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Best personal loans for fair credit in April 2025

Updated Mar 11, 2025

What to know first: The best personal loans for fair credit — typically a FICO score between 580 and 669 — usually come at competitive rates and terms. Although fair credit rates are higher than what you’d pay with good or excellent credit, they can be a stepping stone to help you achieve a better score down the road.

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Upgrade: BEST FOR SMALL AMOUNTS

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 BORROWERS WITH BAD CREDIT

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

PERSONAL LOANS

Happy Money: BEST FOR CREDIT CARD CONSOLIDATION

4.2
Est. APR
8.95- 17.48%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$40K
Min credit score
640

LendingClub: BEST DEBT CONSOLIDATION

4.7
Est. APR
7.90- 35.99%
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-$40K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Upstart: BEST FOR BUILDING CREDIT

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 UNIQUE 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 for variety of secured loan options

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

Lending Point: Best for low minimum rate with a wide variety of terms

4.4
Est. APR
7.99- 35.99%
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-$37K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Prosper: Bankrate 2024 Awards Winner for Best Fair Credit Loan

4.5
Est. APR
8.99- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k-$50K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Achieve: BEST FOR MULTIPLE DISCOUNTS

4.5
Est. APR
8.99- 29.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$50K
Min credit score
620
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A closer look at our top fair credit loan lenders

The following looks are a more in-depth view into each lender's history, details and benefits. Using this information will make it easier to identify how each lender compares to the rest in the fair-credit space and the industry on the whole.

We also elaborate on why each lender was awarded its superlative, who will best benefit from the loan and, if available, how the average Bankrate user is using their balance.

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Upstart's software-driven approval process looks at more than just a person's credit profile. This can make qualifying for a loan easier for those with a short credit history or imperfect credit.

Est. APR
6.70%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
300
Est. APR
6.70%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Low minimum APR
  • No credit score requirement
  • Quick funding
Cons
  • High origination fee
  • No joint applications allowed
  • Limited terms
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Upstart loan. Upstart is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Formerly known as FreedomPlus, Achieve was established in 2002 and offers accessible starting rates and a range of loan amounts. The lender is one of the few in our best fair credit lineup that allows joint applications — and even offers a rate discount for adding a qualified co-borrower.

Est. APR
8.99%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$50k
Min credit score
620
Est. APR
8.99%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$50k
Min credit score
620
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Allows co-signers
  • Fast funding
  • Personal loan consultant
Cons
  • Not available in every state
  • Minimum credit score of 620 required
  • Origination fee
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Achieve loan. Achieve is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Initially launched as one of the first applications on Facebook in 2007, LendingClub started as a peer-to-peer lender and continued to operate as one until 2020. It has since evolved into a personal loan marketplace and bank. 

Est. APR
7.90%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$40k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
7.90%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$40k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Joint application available
  • Flexible payment date
  • Direct debt consolidation disbursement
Cons
  • High maximum APR
  • Potentially high origination fee
  • Limited term options
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an LendingClub loan. LendingClub is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Overview: Since Happy Money opened its virtual doors in 2009, it has funded over $6 billion in personal loans for borrowers looking to consolidate high-interest credit card debt. The lender offers direct payment to creditors, which streamlines the debt consolidation process. Plus, it doesn’t charge late fees or prepayment penalties.

Est. APR
8.95%–17.48%
Loan amount
$5k–$40k
Min credit score
640
Est. APR
8.95%–17.48%
Loan amount
$5k–$40k
Min credit score
640
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Loan management tools on member portal and app
  • Low minimum credit score
Cons
  • Funding may take longer than other lenders
  • Origination fee
  • Can only be used for credit card debt consolidation
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Happy Money loan. Happy Money is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3

Overview: OneMain Financial is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, and has been in business for over 100 years. It offers access to credit for borrowers with fair and bad credit, and services 44 states. 

Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k–$20k
Min credit score
Not specified
Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k–$20k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Prequalification offered
  • Secured options available
  • About 1,400 branches nationwide
Cons
  • Fees vary by state
  • High minimum APR
  • Minimum amounts vary greatly by state
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an OneMain loan. OneMain is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: As one of the youngest fair credit lenders on our list, Upgrade was founded in 2016. In this short time, however, it has gained a trustworthy reputation, known for its discounts and multiple loan options. Unlike most of the lenders on the market, it provides multiple ways to save money, whether it be through one of its three discounts, joint application or secured loan options. 

Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
580
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
580
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Low loan amount minimum
  • Direct payments to creditors for debt consolidation loans
  • Co-borrowers allowed
Cons
  • Origination fee
  • Website doesn’t disclose qualifying requirements
  • High maximum APR
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Upgrade loan. Upgrade is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Best Egg has funded over 1.1 million loans since its inception in 2014, earning a reputation as a trusted personal loan lender. Its loan amounts range from $2,000 to $50,000 — ideal for a variety of home improvement projects, from emergency repairs to full remodels.

Est. APR
6.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
6.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Low minimum rates
  • Unique secured loan choices
  • Low minimum credit score
Cons
  • Lower maximum loan amount
  • Origination fee
  • Few repayment options than competitors
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Best Egg loan. Best Egg is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: A pioneer in peer-to-peer lending, Prosper has helped over 1.4 million borrowers since its inception. As the only peer-to-peer company on our best list, its unique lending model could result in lower rates and improved eligibility odds.

Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Joint applications allowed
  • Option to change your payment date
Cons
  • No co-signers allowed
  • Origination fee
  • Late fee
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Prosper loan. Prosper is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Based in Chicago, Illinois, Avant is a highly regarded online lending platform. Its personal loans offer a wide range of repayment terms and a competitive starting rate. However, its best feature is the low credit minimum of 550 — which is the second lowest requirement out of our entire fleet of best personal loan lenders.  

Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$35k
Min credit score
550
Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$35k
Min credit score
550
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Short loan terms
  • Low minimum credit score
  • Household members' income eligible
Cons
  • High minimum APR
  • No co-signers or co-borrowers
  • Administrative fee
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Avant loan. Avant is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: LendingPoint is an Atlanta-based online lender known for its flexible eligibility requirements. Its stated mission is to give fair credit borrowers access to credit and loan products by using AI and data models.

Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$37k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$37k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Repayment terms up to six years
  • Available in most states
  • Loan amounts as small as $1,000
Cons
  • High origination fee for some
  • Low maximum loan amount
  • No joint applications
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Lending Point loan. Lending Point is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

How to compare the best personal loans for fair credit

To find the best lender for you, keep an eye on the following factors:

APR

The annual percentage rate (APR) on your loan includes your interest rate and any required fees you pay. While you may be able to get a competitive APR with a fair credit score, the lowest rates are reserved for borrowers with excellent credit and high incomes.

Repayment terms

Find a lender that makes repaying your loan easy. This includes offering a long enough term that you can manage your monthly payments as well as providing flexible ways of paying — such as by check, online or with autopay — and letting you choose your payment due date. 

Loan amounts

Choose a lender that will offer you a large enough loan. Remember, origination fees are typically paid out of the amount you borrow, reducing the funds you actually receive. So, if you need to borrow $3,000 and your origination fee is six percent, you'll actually need to borrow $3,180.

Discounts

Some lenders offer discounts for signing up for automatic payments or having another account with them, among other things. Consider any additional perks like unemployment protection, flexible payment dates and late payment grace periods.

Other factors

A few smaller details may also influence your choice of lender, including:

  • Funding timeline: While some lenders offer same-day funding, others may take over a week to issue your funds.
  • Cosigners vs. co-borrowers: Adding a cosigner or co-borrower to your loan could help you get approved at a better rate, but not all lenders allow this. Some lenders have separate requirements for cosigners and co-borrowers.
  • Customer service: Look for a lender with responsive customer support and positive customer reviews.

What is a fair credit score?

In general, a fair credit score is a FICO score between 580 and 669 or a VantageScore between 650 and 699. Having a fair credit score means that your score is neither poor nor good, it’s average. You may still qualify for a loan, but only with select lenders. If you do qualify, you might not get the lowest interest rate available.

Lenders that offer personal loans for fair credit may charge more or higher fees than lenders that target borrowers with good or excellent credit. Most fair credit loans are unsecured, meaning approval is based on your credit score and how stable your income is.

You may get a better fair credit loan rate if you choose a loan secured by a car or home. However, you run the risk of losing your asset if you default on a secured loan. 

FICO credit score ranges

CATEGORY CREDIT SCORE RANGE PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE IN THIS CATEGORY
Exceptional 800-850 21%
Very Good 740-799 25%
Good 670-739 21%
Fair 580-669 17%
Poor 300-579 16%

Bankrate staff insights

"If you graduated from a poor to fair credit score, congratulations! You may be eligible for APRs 10 percent lower than a bad credit personal loan. To keep the momentum going, pay all your bills on time, all the time. This may seem obvious, but one overlooked payment could sink your scores by 100 points overnight. Consider paying off small credit card balances a few months before you apply for a fair credit loan. You could boost your score to the higher end of the fair credit range which could land you a lower fair credit rate. Also, don’t switch jobs. Personal loans are approved based on your paycheck's consistency and credit score. While fair credit is a step up from poor credit, lenders still need to see that you receive a regular paycheck to cover the new payment."

