How hard is it to get a bank loan with bad credit?
Borrowers with the lowest credit scores — below 550 — are unlikely to qualify for most personal loans. However, bad-credit borrowers can bolster their applications in a few ways, depending on what the lender offers. Add a co-signer.
If you have a lower credit score, it may be a bit harder to get a personal loan, but it's not impossible. It just may take some extra time and research to find the best loan for your credit score.
Some lenders will give you a loan with a 500 credit score, especially if you have compensating factors.
Many give preference to borrowers with good or excellent credit scores (690 and above), but some lenders accept borrowers with bad credit (a score below 630). The typical minimum credit score to qualify for a personal loan is 560 to 660, according to lenders surveyed by NerdWallet.
You could consider a loan with higher risk
If you're not willing to pay high rates, or you need a large amount, you may still be able to find a loan that fits your needs – even if you have poor credit. But usually, the trade-off is that you'll have to accept higher levels of risk.
The easiest banks to get a personal loan from are USAA and Wells Fargo. USAA does not disclose a minimum credit score requirement, but their website indicates they consider people with scores below 640, so even people with bad credit may be able to qualify.
Hardship personal loans are a type of personal loan that is designed to help you overcome financial difficulties. This type of loan is generally offered by small banks and credit unions, and has lower interest rates, lower maximum loan amounts, and shorter repayment periods than standard personal loans.
Your credit score can make or break your ability to get a $10,000 loan. Generally, it can be hard to meet personal loan requirements if your credit score is below 640. That doesn't mean that it's impossible, but you may need to stick to bad credit loans (which typically have higher APRs).
This depends on your financial situation. For those with a good credit score — around 670 and up — a $30,000 personal loan may be pretty easy to get.
You can get a $500 loan via a personal loan, payday loan, payday alternative loan, cash advance app, or credit card cash advance. However, some options are better than others. Some small loans come with high costs that can cause financial hardship.
What credit score do I need for a $2000 loan?
Credit score — Most personal loan lenders will review your credit history and score to determine how likely you are to repay the loan. The higher your credit score is, the better terms you'll qualify for. If you have a FICO Score of 670 or higher, you'll likely qualify for the best loan terms and interest rates.
To increase your chance of qualifying for a $10,000 unsecured loan, you should have a credit score of 600 or higher. Some lenders start their minimum credit score requirements at 600, however, there are some lenders that require a credit score in the high 600s or low 700s.
What credit score do I need for a $5,000 loan? If you have a 580 or higher credit score you may qualify for a $5,000 personal loan. If you have bad credit or a credit score below 580 you may need to apply with a co-signer to qualify for a loan.
Best For | Loan Amount | |
---|---|---|
Upstart | Best for Low Minimum Credit Requirement | $1,000 - $50,000 |
Achieve | Best for Debt Consolidation | $5,000 - $50,000 |
LendingPoint | Best for Repayment Terms | $2,000 - $36,500 |
Patelco Credit Union | Best With a Co-Signer | $300 - $100,000 |
- Peer-to-Peer Lending. ...
- Car Title Loans. ...
- Borrow Money From a Friend or Family Member. ...
- Pawnshop Loans. ...
- Payday Loans. ...
- Credit Card Cash Advance.
Unfortunately, this is considered a low credit score which makes it difficult to be approved for loans at all, and even if you are approved it may not be for much money. A low credit score is not ideal if you're in need of a personal loan.
- First, Build a Real Relationship. ...
- Know the Numbers. ...
- Explain How You Made Your Forecasts. ...
- Show How They Get Their Money Back. ...
- Personally Guarantee the Loan.
The best option for you depends on your specific circ*mstances. If you lack credit history or have poor credit it may be easier to get a loan from a private lender. If you have a good credit score or an established relationship with a bank, you will likely qualify for better lending terms.
Lender | APR | Approval/Funding Timeline |
---|---|---|
LightStream | 7.49% - 25.99% | Same day - 2 business days |
Best Egg | 8.99% - 35.99% | 2 - 4 business days |
Upgrade | 8.49% - 35.99% | 2 - 3 business days |
OppLoans | 160% - 179% | 2 - 3 business days |
If you need a $4,000 loan fast, you should use an online lender. In most cases, online lenders give instant approvals and can fund loans that are finalized as fast as 24-hours.
What qualifies for hardship loan?
What it's for: Generally, expenses such as medical bills, college tuition, money to avoid eviction, funeral expenses and some home repairs qualify for hardship withdrawal. Requirements: Your plan's administrator usually decides whether you qualify, and you may have to explain why you can't get the money elsewhere.
401(k) Hardship Loan
You'll have to pay interest on the loan and must repay it within five years with payments at least quarterly. One benefit of a 401(k) loan is that unlike every other type of loan on our list, you don't have to qualify for it with your credit score.
Loan Amount | Loan Term (Years) | Estimated Fixed Monthly Payment* |
---|---|---|
$10,000 | 3 | $313.32 |
$10,000 | 5 | $207.54 |
$15,000 | 3 | $463.09 |
$15,000 | 5 | $311.30 |
Lender | Loan Amounts | APRs |
---|---|---|
Oportun | $300 - $18,500 | 10.07% - 35.95% |
OneMain Financial | $1,500 - $20,000 | 18% - 35.99% |
RISE | $500 - $5,000 | 60% - 299% |
Jora Credit | $500 - $4,000 | 99% - 349% |
The monthly payment on a $10,000 loan ranges from $137 to $1,005, depending on the APR and how long the loan lasts. For example, if you take out a $10,000 loan for one year with an APR of 36%, your monthly payment will be $1,005.
