How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Upstart is the best all-round bad credit lender, with AI-based approval, loans from $1,000 to $75,000, and APRs from 6.3 percent to 35.99 percent.
- OneMain Financial is the best for in-person help, with branches, real loan specialists, and money as fast as 1 hour after closing.
- OppLoans is the best for borrowers turned down elsewhere, with bank partners that look beyond your credit score and same-day funding.
- Upgrade is the best for larger loans, with up to $50,000, low fixed rates, and funding within a day of clearing verifications.
- NetCredit is the best for building credit while borrowing, reporting payments to major credit bureaus with same-day funding available.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Upstart | Borrowers whose credit score does not tell the full story | See website | See website |
 Avant | Simple online personal loans and credit cards | See website | See website |
 OneMain Financial | Borrowers who want real people in branches and fast cash | See website | See website |
 Upgrade | Larger personal loans with low fixed rates | See website | See website |
 LendingPoint | Transparent terms and a lender that finds reasons to say yes | See website | See website |
 OppLoans | Borrowers turned down by other lenders | See website | See website |
 NetCredit | Building credit history while borrowing | See website | See website |
 Best Egg | Fast, transparent personal loans with debt consolidation focus | See website | See website |
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best loan companies for bad credit
#1
Upstart
Best for: Borrowers whose credit score does not tell the full story
Visit upstart.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
Upstart offers personal loans with low fixed rates, next day funding, and no hidden fees, and it has helped more than 4 million customers. Its AI model looks beyond your credit score, considering education, employment, and other factors, which helps borrowers with thin or damaged credit get approved where traditional models say no. Personal loans range from $1,000 to $75,000, checking your rate takes 5 minutes, there is no prepayment penalty, and 99 percent of personal loan funds are sent just 1 business day after signing.
Upstart's homepage states unsecured personal loan APRs from 6.3 percent to 35.99 percent, based on 5-year rates offered in June 2026, with the lowest rates only for the most qualified applicants. A representative example shows a $10,000 loan over 60 months at 19.08 percent interest with an 8.15 percent origination fee, for an APR of 23.37 percent and 60 monthly payments of $261. Checking your rate uses a soft inquiry that will not affect your credit score, while proceeding with an application triggers a hard inquiry that will. Upstart also offers a Cash Line from $200, a home equity line of credit from $26,000 to $250,000, and short-term relief loans from $200 to $2,500.
For bad credit borrowers who want a fair, data-driven shot at approval, Upstart is the best starting point.
What we like- AI model considers education and employment, personal loans $1,000 to $75,000, next day funding, no prepayment penalty, rate check in 5 minutes without affecting your score
Watch out for- Origination fees apply, highest APRs reach 35.99 percent, Upstart is not the lender itself
#2
Avant
Best for: Simple online personal loans and credit cards
Visit avant.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
Avant provides tools to make life easier, with personal loans and credit cards designed to simplify everyday financial tasks. Its homepage emphasizes support to help you stay on track, privacy protection, and real help from real people, plus a mobile app that lets you manage your personal loan and credit card account from your phone.
Avant's blog and resources cover financial stability and budgeting, which suits borrowers working to rebuild credit while repaying. Because the homepage does not show a plain APR range or loan amounts, we list its price as "See website" and recommend checking your rate on Avant's site before comparing. Checking a rate with most online lenders uses a soft inquiry, but confirm that on Avant's application page before proceeding.
For borrowers who want a straightforward online lender with both loans and cards, Avant is a solid option.
What we like- Simple online application, personal loans plus credit cards, mobile app for account management, real help from real people, privacy protection
Watch out for- APRs and loan amounts not shown plainly on homepage, no rate range published here, approval depends on credit profile
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
OneMain Financial is a personal loan lender built around getting money right when you need it: quick decision, money as fast as 1 hour after loan closing, real people in branches, on the phone, and ready to help online, and loans that work for your budget with fixed payments and clear, upfront terms. Its loan types cover personal loans for expenses, projects, or long-term goals, debt consolidation loans that roll credit card bills into one monthly payment with a clear payoff date, and emergency loans for unexpected bills or urgent repairs.
OneMain also offers MyMoney, a free budgeting tool in your online account with personalized, real-time money insights, and BrightWay, a credit card that rewards on-time payments. Tens of thousands of customers rate the lender highly on Trustpilot. Because the homepage does not show a plain APR range, we list its price as "See website" and recommend checking for offers on OneMain's site, which states that checking for offers will not affect your credit score.
For borrowers who want human help and fast funding, OneMain Financial is the best branch-based choice.
What we like- Money as fast as 1 hour after loan closing, real people in branches and on the phone, fixed payments with clear upfront terms, free MyMoney budgeting tool, BrightWay credit card rewards for on-time payments
Watch out for- APRs and loan amounts not shown plainly on homepage, branch model may suit some borrowers less, approval depends on credit profile
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
Upgrade offers personal loans up to $50,000 with low, fixed rates, and checking your rate is free and will not impact your credit score. Funds are sent directly to your bank account within a day of clearing verifications, rates are fixed with predictable payments, and you can pay off your loan at any time with no prepayment penalty. The company reports 8.5 million plus customers, $53 billion plus borrowed, a 4.5 Trustpilot rating from 60,000 plus reviews, and a NerdWallet Best-Of Award for 2026.
Beyond loans, Upgrade offers Rewards Checking Preferred with no monthly maintenance fees, up to 2 percent cash back, and pay up to 2 days early with direct deposit, plus Flex Pay for spreading trip costs over monthly payments and OneCard Essentials, a cash back credit card with no annual fee. Because the homepage does not show a plain APR range, we list its price as "See website" and recommend checking your rate on Upgrade's site.
For bad credit borrowers who need a larger loan with predictable payments, Upgrade is a strong choice.
What we like- Personal loans up to $50,000, low fixed rates, rate check free with no credit score impact, funding within a day of clearing verifications, no prepayment penalty, 8.5 million plus customers and $53 billion plus borrowed
Watch out for- APR range not shown plainly on homepage, origination fees may apply, approval depends on credit profile
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
LendingPoint is a provider of unsecured personal loans for consumers serving FICO scores up to 850, using proprietary technology and algorithms to drive a better lending and borrowing experience by finding more reasons to say yes. Since 2015, it has helped consumers access financing with transparent terms, responsible lending practices, and customer-focused support.
Eligibility requires being 18 or older, having a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number, a minimum annual income of $35,000, a verifiable personal banking account, and not residing in Nevada or West Virginia. Loans range from $1,000 to $36,500, with the maximum based on affordability, debt-to-income ratio, and payment-to-income ratio. Providing basic information to view loan options uses a soft pull that does not impact your credit score, while continuing with an application requires a hard inquiry. If additional documentation is requested, you are notified of a decision within 1 to 3 business days.
For borrowers who want transparency and a lender that looks beyond a single score, LendingPoint is a good fit.
What we like- Unsecured personal loans $1,000 to $36,500, proprietary technology finding more reasons to say yes, transparent terms, soft pull to view options, decision within 1 to 3 business days after documents
Watch out for- Minimum annual income $35,000, not available in Nevada or West Virginia, APR range not shown plainly on homepage
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
OppLoans offers online loans designed for you, with same-day funding available, applying that does not affect your FICO credit score, and no hidden fees. Working with bank partners, the platform offers personal loans designed to fit your needs: bank partners consider more than just your credit score, so even if you have been turned down by others, you may still qualify. If approved, you may receive money as soon as the same business day.
OppLoans products range from $500 to $5,000, depending on your state, income, ability to repay, and creditworthiness. Bank partners do not charge origination fees or prepayment fees on loans through the platform, loans charge simple, fixed-rate interest with no hidden fees, and OppLoans reports payments to all three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments may help boost your credit history. Eligibility requires being 18 or older, having a bank account, residing in an operating state, having a regular source of income, and receiving income through direct deposit.
For borrowers who need a smaller loan and a second chance at approval, OppLoans is the best choice.
What we like- Same-day funding available, applying does not affect your FICO score, no hidden fees, bank partners consider more than credit score, no origination or prepayment fees, payments reported to all three bureaus
Watch out for- Loan amounts only $500 to $5,000, higher APRs typical for this segment, availability varies by state
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
NetCredit offers online loans up to $10,000, with same-day funding available, flexible terms, and a simple application. Its pitch is credit to the people: checking your eligibility will not affect your FICO score, and for NetCredit personal loans and lines of credit, payment history is reported to major credit bureaus, so on-time payments can build credit history and a better future.
Two products are available. Personal loans up to $10,000 are installment loans with a lump sum and predictable payments over 6 to 60 months, with a fixed APR and set payment amounts. Lines of credit up to $4,500 are revolving, with open-end access, draws as often as you like, and payments based on what you have borrowed, plus Fee Saver and Skip-a-Pay features. NetCredit has partnered with Quill Bank and Republic Bank and Trust Company to offer loans in some states, where applications are underwritten and made by a lending partner bank and serviced by NetCredit.
For borrowers who want to build credit while borrowing, NetCredit is a strong option.
