Personal Loans for Bad Credit

Compare lenders that work with credit scores from 550. Check your rate without affecting your credit.

Why Borrowers With Bad Credit Choose Us

Scores From 550

Soft-pull prequalification for lower credit profiles.

Funding in 1-3 Days

Most approved loans fund in one to three business days.

Fixed Rates

Predictable monthly payments for the life of the loan.

No Hidden Fees

Upfront pricing on origination, APR, and total cost.

Rate Checks Start at 550

Lendmate Capital accepts applicants with scores as low as 550 and checks your rate with a soft pull -- no impact to your credit.

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Soft credit check. Won't affect your credit score.

What to Know

What Counts as Bad Credit?

FICO scores below 580 are considered poor, and scores between 580 and 669 are fair. Lenders set their own cutoffs, so a score that feels "bad" to one lender may qualify with another. What matters more than the label is the combination of your score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history. Many specialty lenders approve borrowers in the 550 to 650 range if the other factors are strong.

What to Expect on Rates and Terms

Rates for bad-credit personal loans typically range from 18% to 36% APR, with terms between two and five years. Loan amounts usually fall between $1,000 and $15,000 for lower credit profiles. Always compare APR rather than rate alone, since APR includes origination fees. Paying a loan off early is often penalty-free but confirm in writing before signing.

How to Improve Your Odds of Approval

Apply with stable employment, keep debt-to-income below 45%, and avoid multiple hard inquiries in a short window. Pre-qualifying with a soft check first lets you rule out lenders who would deny you before you formally apply. Adding a co-signer with stronger credit can unlock lower rates if your individual profile falls short.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a personal loan with a 550 credit score?
Yes. Several lenders specialize in credit scores in the 550 to 620 range. Your income, employment stability, and existing debt load will weigh more heavily than for borrowers with excellent credit, and you should expect higher rates. Prequalifying with a soft credit pull is the fastest way to see real options without affecting your score.
Will checking my rate hurt my credit score?
Pre-qualification uses a soft credit inquiry, which does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your score. Only a formal application triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily reduce your score by a few points.
How much can I borrow with bad credit?
Bad-credit personal loans typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, though some lenders go higher for borrowers with strong income. The amount you qualify for depends on your debt-to-income ratio, employment stability, and the lender's own guidelines.
How fast can I get funded?
Most online bad-credit lenders fund approved loans within one to three business days once documents are verified. Same-day funding is available from some lenders. Traditional banks and credit unions are generally slower.
Do bad-credit personal loans have prepayment penalties?
Most do not, but it varies by lender. Always review the loan agreement for prepayment terms before signing. Paying off a high-rate loan early can save a substantial amount of interest.
Should I use a co-signer?
A co-signer with stronger credit can help you qualify for lower rates and larger amounts, but they are legally responsible for the debt if you miss payments. Use a co-signer only if both parties fully understand the risk.