The Best Bad Credit Loans
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Debt Advice
- How to Get a Loan with Bad Credit
- Application Process: Check rates without impacting your credit score; requires basic information like name, income, and SSN.
- Approval Steps: Full application may require ID, pay stubs, and proof of address.
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Funding: Loans are typically funded within a few business days.
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What is Considered \"Bad Credit\"?
- FICO: Scores below 580 are considered \"poor.\"
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VantageScore: \"Poor\" ranges from 500-600; \"Very poor\" is 300-499.
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Types of Bad Credit Loans
- Installment loans with fixed monthly payments.
- Credit cards designed for bad credit.
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Lines of credit for borrowers with low credit scores.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Small Loans: Available for amounts under $1,000.
- Loans with Low Income: Possible with a co-signer or specific lenders.
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Higher Costs: Expect higher interest rates and fees due to poor credit.
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Top Lenders for Bad Credit Loans
- Upgrade (Best Overall): Loan amounts from $1,000 to $50,000; APRs from 7.46% to 35.97%; repayment terms up to 84 months.
- LendingPoint (Low Fees): Loans up to $36,500; APRs 7.99% - 35.99%; no prepayment penalties.
- Credit Direct (Small Loans): Starts at $1,000; APRs 4.99% - 29.99%; co-signers allowed.
- Rocket Loans (Fast Funding): Same-day funding; loans up to $45,000; APRs 8.416% - 29.99%.
- Avant (Debt Consolidation): Loans from $2,000 to $35,000; APRs 9.95% - 35.95%; fast online process.
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Upstart (No Credit History): Loans up to $50,000; APRs 5.6% - 35.99%; accepts minimal credit history.
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Pros and Cons by Lender
- Upgrade: Easy application, high origination fees.
- LendingPoint: No joint applications, high income requirement ($35,000).
- Credit Direct: Limited to 11 states.
- Rocket Loans: Limited repayment terms (36 or 60 months).
- Avant: Slow payment processing complaints but great customer service.
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Upstart: High fees for bad credit but quick funding.
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Key Factors for Evaluation
- Minimum credit score requirements (580 or lower).
- Wide loan ranges and flexible repayment terms (36 months or more).
- Maximum APR below 36%.
- Fast funding (within 1-2 days).
- Minimal fees (low origination, no prepayment penalties).
- Criteria include customer feedback, APR limits, loan terms, and fees.
Pro Tip: Compare lenders based on your specific needs - loan amount, repayment flexibility, and acceptable fees.
