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Link to original content: https://www.investopedia.com/best-personal-loans-for-fair-credit-4798008
Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit for 2024

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Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit for 2024

Find the Best Lender For You

  • Enter your estimated credit score, desired loan amount, and state to get instant results
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Credit Score
Loan Amount

State

What to Know First

U.S. Bank offers the best personal loan options for borrowers with fair credit because of its affordability, lack of origination fees, low annual percentage rate (APR) range, and loan amounts that range up to $50,000. We researched 70 personal loan lenders and evaluated them on 31 factors, including cost, loan terms, borrower requirements, and additional features. 

Today's Top Picks
Why Trust Us
59
Lenders reviewed
45
Loan features considered
2,655
Data points analyzed
284
Primary data sources used
Investopedia collected data from dozens of lenders to evaluate the factors most important for borrowers. We used this data to rank each lender based on APRs and fees, loan amounts, repayment terms, customer experience, and more to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews and help you make the right borrowing decision for your needs.

What to Know First

U.S. Bank offers the best personal loan options for borrowers with fair credit because of its affordability, lack of origination fees, low annual percentage rate (APR) range, and loan amounts that range up to $50,000. We researched 70 personal loan lenders and evaluated them on 31 factors, including cost, loan terms, borrower requirements, and additional features. 

Today's Top Picks

Why Trust Us

59
Lenders reviewed
45
Loan features considered
2,655
Data points analyzed
284
Primary data sources used
Investopedia collected data from dozens of lenders to evaluate the factors most important for borrowers. We used this data to rank each lender based on APRs and fees, loan amounts, repayment terms, customer experience, and more to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews and help you make the right borrowing decision for your needs.
If youre not seeing anything in the results that are a good fit for your needs, consider warranties from these companies:
Company APR Credit Score est. Loan Amount More Details
Best Overall
U.S. Bank
APR With Autopay Discount
8.74% - 24.99%
Recommended Minimum Credit Score
Not Disclosed
This lender does not disclose its minimum credit score requirements.
Loan Amount
$1,000 - $25,000
See Details Check Rates
Best for Fast Funding
Upgrade
APR Range
9.99% - 35.99%
Recommended Minimum Credit Score
580
This lender does not disclose its minimum credit score requirements.
Loan Amount
$1,000 - $50,000
See Details Check Rates
Best for Low Minimum Credit Requirement
Upstart
APR Range
7.40% - 35.99%
Recommended Minimum Credit Score
300
This lender does not disclose its minimum credit score requirements.
Loan Amount
$1,000 - $50,000
See Details Check Rates
Best for Debt Consolidation
First Tech Federal Credit Union
APR Range
8.44% - 18.00%
Recommended Minimum Credit Score
Not Disclosed
This lender does not disclose its minimum credit score requirements.
Loan Amount
$500 - $50,000
See Details Check Rates
Best for Repayment Terms
Patelco Credit Union
APR Range
9.30% - 17.90%
Recommended Minimum Credit Score
640
This lender does not disclose its minimum credit score requirements.
Loan Amount
$300 - $100,000
See Details Check Rates
Best for Small Loan Amounts
Lake Michigan Credit Union
APR Range
9.99% - 18.00%
Recommended Minimum Credit Score
650
This lender does not disclose its minimum credit score requirements.
Loan Amount
$250 - $25,000
See Details Check Rates
Best for Military Members
Navy Federal Credit Union
APR Range
8.99% - 18.00%
Recommended Minimum Credit Score
Not Disclosed
This lender does not disclose its minimum credit score requirements.
Loan Amount
$250 - $50,000
See Details Check Rates

Best Overall : U.S. Bank

Investopedia's Rating
4.4

  • APR Range: 8.74% - 24.99%
  • Loan Amount: $1,000 - $25,000
  • Loan Terms: 12 months - 84 months
Why We Chose It

U.S. Bank topped our list primarily because of its affordability. The lender doesn’t charge origination fees, which can cost up to 12% of the loan amount, and offers a lower APR range than many competitors.

U.S. Bank offers existing customers:

  • A broad range of amounts between $1,000 and $50,000
  • Longer terms between 12 and 84 month

You'll need to open a checking account if you're not a customer. The bank only lends up to $25,000 for a maximum of 60 months to non-customers.

Apply online and check your rate with U.S. Bank without affecting your credit score. If you want to apply in person, you can only do so in one of the 27 states with U.S. Bank locations.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Long max repayment term

  • No origination fees

  • Low APRs

Cons
  • Low max loan amount

  • Limited service area

  • Non-bank customers face limitations

Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. Bank banking customer to get the largest loan amounts and terms.
  • Personal loans are only available in 27 states.
  • The bank considers your credit score and history, debt-to-income ratio, and other factors but provides no specifics.

Best for Fast Funding : Upgrade

Investopedia's Rating
4.2

  • APR Range: 9.99% - 35.99%
  • Loan Amount: $1,000 - $50,000
  • Loan Terms: 24 months - 84 months
Why We Chose It

San Francisco-based Upgrade is a financial technology company that was founded in 2016. It provides affordable credit products to qualifying mainstream consumers. It offers competitive amounts, loan terms, and APRs, along with very fast funding. Consider the following benefits:

  • Loan disbursements within one business day that you're approved.
  • Apply with a co-signer and/or collateral if you don't qualify alone or want better rates and terms
  • No prepayment penalties

Keep in mind that Upgrade charges a late fee of up to $10 if your loan payment is 15 days late.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Fast funding

  • Welcome bonus

  • Long loan terms

Cons
  • High origination fees

  • May require collateral

  • Potential for a very high interest rate

Qualifications
  • Eligibility is based on your credit score, credit history, income, and other factors.

Best for Low Minimum Credit Requirement : Upstart

Investopedia's Rating
4.0

  • APR Range: 7.40% - 35.99%
  • Loan Amount: $1,000 - $50,000
  • Loan Terms: 36 months - 60 months
Why We Chose It

Upstart offers personal loans up to $50,000, approves borrowers with credit scores as low as 300, and offers one of the lowest APRs on the market. Only the best-qualified customers may be offered the lowest APR. Fixed rates start at 7.8%. But with Upstart the:

  • APR range goes up to 35.99%
  • Origination fees can go as high as 12% of the loan amount

Upstart evaluates loan applications using artificial intelligence (AI). It connects borrowers with more than 100 partner lenders.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Low starting APR

  • Low minimum credit score requirement

  • Fast funding

Cons
  • High origination fee

  • No short term lengths

  • No co-signers allowed

Qualifications
  • Allows for credit scores as low as 300.
  • You can apply in all 50 states and Washington D.C. 
  • Approval is based on credit, income, and other factors from your application. 

Best for Debt Consolidation : First Tech Federal Credit Union

Investopedia's Rating
4.4

  • APR Range: 8.44% - 18.00%
  • Loan Amount: $500 - $50,000
  • Loan Terms: 6 months - 84 months
Why We Chose It

First Tech Federal Credit Union offers borrowers:

  • Loan amounts up to $50,000, which can help consolidate your debts
  • APRs that top out at 18%—half of what many banks and other lenders offer
  • Loan terms that extend as long as 84 months
  • Payment deferral for up to 45 days after loan funding
  • Purchase payment protection coverage

You must be a member to borrow. Membership details are listed below.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Can defer first payment

  • Payment protection offered

  • No origination fees

Cons
  • Requires membership

  • No APR discounts

  • Does not detail its loan qualifications

Qualifications
  • You must be a First Tech member before you can get a loan from the credit union. 
  • To qualify for a First Tech membership, you must work or live in Lane County, Oregon; have a family or household member who is already a member; work for the state of Oregon or an employer on the credit union’s partner list; or belong to the Computer History Museum or Financial Fitness Association. 

Best for Repayment Terms : Patelco Credit Union

Investopedia's Rating
4.6

  • APR Range: 9.30% - 17.90%
  • Loan Amount: $300 - $100,000
  • Loan Terms: 6 months - 84 months
Why We Chose It

Patelco Credit Union serves members in Northern California. It offers:

  • Competitive personal loans between $300 and $100,000
  • Interest rates top out at 17.90%
  • Loan terms from six months up to seven years

The credit union also offers a LevelUp rate reduction program. You can save up to 1.50% off your APR by making consecutive on-time payments for three years.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Flexible loan terms

  • Rate discounts

  • Wide range of loan amounts

Cons
  • Doesn't disclose its borrower requirements

  • Membership required

  • Does not share details on its loan qualifications

Qualifications
  • Patelco offers many ways to become a member. You can live, work, or attend school in certain cities or counties within Northern California, be an employee of one of Patelco’s 1,100 member companies or associations, attend certain universities, be a family member of a Patelco member, or become a member of the Financial Fitness Association. 

Best for Small Loan Amounts : Lake Michigan Credit Union

Investopedia's Rating
3.7

  • APR Range: 9.99% - 18.00%
  • Loan Amount: $250 - $25,000
  • Loan Terms: 1 month - 60 months
Why We Chose It

Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) offers personal loans as low as $250 with competitive APRs and no origination fees. Other benefits include:

  • No application fees
  • No collateral required
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Guaranteed fixed rates

You must be a member to get a personal loan. See details below on how to get an LMCU membership.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Low loan amounts

  • Flexible membership requirements

  • Affordable overall

Cons
  • Doesn't share personal loan borrower requirements

  • No pre-approval

  • Membership required

Qualifications
  • To become a member, you must live, work, or worship in Florida or Michigan’s lower peninsula, be a U.S. citizen with an immediate family member who is an LMCU member, or be a U.S. citizen and contribute $5 to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Fund.

Best for Military Members : Navy Federal Credit Union

Investopedia's Rating
4.1

  • APR Range: 8.99% - 18.00%
  • Loan Amount: $250 - $50,000
  • Loan Terms: 6 months - 180 months
Why We Chose It

Navy Federal Credit Union offers loans for different personal needs, including personal expenses, home improvement, and debt consolidation. Borrowing with NFCU gives you:

  • Interest rates, ranging from 8.99% to 18%
  • Loan terms that range from up to 36 months to up to 180 months

To qualify, you’ll need to be a servicemember in a branch of the U.S. armed forces (or a family member of one) or a Department of Defense civilian employee. 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Small loan amounts are available

  • Fast funding

  • Competitive loan offers

Cons
  • Membership is required

  • No pre-qualification is available

  • No co-signers permitted

Qualifications
  • You must become a member of the credit union.
  • To qualify for a membership, you must be a servicemember of the U.S. armed forces, a family member of someone in the military, or a DoD civilian. 

Compare the Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit for 2024

Best For
APR Range
Average Origination Fee
Late Fee
Time to Receive Loan
Loan Amount
Latest Repayment
Reset All
U.S. Bank Best Overall 8.74% - 24.99% 0.00% $15.00 - $40.00 1 day $1,000 - $25,000 84 months Check Rates
Hide, not for me
Upgrade Best for Fast Funding 9.99% - 35.99% 1.85%–9.99% $10.00 1 day $1,000 - $50,000 84 months Check Rates
Hide, not for me
Upstart Best for Low Minimum Credit Requirement 7.40% - 35.99% 0.00%–12.00% 5% of the late payment amount or $15, whichever is greater 1 days $1,000 - $50,000 60 months Check Rates
Hide, not for me
First Tech Federal Credit Union Best for Debt Consolidation 8.44% - 18.00% 0.00% $29.00 2 days $500 - $50,000 84 months Check Rates
Hide, not for me
Patelco Credit Union Best for Repayment Terms 9.30% - 17.90% 0.00% 3% of loan payment or $5, whichever is higher 0 days $300 - $100,000 84 months Check Rates
Hide, not for me
Lake Michigan Credit Union Best for Small Loan Amounts 9.99% - 18.00% 0.00% 4% of the balance that is due 1 day $250 - $25,000 60 months Check Rates
Hide, not for me
Navy Federal Credit Union Best for Military Members 8.99% - 18.00% 0.00% $29.00 0 days $250 - $50,000 180 months Check Rates
Hide, not for me
*APR ranges for some companies include a discount for automatic payments or existing bank customers.

The Bottom Line

There are plenty of personal loan options available if your credit score is in the fair range. The best fit for you depends on your situation and preferences. U.S. Bank tops our list for several reasons, including its affordability. The Navy Federal Credit Union offers affordable loans and flexible eligibility requirements, but they are only available to military members and their families.

If you’re not in the military, consider Lake Michigan Credit Union for a small loan or Upstart, which offers low rates and minimum credit scores as low as 300. Since each lender has different rates, terms, loan amounts, and eligibility requirements, it’s important to shop around and compare loans to find the best fit.