Denny Ceizyk Denny Ceizyk, Bankrate Senior Loans Writer

How to qualify for a personal loan with fair credit

Qualifying for a fair credit loan takes time and research. There are three considerations to keep in mind when trying to apply.

  1. Check your credit: Review your credit report and dispute any inaccuracies at least 30 days before applying for your personal loan. If you are on the verge of a good credit score, this might be the boost you need to get a lower rate. If not, applying with a cosigner or co-borrower can help your chances of approval if you have fair credit.
  2. Compare lenders: Each lender uses its own formula to decide which borrowers qualify for loans. An undesirable offer from one lender doesn't mean another lender might not make a better offer, so compare rates between three or more lenders to find the best offer.
  3. Apply for prequalification: While you are comparing lenders, consider prequalifying for a personal loan. This allows you to see what terms a lender is willing to offer you without affecting your credit score. The process is free, and many lenders offer results within minutes of submitting your information.
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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Should you take out a loan with fair credit?


Contributor, Insurance, Loans

Be careful when borrowing a loan if you have fair credit. Borrowers with fair credit often struggle to make on-time loan payments. You may also have to pay a much higher interest rate and higher fees, increasing the amount you must pay each month. You may have more challenges qualifying for a loan. You might have to provide some collateral, such as a secured loan, and risk losing the collateral if you don’t repay the loan. It is better to work on improving your credit by paying down debt and making on-time loan payments for a few years before applying for a loan. The main benefit of a fair credit loan is it can help you improve your credit score if you make on-time payments on the loan and don’t miss any payments.

Senior writer, Loans

It makes sense to get a fair credit loan if it’s part of an overall plan to improve your financial safety net. For example, a borrower may have needed a bad credit personal loan to pay off a bunch of maxed-out high-interest credit cards that were dragging their credit scores down. If that borrower’s scores improve into the fair credit range, replacing the bad credit loan with a lower-rate fair credit loan may save on their monthly payment. The savings could be applied to the new loan to pay it off faster or to beef up an emergency fund.

Pros and cons of personal loans for fair credit borrowers

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Fair credit loans provide an opportunity for credit growth with consistent on-time payments.
  • Depending on the lender, fair credit loans can be used for just about any purpose.
  • A set payoff date gives you an anticipated date for debt freedom if you are currently in a cycle of revolving debt.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • You're more likely to be offered a higher interest rate if you have fair credit.
  • Fair credit loans often come with steeper origination fees.
  • It's often more difficult to get approved for a personal loan with a lower credit score.

How to improve your credit score

Raising your credit score will give you the best chance of qualifying for a personal loan with lower rates. Ways to improve your credit score include:

  • Pay off existing debt: Your credit utilization ratio makes up 30 percent of your FICO score. Lowering your total debt shows more responsible use of credit.
  • Make payments on time: Payment history makes up 35 percent of your credit score, so making late payments or missing payments altogether will tank your score.
  • Keep old accounts open and don't open new ones: Keeping old, unused accounts open raises the average age of your accounts, which makes up 15 percent of your credit score. Don’t open new credit accounts before applying for a loan, as that will lower the average age of your account.

Alternative loan options for fair credit

Personal loans aren't the only ways to get cash. You may be able to get the funds you need with one of these alternatives for fair-credit borrowers:

  • Peer-to-peer loans: Unlike a traditional personal loan, peer-to-peer lending connects borrowers to investors. Eligibility requirements are often less strict due to lowered risk.
  • Federal credit union: While you usually have to join a credit union before taking out a personal loan, federal credit unions tend to be more forgiving to those with fair credit. 
  • Balance transfer credit card: If you’re looking to pay off credit card debt, consider getting a credit card with a 0 percent APR introductory offer. That way, you can move your balance over and keep interest from adding up. Keep in mind that you might not qualify for the full balance to be moved over.
  • Home equity loan or line of credit: If you have more than 20 percent equity in your home or property, you may be able to use that as collateral and take out a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Remember, your home is used to secure the loan, so if you miss payments, the house could be subject to foreclosure.

FAQs about personal loans for fair credit

How we choose our best fair 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 categories: