Personal loans for fair credit
Yes, you can get a personal loan with fair credit, meaning a FICO score from 580 to 669. Fewer lenders will approve you than with good credit, and offers usually come with higher APRs. Comparing several lenders at once is the fastest way to find the ones that will say yes.
Checking your rate uses a soft credit pull. Accepting an offer and finishing a lender's application may lead to a hard inquiry.
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- No credit impact
- CLO never sees your application
- Free, no obligation
Loan terms from 2 to 60 months. Rates vary depending on the lender, your credit and your state. Maximum APR is 35.99%.
What lenders look at besides your score
- Income and job stability. Steady income can offset a middling score.
- Debt-to-income ratio. Many lenders prefer under about 40%.
- Recent payment history. Twelve months of on-time payments counts for a lot.
What to expect
- Higher APRs than borrowers with good credit, sometimes near the top of a lender's range.
- Origination fees are more common. Check the amount you'll actually receive.
- Smaller approved amounts. Asking for less can turn a decline into an approval.
How to get better offers
- Pay credit card balances down before you apply.
- Compare with soft-check prequalification first, so shopping doesn't cost you points.
- Choose the shortest term whose payment you can comfortably afford.
- Consider a co-applicant with stronger credit if a lender allows one.
Credit score ranges
| Credit tier | FICO score |
|---|---|
| Exceptional | 800 to 850 |
| Very good | 740 to 799 |
| Good | 670 to 739 |
| Fair | 580 to 669 |
| Poor | 300 to 579 |
Ranges based on FICO Score bands. Our application asks you to pick from slightly different bands: Excellent (720+), Good (660 to 719), Fair (620 to 659) and Poor (below 620).
Pre-qualified offers are estimates, not final approvals. The lender will verify your information, may run a hard credit check, and can change the terms or decline the application.
See which lenders will work with you
Pre-qualify in minutes. Checking your rate won't affect your credit score.
Checking your rate uses a soft credit pull. Accepting an offer and finishing a lender's application may lead to a hard inquiry.
Common questions
Can I get a personal loan with fair credit?
Yes. Some lenders approve borrowers with FICO scores from 580 to 669. Expect higher APRs than borrowers with good credit, and possibly a smaller loan amount or an origination fee.
What is considered fair credit?
On the FICO scale, fair credit is a score from 580 to 669. Good credit starts at 670.
Will comparing loan offers hurt my fair credit score?
No. Seeing prequalified offers uses a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your score. A hard inquiry usually happens only after you pick an offer and continue with that lender.
Ready to compare offers?
Pre-qualify in minutes. Checking your rate won't affect your credit score.
Checking your rate uses a soft credit pull. Accepting an offer and finishing a lender's application may lead to a hard inquiry.