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Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit to Consider in 2024

Your credit score matters when applying for financing. As a result, it’s much more difficult to get a personal loan with a fair credit score than with better credit. According to MyFICO, a fair credit score is one that ranges between 580 and 669.

Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit
Tara Mastroeni
Written by:Tara Mastroeni
Real Estate and Personal Finance Expert
Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit

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If you have a fair credit score, you're going to want to consider applying for a fair credit personal loan. Doing so will vastly increase your chances of being approved. Still, you don’t just want to apply for any fair credit personal loan either. You'll want to consider a variety of factors. In light of that, our team of financial experts reviewed and ranked more than 30 online lenders in order to help you get funded.

Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit

Top Picks for Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit

Because personal loans can have a big impact on your finances, it’s important to spend a little time reviewing your options to make sure you’re not overpaying. Also, it’s usually worth comparing your rates across multiple lenders to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your credit history and financial situation.

Our team of financial experts ranked lenders based on our ratings methodology for personal loans and found the best personal loans for fair vredit. This ratings methodology evaluates lenders based on loan length, APR, repayment terms, user experience, customer service, credit score history, banking and credit union use, and additional features.

 

Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit in 2024 - Full Overview

Best Overall
credible_logo
4.4

Credible - Best for Comparison Shopping

4.4
APR.
2.49% to 35.99%
Loan Amount
$600-$100,000
Min. Credit Score
560+
Key Features
  • Checking rates does not affect credit score
  • Best rate guarantee
  • Allows you to compare loans from top-rated lenders
  • Loan amounts up to $100,000
  • No hidden fees
  • Easy online application
Pros & Cons
  • Competitive interest rates
  • No hidden fees or prepayment penalties
  • Low credit accepted
  • Flexible repayment terms
  • Excellent customer service
  • Not a direct lender
  • Rates will vary by lender
  • Some lenders may charge late fees
Overview

Because Credible is a loan marketplace as opposed to a direct lender, their primary focus is on matching you with a lender that meets your criteria. Plenty of lenders work with borrowers with fair credit, and with Credible, they do the searching for you. Credible has excellent customer service, an A+ rating on the BBB, and competitive interest rates.

 

Main Features

Credible offers personal loans from $600 to $100,000, with rates starting at 4.60%. Credible is not a lender but a loan marketplace connecting you with reputable lenders within minutes. There are no hidden fees and low credit is accepted. To apply for a personal loan with Credible, simply fill out their easy online application. You’ll be matched with lenders you qualify for, and from there you can choose your loan amount, rate, and lender. If approved, you’ll sign for the loan and may receive funds as soon as the next business day.

If you have fair credit but don’t want to go searching for a reputable lender, turn to Credible. Credible is partnered with dozens of top-rated lenders that serve a variety of borrowers, including those with less-than-ideal credit. Once you fill out Credible’s easy online application, you’ll be matched with lenders willing to work with you and get you a personal loan possibly within 24 hours of signing.
rocketloans_logo
4.4

Rocket Loans - Best for Same-Day Funding

4.4
APR.
5.97% to 29.99%
Loan Amount
$2,000-$45,000
Min. Credit Score
640+
Key Features
  • Same-day loan approval
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Credit scores as low as 640 accepted
Pros & Cons
  • Same-day funding available
  • Offers autopay discount
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Charges origination and late fees
  • Not available in all states
  • No option for joint borrowers or co-signers
Overview

After conducting our research, Rocket Loans claimed the top spot on our list. In particular, they earned a perfect score for available perks, such as their auto-pay functionality and companion discount. In addition, the company also earned high marks for their robust customer service offerings and complimentary user reviews.

 

Main Features

By accepting credit scores as low as 640, Rocket Loans has positioned themselves as a solid lender for those with fair credit. While there are only a few loan terms to choose from, their loan amounts are fairly high and their interest rates are pretty competitive, especially if you opt for the autopay discount.

If you need access to money right away, Rocket Loans’s same-day funding capability makes them a solid option. While you will have to pay a fee for the privilege of borrowing, overall, their rates are fairly affordable and they offer the opportunity for discounts. In addition, they're transparent about their funding requirements, which makes it easy to tell if you are a good candidate.
 upgrade_logo
4.7

Upgrade - Best for Longer Loan Terms

4.7
APR.
5.94% to 35.97%
Loan Amount
$1,000-$50,000
Min. Credit Score
Not disclosed
Key Features
  • Funding as soon as the next day
  • Can be approved with fair credit
  • Variety of discounts on rates
Pros & Cons
  • Low borrowing minimum
  • Flexible loan terms
  • Available mobile app
  • Charges an origination fee
  • High maximum APR
  • No deferment option
Overview

If you need to get a loan with a 600 credit score, you may want to consider getting financing from Upgrade. In our expert review, Upgrade received perfect scores for qualification leniency and ease of qualification process. Additionally, their customer service and user reviews also received high marks.