References
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/personal-loans/20000-personal-loan/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/monthly-payment-on-a-20000-personal-loan-1000450-2140762725/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/get-personal-loan-bad-credit
- https://www.icicibank.com/personal-banking/loans/personal-loan
- https://www.lendingtree.com/personal/10000-dollar-loans/
- https://www.investopedia.com/the-best-cash-advance-apps-7973242
- https://www.upstart.com/answers/do-banks-call-your-employer-to-verify-employment-for-personal-loans/
- https://wallethub.com/best-banks-for-personal-loans
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/credit-score-need-get-personal-loan
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/6000-personal-loan-monthly-payment-1000450-2140762717/
- https://www.credible.com/blog/personal-loan/2000-loan/
- https://lendingusa.com/blog/financing/all-about-10000-personal-loans/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/personal-loan-requirements/
- https://www.investopedia.com/what-are-hardship-personal-loans-7963276
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/loan-committe.asp
- https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/loans/guides/bad-credit.html
- https://www.creditninja.com/loans-for-500-credit-score/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/10000-personal-loan-bad-credit-1000466-2140752524/
- https://www.moneygeek.com/personal-loans/how-to-get-a-30000-personal-loan/
- https://www.lendingtree.com/personal/what-credit-score-do-you-need-for-personal-loan/
- https://www.creditninja.com/faq/what-is-the-monthly-payment-on-a-10000-loan/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/is-it-better-to-get-a-personal-loan-from-your-own-bank-2140848637/
- https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/calcs/car.php
- https://www.creditninja.com/blog/who-will-give-me-a-loan-when-no-one-else-will/
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/can-you-get-a-loan-with-no-credit/
- https://www.cusocal.org/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-personal-loan
- https://www.acornfinance.com/blog/personal-loans/4k-personal-loan/
- https://www.investopedia.com/lendingusa-personal-loans-review-8404359
- https://www.creditkarma.com/personal-loans/i/personal-loan-credit-score
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/personal-loan-lenders-credit-score-below-670/
- https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/what-are-your-personal-loan-approval-odds-2019-10-24
- https://lendedu.com/blog/borrow-money-app/
- https://www.lendingtree.com/personal/personal-loan-calculator/
- https://www.quora.com/Do-lenders-check-your-checking-account-when-you-apply-for-a-loan
- https://www.credible.com/blog/personal-loan/30000-loan/
- https://www.upstart.com/learn/what-is-a-small-loan/
- https://quickbooks.intuit.com/global/resources/funding/5-tips-for-creating-a-convincing-forecast-for-the-bank/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/how-much-can-i-borrow-with-a-500-credit-score-1000508-2140806905/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/applying-for-personal-loan-poor-credit/
- https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/money/best-bad-credit-loans
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/does-loan-purpose-matter/
- https://wallethub.com/personal-loans/quick
- https://www.credible.com/personal-loan/600-credit-score
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/how-much-can-i-borrow-with-a-720-credit-score-1000508-2140806892/
- https://www.acornfinance.com/blog/personal-loans/3k-personal-loan/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/30000-personal-loan-monthly-payment-1000450-2140762727/
- https://www.opploans.com/oppu/credit-reports/can-bad-credit-even-good-income/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/online-or-in-person-loans/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/whats-exact-credit-score-need-buy-home
- https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/credit-union-vs-a-bank
- https://time.com/personal-finance/article/what-credit-score-do-i-need-to-buy-a-house/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/hardship-loans
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/why-is-it-hard-to-get-a-personal-loan/
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/private-lenders-vs-banks/
- https://www.investopedia.com/easiest-personal-loans-approved-7644059
- https://www.acornfinance.com/blog/10k-personal-loans/
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/how-to-get-personal-loan/
- https://www.creditninja.com/how-much-of-a-personal-loan-can-i-get-with-a-credit-score-of-480/
- https://wallethub.com/personal-loan-calculator
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/basics/07/financing-options.asp
- https://www.credible.com/personal-loan/bad-credit-loans/500-credit-score-loan
- https://www.credible.com/personal-loan/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-personal-loan
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/monthly-payment-on-10000-personal-loan-1000450-2140762722/
- https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/personal/learn/what-to-know-about-applying-for-a-personal-loan
- https://www.credible.com/personal-loan/500-loan
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/how-to-get-a-bad-credit-loan/
- https://www.investopedia.com/why-would-personal-loan-declined-7972355
- https://www.amone.com/blog/what-is-a-hardship-loan-and-how-can-you-get-one/
- https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-loan/what-to-do-if-you-are-declined-a-personal-loan
- https://www.lendingtree.com/personal/best-personal-loans-for-bad-credit/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/personal-loans/5000-personal-loan/
- https://www.credible.com/personal-loan/denied-personal-loan
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/35000-loan/
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/average-credit-score-for-personal-loans/
- https://www.upstart.com/answers/do-personal-loans-call-your-employer/
- https://www.credible.com/blog/personal-loan/50000-loan/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/10000-loan/
- https://wallethub.com/credit-score-range/500-credit-score
- https://nypost.com/personal-loans/personal-loans-for-600-credit-score/
- https://www.acornfinance.com/personal-loans/500-credit-score-personal-loan/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/50000-personal-loan
- https://www.investopedia.com/best-personal-loans-for-bad-credit-4774349
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/10000-personal-loan/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/monthly-payment-on-5000-personal-loan-1000450-2140762716/
- https://www.investopedia.com/best-uses-5000-personal-loan-7972835
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/personal-loans/2000-personal-loan/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/personal-loans/25000-personal-loan/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/5000-loan-no-credit-check-1000434-2140752116/
- https://www.acornfinance.com/blog/personal-loans/5k-personal-loan/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-easiest-loan-to-get-approved-for/