Updated August 03, 2019
If you have a less-than-perfect credit and want to pay off credit card debt, fund home improvement projects, or pay for unexpected expenses, then finding a lender that will consider your credit might seem like an uphill battle.
Refinancing high-interest debt with a personal loan can quickly cut down the amount of interest you’re paying, which effectively allows you to pay it off in less time. You particularly want to avoid payday and title loan lenders at all costs.
Many personal loan companies approve people with scores as low as 600. The best way to shop for a loan is to pre-qualify with as many lenders as possible who perform a soft credit pull (which doesn’t harm your credit score). With our first recommendation, LendingTree, simply fill out an online form and obtain up to 5 lender quotes (including all of those on our list below) with one online form and no negative impact to your score.
Company
APR
Terms
Credit Req.
As low as 3.99%
24 to 60
months
Minimum 500 FICO®
on LendingTree’s secure website
LendingTree is our parent company
As of 17-May-19, LendingTree Personal Loan consumers were seeing match rates as low as 3.99% (3.99% APR) on a $10,000 loan amount for a term of three (3) years. Rates and APRs were based on a self-identified credit score of 700 or higher, zero down payment, origination fees of $0 to $100 (depending on loan amount and term selected).
3.99%-16.99%
24 to 144
months
Not specified
5.99%-28.99%
36 to 72
months
Not specified
Up to 29.99%
36 or 60
months
640
Best Egg loans are unsecured personal loans made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. "Best Egg" is a trademark of Marlette Funding, LLC. All uses of "Best Egg" on this site mean and shall refer to "the Best Egg personal loan" and/or "Best Egg on behalf of Cross River Bank, as originator of the Best Egg personal loan," as applicable. Loan amounts generally range from $2,000-$35,000. Offers up to $50,000 may be available for qualified customers who receive offer codes in the mail. The minimum individual annual income needed to qualify for a loan of $50,000 is $130,000. Borrowers may hold no more than two open Best Egg loans at any given time. In order to be eligible for a second Best Egg loan, your existing Best Egg loan must have been open for at least four months. Total existing Best Egg loan balances must not exceed $50,000. All loans in MA must exceed $6,000; in NM, OH must exceed $5,000; in GA must exceed $3,000. Borrowers should refer to their loan agreement for specific terms and conditions. Your verifiable income must support your ability to repay your loan. Upon loan funding, the timing of available funds may vary depending upon your bank's policies.
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you.
18.00%-35.99%
24 to 60
months
Not specified
Borrowers (other than present customers) in these states are subject to these maximum unsecured loan sizes: Florida: $8,000. Iowa: $8,500. Maine: $7,000. Mississippi: $7,500. North Carolina: $7,500. New York: $20,000. Texas: $8,000. West Virginia: $7,500. An unsecured loan is a loan which does not require you to provide collateral (such as a motor vehicle) to the lender.
6.95%-35.99%
36 or 60
months
640
Consider LendingTree
With LendingTree, you only need to fill out one short online form. A soft pull will be performed – so your credit score will not be harmed. LendingTree has a panel of dozens of lenders who will then compete for your business. You may be able to see how much you can borrow and the interest rate. This is a great place to start – especially for people with credit scores below 700.
APR
As low as 3.99%
Credit Req.
Minimum 500 FICO®
Minimum Credit Score
Terms
24 to 60
months
Origination Fee
Varies
on LendingTree’s secure website
LendingTree is our parent company
LendingTree is our parent company. LendingTree is unique in that you may be able to compare up to five personal loan offers within minutes. Everything is done online and you may be pre-qualified by lenders without impacting your credit score. LendingTree is not a lender.