If accessibility with a fair credit score isn't your sole consideration, see our selections for the 10 best personal loans, which features lenders and loans for most every need.

Guide to Choosing the Best Personal Loan for Fair Credit

Should You Get a Fair-Credit Personal Loan?

You won’t qualify for the best rates and terms if you have a credit score in the fair category. It’s important to assess if a personal loan’s costs will fit into your budget, and if they’re worth it long term. This is especially important if you already have lower credit as the cost of debt may be higher for you.

According to Investopedia’s 2023 Personal Loan Borrower Survey, the most common use of a personal loan is to consolidate debt. In some cases, you may be looking for a personal loan to make your other loans more manageable. Be mindful that there's a stark difference between increasing the amount of debt you hold as opposed to simply being more strategic about the existing debt you have.

Where to Get a Fair Credit Personal Loan

You can find fair credit personal loans from a variety of financial organizations including banks, credit unions, and online lenders.

  • Online lenders: Many online lenders partner with banks and credit unions to provide loans, and some of them advertise loans for people with fair or worse credit.
  • Credit unions: You can also go directly to certain credit unions; some online credit unions, like First Tech Federal Credit Union, offer loans to people with scores in the fair credit range. Local credit unions are worth checking, too. If you’re already a member, you may have an easier time qualifying.
  • Traditional banks: Many traditional banks like Discover, TD Bank, and U.S. Bank offer personal loans. You may have a harder time qualifying, but pre-qualifying is often available and doesn’t hurt your credit.

Researcher Insight

A “Fair” credit score is one between 580-669 in FICOs credit scoring system. Above that is “Good” and below is “Poor.” In our database, 36 of the 44 lenders that disclosed a minimum credit score had minimums that were Fair or Poor. (Twenty-six of the 70 lenders we evaluated did not disclose a minimum.) That means if your credit is Fair, you have plenty of lenders to choose from, and it always pays to shop around.

For all borrowers, a federal credit union should be among the lenders you compare. That’s because, generally, they are more customer-focused. But, because their maximum interest rate is capped at 18% by the federal government, federal credit unions may be the most affordable option, too, especially for borrowers with fair credit. - Sana Siddiqui, Research Analyst, Investopedia

Comparing Fair-Credit Personal Loans

When comparing personal loans for fair credit, it’s important to consider the eligibility requirements, APRs, repayment terms, and funding speed.

  • Eligibility requirements: It’s harder for people with fair credit to get loans, so knowing what it takes to qualify for a personal loan is important. Most lenders evaluate your credit score, but they also consider such things as your income, ability to repay the loan, and credit history. To improve your odds of qualifying, look for lenders with eligibility requirements that you can meet. 
  • Annual percentage rate (APR): When comparing loans, make sure you compare the APR rather than the interest rate. Unlike the interest rate, the APR also includes the fees you’ll be required to pay. This will help you understand how the costs of different loans compare. 
  • Repayment terms: Ensure that the lender you select offers the repayment term length you want. Many lenders offer limited repayment terms of 36 or 60 months. However, if you need more or less time to repay your loan, you may be able to find a lender that offers a shorter term of a year or less or a longer term of up to 180 months.
  • Funding speed: If you need money quickly, look for a lender that can get you funded in a matter of days. Many of the best personal loan providers can disburse funds as quickly as the same business day after your loan is approved.

How to Qualify For and Apply For a Personal Loan With Fair Credit

There are several factors that lenders look at and review before you can be approved for a loan. Keep in mind that some lenders may weigh certain criteria heavier than others. Here are a few of the most common things that lenders consider from potential borrowers:

  • Your age: Lenders cannot discriminate based on age. However, some states require that borrowers meet minimum age requirements before they can enter a legal financial contract with a financial lender.
  • Legal residency: Just like age, lenders can't turn you down because of your national origin. They may ask you about your residency status to determine whether you can pay back the loan. Keep in mind that non-residents and non-citizens may still qualify, but it may be tougher to be approved.
  • Income: Almost all lenders ask you for your income and employment information. This is to ensure that your source of income is enough to repay the loan. Some companies may have an income threshold before you can borrow.
  • Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: This ratio represents how much of your income goes to pay off your debts every month. As such, it helps lenders see how much of a risk you are if they approve you for a loan.
  • Credit history and score: The majority of lenders use your credit history and credit score to qualify you for a loan. Although these factors don't make or break the decision, they may also influence your loan terms, amount, and interest rate.