What we like- Online loans up to $10,000, lines of credit up to $4,500, same-day funding available, no collateral needed, no penalty for early payoff, payments reported to major bureaus
Watch out for- APRs vary widely by state and are shown on Rates and Terms page, not all products available in all states, partner-bank model varies by state
#8
Best Egg
Best for: Fast, transparent personal loans with debt consolidation focus
Visit bestegg.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
Best Egg is an online financial platform offering personal loans designed to help people manage money with confidence, with the tagline "be money confident." Its personal loans offer hassle-free funds up to $50,000, direct pay that pays off debt faster and accesses better rates, low fixed interest rates, and funding in 24 hours. You can check your rate in minutes with no impact to your credit score, choose a loan option that fits your needs, and receive funds quickly if approved.
Best Egg also offers a Homeowner Preferred Loan with access to its lowest rates available, average APR savings of 20 percent for homeowners, using fixtures like cabinets and vanities as collateral rather than your entire home, plus a mobile app for instant account access, payment options, balances, and real-time alerts, and Best Egg Financial Health, a free platform with tools to monitor your credit score, manage debt paydown, and build a budget.
For borrowers consolidating high-interest debt with a fast, transparent process, Best Egg is a solid choice.
What we like- Hassle-free funds up to $50,000, low fixed interest rates, funding in 24 hours, rate check in minutes with no credit score impact, no hidden fees, direct pay for debt consolidation
Watch out for- APR range not shown plainly on homepage, approval depends on credit profile, secured homeowner loans use home fixtures as collateral
How we chose
We compared loan companies that are actively operating and usable in 2026 for borrowers with bad credit, with verified homepages and real loan products, not just lead-generation sites. We checked each vendor homepage to confirm the lender exists and matches its description, and we used published APRs and amounts where the vendor shows them plainly. Where a homepage does not show a clear APR range, we wrote "See website" rather than inventing a rate. APRs for bad credit loans commonly reach 35.99 percent for mainstream lenders and can be higher for subprime-only lenders, so always check your own rate and the full APR, fees, and term before accepting. One lender from our original research list, Universal Credit, could not be verified because its homepage address did not resolve during our check, so it was replaced by Best Egg, whose homepage was verified. This article is not financial advice: compare offers, read the fine print, and consider nonprofit credit counseling if you are struggling with debt.
Pick by your loan need and credit situation
If you want the best all-round shot at approval, start with Upstart. If you want human help and fast cash, OneMain Financial has branches and 1-hour funding. If you have been turned down elsewhere, OppLoans looks beyond your score. If you need a larger loan, Upgrade goes up to $50,000. If you want transparent terms, LendingPoint is built for that. If you want to build credit while borrowing, NetCredit reports to major bureaus. If you want a simple online lender, Avant is straightforward. And if you are consolidating debt, Best Egg's direct pay is designed for it. Whatever you choose, check your rate with a soft inquiry first, compare APRs not just monthly payments, avoid loans you cannot afford to repay, and never pay an upfront fee to get a loan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best loan company for bad credit?
Upstart is the best all-round choice, with AI-based approval, loans from $1,000 to $75,000, and APRs from 6.3 percent to 35.99 percent. OneMain Financial is best for in-person help, OppLoans is best for second-chance approval, and NetCredit is best for building credit while borrowing.
What APR can I expect with bad credit?
Mainstream bad credit lenders commonly charge APRs up to 35.99 percent, as Upstart's homepage shows, while subprime-only lenders can charge more. Your actual APR depends on your credit, income, state, and loan term. Always compare the full APR, including fees, not just the interest rate.
Will checking my rate hurt my credit score?
Checking your rate with Upstart, Upgrade, OppLoans, NetCredit, and Best Egg uses a soft inquiry that will not affect your credit score. If you accept an offer and proceed, the lender runs a hard inquiry that will be recorded and will impact your score. Confirm the inquiry type on each lender's application page.
How fast can I get money with bad credit?
OneMain Financial offers money as fast as 1 hour after loan closing, OppLoans and NetCredit offer same-day funding if approved, Upstart sends most funds the next business day after signing, and Upgrade funds within a day of clearing verifications. Speed depends on verification and your bank's processing time.
Can a bad credit loan help my credit score?
Yes, if the lender reports payments to credit bureaus and you pay on time. OppLoans and NetCredit both report to major bureaus, and on-time payments may help boost your credit history. Missed payments will hurt your score, so borrow only what you can repay.
Should I avoid any bad credit loan offers?
Avoid lenders that charge upfront fees to get a loan, refuse to disclose the full APR and fees, pressure you to sign quickly, or offer terms you cannot afford. Consider nonprofit credit counseling, a secured credit card, or a credit-builder loan as safer alternatives if a high-APR loan does not fit your budget.
Sources we checked (0)
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.