A Personal Loan can offer funds relatively quickly once you qualify you could have your funds within a few days to a week. A loan can be fixed for a term and rate or variable with fluctuating amount due and rate assessed, be sure to speak with your loan officer about the actual term and rate you may qualify for based on your credit history and ability to repay the loan. A personal loan can assist in paying off high-interest rate balances with one fixed term payment, so it is important that you try to obtain a fixed term and rate if your goal is to reduce your debt. Some lenders may require that you have an account with them already and for a prescribed period of time in order to qualify for better rates on their personal loan products. Lenders may charge an origination fee generally around 1% of the amount sought. Be sure to ask about all fees, costs and terms associated with each loan product. Loan amounts of $1,000 up to $50,000 are available through participating lenders; however, your state, credit history, credit score, personal financial situation, and lender underwriting criteria can impact the amount, fees, terms and rates offered. Ask your loan officer for details.
As of 17-May-19, LendingTree Personal Loan consumers were seeing match rates as low as 3.99% (3.99% APR) on a $10,000 loan amount for a term of three (3) years. Rates and APRs were based on a self-identified credit score of 700 or higher, zero down payment, origination fees of $0 to $100 (depending on loan amount and term selected).
1. LightStream
LightStream offers personal loans for between $5,000 and $100,000. It requires a minimum credit score of 0 and offers APRs between 3.99% and 16.99%. That low 3.99% APY includes a 0.50% rate discount for signing up for automatic payments.
To check rates, you’ll need to submit to a hard credit check. Don’t let that scare you off from this lender, though. LightStream offers a Rate Beat Program, where it’ll outmatch any qualifying rate. And if you’re unhappy with your loan, you can earn $100 for completing a questionnaire that helps LightStream improve its services.
The Fine Print
LightStream doesn’t offer fees, but in order to qualify for a loan, you’ll need to have good credit. On its website, LightStream says it finds borrowers with good credit tend to have the following characteristics:
- Healthy credit history showing a variety of accounts, such as lines of credit (credit cards) and installment debt (auto loan, mortgage)
- Solid payment history
- Evidence that you know how to save and manage money, such as by having retirement savings and balancing revolving debt
- Good income and assets that show you can repay your outstanding debts and a loan offered to you by LightStream
You can use a LightStream personal loan for a variety of purposes, from buying a car to consolidating debt. However, LightStream personal loans can’t be used for college expenses or to refinance college loans.
Pros
- Low-interest rates
- No fees
- Loans for between $5,000 and $100,000
- You may receive same-day funding
- Will beat qualifying competitor rates
- Offers $100 Guarantee Program
Cons
- Requires a minimum 0 credit score
- Hard Pull to check rates
- You can’t change the payment due date
- Doesn’t offer preapproval
- Can’t refinance student loans
LightStream is a solid choice for borrowers with solid credit who want fast funding. LightStream’s Rate Beat Program means you can receive a competitive rate, while its $100 Guarantee Program shows that this lender cares about your satisfaction.
APR
3.99%
To
16.99%
Credit Req.
Not specified
Minimum Credit Score
Terms
24 to 144
months
Origination Fee
No origination fee
LightStream is the online lending division of SunTrust Bank.... Read More
*Your APR may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term, and your credit profile. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount, which is only available when you select AutoPay prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay may be higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 3.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $295.20.
2. LendingClub
LendingClub offers loans of up to $40,000, for individuals with a minimum credit score of 600. Its APR ranges from 6.95% to 35.89%. LendingClub also uses a soft credit pull to determine your rate, which will not affect your credit.
The Fine Print
In order to qualify for a LendingClub personal loan you must:
- Not have more than 5 hard credit inquiries in the last 5 months
- Have at least two active credit accounts open
- Have a credit history of at least 36 months
- Debt-to-income ratio of less than 40%
- Be able to verify employment and income
Once you have met the minimum criteria, LendingClub uses its own scoring system to determine what amount you can borrow as well as your rate.
You can borrow money for 36 or 60 months, but it does charge up-front (origination) fees ranging 1.00% - 6.00% depending on credit worthiness, which come out of the loan amount.
Pros
- Can see your rate with a soft credit pull
- Will consider applicants with credit scores as low as 600
- Offers very competitive interest rates for people with scores below 700
- The application process only take a few minutes
Cons
- Missed payments or items in collections will result in your application being rejected
- Loan processing could take a week or more
- APR can be as high as 35.89%
- It does charge origination fees (1.00% - 6.00%)
- Is not available in Iowa or West Virginia
LendingClub will approve people with credit scores as low as 600. If approved, the interest rates offered can be very competitive and the online application process is easy. This is good first stop for anyone with a score of 600 or higher to find the best deal.
APR
6.95%
To
35.89%
Credit Req.
600
Minimum Credit Score
Terms
36 or 60
months
Origination Fee
1.00% - 6.00%
on LendingTree’s secure website
LendingClub is a great tool for borrowers that can offer competitive interest rates and approvals for people with credit scores as low as 600.... Read More
3. Marcus by Goldman Sachs®
Marcus by Goldman Sachs® offers personal loans for up to $40,000 for debt consolidation and credit consolidation. With APRs ranging from 5.99% to 28.99% they offer one of the best personal loan options that is available from a traditional lender. While Goldman Sachs Bank USA has been around for over a century, Marcus is a completely online, streamlined experience that lets you complete your application and submit all of the needed documents from your computer.
The Fine Print
There are no specific credit requirements to qualify for a personal loan through Marcus by Goldman Sachs®, though, the company does target those with “prime” credit, which usually includes those with a FICO score higher than 660. While the credit requirements are lower than many other lenders, you will more than likely be rejected if you have missed payments recently or have any other negative marks on your credit report.
Applicants must be over 18 (19 in Alabama and Nebraska, 21 in Mississippi and Puerto Rico) and have a valid U.S. bank account. You are also required to have a Social Security or Individual Tax I.D. Number.
Terms currently range from 36 to 72 months and there is no origination fee. They also will only do a soft pull on your credit if you want to compare your loan options, which won’t affect your credit score. Additional perks of getting a personal loan through Marcus are no late fees (if you miss a payment, your loan will be extended and more interest will be added) and the ability to defer payments after you have made on time payments for a full year.
Pros
- No origination fee
- No late fees
- Ability to defer payments after a year of on time payments
- Wide range of repayment terms available between 36 to 72 months
- Can see rates with a soft pull
Cons
- Currently not available in Maryland
- Rates up to 28.99% APR
- No clear qualification information
- Late payments will accumulate more interest, resulting in a larger final payment.
Marcus is a great option if you have good credit and want to get a personal loan that has a lower rate. It is also a great option for those that want to work with a traditional lender.
APR
5.99%
To
28.99%
Credit Req.
Not specified
Minimum Credit Score
Terms
36 to 72
months
Origination Fee
No origination fee
Marcus by Goldman Sachs® offers personal loans for up to $40,000 for debt consolidation and credit consolidation. ... Read More
Your loan terms are not guaranteed and are subject to our verification of your identity and credit information. To obtain a loan, you must submit additional documentation including an application that may affect your credit score. Rates will vary based on many factors, such as your creditworthiness (for example, credit score and credit history) and the length of your loan (for example, rates for 36 month loans are generally lower than rates for 72 month loans).Your maximum loan amount may vary depending on your loan purpose, income and creditworthiness. Your verifiable income must support your ability to repay your loan. Marcus by Goldman Sachs is a brand of Goldman Sachs Bank USA and all loans are issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch. Applications are subject to additional terms and conditions. For New York residents, rates range from 5.99% to 24.99% APR.
4. BestEgg
Best Egg offers personal loans up to $35,000 for people with credit scores as low as 640. APRs range from 5.99% to 29.99%. You can check your rate without hurting your credit score, and BestEgg has an excellent application process (that can result in funding your loan very quickly).
The Fine Print
BestEgg does charge an origination fee, which can be between 0.99% - 5.99%. However, there is no prepayment penalty, and you can pay off your loan early without penalty.
Pros
- Can see your rate with a soft pull
- Will consider applicants with credit scores as low as 640
- Offers very competitive interest rates
- Fast application process and fast funding
Cons
- APR can be as high as 29.99%
- It does charge origination fees
BestEgg offers competitive rates and a quick online process to get your loan. It is an excellent option for people with less than perfect scores.