To qualify for a personal loan with fair credit, start by checking your credit reports. Ensure the information on them is correct and up to date. If you find errors, contact your creditors and/or file disputes with the credit reporting agencies. On the other hand, if all is correct, look for ways to quickly boost your score. For example, check to see if there is a bill you can add to Experian Boost or a credit card balance you can pay down. 

  1. Get pre-qualified: Look for lenders that seem like a good fit in terms of eligibility requirements, loan amounts, APRs, terms, and fees. Then, try to collect pre-qualification offers from at least three lenders that you can compare side by side. If you can’t pre-qualify alone, you may want to consider applying with a co-signer or pledging collateral.
  2. Choose the best offer: If you find a competitive and affordable personal loan that suits your needs, the next step is to move forward with the full application.
  3. Complete a formal application: During this stage, you’ll often need to provide proof of your identity, income, and employment, and allow the lender to perform a hard credit check.
  4. Accept the terms and get funded: If all goes well, you’ll get approved, receive the loan contract, and can often receive your funds within one to three business days. 

Lastly, all that’s left is to manage your loan and make your monthly payments. Most lenders allow you to manage your account online through an online customer portal or mobile app.

Lenders may tighten up their lending restrictions when uncertainty clouds the economy. So if you have fair credit, you may find it difficult to get a loan, as suggested by a Federal Reserve survey. But that doesn't mean you won't be approved. Make sure you research different lenders and review their lending requirements before you apply so you don't have too many inquiries on your credit history You may also want to consider personal loans with no-credit-check.

FICO Credit Score Ranges

Rating Score Range
Excellent 800–850
Very Good 740–799 
Good 670–739 
Fair 580–669 
Poor 300–579 
No Credit Not enough data to score

How to Increase Your Chances of Qualifying for a Fair Credit Loan

Here are a few tips that can help to increase your chances of qualifying for a fair credit loan:

  • Ensure your credit reports are accurate. 
  • Pay down credit card balances to 30% or less.
  • Maximize your income and minimize your debt.
  • Make all of your other credit payments on time.
  • Apply with lenders that specialize in lending to borrowers with your credit score and income amount.
  • Ensure you have proof to back up your income and employment claims.
  • Get quotes from multiple lenders. 

Types of Personal Loan Terms for Fair Credit Borrowers

Even if you qualify for a personal loan with fair credit, it's important to realize there may be some unfavorable terms associated with that loan. This is because the lender may associate you as being a riskier client and will want to position themselves to recover losses should you default on your loan. If you have fair credit, don't be surprised to see some of these types of loan terms in your agreement:

  • Higher interest rates: Borrowers with fair or lower credit often face higher interest rates. This is because lenders perceive them as higher risk due to their credit history, and the elevated interest rates act as compensation for that risk. Shopping around might be beneficial in finding a lower interest rate.
  • Shorter loan terms: Lenders may offer shorter repayment periods for individuals with fair or lower credit. This is a risk management strategy, as a shorter term minimizes the time during which financial challenges could potentially impact the borrower's ability to repay.
  • Secured loans: To mitigate the perceived risk, individuals with fair credit may need to secure their loans with collateral. This means in exchange for the loan, the bank possesses a claim on an asset you own (such as a lien on your car) if you default. Should you default, the lender could sell your car and recover their funds.
  • Higher upfront fees: Lenders may impose higher origination fees or other upfront costs for individuals with fair or lower credit. These fees serve as compensation for the added risk taken by making sure they get some of the charges upfront before the borrower can default.
  • Co-signer requirements: Individuals with fair credit may be required to have a co-signer with a higher credit score. This co-signer takes on the responsibility of repaying the loan if the primary borrower fails to do so, providing an additional layer of assurance for the lender.
  • Credit score minimums: We talked about credit scores above; lenders may set restrictions on what credit score you have to have to qualify for a loan.
  • Automatic payments requirement: Some lenders may require borrowers to set up automatic payments from their bank accounts. This means timely repayments are automatically made, and the goal of this is to reduce the risk of missed payments or defaults.
  • Credit counseling mandates: In certain cases, lenders may mandate credit counseling for individuals with fair credit before or during the loan term. This requirement aims to help borrowers improve their financial management skills and better position themselves with knowledge on how to be fiscally responsible.