 

Main Features

For the most part, borrowing from Upgrade comes with a lot of flexibility. They have both a low borrowing minimum and a high maximum. Plus, they offer the opportunity to choose a longer loan term than most of their competitors, up to 84 months.

Upgrade’s lenient qualification process and flexible loan terms secured them the second spot on our list of best personal loans for fair credit. Still, if you think you may need a deferment option in the future, it may be worth looking into other options.
provider_amone-logo
4.7

AmOne - Best for Getting Quotes from Multiple Lenders

4.7
APR.
4.37%-35.99%
Loan Amount
$100-$50,000
Min. Credit Score
550+
Key Features
  • Variety of personal and business loans
  • Fast application process
  • Loans are available for borrowers with low credit scores
Pros & Cons
  • Using AmOne doesn’t impact credit
  • Financial search specialists are available
  • Quotes provided in minutes
  • Not a direct lender
  • Website lacks transparency
  • Rates and fees vary by lender
Overview

In our fourth spot is AmOne, a lending marketplace that can help you collect quotes from a variety of lenders. In particular, AmOne also received top scores in our qualification leniency and customer support categories. However, those ratings were supplemented by the fact that the company receives mostly positive user reviews.

 

Main Features

Since AmOne is not a direct lender, it’s difficult to nail down specifics about their borrowing criteria. In this case, eligibility requirements and applicable rates and fees will vary by lender. However, AmOne can help match you with a lender that is the best fit for your financial profile.

If you’re not sure which lender is right for you, AmOne might be a good place to start your search. Their streamlined application process and dedicated support specialists make it easy to get quotes from lenders who may make a good match. Just bear in mind that you’ll have to go through the application process again once you decide who to pick.
universal-credit_logo
4.6

Universal Credit - Best for Mobile App Users

4.6
APR.
8.93% - 35.93%
Loan Amount
$1,000-$50,000
Min. Credit Score
Not Disclosed
Key Features
  • Fixed interest rates
  • Get money to your bank in just one day
  • Quick online application
Pros & Cons
  • Next-day funding
  • Free credit monitoring available
  • Mobile app available
  • High minimum APR
  • Charges an origination fee
  • No option for secured loans or a co-signer
Overview

Overall, Universal Credit received perfect scores from our experts for their qualification leniency, customer support, and perks. Plus, near-perfect scores for its user reviews. However, their “Interest Rates and Fees” score is the main reason why they aren’t higher up on this list.

 

Main Features

Unfortunately, Universal Credit chooses not to disclose its eligibility requirements, which can make it hard to know for sure if you qualify for a loan with them. If you do, you’ll have access to a high borrowing maximum, but you may pay more for the privilege. Their minimum APR is significantly higher than some of their competitors.

Universal Credit is a solid option for a lender. As far as loan amount and loan term are concerned, they’re right on par with their competitors. Plus, they offer perks like free credit monitoring and a mobile app. Still, if keeping your interest payments as low as possible is a priority, you may want to consider another lender.
netcredit_logo
4.6

Netcredit - Best for Borrowers with Bad Credit

4.6
APR.
19.5%-155%
Loan Amount
$500-$20,000
Min. Credit Score
None
Key Features
  • Same or next business day funding
  • Works with bad credit borrowers
  • No origination or late fees in some states
  • Soft credit pull for initial inquiry
Pros & Cons
  • Same- or next-day funding
  • No origination fee
  • No minimum credit score requirement
  • Extremely high APR range
  • Low borrowing maximum
  • No option to add a cosigner
Overview

In NetCredit’s case, their qualification leniency, ease of application process, customer support, and perks all contributed to the company earning the sixth spot on our list. For those who may have a hard time qualifying elsewhere, this lender is an excellent choice. Unfortunately, high fees and fewer loan features mean that it may not be the right fit for everyone.

 

Main Features

NetCredit’s standout feature is that it does not have a minimum credit score requirement. Instead, the company uses alternative data to inform its lending decisions. As a result, you will need to have a verifiable source of employment in order to be approved. Those who qualify can borrow up to $10,000.