APR
Up to 29.99%
Credit Req.
640
Minimum Credit Score
Terms
36 or 60
months
Origination Fee
0.99% - 5.99%
People looking for a process that is fast and straightforward can’t go wrong when applying through Best Egg for a personal loan. ... Read More
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and ranges from 5.99%-29.99%, which may include an origination fee from 0.99% - 5.99% that is deducted from loan proceeds. Any origination fee on a loan term 4-years or longer will be at least 4.99%. The loan term and the APR offered will depend on your credit score, income, debt payment obligations, loan amount, credit usage history and other factors. Additionally, the APR offered is impacted by your loan term and may be higher than our lowest advertised rate. Requests for the highest loan amount may result in an APR higher than our lowest advertised rate. You need a minimum 700 FICO® score and a minimum individual annual income of $100,000 to qualify for our lowest rate.
Best Egg loans are unsecured personal loans made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. "Best Egg" is a trademark of Marlette Funding, LLC. All uses of "Best Egg" on this site mean and shall refer to "the Best Egg personal loan" and/or "Best Egg on behalf of Cross River Bank, as originator of the Best Egg personal loan," as applicable. Loan amounts generally range from $2,000-$35,000. Offers up to $50,000 may be available for qualified customers who receive offer codes in the mail. The minimum individual annual income needed to qualify for a loan of $50,000 is $130,000. Borrowers may hold no more than two open Best Egg loans at any given time. In order to be eligible for a second Best Egg loan, your existing Best Egg loan must have been open for at least four months. Total existing Best Egg loan balances must not exceed $50,000. All loans in MA must exceed $6,000; in NM, OH must exceed $5,000; in GA must exceed $3,000. Borrowers should refer to their loan agreement for specific terms and conditions. Your verifiable income must support your ability to repay your loan. Upon loan funding, the timing of available funds may vary depending upon your bank's policies.
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you.
5. Avant
Avant offers access to loans from $2,000 to $35,000. There is no prepayment fee. It is possible to get your loan as soon as the next business day. Although every case is unique, we have seen Avant accept people with credit scores as low as 580 be approved.
The Fine Print
APRs range from 9.95% to 35.99%. The Avant platform does charge an up-front origination fee of up to 4.75%, which is lower than most of the competition.
Checking your Loan Options through Avant only requires a soft pull to see your rate, which does not affect your credit score, and there are no prepayment fees.
A personal loan through Avant received an “A” from MagnifyMoney’s Transparency Score.
Pros
- Approved people with lower credit scores
- “A” Transparency Score
- Can see your Loan Options with a soft pull
- Fixed terms, fixed interest rate, no prepayment fees
Cons
- Interest rates as high as 35.99%
- Charges an origination fee
- Not available in Colorado, Iowa, West Virginia, and Vermont
Avant is a good option for people with less than perfect credit. You can check your Loan Options without hurting your score and it has an “A” transparency score.
APR
9.95%
To
35.99%
Credit Req.
Varies
Minimum Credit Score
Terms
24 to 60
months
Origination Fee
Up to 4.75%
on LendingTree’s secure website
Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC. *If approved, the actual loan terms that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination, state law, and other factors. Minimum loan amounts vary by state. **Example: A $5,700 loan with an administration fee of 4.75% and an amount financed of $5,429.25, repayable in 36 monthly installments, would have an APR of 29.95% and monthly payments of $230.33.
Avant is an online lender that offers personal loans ranging from $2,000 to $35,000. ... Read More
6. OneMain
OneMain Financial offers loans up to $20,000 for individuals with credit scores starting at 600. It offers terms of up to 60 months and APR ranges from 18.00% to 35.99%.
The Fine Print
In order to be accepted for a OneMain Loan, you must live near a OneMain branch, as a face-to-face meeting is required to finalize the loan. OneMain personal loans are not available in Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington D.C.
In order to qualify you must have:
- Verifiable, steady income
- No bankruptcy filings, ever
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have at least some established credit history
- Credit score of at least 600
If, at any time during the application process, OneMain becomes aware that you intend to use the personal loan for gambling, your loan application will be cancelled. OneMain personal loans cannot be used for business expenses or tuition.
Pros
- Credit score as low as 600
- Fixed Rates
- No Prepayment penalty
- Fixed terms
Convenient location, at OneMain branches
Cons
- APR ranges from 18.00% to 35.99%
- Loans cannot be used for business expenses or tuition
- See potential rate with a soft pull
- Personal loans only available up to $20,000
- Loans not available in Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington D.C.
- You must visit a OneMain branch to complete the loan.
The OneMain personal loan caters to people with low credit scores, or who would prefer to complete the personal loan application process at a branch, rather than online.
APR
18.00%
To
35.99%
Credit Req.
Not specified
Minimum Credit Score
Terms
24 to 60
months
Origination Fee
Not specified
If you have a credit score below 600, OneMain Financial is one of the few lenders that you can use to get a personal loan.... Read More
Not all applicants will qualify for larger loan amounts or most favorable loan terms. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral). Larger loan amounts require a first lien on a motor vehicle no more than ten years old, that meets our value requirements, titled in your name with valid insurance. Maximum annual percentage rate (APR) is 35.99%, subject to state restrictions. APRs are generally higher on loans not secured by a vehicle. The lowest APR shown represents the 10% of loans with the most favorable APR. Active duty military, their spouse or dependents covered under the Military Lending Act may not pledge any vehicle as collateral for a loan. OneMain loan proceeds cannot be used for postsecondary educational expenses as defined by the CFPB’s Regulation Z, such as college, university or vocational expenses; for any business or commercial purpose; to purchase securities; or for gambling or illegal purposes. Borrowers in these states are subject to these minimum loan sizes: Alabama: $2,100. California: $3,000. Georgia: Unless you are a present customer, $3,100 minimum loan amount. Ohio: $2,000. Virginia: $2,600.
Borrowers (other than present customers) in these states are subject to these maximum unsecured loan sizes: Florida: $8,000. Iowa: $8,500. Maine: $7,000. Mississippi: $7,500. North Carolina: $7,500. New York: $20,000. Texas: $8,000. West Virginia: $7,500. An unsecured loan is a loan which does not require you to provide collateral (such as a motor vehicle) to the lender.
7. Freedomplus
FreedomPlus offers loans ranging from $7,500 to $40,000 that can be used for everything from debt consolidation, to unexpected expenses. APR ranges from 5.99% to 29.99%.
Its biggest selling point is the same-day approval and availability of funds within 48 hours, a lifesaver in some circumstances.
The Fine Print
In order to qualify for a Freedomplus loan, you must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a legal US resident
- Have a valid ID
- Minimum credit score of 0
- At least $25,000 in verifiable income
- No bankruptcies in the last two years
Freedomplus charges origination fees ranging from 0.00% - 5.00%, which is deducted from the loan amount before you receive the funds. There are no prepayment penalties.
The Freedomplus personal loan scores a “B” Transparency score because its fee structure and much of the fine print is unclear or not covered by the final contract.
You can prequalify with a soft pull, which does not affect your credit score. However, Freedomplus requires a phone screening with each applicant before the loan is approved.
Pros
- Will approve credit scores as low as 0
- The phone screening may improve your chances of being approved for the loan
- Same-day approval and funds within 48 hours
- No prepayment penalty
- Can prequalify with a soft pull
Cons
- APR ranges from 5.99% to 29.99%
- The fee structure is not readily available for review
- Origination fee of 0.00% - 5.00% applies
The Freedomplus personal loan is a good option for you if you have less than perfect credit, and need access to funds quickly, without visiting a physical branch.
APR
5.99%
To
29.99%
Credit Req.
Varies
Minimum Credit Score
Terms
24 to 60
months
Origination Fee
0.00% - 5.00%
on LendingTree’s secure website
With a personalized application process that includes a phone interview, FreedomPlus gives people with below average credit a shot at getting approved for a personal loan.... Read More
8. Prosper
The Prosper personal loan process is a little different than a traditional lender. It is not a bank, but rather a peer-to-peer lender. Once you have applied, and checked loan terms and rates, you create a loan “listing” that then appears on in the Prosper marketplace.
From these listings, peers (investors) choose which loans they would like to finance. When your loan listing is financed, the money is transferred to your bank account.
Prosper offers loans from $2,000 to $40,000, and APR ranges from 6.95% to 35.99%. It offers loans terms of either 36 or 60 months. Your APR is determined during the application process, and is based on a credit rating score created by Prosper. Your score is then shown with your loan listing to give potential lenders an idea of your creditworthiness.
The Fine Print
Your loan listing will remain active for 14 days. After 14 days, your loan must be at least 70% funded to receive the funds. If you are not 70% funded within 14 days, you must reapply to have your loan re-listed.
Origination fees range from 2.41% - 5.00% and are based on your Prosper score. In order to qualify, you must:
- Have a bank account
- Have a social security number
- No more than 7 inquiries on your credit in the last six months
- A verifiable, steady income
- A credit-to-debt ratio of less than 50%
- At least three open accounts, such as checking, savings, and credit card.
- No bankruptcies in the last year
A returned payment may result in a $15 fee, and late payments past 15 days are charged a 5% fee, with a minimum of $15.
Prosper’s overall fine print is very clear is its fees are quite minimal, so it scores it an “A” Transparency Score. Also, you can check your Prosper rate with a soft credit pull, which will not affect your credit score.
Pros
- Minimum credit score of 640
- Can see your rate with a soft pull
- No prepayment penalties
- Paying off a Prosper loan can reduce your APR on future Prosper loans
Cons
- Only 14 days to secure financing from peer lenders
- Origination fee of 2.41% - 5.00% applies
- APR varies from 6.95%– 35.99%
Prosper is a flexible alternative with a low-end APR that beats a credit card.
APR
6.95%
To
35.99%
Credit Req.
640
Minimum Credit Score
Terms
36 or 60
months
Origination Fee
2.41% - 5.00%
Prosper is a peer-to-peer lending platform that offers a quick and convenient way to get personal loans with fixed and low interest rates. ... Read More
For example, a three-year $10,000 loan with a Prosper Rating of AA would have an interest rate of 5.31% and a 2.41% origination fee for an annual percentage rate (APR) of 6.95% APR. You would receive $9,759 and make 36 scheduled monthly payments of $301.10. A five-year $10,000 loan with a Prosper Rating of A would have an interest rate of 8.39% and a 5.00% origination fee with a 10.59% APR. You would receive $9,500 and make 60 scheduled monthly payments of $204.64. Origination fees vary between 2.41%-5%. APRs through Prosper range from 6.95% (AA) to 35.99% (HR) for first-time borrowers, with the lowest rates for the most creditworthy borrowers. Eligibility for loans up to $40,000 depends on the information provided by the applicant in the application form. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and requires that a sufficient number of investors commit funds to your account and that you meet credit and other conditions. Refer to Borrower Registration Agreement for details and all terms and conditions. All loans made by WebBank, member FDIC.
Shop Around to Find the Best Deal
If you have made past credit mistakes, or have very little credit, there are personal loans out there for you. Many of these lenders offer rates much lower than what you would be paying on a credit card, shaving month and hundred or thousands of dollars off of your debt.
Don’t give up on a personal loan just because of your credit – there are options out there for you. It never hurts to shop around and look for the best rates available, especially if the lender does a soft credit pull to show you your options.
Personal Loans AD
LendingTree
Disclaimer
Advertiser Disclosure
As low as 3.99% APR
VIEW OFFERS
SoFi
Advertiser Disclosure
5.99% To 17.67% APR
SEE OFFERS
Marcus by Goldman Sachs®
Advertiser Disclosure
5.99% To 28.99% APR
SEE OFFERS
LightStream
Advertiser Disclosure
3.99% To 16.99% APR
SEE OFFERS
