Having a less-than-perfect credit score can make borrowing money more challenging, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Luckily, some personal loans for bad credit may be available. With the right approach, you might secure the funds you need. Although there is no guaranty of getting a loan, we’ll share a couple potential personal loan options for those with bad credit in this guide. We’ll also try to help you figure out what the process might be like if you do apply for one.
Before starting, it’s important to first understand how your credit score works and how it can affect your ability to get credit.
What is a Credit Score?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau describes a credit score as a prediction of your credit behavior.* This includes how likely you are to pay a loan back on time, based on information from your credit reports. Creditors commonly use a FICO® score, but there are no limits to the number and types of credit scoring systems available. This number is based in part on how much debt you have, how often you pay bills on time, and more.
Your FICO® credit score can range from 300–850. Typically, higher scores point to better financial habits. In general, scores above 700 are considered good, and scores below 600 are considered bad.
For more information and tips on credit scores, check out our guide, Credit Score 101: Everything You Need to Know.
How Does Your Credit Score Affect You?
Your credit scores can determine whether lenders will approve loans for big purchases like cars or homes. It can also determine interest rates for those loans and the overall amount of a loan. So, if you have a low score, you may have a hard time qualifying for loans. If this is the case for you, you may still have options available. We’ll get into those details later in this article!
What is the Minimum Credit Score for a Personal Loan?
The minimum credit score required for a personal loan varies by lender. The same goes for the type of credit score being used. Some lenders will rely heavily on a FICO® credit score while others may not. In some cases, they may rely on other factors altogether. For example, while some lenders may offer loans to those with credit scores as low as 580, others may require a higher score, such as 620 or 640. You will have to check with individual lenders to see their specific requirements.
Can I Get a Loan with No Credit Check?
In some circumstances, a lender may rely solely on alternative credit sources of information without running a credit check from one of the major National Credit Reporting Agencies.
What are the Best Loans for Bad Credit?
The best personal loans for bad credit always depend on your specific financial situation and needs. Some options to consider include personal loans from online or alternative lenders. However, you always need to be careful to make sure you’re dealing with reputable creditors who are legally authorized to make loans. For example, Cash Factory USA is a state-licensed lender with over 100,000 happy customers, but don’t just take our word for it. You can head to our Trust Pilot page where we have over 3,000 reviews from real customers, just like you.* Although Cash Factory USA does consider a consumer’s creditworthiness, we rely primarily on alternative consumer reports rather than the traditional FICO® score.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Approved for Loans with Bad Credit?
Improving your credit score can improve your chances of getting approved for personal loans. Not sure where to begin? That’s okay! Check out our guide on things you may be able to do to improve your credit score here. Providing additional documentation of your income and financial stability can also help you improve your chances. Lastly, you may need to consider using a co-signer or collateral to help secure the loan.
Are There any Government Programs for Loans with Bad Credit?
While there may not be any specific government programs for personal loans with bad credit, you may want to consider whether you could qualify for certain government-backed loans, if they’re right for you. Try looking into FHA loans for homebuyers with bad credit or SBA loans for small business owners.
How Do I Find Legitimate Lenders for Bad Credit Loans?
To find legitimate lenders for bad credit loans, there are a few things you can do. Consider researching lenders online, check their reviews and ratings, and verify them with regulatory agencies. You can also consider getting recommendations from friends, family, or financial advisors.
How Can I Get a Loan with Bad Credit?
Getting personal loans with bad credit can be difficult, but not necessarily impossible, by following these steps:
Check Your Credit Score
Before you start applying for loans, it’s important to know where you stand. Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.* Then, review them for any errors that could be dragging down your score.
Improve Your Credit (if possible)
While this step won’t help you immediately, taking steps to improve your credit score can make you a more attractive borrower in the future. If you pay down debt, make your payments on time, and avoid new credit inquiries, it could help raise your score over time.
Gather Your Documents
Lenders will require various documents to process your loan application. These could include proof of income, employment verification, and bank statements. So, have these documents ready to speed up the application process.
Shop Around for Loans for Bad Credit
Don’t settle for the first loan offer you receive. Shop around and compare rates, terms, and fees from multiple lenders to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Apply for the Loan
Once you’ve chosen a lender, it’s time to apply. Some lenders will allow you to apply online, making the process quick and convenient. Keep in mind, you might need to provide additional documents, such as personal information, employment details, and financial information.
Consider a Co-Signer or Collateral
If you’re having trouble getting approved for a loan on your own, you can consider applying with a co-signer, if your lender allows it. This is important to know because a co-signer with good credit can help strengthen your application. You can also consider offering collateral, if that’s an option from your creditor. On a similar note, collateral can give the lender additional security.
Review the Terms on Your Loan
Before accepting a loan offer, carefully review the terms and conditions. This includes the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees. Make sure you understand the total cost of the loan and what the lender requires from you.
Use the Funds Wisely
Once you receive loan approval, make sure to use the funds wisely. Whether you’re consolidating debt, covering unexpected expenses, or making a major purchase, be sure to stick to your budget and make your payments on time. This can help you avoid damaging your credit even more.
Monitor Your Credit
Finally, continue to keep an eye on your credit score and report regularly. As you make on-time payments and show responsible borrowing behavior, your credit score can improve. This can open up more opportunities for you in the future.
Why Choose Cash Factory USA for Your Personal Loans?
Although Cash Factory USA does consider a consumer’s creditworthiness, we rely primarily on alternative consumer reports rather than the traditional FICO® score. This could provide some potential borrowers with an option that wouldn’t otherwise be available. When you choose to do business with us, you’ll experience an easy application process. Our application is simple, straightforward, and fast! We also approve applications quickly, often within minutes and usually on the same day. Once approved, we fund our loans quickly with a deposit to your checking account typically by the next business day.* Your loan approval is subject to your eligibility and any laws or restrictions your state may have in place. Check out our rates and terms to learn more about the loan products offered in your state.
Applying for a personal loan when you have bad credit may seem scary, but with the right approach, you can maximize your chances. By understanding your options, improving your credit over time, and shopping around for the best loan terms, you just might be able to get the loan you need, even with bad credit.
*High-interest loans can be expensive and should be used only for short-term financial needs, not long-term solutions. Customers with credit difficulties should seek credit counseling. The opinions expressed above are solely the author’s views and may or may not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the website or its affiliates. Cash Factory USA does not provide financial advice.
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