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When it comes to personal loans, the easiest options to secure are the loans that allow borrowers with lower credit scores and lower incomes to qualify. You can use the funds from these loans for emergency expenses, large purchases or even to finance a vehicle. While qualification requirements vary, you can typically find a lender that will work with you even with a damaged credit score.
We examined 31 lenders, making our picks for the easiest personal loans to get based on factors including eligibility and accessibility, loan costs and details, customer experience and the application process. All lenders on our list require a minimum credit score of 600 or below.
Why you can trust Forbes Advisor
Our editorial team has over 20 years of cumulative experience and relies on research and data-driven methodologies to provide unbiased ratings for easy loans. We are not influenced by advertisers and provide honest and transparent product evaluations. You can read more about oureditorial guidelines and theloans methodology for the ratings below.
640
10.25% to 16.50%
$15,000 – $150,000
Details
NMLS #1810501
Disclaimer
Home Equity loans are available through our affiliate Achieve Loans (NMLS ID #1810501). All loan requests are subject to eligibility requirements, application review, loan amount, loan term, and lender approval. Product terms are subject to change at any time. Offers are a line of credit. Loans are not available to residents of all states and available loan terms/fees may vary by state where offered. Line amounts are between $15,000 and $300,000 and are assigned based on product type, debt-to-income ratio, and combined loan-to-value ratio. Minimum 640 credit score applies for debt consolidation requests, minimum 700 applies for cash out requests. Other terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Fixed rate APRs range from 8.75% – 15.00% and are assigned based on underwriting requirements; offer APRs include a .50% discount for automatic payment enrollment (autopay enrollment is not a condition of loan approval). Example: average HELOC is $57,150 with an APR of 12.75% and estimated monthly payment of $951 for a 15-year loan. 10, 15, 20, and 30-year terms available (20 and 30 year terms only available for cash out requests). All terms have a 5-year draw period with the remaining term being a no draw period. Payments are fully amortized during each period and determined on the outstanding principal balance each month. Closing fees range from $750 to $6,685, depending on line amount and state law requirements and typically include origination (3.5% of line amount) and underwriting ($725) fees if allowed by law. Property must be owner-occupied and combined loan-to-value ratio may not exceed 80%, including the new loan request. Property insurance is required and flood insurance may be required if the subject property is located in a flood zone. You must pledge your home as collateral. Contact Achieve Loans for further details.
Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure:http://Achieve.com (NMLS #138464), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Achieve Company. Achieve Company also owns 99% of Achieve Loans. Because of this relationship, your referral to Achieve Loans may providehttp://Achieve.com a financial or other benefit. Where permitted by applicable state law, Achieve Loans charges: 1) an origination fee of 2.50%, and 2) an underwriting fee of $725. You are NOT required to use Achieve Loans for a home equity line of credit.Please click here for the full Affiliated Business Arrangement disclosure form.
| COMPANY | FORBES ADVISOR RATING | MINIMUM CREDIT SCORE | APR RANGE | LOAN AMOUNTS | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0 | 580 | 7.74% to 35.99% | $1,000 to $50,000 | Via Credible.com’s Website | |
4.7 | 660 | 7.04% to 35.99% | $1,000 to $60,000 | Via Credible.com’s Website | |
4.6 | 300 | 6.60% to 35.99% | $1,000 to $75,000 | Read Our Review | |
4.5 | 600 | 7.99% to 35.99% with autopay | $1,000 to $36,500 | Via Credible.com’s Website | |
4.5 | 550 | 9.95% to 35.99% | $1,000 to $40,000 | Via Credible.com’s Website | |
4.4 | OneMain Financial does not disclose this information | 18.00% to 35.99% | $1,500 to $20,000 | Via Credible.com’s Website |
Minimum Credit Score
580
APR range
7.74% to 35.99%
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
580
7.74% to 35.99%
$1,000 to $50,000
As an online lender, Upgrade offers a convenient application process and loans accessible to borrowers who want to apply with another person.
Why We Like It
Upgrade’s borrower requirements are more accessible than many lenders, with a minimum credit score requirement of 580, no income requirement and the ability to file a joint application.
What We Don’t Like
Interest rates start at 7.74%, but extend up to 35.99% and origination fees range from 1.85% to 9.99%.
Who It’s Best For
Upgrade personal loans are best for consumers who want to qualify for more money or a more competitive interest rate by applying with a co-applicant.
660
7.04% to 35.99%
$1,000 to $60,000
LendingClub makes debt consolidation easier by offering a balance transfer loan with direct payment to third-party lenders and easier qualification requirements.
Why We Like It
LendingClub doesn’t have a minimum credit requirement and offers debt consolidation loans up to $60,000.
What We Don’t Like
LendingClub’s loan terms are limited to two to seven years, which is less flexible than some top lenders. The company also charges an origination fee of 0% to 8% of the loan amount.
Who It’s Best For
LendingClub’s personal loans are best for borrowers who want to streamline their finances by consolidating high-interest credit card debt through a lender that pays their creditors directly.
Loan details
Co-signer/co-borrower: Allows co-borrowers
*For borrower or co-borrower
300
6.60% to 35.99%
$1,000 to $75,000
Upstart uses an artificial intelligence- and machine learning-based approach to evaluate borrower applications.
Why We Like It
Upstart makes its loan available to a wide range of borrowers, as it has a minimum credit requirement of 300 and will work with borrowers who lack the credit history to have a credit score.
What We Don’t Like
Upstart’s three- or five-years loan terms are more limited than some other options.
Who It’s Best For
Upstart’s personal loans are best for borrowers with limited, or poor, credit histories who can qualify for a loan based on income or education.
Lender details
Eligibility
Funding Speed
Next-day funding may be available if you accept a loan before 5 p.m. ET on a business day.
600
7.99% to 35.99%
with autopay
$1,000 to $36,500
LendingPoint is an online lender offering personal loans with repayment terms up to six years.
Why We Like It
LendingPoint has a minimum credit score requirement of 600 and repayment terms ranging from 24 to 60 months—or two to five years.
What We Don’t Like
LendingPoint’s loan amounts are more restrictive than some lenders, with borrowing limits capped at $36,500. The lender also charges origination fees up to 10% of the loan amount, depending on the borrower’s state.
Who It’s Best For
LendingPoint’s personal loans are best for fair-credit borrowers who prefer having access to extended loan terms over large loans and competitive interest rates.
Eligibility:
Customer service
After testing and evaluating LendingPoint’s customer service, we found it to be one of the most helpful and transparent lenders on our list after waiting only 46 seconds to be connected to a representative. The customer service representative we spoke with shared an in-depth perspective of their loan offers, including information about loan amounts, eligibility requirements, how interest rates are determined and prequalification.
LendingPoint’s team also disclosed late fees but didn’t confirm origination fees. While customer service didn’t share this information wasn’t, the lender discloses a fee of up to 10% on its website. LendingPoint was also one of few lenders that shared how they report payments to credit bureaus, which it typically does at the start of the month.
Minimum Credit Score
550
APR range
9.95% to 35.99%
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $40,000
550
9.95% to 35.99%
$1,000 to $40,000
Avant offers personal loans between $1,000 to $40,000 with funding as soon as the next business day.
Why We Like It
Avant’s personal loans are accessible to borrowers with a minimum credit score of just 550—lower than many lenders require. Borrowers also benefit from fast funding speeds and repayment terms up to 60 months.
What We Don’t Like
Avant’s personal loans come with interest rates as high as 35.99% and an administration fee of up to 9.99%.
Who It’s Best For
Avant is best for consumers who need to quickly borrow up to $35,000 with less-than-stellar credit.
Eligibility
Minimum Credit Score
OneMain Financial does not disclose this information
APR range
18.00% to 35.99%
Loan amounts
$1,500 to $20,000
OneMain Financial does not disclose this information
18.00% to 35.99%
$1,500 to $20,000
OneMain Financial’s personal loans start at just $1,500 and max out at $20,000, with repayment terms ranging from 24 to 60 months.
Why We Like It
OneMain Financial’s small loan amounts mean consumers are less likely to borrow more than they need.
What We Don’t Like
OneMain Financial’s interest rates start at 18.00%—much higher than rates available through competitors. Borrowers must also pay an origination fee between 1% to 10% of the loan amount or a flat fee of $25 to $500.
Who It’s Best For
OneMain Financial personal loans may be a good option for less-qualified borrowers who need fast access to small loan amounts.
Eligibility:
Consider these tips when comparing the easiest personal loans to get:
Personal loans are easy to get when they have flexible credit score and income requirements. While thebest personal loan lenders often have high credit score requirements, usually between 600 and 680, some accept scores as low as 560—like those on this list.
Qualifying will be significantly easier if you can find a lender with a lower credit score threshold that specializes in working with borrowers that have damaged credit.
More often than not, online lenders have less stringent qualification requirements compared to traditional lenders like banks and credit unions. If you know you have damaged credit, you’ll likely have more luck applying for a personal loan through an online lender.
