does not need to be perfect to be considered
• Credit history may affect the type of loan offers and terms received
• Lenders may consider income, credit history, and other financial information
• Additional requirements may apply depending on the lender
• Meeting these requirements does not guarantee connection with a lender or loan approval
• Not all applicants will qualify

Average Borrower Profile

• BadCreditLoans.com does not publish a current average funded-borrower loan amount
• The service is designed to connect borrowers with lenders that may consider poor-credit applicants
• Borrowers with imperfect credit may still receive loan offers if they meet the lender's other requirements
• Credit history can affect the loan amount, APR, fees, and repayment terms offered
• Actual loan amount, APR, fees, and repayment terms depend on the individual lender

Best For

• Comparing bad credit loans

And like their motto states – they can help when others can’t.

While loan amounts can reach up to $10,000, those with really bad credit shouldn’t expect that much. Usually, BadCreditLoans.com will provide up to $3,000 if your credit is extremely poor, while those with higher credit scores can get the full $10,000.

Pros:

• Easy and fast approval.
• Those with really bad credit still get approved.
• APRs in the personal loan range, which means less than 35.99%.

Cons:

• Those with really bad credit should expect high APRs ranging from 15% to 35.99%.
• Not all loans get approved.

LendingPoint

Check Rates SSL No Credit Effect

Loan Amount

$1,000 – $36,500

APR

7.99% – 35.99%

Min. Credit Score

Not specified

Approval

< 1 Day

Terms

24 Months – 72 Months

Fees

• Origination fee of up to 10% of the loan amount may apply depending on the state
• Origination fee may be deducted from the loan proceeds
• No application fee
• No prepayment penalty
• No fee for making extra payments
• Actual fees depend on state of residence and loan offer
• Actual APR and fees depend on credit profile, financial condition, loan amount, term, and other underwriting factors

Qualification Criteria

• Minimum age: 18
• Must provide a U.S. federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID
• Must have a valid Social Security number
• Must have minimum annual income of $35,000 from employment, retirement, or another qualifying source
• Must have a verifiable personal banking account in your name
• Must not reside in Nevada or West Virginia
• Credit profile and credit history are considered
• Debt-to-income ratio may be considered
• Payment-to-income ratio may be considered
• Financial condition and ability to repay are evaluated
• Checking your options uses a soft credit inquiry and does not affect your credit score
• A hard credit inquiry is required for final loan approval
• Additional documentation may be requested
• Not all applicants will qualify

Average Borrower Profile

• LendingPoint does not publish a current average funded-borrower loan amount
• LendingPoint serves consumers across a broad range of credit profiles
• The loan amount offered is based on the applicant's credit profile and financial information
• Current DTI and PTI are specifically considered when determining affordability
• Actual loan amount, APR, fees, and repayment terms depend on the applicant's qualifications

Best For

• $25,000 annual incomes

To get a loan, you must have an annual income of at least $20,000 and a minimum FICO score of 585. A loan origination fee of 0% to 6% is applied to each borrower.

And what else should you know?

Well, LendingPoint loans are only available in 34 states, and if you have bad credit, your APR will most likely fall at the high-end of the range. As well, the company does not offer a co-signer option.

Pros:

• Low credit score requirement (585 minimum).
• Instant approval or within one business day.
• No penalty for early repayment.
• No restrictions on what the loan can be used for.

Cons:

• Must have an annual income of at least $20,000.
• Must have a debt-to-income ratio of 35% or less.
• Only available in 34 states.
• No co-signer option.

LendingTree

Check Rates SSL No Credit Effect

Loan Amount

$1,000 – $50,000

APR

Varies by Lender

Min. Credit Score

0

Approval

< 1 Day

Terms

Varies by Lender

Fees

• No fee to compare personal-loan offers through LendingTree
• Origination fees may apply depending on the lender and loan offer
• Origination fees vary by lender, loan amount, and repayment term
• Late payment fees may apply according to the lender's loan agreement
• Returned payment and other lender fees may apply
• LendingTree does not determine lender fees, APRs, or loan terms
• All applicable fees are disclosed by the individual lender before accepting an offer

Qualification Criteria

• Minimum age: 18 or the age of majority in the applicant's state
• No universal minimum credit score applies across the LendingTree marketplace
• Must provide accurate personal, income, employment, and financial information
• Credit score and credit history may be considered
• Annual income may be considered
• Debt-to-income ratio may be considered
• Length of credit history may be considered
• Employment stability may be considered
• Loan amount and requested repayment term may affect eligibility
• Checking offers generally uses a soft credit inquiry
• A hard credit inquiry may be required by the selected lender during final approval
• Each lender has its own qualification and underwriting requirements
• Not all applicants will receive an offer

Average Borrower Profile

• LendingTree users who received at least one personal-loan offer in 2025 had an average credit score of 653
• The average self-reported income was $70,551
• The average requested loan amount was $14,365
• The average age of the oldest credit account was 11.5 years
• The average offered loan amount across all credit scores was $13,575 in Q2 2026
• Average offered amount was $17,715 for excellent credit, $10,045 for fair credit, and $7,766 for poor credit
• These figures represent LendingTree marketplace users and lender offers, not guaranteed funded-loan amounts

Best For

• Obtaining a low APR

What separates LendingTree from the other is that the company offers unsecured loans for really bad credit. LendingTree provides loan options to people with credit scores as low as 500. Conversely, some of its 10 largest competitors often require minimum credit scores in the 600-700 range, making it much more difficult to obtain a loan.