If you’re worried about being approved elsewhere, NetCredit may be a great choice. Their choice to use alternative data to inform their lending decisions makes them a good option for those who won't qualify with traditional lenders. However, in exchange for the qualification leniency, you will likely end up paying more for the loan, especially if your credit score is on the lower end of the fair range.
 sofi review
4.6

SoFi - Best for High Borrowing Limits

4.6
APR.
6.99% to 21.78%
Loan Amount
Up to $100,000
Min. Credit Score Min. Credit Score
680+
Key Features
  • No origination, prepayment, or late payment fees
  • Joint applications accepted
  • Offers .25% discount for autopay
  • Borrowers up to $100,000
Pros & Cons
  • No fees
  • Autopay discount available
  • Mobile app available
  • Not available in all states
  • Longer approval and funding times
  • May have higher minimum credit score requirement
Overview

In our review, SoFi, was given perfect scores for their customer service and bonus perks. In addition, they earned high marks for their qualification leniency and competitive interest rates and fees. Unfortunately, the company was a little weak when it came time to measure satisfaction through user reviews.

 

Main Features

SoFi chooses not to disclose all of their eligibility criteria on their website, third-party sources maintain that their minimum credit score requirements are on the high end. Some sources report a score requirement as high as 680, which may be difficult for some borrowers to achieve.

While SoFi may not be a good lender for every borrower, Those who qualify can access some serious perks. For one, the company has a variety of educational content available, as well as perks like career coaching. For another, the borrowing limits are significantly higher. With a decent credit score, you can borrow up to $100,000.
oportun_logo
4.6

Oportun Loans - Best for Secured Personal Loans

4.6
APR.
Up to 35.99%
Loan Amount
$300-$10,000
Min. Credit Score
580+
Key Features
  • Fast funding with direct deposit
  • Accepts borrowers with newer credit profiles or lower credit scores
  • Flexible approved uses for the loan money
Pros & Cons
  • Secured loan options available
  • Option for direct deposit
  • Has physical branches
  • Higher APR range
  • Low borrowing limit
  • Loan options vary by state
Overview

During the review, Oportun Loans received their highest scores for their easy application process, above-par customer service, and bonus features. Regretably, their user reviews and interest rates and fees did not stack up to their competitors, which is why they did not earn a higher spot on the list.

 

Main Features

Although Oportun Loans accepts credit scores as low as 580, it's worth noting that their borrowing limits are significantly lower than some of their competitors. At a minimum, you can borrow as little as $300 or up to $10,000. However, that limit can be extended if you agree to put up an asset as collateral.

If you have a low credit score and need the flexibility of borrowing more than $10,000, consider Oportun Loans. Their secured loan option Allows you to extend your borrowing limits. That said, this loan option may not be available in every state, so you will need to read the fine print to make sure that it's available for you.

How to Choose the Best Personal Loan for Fair Credit?

To give you a better idea of what to expect from the selection process, we've taken a closer look at those parameters below. Read them over carefully so that you have a better idea of how the selection process worked from start to finish.

  • Loan Features: To start, our experts looked at features like loan terms, loan amounts, and loan use limitations.
  • Interest rates and fees: Then, they also considered the different types of fees charged by the lenders and their minimum/maximum interest rates.
  • Application process: Next, they looked at the invasiveness of the application information requirements, whether the lender performs a hard-pull or soft-pull on your credit, and overall funding time.
  • Qualification process: The experts also considered qualification requirements, including minimum credit score, income requirements, co-signer or joint application optionality, and membership requirements.
  • Customer support: Additionally, they look at the level of accessibility to a live CSR representative, the degree of multi-channel support, and the availability of supplemental information and tools.
  • Online user reviews: They also read reviews on independent review sites like Trustpilot.
  • Perks and Bonuses: Finally, they considered specified service offerings like payment flexibility, advertising transparency, and advanced technology.

 

Main Features of The Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit

Now that you have a better idea of what each individual lender has to offer, here is a side-by-side comparison for your review. Take a closer look to see which lender might be the best fit for you.

Rocket Loans4.4
Upgrade4.7
Figure4.7
AmOne4.7
Universal Credit4.6
NetCredit4.6
SoFi4.6
Oportun Loans4.6
  • Est. APR - 5.97% - 29.99% 
  • Min. credit score - 640 
  • Loan Amount - $2,000 - $45,000 
  • Loan term - 36 or 60 months

What is a Fair Credit Loan?

At their core, fair credit loans are personal loans for people with fair credit scores. For those who may note be aware, a fair credit score Is any score that falls between 580 and 669.

However, other than the score range, it’s important to note that fair credit loans are typically very similar to other personal loan options meant for borrowers with higher or lower credit scores.

 

How Does Fair Credit Affect Your Personal Loan?

Having a fair credit score is most likely going to affect the interest rate that you’ll recieve on your personal loan.