It’s important to note, though, that online lenders that cater to applicants with poor credit typically charge higher interest rates. Instead of trying to get the most competitive rates available, find a lender that can serve your specific financial situation and needs.
Easy personal loans are a popular option for consumers who need fast access to funds but who may not qualify elsewhere. Whether it’s to cover unexpected expenses, consolidate debt or finance a major purchase, easy personal loans offer convenience and flexibility.
However, like any financial product, these loans come with advantages and disadvantages, and they’re not a good fit for every borrower.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Easier to qualify for than other loans | High interest rates |
Fast funding times | Many loans come with fees |
Funds can be used for a variety of expenses | May lead to a cycle of borrowing |
Streamlined application process | Late payments can negatively affect credit scores |
While the process varies by lender, follow these general steps to apply for an easy personal loan:
Consider these alternatives if an easy personal loan doesn’t seem like the right fit for you.
If you need money and don’t qualify for a personal loan, you might want to consider a crowdfunding site like GoFundMe or Kickstarter. These sites let you raise money for almost any purpose—typically at the cost of a small fee. People often use these sites to raise money for business ventures, medical bills, pet expenses and household emergencies.
The money raised in a crowdfunding campaign does not have to be repaid. However, it’s hard to predict how much you can raise and how quickly.
Apayday alternative loan (PAL) is a personal loan from a federal credit union. The interest rate on a PAL is similar to a personal loan, maxing out at 28%. You can borrow up to $2,000. Terms range from 1 to 12 months.
The credit score requirements for a PAL are more flexible than traditional personal loans, but you must be a member of the federal credit union for one month to become eligible for a PAL. That can be a problem if you need money quickly.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms connect borrowers with individual investors willing to lend to consumers. By eliminating more traditional financial institutions, these platforms can help you get a loan with less restrictive qualification requirements and more competitive interest rates.
Depending on why you need to borrow money, you may be able to use abuy now, pay later plan or other financing offered by the service provider. This alternative may be available for medical bills, home repairs and certain large purchases. Depending on your qualifications, you may pay little to no interest while covering the expense in manageable installments.
Though not a formal lending method, borrowing from friends or family may be a viable alternative to easy approval loans. You won’t have to meet a lender’s qualifications or borrow more than you need. Still, treat these as formal borrowing agreements, and ensure everyone understands the terms and repayment schedules.
We reviewed 31 popular lenders based on 14 data points in the categories of loan details, loan costs, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and the application process. We chose lenders that have a minimum credit score requirement of 600 or lower and ranked them based on the weighting assigned to each category:
Within each category, we also considered several characteristics, including loan amounts, repayment terms, APR ranges and applicable fees. We also looked at whether each lender accepts co-signers or joint applications and the geographic availability of the lender. Finally, we evaluated each provider’s customer support tools, borrower perks and features that simplify the borrowing process—like prequalification and mobile apps.
Where appropriate, we awarded partial points depending on how well a lender met each criterion.
To learn more about how Forbes Advisor rates lenders, and our editorial process, check out ourPersonal Loans Rating & Review Methodology.
If you don’t have any income, you’ll find it much more difficult to qualify for a personal loan. Proof of income is important to lenders. If you have low income, unstable income or no income at all, you’ll likely need a co-signer or co-borrower to qualify for a personal loan.
Credit score requirements vary among lenders, but in general, the minimum credit score necessary to get a personal loan is between 580 and 600.
Credit scores are a crucial factor when applying for a personal loan. If you have bad credit, you’ll find it more challenging to get a personal loan. Fortunately, there are lenders who cater to borrowers with bad credit. If you don’t qualify for an easy personal loan, take time to improve your score before reapplying.
It is possible to get a personal loan with a 500 credit score, but you’ll likely have fewer options than more creditworthy applicants. These personal loans may also come with higher interest rates and you may have to pledge collateral to secure the loan. If you’re unable to get a personal loan with a 500 credit score, consider a credit union or online lender that caters to borrowers with low and thin credit.
You can pay off a personal loan early, but some lenders impose prepayment penalties to help offset the lost revenue from interest payments. This fee typically ranges from 1% to 5% of the outstanding loan balance when the loan is paid off, but it may also be a flat fee. Many of the best personal loan providers do not charge prepayment penalties.
Jordan Tarver has spent seven years covering mortgage, personal loan and business loan content for leading financial publications such as Forbes Advisor. He blends knowledge from his bachelor's degree in business finance, his experience as a top performer in the mortgage industry and his entrepreneurial success to simplify complex financial topics. Jordan aims to make mortgages and loans understandable.