With APRs ranging from 3.99% to 35.99%, LendingTree offers unsecured loans up to $50,000.

But will you really receive that much?

In all honesty, it’s unlikely.

If you have really bad credit, the amount you can get will be much lower, and your APR will most likely fall near the 35.99% mark … high but again better than %400 APR of payday loans. However, considering loans are unsecured – like BadCreditloans – you never have to worry about losing any collateral. You can also discuss your situation directly with them and see what terms are appropriate for you.

Pros:

• As one of the largest online loan companies, LendingTree is a name you can trust.
• APRs range from 3.99% to 35.99%.
• Low credit score requirements (500 minimum).
• 1-day approval process.

Cons:

• Some people with extremely bad credit won’t be approved.
• A loan origination fee of 0-3% can apply.

OppLoans

Check Rates SSL No Credit Effect

Loan Amount

$500 – $5,000

APR

99% – 195%

Min. Credit Score

0

Approval

Instant Approval

Terms

9 – 18 Months

Fees:

• No origination fees
• No application fees
• No prepayment penalties
• No hidden fees
• Late payment and returned-payment fees may apply according to the applicable loan agreement and state
• Actual fees, loan amount, APR, and terms may vary by state
• Simple fixed-rate interest applies to loans originated through the OppLoans Platform

Qualification Criteria:

• Minimum age: 18
• Must have a bank account, including a checking or savings account
• Must reside in a state where OppLoans currently operates
• Must have a regular source of income
• Must receive income through direct deposit
• No minimum credit score is required
• Credit information from Clarity Services and Experian may be considered
• Income, ability to repay, application information, and overall creditworthiness may be considered
• Applications are subject to verification and the underwriting requirements of OppLoans' bank partners
• Not all applicants will qualify

Average Borrower Profile:

• OppLoans does not publish a current average funded-loan amount or average borrower credit score
• OppLoans serves borrowers who may have difficulty obtaining credit from traditional lenders
• OppLoans' bank partners consider factors beyond traditional credit-score information
• Borrowers with lower credit may still qualify based on income, ability to repay, and other factors
• Actual loan amount, APR, fees, and repayment terms depend on the applicant's qualifications and state

Best For

• Bad or no credit

For more detail on what separates them from the other options above, check out our detailed guide on the best payday loan alternatives for bad credit of September 2026.

The main thing you should know is OppLoans does not provide personal loans. The reason is their APRs exceed 35.99%. However, even with the higher APR, its products are still cheaper than traditional payday or car title loans.

Pros:

• Very easy approval.
• Those with very bad credit can still get approved.
• They don’t check your credit but will access your financial transaction history.
• A much cheaper alternative compared to traditional payday and auto title loans.

Cons:

• Very expensive, with APRs ranging from 99% to 199%.
• High APRs put you at risk of falling into a debt cycle.

PersonalLoans

Check Rates SSL No Credit Effect

Loan Amount

$250 – $35,000

APR

5.99% – 35.99%

Min. Credit Score

0

Approval

Instant Approval

Terms

1 Months – 72 Months

Fees

• No fee to use PersonalLoans.com's loan-connecting service
• Origination fee may apply and is determined by the individual lender
• Other lender fees may apply depending on the loan offer and agreement
• Late payment fees may apply according to the lender's terms
• Returned payment and other lender fees may apply
• PersonalLoans.com does not determine lender fees or loan costs
• All applicable fees must be disclosed by the lender before the borrower accepts the loan

Qualification Criteria

• Minimum age: 18
• Must have a valid Social Security number
• Must be a legal U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must have full-time employment, be self-employed, or receive regular disability or Social Security benefits
• Must have a valid checking account for most loan offers
• No minimum credit score is required to submit a loan request
• Must generally not have accounts more than 60 days late
• Must generally not have active or recent bankruptcies
• Must generally not have a pattern of late payments
• Must generally not have debt that cannot be covered by current income
• Must generally not have recently charged-off accounts
• Some lenders may require income verification such as a pay stub
• Individual lenders may have additional eligibility requirements
• Not all applicants will qualify

Average Borrower Profile

• PersonalLoans.com does not publish a current average funded-borrower loan amount or average borrower credit score
• The lender network accepts loan requestors with all credit scores
• Applicants with good or excellent credit may receive more favorable terms
• PersonalLoans.com states that its network generally serves borrowers with different credit profiles
• Actual loan amount, APR, fees, and repayment terms depend on the individual lender and the borrower's qualifications

Best For

• Short and long-term personal loans

So what else is required?

Well, you need to have some form of recurring income: full-time employment, self-employment, regular disability, or Social Security benefits.

Pros:

• You can get loans up to $35,000.
• Fair APRs ranging from 5.99% to 35.99%.
• Repayment periods that range from 90 days to 72 months.

Cons:

• You’re required to have some form of recurring income.
• Loan origination fees apply in most cases.
• Not all loans get approved.

NetCredit

Check Rates SSL No Credit Effect

Loan Amount

$1,000 – $20,000

APR

34.99% – 99.99%

Min. Credit Score

0

Approval

Instant Approval

Terms

6 Months – 60 Months

Fees:

• No application fee
• No prepayment fee
• No insufficient-funds fee
• No late payment fee for personal installment loans originated on or after March 12, 2025
• Origination fee may apply depending on the state and specific loan agreement
• Applicable state-specific fees and charges are disclosed in the loan agreement
• Personal loans use simple interest with fixed payments
• No collateral is required

Qualification Criteria:

• Minimum age: 18
• Must have a valid personal checking account
• Must have an active email address
• Must have a verifiable source of income
• Must provide the personal and financial information requested during the application
• Credit score and credit history are considered
• Income and debt-to-income ratio may be considered
• NetCredit evaluates the applicant's broader financial situation, not only credit score
• Checking eligibility uses a soft credit inquiry and does not affect the credit score
• A hard credit inquiry is initiated if an applicant accepts an offer and proceeds with final approval
• Loan amount, APR, and terms depend on state of residence and creditworthiness
• Additional verification may be required
• Not all applicants will qualify

Average Borrower Profile:

• NetCredit does not publish a current average funded-borrower loan amount
• NetCredit does not publish a current average borrower credit score
• NetCredit is designed to consider borrowers with less-than-perfect credit
• The lender considers income, debt-to-income ratio, credit history, and the applicant's broader financial situation
• Actual loan amount, APR, fees, and repayment terms depend on the applicant's qualifications and state

Best For

• Flexible terms and APRs

And what about the drawbacks?

Like many things in life, there are two sides to every coin.

Unsecured loans range from $1,000 to $10,000, but their APRs can be extremely high. For loans in California, APRs range from 34% to 155%, with a typical APR coming in at 84%. As well, there is no co-signer option to lower your interest rate.

Pros:

• No minimum credit score requirement.
• No debt-to-income ratio requirement.
• No early repayment penalty.
• No annual income requirement.

Cons:

• High APRs that can reach up to 155%.
• Loans are only available in Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, North Dakota, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
• No co-signer option.
• Not all loans get approved.

Avant

Check Rates SSL No Credit Effect

Loan Amount

$2,000 – $35,000

APR

9.95% – 35.99%

Min. Credit Score

550

Approval

< 1 Day

Terms

24 Months – 60 Months

Fees:

• Administration fee of up to 9.99% of the loan amount
• Administration fee is deducted from the loan proceeds
• Administration fee is treated as part of the loan principal and accrues interest
• No application fee
• No prepayment penalty
• Late payment fees may apply according to the applicable state and loan agreement
• Returned or dishonored payment fees may apply according to the applicable state and loan agreement
• Actual fees may vary based on state law and the loan agreement

Qualification Criteria:

• Minimum age: 18
• Must have a valid personal checking or savings account
• Must provide verifiable personal and financial information
• Credit score, credit history, income, and employment stability may be considered
• Outstanding debt and ability to repay may be considered
• A credit score as low as 550 may qualify
• Avant customers typically have credit scores between 550 and 700
• Checking your loan options does not impact your credit score
• Additional documentation may be requested during the application process
• Loan eligibility, minimum loan amount, APR, and terms may vary by state
• Not all applicants will qualify

Average Borrower Profile:

• Avant customers who take out personal loans typically have credit scores between 550 and 700
• Borrowers with credit scores as low as 550 may qualify
• Income, employment stability, outstanding debt, and credit history may affect eligibility
• Actual loan amount, APR, fees, and repayment terms depend on the applicant's qualifications and state

Best For

• $20,000 annual incomes

Avant personal loans are available in all states, except Colorado, Iowa, Vermont, or West Virginia.

You pay an origination fee of 4.75% at initiation, but the company doesn’t charge any early repayment penalties.

Pros:

• Low credit score requirements (minimum 580).
• Flexible loans amounts ranging from $2,000 to $35,000.
• Reasonable APRs ranging from 9.99% to 35.99%.
• No early repayment penalties.

Cons:

• Lending options are not available to residents in Colorado, Iowa, Vermont, or West Virginia.
• The company applies a loan origination fee of 4.75%.
• No co-signer option.

Can You Get an Unsecured Loan with Bad Credit and What Rates Should You Expect?

You can absolutely get an unsecured loan, even with bad credit.

Our options above provide clear proof that lenders are more willing to provide unsecured financing in today’s market than before.

The reason?

Well, it all comes down to competition. The online lending market is an extremely competitive space. With plenty of companies fighting for your business, many online lenders are willing to offer unsecured financing options as a means to increase profitability.

A second reason is the modernization of credit analysis.

Instead of focusing on your credit score alone, lenders now take a holistic approach to credit analysis and examine your entire financial situation. Variables like your work history, education, spending activity, and savings balance can all be used to cover up a bad credit score.

So with that in mind, how much can you expect to receive?

Well, in most cases, a low credit score means less cash you’ll receive up-front. With many unsecured loans starting at roughly $1,000 and up, you’ll most likely get loans at the low-end of the range.

And what about your APR?

Here, you’ll most likely fall near the top-end of the range. Most of the unsecured bad credit loans we recommend have APRs capped at 35.99%. With bad credit, your sweet spot is right here.

However, before you get too discouraged, there is a bright side.

Even at 35.99%, your out-of-pocket costs are still much less than what you’d receive from a payday or a car title loan.

What Loans Should You Avoid?

Without question, it’s payday and car title loans.

Predatory in nature, payday loans come with absurdly high APRs that average 400%; as well, borrowing amounts typically peak at $1,000.

• Payday loans also have significant rollover fees

If you find yourself in the unenviable position of defaulting on the loan, payday lenders usually allow you to rollover the loan and extend its due date. You’re required to pay both the original loan fee and a penalty fee for the late payment by rolling over the loan. On top of that, you still owe the principal balance as well.

• Another overlooked risk is bank overdraft fees

When a payment is charged to your checking account by the payday lender and your account doesn’t have the funds to fulfill the entire transaction – banks can charge overdraft fees that increase your costs that much more. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found that 20,000 bank account holders who made payments to online payday lenders incurred an average of $97 in overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees. The figure is nearly three times more than the $34 incurred by the average American.

• Now for car title loans

As a type of secured loan, car title loans require you to put up your car as collateral. If you fail to make the payments, your car can be seized in the process. Because of a questionable reputation, car title loans are actually illegal in many states.

When marketing the product, lenders often lure customers by promising fast approval and not checking your credit. Lenders know your credit score is low and use this information to profit off those in financial trouble. They specifically target borrowers in desperate financial situations or those with really bad credit.

• How else do car title loans cause financial harm?

• According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), auto title loans have an average APR of 300%.
• About 20% of car title loan borrowers end up losing their car.
• Many auto title loans have hidden fees and rollover charges.
• People often fall behind on their payments and get stuck paying interest-only; this increases your risk of falling into a vicious debt cycle.

In 2026 – there are many unsecured lending options available to those with bad credit.

Cosigner Loan Options

If bad credit holds you back from obtaining a loan, a cosigner can greatly achieve fast approval and more favorable terms.

For you and the lender, the arrangement benefits both parties.

You benefit by receiving a lower APR and more favorable loan terms. The lender benefits because a co-signer decreases the risk of default.

So what options are out there?

While many companies in our list above don’t allow co-signers, several reputable lenders support the practice. OneMain Financial, LendingClub, and Wells Fargo offer co-signer loans with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 and have APRs that range from 6.95% to 35.99%.

So if you have a trusted friend who’s willing to act as a co-signer, it can be a great way to avoid more expensive loan alternatives.

How to Spot Bad Credit Loan Scam?

Citing a recurring problem across the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a report stating that consumers lost more than 905 million to loan scams in 2017 – an increase of 63 million from 2016.

To avoid becoming the next victim, we have some tips to help you spot the red flags:

• A lender asking for upfront fees

Lenders must always disclose their fees beforehand; usually, these costs are rolled into the loan’s total cost. If a lender asks for an upfront payment, something scammy is going on.

• A lender offering a loan over the phone

All loans must be finalized in writing, and it’s illegal to make offers over the phone. If a lender tries to finalize the agreement over the phone, think twice before accepting.

• A lender that is not registered with a state regulator

Lenders are required to register their companies within the state where they operate. If a lender is unlicensed, there’s likely a good reason for it.

• A lender with no interest in your credit history

Legitimate lenders are always concerned about default risk. Thus, analyzing your credit history is the bare minimum when deciding whether or not to approve a loan. If a lender is eager to finalize the deal without a check, it’s most likely a scam.