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Best bad credit personal loan rates for March 2025

Mar 05, 2025

What to know first: The best bad credit personal loans give borrowers with scores below 580 a chance to get fixed-rate financing with a set payoff date. According to a data study conducted by Bankrate, bad credit loans currently have an annual percentage rate (APR) of 28.50 percent to 32 percent. Unfortunately, a low credit score will keep you from getting the lowest APR and potentially limit your loan amount and repayment term. 
 
Bankrate’s team of experts vetted the top bad credit lenders based on whether they offer competitive rates and terms for borrowers with bad or thin credit, have a simple application process and how quickly they fund loans, among other factors. That said, check your lender's bad credit requirements. Some will only accept borrowers with scores over 600 or have rates above 36 percent.

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Upgrade: Best for a wide range of repayment terms

4.6
Est. APR
7.99- 35.99%
with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $50K
Min credit score
580

PERSONAL LOANS

Avant: Best for lower credit scores

4.5
Est. APR
9.95- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k- $35K
Min credit score
550

PERSONAL LOANS

Upstart: Best for limited credit history

4.7
Est. APR
6.70- 35.99%
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $50K
Min credit score
300

PERSONAL LOANS

BEST EGG: BEST FOR SECURED LOAN OPTIONS

4.6
Est. APR
6.99- 35.99%
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k- $50K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

ONEMAIN FINANCIAL: BEST FAST-FUNDING BAD CREDIT LENDER

4.3
Est. APR
18.00- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1.5k- $20K
Min credit score
Not disclosed

PERSONAL LOANS

LendingPoint: Best for low minimum rate with many repayment terms

4.4
Est. APR
7.99- 35.99%
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $36.5K
Min credit score
600
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A closer look at our top bad credit loan lenders

In this section, Bankrate’s personal finance experts take a deep dive into lender details to help you decide which option is best for your credit situation. We explain why each pick stands out against other bad credit lenders and how it compares to industry averages.

Upstart: Best for limited credit history

Upstart
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Upstart is Bankrate's pick for overall best bad credit loan for a number of reasons. From its tight funding timeline to its exceptionally low minimum requirements, the lender stands out for credit-challenged borrowing across the board. One major reason it tops the best list is that Upstart doesn’t just look at your credit score. It factors in job history and educational background, which makes it possible for people with bad or no credit history to get approved.

Est. APR
6.70%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k– $50k
Min credit score
300

OneMain Financial: Best fast funding bad credit loans

OneMain
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3

Overview: OneMain Financial offers same-day funding to qualified borrowers — even as soon as one hour after closing. But double-digit minimum APRs make it one of the more expensive bad credit lenders.

Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k– $20k
Min credit score
Not specified

Upgrade: Best for quick small loans 

Upgrade
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Upgrade is headquartered in San Francisco and has helped millions of customers access credit. It has a minimum score requirement of 600, and it's one of the two lenders out of all our featured best bad credit loans that offers loans as small as $1,000.

Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k– $50k
Min credit score
580

Best Egg: Best for secured loans

Best Egg
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Since its inception in 2014, Best Egg has funded over 1.1 million loans. Its loans have similar rates, amounts and terms as other bad credit lenders, but it offers personal loans that can be secured by your car or home fixtures.

Est. APR
6.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k– $50k
Min credit score
600

Avant: Best for lower credit scores

Avant
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Headquartered in Chicago, Avant has offered solutions to potential borrowers with less-than-perfect credit for over 10 years. Against the wider lending landscape, Avant offers shorter terms and requires a lower minimum credit score than average. 

Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k– $35k
Min credit score
550

LendingPoint: Best for low minimum rate with many repayment terms

Lending Point
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Georgia-based LendingPoint is a fintech company that uses AI to qualify more consumers than more traditional models. Its loans have a fairly limited amount range, but its low minimum APR and additional loan terms set it apart.

Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k– $37k
Min credit score
600

Calculate your bad credit loan payment

Calculating your estimated monthly payment will help you compare bad credit loans and determine which best fits your budget. On average, lenders offer rates between 28.50 percent and 32 percent to borrowers with bad credit. If you haven't prequalified with a lender yet, use these rates as a starting point to get an idea of what your monthly payment might be.

How to compare loans for bad credit

Compare lenders to find the best bad credit loan for your financial goals. Bankrate has gathered information about some of the top lenders on the market to simplify this process, but as you do your own research, consider the following:

  • Interest and fees: The APR on a loan is the cost of one year's interest plus all the fees associated with your loan. While not every lender charges an origination fee, many bad credit lenders do, and this will be reflected in your APR.
  • Repayment term: Personal loans have a typical term between two and seven years. Choose a lender that offers long enough terms that you can make your monthly payments consistently and comfortably.
  • Loan amount: Make sure your lender offers loan amounts large enough for your financial plans. Keep in mind that origination fees are paid from the money you borrow, reducing the amount you receive. If you need to borrow $5,000 and your origination fee is seven percent, you'll actually need to borrow $5,350.
  • Potential discounts: Some lenders offer discounts for setting up autopay or paying through a specific bank account. Ask about other benefits such as unemployment protection, grace periods and flexible due dates.
  • Other factors: You may also want to consider additional details, including the lender's funding timeline, whether it accepts a cosigner or co-borrower and its customer reviews.

How the Federal Reserve impacts bad credit loan rates

The Federal Reserve sets the rate at which banks lend to each other, which then affects your APR on a personal loan. In 2024, the Federal Reserve cut rates by a percentage point across three meetings, but chose to hold rates steady at its most recent January meeting

In the November meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell was careful not to give any “forward guidance” on the future of rates. That said, experts have predicted two quarter-point rate cuts in 2025. Its upcoming March meeting could shed more light on when those rate cuts are likely to happen.

Even if rates are cut in the upcoming months, they will still be higher for borrowers with bad credit. Even still, a personal loan tends to have more competitive rates than credit cards. So if credit card debt is hurting your credit score, it may be worth considering a personal loan to consolidate debt while rates are on the decline.

What is a bad credit personal loan?

Many personal loan lenders require good to excellent credit, but a bad credit personal loan is meant for borrowers who have a credit score of 600 or lower. However, minimum credit requirements vary by lender, with some considering anything under 620 to be bad credit.

A bad credit personal loan can be a useful tool for managing debt. 48 percent of credit cardholders carry debt from month to month, according to Bankrate’s Credit Card Debt Survey. Debt consolidation loans are a popular payoff method for those who want one monthly payment, less overall interest and a set number of payments to debt payoff.

Similarly, emergency loans for bad credit are useful for funding urgent bills, such as car repairs or medical procedures, without depleting your savings account. And while Bankrate’s Emergency Savings Report found that 25 percent of people would finance an unexpected $1,000 emergency expense with a credit card and pay it off over time, personal loans for emergencies have lower average rates without the risk of overspending.

Average personal loan rates by credit score

Bankrate’s Market Analysis team reports on industry rates with the weekly Bankrate Monitor survey. However, the average personal loan interest rate of 12.37 percent is based on a credit profile with a 700 FICO score. As a bad-credit borrower, your rates are likely to be above the national average, but it varies based on factors like your credit score and financial situation. 

Credit rating Credit score Average loan interest rate
Bad 300–629 28.50%-32.00%
Fair 630–689 17.80%-19.90%
Good 690–719 13.50%-15.50%
Excellent 720–850 10.73%-12.50%

Types of bad credit loans

Personal loans aren't the only type of bad credit loans available. Each serves a different purpose and caters to a specific financial need.

Pros and cons of bad credit personal loans 

Personal loans for borrowers with bad credit can provide access to quick cash in an emergency. They can also provide relief from high-interest credit card debt. However, there are disadvantages to consider before making a decision. Fully weigh the pros and cons of bad credit loans before taking one out.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Save hundreds of dollars in interest compared to credit cards.
  • Pay off revolving debt like credit cards and boost your credit score.
  • Get funds within one business day.
  • Avoid putting your car or home at risk.
  • Qualify more easily than with home equity loans.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Incur origination fees up to 12 percent of the loan amount.
  • Receive funds all at once instead of reusing credit.
  • May not qualify if you don’t have a steady income.
  • Pay higher interest rates and costs than home equity loans.
  • Receive shorter terms than home equity loans or cash-out refinances.
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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Ask the experts: If I get a bad credit personal loan, can I refinance it later?


Nationally recognized student financial aid expert

"You may be able to refinance a bad credit personal loan, depending on your specific circumstances. You might qualify for a new loan at a lower interest rate if your credit score has improved or prevailing interest rates have decreased. If your income has increased or you’ve paid down other debt, your debt-to-income ratio may have decreased, making you more attractive to potential lenders. Adding a cosigner with very good or excellent credit can help you qualify for a lower interest rate. Lender criteria may vary, so it pays to shop around."

Senior writer, Loans

"It may be worth it to refinance a bad credit personal loan if your scores have improved enough to get a much lower rate. First, determine if your lender charges a penalty for paying the loan off early. If they do, a refinance may not make financial sense because the prepayment penalty costs will eat into your refinance savings. Second, if the lender charges fees for your refinance, calculate your refinance breakeven point. For example, if a refinance will save you $50 per month but costs you $1,000, it will take you 20 months to recoup the refinance costs. Refinancing makes sense if you plan to keep the loan for more than 20 months. Finally, avoid extending your term if possible. An example of this would be if you have three years left on a five-year personal loan term, try to refinance to a new loan with a three-year term, so you don’t start the five-year payoff clock again."

How to get a personal loan with bad credit

While you can get a personal loan with bad credit, it pays to improve your credit score first in order to secure a lower average interest rate. If you are facing an emergency or unexpected expense, however, these steps may help you find the best bad credit personal loan for your financial situation.

  1. Check your credit. Before applying , get familiar with your credit report and your overall financial health. Dispute any errors at least 30 days before applying for a loan. A stable income and a low debt-to-income ratio may help you qualify for better rates on a bad credit loan.
  2. Compare lenders. To find the right loan, compare rates between three or more lenders. Bankrate experts have reviewed a wide selection of lenders that all accept borrowers with scores of 600 or lower. Use a personal loan calculator to determine if a new debt payment will fit into your monthly budget.
  3. Get prequalified. Prequalifying through Bankrate involves answering some basic information about yourself, including your full name, address and income. The process is free and there is no impact to your credit. Based on your information, you may be matched with one or more offers that you can customize to meet your needs.

Where to get a personal loan with bad credit

Bad credit loans are offered by credit unions, community banks and online lenders. To make sure you're getting the most competitive offer, prequalify with at least three lenders before submitting a full application.

  • Online lenders: You’ll generally find the most competitive terms for low or bad credit with online lenders. They may work with investors that are more willing than banks to take bigger risks on borrowers with low credit scores.
  • Banks: If you’ve been a customer at your bank for several years, consider looking into its personal loan options. Some banks may participate in no-credit-check small loan programs, although the guidelines and requirements vary depending on where you live.
  • Credit unions: Check the member benefits to see if your local credit union offers bad credit loans. Many also offer payday alternative loans, so check with your local representative before you apply for a personal loan with high interest rates.

Alternatives to bad credit loans

Bad credit loans carry a reputation for high interest rates that can lead to long-term financial damage. It may also be more difficult to qualify for them — nearly half (48%) of Americans who’ve applied for a loan or financial product over the past 12 months have been rejected on at least one application, according to the Bankrate’s 2025 Credit Denials Survey. Before committing to a loan you're not positive you can qualify for or manage, consider the alternatives.

FAQs about bad credit loans

How we chose our best bad credit loan lenders

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

45

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

900

data points collected

To select the best personal loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 40 lenders. Each lender was ranked using a meticulous 20-point system, focusing on four main categories: