Bad Credit Loans: Personal Loan Options for Fair and Low Credit

A lower credit score doesn't automatically rule you out, but it can change the offers you see. Learn what to expect, what to watch out for and how to request $200 to $5,000.

Tilt App is a loan-matching service, not a lender. Submitting a request doesn't guarantee an offer.

How much do you need?

Type any amount from $200 to $5,000, or choose one below.

Requests of $550 to $1,500Amounts like this are often repaid in fixed installments. Compare the total cost, not just the payment.

  • One short online request
  • No obligation to accept an offer

We are not a direct lender. Submitting a request doesn't guarantee an offer, and rates and terms vary by lender. Checking your rate through TiltApp does not affect your credit score. If you accept an offer, the lender will typically run a hard credit inquiry before funding, which may affect your score

Borrower reviewing credit score information and borrowing options

What to expect with fair or low credit

"Bad credit" usually means a score in the lower ranges. FICO describes scores below 580 as poor and 580 to 669 as fair. Lenders weigh scores differently, and many also look at income, debts and banking history. See what lenders consider.

With fair or low credit, you may see fewer offers, higher APRs or a smaller amount than you asked for. That makes comparing the total cost especially important.

With fair or low credit

Varies by lender
What may change
Fewer offers, higher APRs or smaller amounts
What else lenders review
Income, existing debts and banking history
What to compare
APR, fees and the total you'll repay
Credit checks
Checking your rate through TiltApp does not affect your credit score. If you accept an offer, the lender will typically run a hard credit inquiry before funding, which may affect your score
APR range
5.99%–35.99%

Rates, fees and terms are set by each lender and depend on your credit profile, term and state.

Ways to improve your chances

Small steps that can help, whatever your score.

Be cautious of:
  • Promises of guaranteed approval
  • Requests for a fee before you get a loan. The FTC warns this is a sign of an advance-fee loan scam.
  • Pressure to decide right away
  • Offers that don't clearly show the APR and total cost
  1. Request only what you needA smaller amount can be easier for lenders to approve and cheaper to repay.
  2. Check your credit reports for errorsGet free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute anything that's wrong.
  3. Lower your other debts if you canPaying down balances improves your debt-to-income ratio, which lenders often review.
  4. Ask about a co-borrowerSome lenders allow a co-borrower with stronger credit. Not all do, and the co-borrower shares responsibility for the loan.

Other options to consider

These can cost less than a loan, especially for smaller amounts.

  • Credit union loans

    Many federal credit unions offer small payday alternative loans (PALs) to members, with capped rates.

  • Payment plans

    Ask whoever sent the bill whether you can pay it off in smaller amounts.

  • Assistance programs

    Utility, medical and rent assistance can reduce how much you need to borrow.

How much do you need?

With fair or low credit, a smaller request may be easier to repay. You can request any amount from $200 to $5,000.

Rates and terms vary by lender: 5.99%–35.99%

Understand your credit

See all guides

Bad credit loan questions

More answers in the help center.

Can I get a personal loan with bad credit?

You can submit a request whatever your credit history. Some lenders work with fair or low credit, but each sets its own criteria and no one can guarantee approval.

Will a bad credit loan have a higher APR?

Often, yes. Lenders usually charge more when they see more risk, so offers for fair or low credit can carry higher APRs. Compare the total cost before you accept. Learn how APR works.

Do you offer no credit check loans?

Tilt App doesn't promise no-credit-check loans. Checking your rate through TiltApp does not affect your credit score. If you accept an offer, the lender will typically run a hard credit inquiry before funding, which may affect your score

Can a loan help me build credit?

If the lender reports to the credit bureaus, on-time payments may help your credit over time, while late payments can hurt it. Ask the lender whether it reports.

What if no lender has an offer for me?

You still have options, such as payment plans, credit union loans or assistance programs. Compare alternatives to borrowing.