Since personal loans are usually unsecured, meaning that they don't require any type of collateral, lenders depend heavily on your credit score for approval. While it's still possible to get approved for a loan with a 600 credit score, it's unlikely that you will receive as good of an interest rate as another borrower with a good or an excellent credit score.

Ultimately, this means that you can expect to pay more over time for the privilege of borrowing money from your lender. However, keep in mind that there may be ways to offset a higher interest rate, such as signing up for auto-pay discounts or applying for the loan with a cosigner.

 

How to Qualify for a Personal Loan With Fair Credit

In order to qualify for a personal loan with fair credit, you’ll absolutely need to have a credit score that at least falls in the range of 580 and 620. If your credit score is lower than that, you're going to want to look into the best personal loan options for bad credit instead.

In addition, you're going to need to be able to show enough income to be able to make the payments on your loan. You’ll also need to show a decent payment history and debt-to-income ratio. Your payment history tells lenders how likely you are to repay their loan and your debt-to-income ratio shows how well you'll be able to handle another payment in addition to your current debts.

 

How to Get a Personal Loans for Fair Credit

Truthfully, there are a few separate steps to applying for fair credit personal loans. Wee’ve outlined them below for your consideration:

  • Check your credit score: Before taking steps to apply for a loan, it's important to check your credit and see where you stand. You're entitled to one free copy of your credit report per year from each of the three credit bureaus. You can access them by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
  • Confirm your eligibility: Next, it’s a good idea to visit lender websites and verify your eligibility. Often, lender websites will list the specific criteria that makes you eligible for a loan through them. You can give yourself the best chance of receiving approval by making sure that you apply with a lender where you know you meet their guidelines.
  • Get prequalified: Once you’ve found a good match or two, the next step is to get pre-qualified. Pre-qualification typically involves filling out a basic form and submitting to a soft credit check. It is not a guarantee of approval, but it does mean that you have a decent shot at getting a loan.
  • Read the fine print: After you've been pre-approved, you'll want to take the time to carefully read any information given to by the lender This information will likely include the terms of conditions of the loan, as well as info on any applicable rates and fees. It’s a good idea to make sure that you understand all of this information and ask the lender any questions that you have before moving forward.
  • Apply for the loan: Finally, your pre-approval should also tell you what documentation you need to apply for the loan. At that point, it's a matter of filling out the form and uploading any relevant documents. Once that's done, all you need to do is sit back and wait for a decision.

 

How to Improve Your Fair Credit Score?

If you don't want to be limited to personal loans for a 620 credit score, you may want to consider improving your credit before applying for a loan. With that in mind, we’ve brought you some tips on how to improve your credit score, including:

  • Make your payments on time: According to MyFICO, payment history accounts for 35% of your overall credit score, making it the weightiest category. To That end, it is absolutely crucial that you make your payment on time every month.
  • Pay off as much as you can: In addition, pay as far above the minimum payment as possible. On the one hand, paying down your debts will help reduce your credit utilization rate, which accounts for another 30% of your overall score. However, on the other hand, it will also help reduce your debt to income ratio, which can also help you be approved at a lower rate.
  • Apply with one lender at a time: Too often, people make the mistake of applying with multiple lenders in hopes of being approved. However, having too many hard credit pulls on your credit history at once can actually hurt your score. If you're going to apply with multiple lenders, make sure to submit all your applications in the same 14-day period. This is known as “rate shopping” and will ensure that all your applications are counted as one.

 

Other Loan Options for Fair Credit

While there are plenty of legit personal loans for fair credit on the market, you don't necessarily have to go that route when you need financing. There are other options available to you and we've laid them out below.

  • Home equity loan: If you own your own home, you can leverage the equity you've built up from making your mortgage payments to get access to a lump sum payment of the funds you need. What’s more, you can often do so at a lower interest rate than a personal loan.
  • Balance transfer credit card: If you’re Thinking about taking out a personal loan to pay off debt, consider a balance transfer credit card. As the name suggests, balance transfer credit cards allow you to transfer an existing balance from one credit card to another. Often, the new credit card also allows for a 0% APR intro period, which can give you the opportunity to pay off your balance without paying any more interest.

 

Conclusion

When you have a fair credit score, getting a personal loan can be more challenging than if you had good or excellent credit. Still, that doesn't mean it's impossible. You just need to do a little extra legwork to ensure that the lenders you're applying with are appropriate for you. With that in mind, use this list of the best personal loans for fair credit to help you get started with your search.

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About the Author

Tara Mastroeni

Tara Mastroeni

Real Estate and Personal Finance Expert

Tara Mastroeni is a strategist and writer with over a decade of experience creating content for the real estate and personal finance industries.

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