9
Best Personal Loans For Fair Credit Of 2026
Compare the Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit
| COMPANY | FORBES ADVISOR RATING | MINIMUM CREDIT SCORE | APR RANGE | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
600
|
7.99% to 35.99%
|
Via Credible.com’s Website
| |
|
|
OneMain Financial does not disclose this information
|
11.99% to 35.99%
|
Via Credible.com’s Website
| |
|
580
|
7.74% to 35.99%
|
Via Credible.com’s Website
| |
|
|
600
|
5.96% to 35.99%
|
Via Credible.com’s Website
| |
|
700
|
7.24% to 24.89%
|
Via Credible.com's Website
| |
|
|
Does not disclose
|
6.99% to 35.49%* with all discounts
|
Via Credible.com's Website
| |
|
|
580
|
9.95% to 35.99%
|
Via Credible.com’s Website
| |
|
|
620
|
6.60% to 35.99%
|
Via Credible.com’s Website
|
Best Fair Credit Personal Loans: A Closer Look
Best for a Variety of Loan Options
LendingPoint
Minimum Credit Score
600
APR range
7.99% to 35.99%
with autopay
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $36,500
600
7.99% to 35.99%
with autopay
$1,000 to $36,500
Fair-credit borrowers can access a wide range of loan amounts and terms through LendingPoint.
Why We Like It
LendingPoint offers various loan options with loan amounts from $1,000 to $36,500 and repayment terms from 24 to 60 months—or two to five years.
What We Don’t Like
Borrowers pay origination fees up to 10% of their loan amount.
Who It’s Best For
LendingPoint is best for fair-credit borrowers who need a personal loan between $1,000 to $36,500.
- Funding as soon as the next business day
- Low credit score requirement
- No prepayment penalty
- Origination fee up to 10%
- Co-signers or joint loans not permitted
- Not available in Nevada or West Virginia
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score. 600
- Minimum annual income. $35,000
- Co-signers. Not permitted
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.
Best for Small Amounts
OneMain Financial
Minimum Credit Score
OneMain Financial does not disclose this information
APR range
11.99% to 35.99%
Loan amounts
$1,500 to $30,000
OneMain Financial does not disclose this information
11.99% to 35.99%
$1,500 to $30,000
OneMain Financial offers small personal loans starting at $1,500 to $30,000.
Why We Like It
OneMain Financial funds its loans within an hour if you receive your funds via a debit card, but one to two banking days if you choose direct deposit.
What We Don’t Like
OneMain Financial charges either an origination fee that’s 1% to 10% of your loan amount or a flat fee from $25 to $500.
Who It’s Best For
OneMain Financial is best for borrowers who need small loans with fast funding times.
- Designed for borrowers with low credit scores
- Offers secured loan options
- Evaluates entire credit and income history instead of credit score
- Limits only up to $20,000
- Can’t be used for business purposes
- Charges high APRs
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score required. No minimum credit score requirement
- Minimum annual income. No minimum income requirement
- Co-borrowers. Not permitted
- Co-signers. Permitted
Best for Long Terms
Upgrade
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $75,000
APR range
7.74% to 35.99%
Minimum Credit Score
580
$1,000 to $75,000
7.74% to 35.99%
580
Upgrade’s flexible credit score requirements and long loan terms make it a top choice for fair-credit borrowers.
Why We Like It
Upgrade allows for a minimum credit score of 580 and offers loan terms of two to seven years. It also provides a variety of interest-rate discounts.
What We Don’t Like
Borrowers need to be aware of Upgrade’s high maximum annual percentage rate (APR) of 35.99%. Upgrade also charges origination fees between 1.85% and 9.99% of your loan amount. Both of these factors can make its loans costly.
Who It’s Best For
Upgrade personal loans are best for borrowers with limited credit looking for long-term loans.
- Direct payment to creditors streamlines the consolidation process
- 24/7 live chat customer support available
- Offers both co-signer and co-borrower options
- Charges origination fees on consolidation loans
- High maximum loan APR ( 35.99%)
- Average 3-day funding timeline
Lender Details
Eligibility
- Minimum credit score: 580
- Co-signers/co-borrowers: Accepted
Funding Speed
Funding may occur within one business day of clearing verification.
Best for Joint Loans
Happen Bank
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $60,000
APR range
5.96% to 35.99%
Minimum Credit Score
600
$1,000 to $60,000
5.96% to 35.99%
600
Happen Bank is a full-service online lender that offers personal loans from $1,000 to $60,000. Repayment terms range from two to five years.
Why We Like It
Happen Bank has a low barrier to entry with its flexible credit score requirements. It also allows for co-borrowers or joint loans, which can help improve approval odds.
What We Don’t Like
Happen Bank charges origination fees of 0% to 8% of your loan amount.
Who It’s Best For
Happen Bank personal loans are best for borrowers who want to apply with a co-borrower to improve their approval odds.
- Low minimum APR compared to the alternatives ( 5.96%)
- Offers direct payment to creditors
- Offers a co-borrower option
- Live chat support is available
- Charges origination fees
- Higher maximum APR ( 35.99%)
- Lower maximum loan amount ( up to $60,000)
- No autopay discount available
Lender Details
Eligibility
- Minimum credit score: 600
- Co-signers/co-borrowers: Co-borrowers accepted
Funding Speed
Funding may occur within 24 hours.
Best for Low Interest Rates
LightStream
Loan amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
APR range
7.24% to 24.89%
with autopay
Minimum Credit Score
700
$5,000 to $100,000
7.24% to 24.89%
with autopay
700
LightStream offers personal loans with competitive interest rates and quick turnaround times.
Why We Like It
LightStream’s personal loans advertise competitive interest rates between 7.24% to 24.89%. It can also fund loans the same day you submit your application.
What We Don’t Like
Although LightStream has a minimum credit score requirement of 700, fair-credit borrowers may have trouble qualifying.
Who It’s Best For
LightStream’s personal loans are best for borrowers with fair to good credit who can qualify for low interest rates.
- Does not charge origination, late payment or prepayment fees
- Lower maximum APR (capped at 24.89%)
- Same-day funding is possible
- Offers consolidation loan amounts of up to $100,000
- Higher minimum loan amount ($5,000)
- No option for prequalification
- No option for direct payments to creditors
- No mobile app
Lender Details
Eligibility
- Minimum credit score: 700
- Co-signers/co-borrowers: Co-borrowers accepted
Funding Speed
Same-day funding may be available if you sign documents, provide a bank account and complete the loan verification process before 2:30 p.m. ET.
Best for Large Amounts
SoFi®
Loan amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
APR range
6.99% to 35.49%*
with all discounts
Minimum Credit Score
Does not disclose
$5,000 to $100,000
6.99% to 35.49%*
with all discounts
Does not disclose
SoFi is a full-service online lender that offers a range of banking services and personal loans from $5,000 to $100,000.
Why We Like It
SoFi boasts large loan amounts and repayment terms from two to seven years. While it charges no loan fees, you can pay an optional origination fee for a lower interest rate.
What We Don’t Like
SoFi has a fairly high credit score requirement of Does not disclose, making its personal loans out of reach for some borrowers.
Who It’s Best For
SoFi personal loans are best for fair-credit borrowers who can meet the minimum credit score requirement and need large loan amounts.
- Offers comprehensive member benefits and perks
- Does not charge origination, late payment or prepayment fees
- Offers direct payment to creditors
- Loan amounts of up to $100,000
- Higher minimum loan amount ($5,000)
- Longer average funding time (4 days)
- High maximum loan APR ( 35.49%*)
- Live chat is limited to business hours
Lender Details
Eligibility
- Minimum credit score: Does not disclose
- Co-signers/co-borrowers: Co-borrowers accepted
Funding Speed
Funds should generally be available within a few days after signing the loan agreement.
Disclosures
*Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates at the time of application and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and other factors. If SoFi is unable to offer you a loan but matches you for a loan with a participating bank, then your rate may be outside the range of rates listed above. Rates and Terms are subject to change at any time without notice. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2024 was around $33K. Information current as of 06/03/26. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details. See SoFi.com/eligibility for details and state restrictions.
*Fixed rates from 6.99% APR to 35.49% APR. APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% SoFi Plus interest rate discount. SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or , Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, operating from its Delaware branch, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 06/03/26 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibilitycriteria/#eligibility-personal. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors.
Loan amounts range from $5,000– $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.
Autopay: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
Member Rate Discount: To be eligible for an additional 0.25% interest rate reduction on a Personal Loan, you must, within 31 days of loan funding, either (1) meet SoFi Plus eligibility criteria, (2) receive an Eligible Direct Deposit into a SoFi Checking or Savings account, or (3) receive at least $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits into a SoFi Checking or Savings account. You must continue to meet at least one of the above eligibility criteria every 31 days to maintain the discount. See the SoFi Plus terms for details on SoFi Plus subscription. For more details on Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, please see https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Once you become eligible during the initial period, the discount will be removed or reinstated depending on whether the criteria have been met. Each time your loan is re-amortized, your monthly payment amount will change based upon the interest rate that was in place. SoFi reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time for unenrolled participants. You are not required to meet these criteria to be approved for a loan.
Best for Customer Experience
Avant
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $40,000
APR range
9.95% to 35.99%
Minimum Credit Score
580
$1,000 to $40,000
9.95% to 35.99%
580
Fair-credit borrowers who value a quality customer experience should look no further than Avant.
Why We Like It
Avant offers borrowers solid customer service options, including availability seven days a week, a mobile app and an online application. Its Trustpilot ratings are also high.
What We Don’t Like
Avant charges an administration fee of up to 9.99% and late payment fees of $25.
Who It’s Best For
Avant’s personal loans are best for fair-credit borrowers who value customer satisfaction and need a personal loan from $1,000 to $40,000.
- Low minimum credit requirement of 580
- Funding as soon as the next business day
- Seven-day customer support available
- High minimum APR of 9.95%
- Administration fee up to 9.99%
- Doesn’t pay creditors directly
Best for an Alternative Qualification Process
Upstart
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $75,000
APR range
6.60% to 35.99%
Minimum Credit Score
620
$1,000 to $75,000
6.60% to 35.99%
620
Upstart uses AI to speed up its evaluation process, which considers alternative qualification factors. This allows Upstart to offer more flexible credit requirements.
Why We Like It
While Upstart’s minimum credit score requirement is 620, it also considers borrowers without sufficient credit history.
What We Don’t Like
Upstart charges origination fees up to up to 12% of your loan amount. What’s more, Upstart repayment terms are limited to three- or five-years.
Who It’s Best For
Upstart personal loans are best for prospective borrowers with limited credit histories.
- Low minimum APR of 6.60%
- Low credit score and income requirements
- Offers instant approval decisions
- Maximum and minimum amounts vary by state
- Limited repayment options
- Doesn’t offer co-signer or co-borrower options
Most Popular is calculated from the number of times each affiliate product was selected by Forbes Advisor users over a six month time period.
How We Picked the Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit
How We Evaluate the Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit
-
40
Lenders researched
We chose which lenders to review based on loan volume and availability
-
16
Methodology factors considered
Includes cost, loan details, eligibility, customer experience and CSI
-
5
Metrics examined
Most weight given to Consumer Sentiment Index, eligibility and loan details
| Product Name | Consumer Sentiment Index | Interest Rates and Fees | Customer Service | Loan Terms and Flexibility | Ease of Approval and Process | Overall Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
LendingPoint
|
|
3.5/7
|
5.6/7
|
4.9/7
|
6.3/7
|
8.4/12
|
|
OneMain Financial
|
|
2.1/7
|
5.6/7
|
4.2/7
|
5.6/7
|
6/12
|
|
Upgrade
|
|
4.2/7
|
4.9/7
|
5.6/7
|
6.3/7
|
8.4/12
|
|
LendingClub
|
|
4.9/7
|
4.9/7
|
5.6/7
|
6.3/7
|
9.6/12
|
|
LightStream
|
|
4.9/7
|
2.1/7
|
4.9/7
|
5.6/7
|
6/12
|
Staff Editor
Former Staff Writer
Angelica Leicht
Angelica Leicht, lead editor, has nearly a decade of experience in the personal finance space and holds expertise in personal and small business loan content, as well as mortgages and home equity loans. Prior to her role at Forbes Advisor, she worked at financial publications like Bankrate, HousingWire, CBS News and The Simple Dollar.
Kiah Treece
Kiah Treece, senior staff writer, has written and edited dozens of personal loan and business loan articles for Forbes Advisor, bringing her expertise as a small business owner to her writing. Treece also has owned numerous small businesses and developed expertise in small business and personal lending, real estate, insurance and other areas of personal finance.
Angelica Leicht
Angelica Leicht, lead editor, has nearly a decade of experience in the personal finance space and holds expertise in personal and small business loan content, as well as mortgages and home equity loans. Prior to her role at Forbes Advisor, she worked at financial publications like Bankrate, HousingWire, CBS News and The Simple Dollar.
How To Compare Personal Loans for Fair Credit
Most lenders disclose the information you need to compare your loan options on their website, including loan terms, interest rates, fees and, in some cases, even qualification requirements. However, prequalifying for loan offers can give you a better idea of the rates and terms lenders may offer you without impacting your credit.
Once you’re ready to compare loan offers, consider these loan features:
- Annual percentage rate (APR). APR is the total cost of borrowing money, including interest and fees. Comparing your APR offers can be the most efficient way to find the lowest-cost option. Other loan features are also essential to consider.
- Loan terms. Each lender offers different loan terms—or the time you have to repay a loan—but many personal loans range from two to seven years. The loan terms influence your monthly payment, so be sure you can afford a loan before committing to terms.
- Loan amounts. Personal loans typically range up to $50,000, but some lenders offer up to $100,000. That said, if you have fair credit and need a large loan, some lenders may not offer you the full amount. If this is the case, you can narrow down your options depending on where you can get a sufficient loan amount.
- Qualification requirements. If you’re applying for personal loans with fair credit, you likely won’t be able to qualify with just any lender. Before applying, be sure you meet the lender’s minimum qualification requirements. If possible, prequalify with a soft credit check before submitting a formal application.