Alternatives to a Fair Credit Personal Loan

If you can’t get approved for a fair-credit personal loan, or aren’t finding one that’s a good fit for your situation, here are some alternatives to consider:

  • Cash advance apps: Cash advance apps like Earnin enable you to borrow against your upcoming paycheck for free, or for a small fee. 
  • Buy now, pay later: Buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing from companies like Affirm allows you to split up the cost of a retail purchase into installments. If you opt for a bi-weekly payment plan of four payments over six weeks, the financing is often free. Many also offer longer installment plans that come with interest and fees. 
  • 0% purchase APR credit cards: A credit card with a 0% purchase APR—many of which last for a year or more—can be a useful way to pay for an expensive purchase over time. Just be sure to make your payments on time and pay off the entire balance before the 0% period is over. If you don’t, you could end up paying more and/or damaging your credit.
  • 0% balance transfer APR credit cards: If you’re paying down one or more debts, a 0% balance transfer credit card allows you to move the balances over and pay them off without accruing more interest. You’ll usually pay a transfer fee, and if you don’t make your monthly payments, you can lose the 0% rate and hurt your credit. But if you abide by the card terms and pay off the balance within the 0% period, a balance transfer can be a great way to help reduce your debt.
  • Crowdfunding: A crowdfunding site like GoFundMe or Meal Train could be worth exploring, depending on why you need a loan. These platforms can be helpful if you need to raise funds for medical, emergency, educational, or memorial expenses.

Why You Should Trust Us

Investopedia collected and analyzed hundreds of key data points from over 70 companies across three months to identify the most important factors for readers choosing a fair loan lending company.

We used this data to review each company for fees, repayment terms, income requirements, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best loans for those with fair credit since 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is Considered Fair Credit?

    A fair credit score ranges from 580 to 669, according to FICO, and is below the average score in the U.S. That said, many lenders consider borrowers with credit scores in the fair category.

  • Can You Get Approved for a Personal Loan With a Fair Credit Score?

    It’s possible to get approved for a personal loan with a fair credit score. Look for lenders that approve borrowers with at least your credit score or don’t have a minimum credit score requirement. Beyond that, each lender has its own eligibility requirements, so it’s best to shop around and get quotes from a few with more flexible eligibility requirements.

  • Is It Better to Have Fair Credit or No Credit?

    Having fair credit can give you a leg up over having no credit. With fair credit, you may qualify for certain credit products, including personal loans and credit cards. Keep in mind that the terms and rates you get with fair credit may not be favorable.

    Having no credit history often means that you may not qualify for a loan, mortgage, credit card, or any other type of credit product on your own. You will need time to establish your credit history. You can start by getting a secured credit card or signing up as an additional borrower on a loan or credit card.

  • How Can I Improve My Chances of Approval with a Fair Credit Score?

    To enhance approval chances with a fair credit score, consider applying with lenders specializing in fair credit financing. Additionally, focus on reducing existing debt, making timely bill payments, and addressing any inaccuracies on your credit report. You can also consider getting a loan with a co-borrower or co-signer, especially if that person has a stronger credit history than you do.

  • What Is the Lowest Credit Score You Can Use to Borrow Money?

    It’s possible to borrow money with any credit score. Companies like Upstart allow credit scores as low as 300 while others don’t have any specific minimum credit score requirements.

  • How Does a Personal Loan Affect Your Credit Score?

    A personal loan can affect your credit in a variety of ways. It can hurt your score initially because it requires a hard credit inquiry, decreases your average account age, and adds a large outstanding balance to your report.

    However, it can also help your score, as it helps diversify your credit mix if you don’t have any other installment loans. Over time, it can also help to boost your score if you make all of your payments on time.

  • How Can I Improve My Credit Score?

    You can improve your credit score by checking your credit reports regularly for errors and using credit monitoring services for real-time updates. Focus on paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances to below 30% of the limit, and addressing outstanding debts. Be cautious about opening new accounts unnecessarily, and continuously be mindful of how you are spending money.

