Personal loans for bad credit
How we picked
Borrowers with FICO scores below 600 have fewer options and higher APRs — but options exist. We ranked lenders that openly serve sub-600 borrowers, weighted on APR ceiling, fee transparency, and approval rates for thin or damaged credit files.
1
Upstart
Lowest APRs for fair credit
- Accepts 580 FICO
- AI weighs education + employment
- Fast funding
- Origination fee
- APR cap is steep
2
Upgrade
Joint borrower option
- Min 580 FICO
- Co-borrowers welcome
- Hardship plans
- Origination fee 1.85-9.99%
- Autopay required for best rate
3
OneMain Financial
Branch network for in-person
- No min credit score
- Secured options available
- 1,400+ branches
- High APRs even for good credit
- Origination fee in many states
4
Avant
Bank-funded online lender
- Min 580 FICO
- Next-day funding common
- Loans up to $35K
- Administration fee 4.75%
- Some states excluded
5
LendingPoint
Near-prime specialty
- Min 600 FICO
- Same/next-day funding
- Soft-pull pre-qualification
- Origination fee in some states
- Loan max $36,500
Bottom line
The right pick depends on your credit profile, timing, and how much you're borrowing. Run a soft-pull comparison through HawkLend to see which of these providers will actually approve you and at what rate — takes about two minutes, no impact to your credit.