- Fees and penalties. Fees and penalties, including origination fees, prepayment penalties and late payment fees, vary between lenders. If, for instance, you plan to repay your loan early, look for lenders that charge no prepayment penalties.
- Perks. Some lenders offer perks, such as discounts for automatic payments or payment deferral if you need forbearance. Consider whether you would use these features when comparing your loan options.
How Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Interest Rate?
Most lenders use your score to help determine your ability to manage debt. If you have fair credit (580 to 669 on the FICO scale), it can be challenging to qualify for a lender’s lowest advertised interest rates.
Nonetheless, your credit score is just one part of a loan application. Maintaining a high income or a small amount of debt compared to your income—represented as your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio—can help you qualify for lower rates.
If your application is denied, you’ll receive an adverse action letter explaining the rejection. It can be worthwhile to address the issues noted in the letter before applying for other loans, which may also help you receive lower interest rates.
Average Personal Loan Rates by Credit Score
How To Get a Personal Loan With a Low Interest Rate
Fair credit can make it hard to get the lowest advertised rates, but there are steps you can take to receive lower rates, including:
- Improve your credit. You can quickly improve your credit by paying down debts to reduce your credit utilization rate, requesting higher credit limits and correcting any errors on your credit report. If you increase your credit limit, be sure not to use it or your credit utilization rate will increase, which may harm your credit score.
- Lower your DTI. Paying down debt (or increasing your income) can reduce your DTI. Lenders use your DTI to determine your ability to repay a loan.
- Shop around. Considering a wide range of lenders, including credit unions and online lenders, can help you find the lowest interest rates. Compare prequalification offers to determine which lender is best.
How To Get a Loan With Fair Credit
Although it can be more challenging to get a loan with fair credit, some lenders work with borrowers with imperfect credit. In most cases, you’ll take these steps:
- Check your credit. First, check your credit score and report to help determine which lenders may be willing to work with you. If you find any errors, contact the credit bureaus to get them corrected.
- Shop around. Once you know your current credit score, find lenders that accept fair credit and offer the loan amount and terms you need. As you compare lenders, consider other loan features, such as prepayment penalties and late fees, to help find the right loan.
- Prequalify and compare options. After you’ve found the lenders that meet your needs, prequalify for loan offers. Prequalification doesn’t impact your credit score and can show you the loans you may be offered. These offers can help you compare options and find the best lender.
- Submit an application. If you’ve found an option that works for you, submit a full application. Promptly respond to any questions or requests for more information to move the process forward quickly.
- Begin repayment. After your application is approved, accept your loan and begin repayment. Setting up automatic payments can help ensure you don’t miss any payments.
Alternatives to a Fair Credit Loan
If your credit score is sufficient, there are alternatives you can consider, including:
- Secured personal loans. With a secured personal loan, borrowers offer up collateral to back the cost of the loan. Secured loans can be easier to qualify for because if you fail to repay the loan, the lender can take possession of your collateral.
- Home equity financing. Home equity loans or lines of credit use the equity you’ve built in your home to get funding. These loans may come with lower interest rates than personal loans. However, because your home secures the loan, the lender can repossess your home if you fail to make payments.
- Credit cards. If you need to cover a short-term financial emergency, credit cards can be an effective tool if you have a plan to repay your debt. Keep in mind, it can be easy to overspend on a credit card, and high APRs and fees can make carrying a balance expensive.
- Cash advance apps. Cash advance apps offer short-term loans—typically two weeks—in small amounts. These loans can be a good option to cover a small financial need, but missing payments can lead to late fees and other penalties.
- Savings. Saving to cover your expenses rather than taking out a loan will let you avoid interest and the burden of repaying a loan for years to come.
- Friends and family. If you have friends or family willing to lend you money, this can be a good option to cover your financial needs. Before accepting any funding, consider writing a promissory note so both parties agree on the loan terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a personal loan with a fair credit score?
You can get a personal loan with a fair credit score, but your options will be more limited than those available to more qualified borrowers. Depending on the lender, you may qualify for a lower loan amount, and your interest rate may be higher than with a good, very good or exceptional FICO Score. You can improve your approval odds by increasing your credit score or applying with a well-qualified co-signer.
What is a good credit score for a personal loan?
A good credit score for a personal loan ranges from 670 to 739, as defined by FICO. Having a higher credit score can help you qualify for lower interest rates, higher loan amounts or more flexible repayment terms. Some personal loan lenders accept lower credit scores, but having a high FICO Score improves your access to better loan terms and borrowing opportunities.
What is the largest personal loan I can get with fair credit?
The largest personal loan you can get with fair credit depends on the lender and your other qualifications. Lenders typically evaluate additional factors like your income and debt-to-income ratio when making lending decisions, and some consider non-traditional factors such as education, employment and utility payments. In general, though, borrowers with fair credit qualify for lower loan amounts than more creditworthy borrowers.