  • Companies We Researched

    We researched and reviewed 70 lenders to find the best companies you see above on this list. While we write individual reviews for most companies, we do not always write reviews for companies we would not recommend. Below are the companies we researched along with links to individual company reviews to help you learn more before making a decision:

    AchieveAffinity Federal Credit UnionAlliant Credit Union, American Express, AvantAxos Bank, Bankers Healthcare Group, Best Egg, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Blue Federal Credit Union, Boatloan.com, Boeing Employees' Credit Union, CapexMD, CitibankConnexus Credit Union, Discover, Dividend Finance, ENT Credit Union, Fig Loans, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Future Family, GoodLeap, Greenstate Credit Union, Happy MoneyHiway Credit Union,Lake Michigan Credit Union, Laurel Road, LendingClub, LendingPointLendingUSALiberty Federal Credit Union, LightStream, Lyon Financial, Mariner, Money Key, Mountain America Credit Union, NASA Federal Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, Netcredit, Old National Bank, OneMain Financial, OppLoans, Patelco Credit Union, PenFed, Personify Financial, PNC Bank, Prosper, Reach Financial, Regions, Reprise, Rocket Loans, SantanderService Federal Credit Union, SoFi, Southeast Financial, Summit Credit Union, SunPower, TD Bank, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Trident Funding, Truist, U.S. BankUniversal Credit, Upgrade, Upstart, USAA, Vantage Recreational Finance, Wells Fargo.

How We Pick the Best Fair Credit Loans

To evaluate and rank personal loan providers we collected hundreds of data points across 70 lenders, including traditional banks, credit unions, fintechs, and special interest finance companies. We researched and evaluated APRs, loan amounts and terms, fees, customer experience, and much more.

To rank the lenders in our database and to generate star ratings, we weighted the data we collected, based in part on what consumers told us were the most important features of a personal loan and lender in a survey we conducted. We grouped those factors into four broad areas:

  • Loan costs (advertised APR, fees, and six other factors): 29.25%
  • Loan terms (loan amount, repayment term, and three other factors): 22.25%
  • Borrowing requirements (credit score, membership requirement, and six other factors): 28.5%
  • Additional features (online application, pre-qualification, and eight other factors): 20%

Learn more about how we evaluated personal loans in our complete methodology.

Guide to Fair Credit Personal Loans

Learn more about personal loans:

  • What is a personal loan?: A personal loan is an installment loan that can help you cover different personal expenses. Loans can be secured or unsecured, and are taken through banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.
  • How do personal loans work?: When you take out a personal loan, your lender deposits the proceeds as a lump sum in your account. Most lenders require that you pay your loan back in regular installments, usually monthly, plus interest.
  • When are personal loans a good idea?: You can use a personal loan for any purpose, including debt consolidation, to buy a new car, or to take a vacation. Before you apply, make sure you can repay the loan to ensure you don't damage your credit.
  • How to get a personal loan: There are several steps to getting a personal loan. Do your research on lenders and rates and see if you pre-qualify. Make a formal application (if necessary) and sign your loan documents when you're approved. After you receive your funds, begin repaying your loan.
  • How to apply for a personal loan: Applying for a personal loan is fairly easy. Before you apply, though, review your finances and decide how much you need and can afford to borrow. Review the lenders that are available to you, see if you pre-qualify, and submit your application online or in person.
  • How to use a personal loan: You can use a personal loan for any reason. Personal loans are helpful when you want to consolidate debt, make home improvements, cover emergencies, or make large purchases.
  • Where to get a personal loan: You can apply for and get a personal loan from a bank or credit union. You may also want to consider other financial institutions and online lenders. Requirements and interest rates vary based on the lender you choose.
  • Personal loans vs. credit cards: Personal loans are installment loans that usually come with fixed rates and can only be used once. Credit cards have revolving credit lines, which means you can use them more than once, and require at least a minimum payment.
  • Alternatives to personal loans: Some of the common alternatives to personal loans include credit cards, lines of credit, payday loans, and retirement loans among others.
  • Personal loan calculator: A personal loan calculator can help you figure out your loan payments and overall costs before you apply.
  • Personal loans methodologyReview our methodology to see how we came up with our lists of best personal loans.
Mature man wearing eyeglasses working on personal finances at home

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Article Sources
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