Personal Loans
· Updated · Horizon of Assets Editorial Team

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Personal Loans for Bad Credit: Top Picks for July

Explore the best personal loans for those with bad credit in July

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Quick Picks

Best for rebuilding credit: Oportun Personal Loans.
Best for quick approval: OppLoans (OppFi).
Best APR: Happy Money (Payoff) Personal Loans.

Loans for Bad Credit Borrowers

Finding a personal loan when you have bad credit can be challenging, but not impossible. While generic 'top 10' lists often overlook the nuances of bad credit personal loans, these picks are tailored specifically for those who need financial assistance without great credit scores.

Oportun Personal Loans for Credit Building

Oportun Personal Loans provide a lifeline for those rebuilding credit. With amounts ranging from $300 to $10,000 and no minimum credit score requirement, it's accessible to a wide range of borrowers. However, APRs between 19.9% and 35.95% reflect the higher risk involved. Despite the high rates, Oportun stands out for its flexible eligibility and prequalification that doesn't affect your credit score.

Best for Bad Credit

Oportun Personal Loans for Credit Building

19.9%
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OppLoans Personal Loans

OppLoans offers same-day funding without impacting your FICO score, making it ideal for emergencies. While the 59% APR is steep, the transparency of no hidden fees makes it a viable option for those in urgent need. This is particularly suitable for borrowers who prioritize speed over cost.

Fastest Approval

OppLoans Personal Loans

59%
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Happy Money Personal Loans

Happy Money's Payoff loans target debt consolidation with rates starting at 8.95% APR with autopay. This is lower than many options available for poor credit scores, making it a strong contender if you're looking to consolidate debt at a reasonable rate. The focus on transparency and no hidden fees further enhances its appeal.

Lowest APR

Happy Money Personal Loans

7.95%
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LightStream Personal Loan

LightStream requires excellent credit for its lowest rates, but if you qualify, the 6.49% APR is unmatched. This makes it a standout for those who have managed to maintain a decent credit score amidst financial difficulties.

Editor's Pick

LightStream Personal Loan

6.49%
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RISE Credit Installment Loans

RISE Credit offers a 60% APR, which is quite high, but for those who have exhausted other options, it's a reliable emergency lender. The flexible installment plans help manage repayments despite the steep rates.

RISE Credit Installment Loans

60%
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Citizens Personal Loans

Citizens Personal Loans offer competitive rates, but the lack of accessible information on their site can be a hurdle. If you prefer working with a known banking institution and can navigate their process, this could be a solid option.

Citizens Personal Loans

7.49%
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While these loans cater to those with bad credit, they come with higher interest rates reflecting the risk. If you're working to improve your credit, the next set of loans might offer more favorable terms once your score is higher.

Loans for Improving Credit Scores

Once your credit score starts to rise, more options become available. These loans offer lower rates and better terms, rewarding the effort you've put into your financial recovery.

SoFi Personal Loan

SoFi Personal Loans boast rates as low as 6.99% for those with improved credit scores. The absence of fees, combined with a robust app, makes this a popular choice for tech-savvy borrowers who value convenience.

SoFi Personal Loan

7.74%
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Marcus by Goldman Sachs Personal Loan

Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers a straightforward application process and no fees, which is ideal for those who prefer simplicity in their financial dealings. However, rates start at 8.99%, so it's best if your credit has improved significantly.

Marcus by Goldman Sachs Personal Loan

8.99%
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Prosper Personal Loan

Prosper Personal Loans are peer-to-peer, providing a unique opportunity for those with rising credit scores to potentially secure a competitive rate. The personal touch might appeal to those looking for a less traditional lending experience.

Prosper Personal Loan

8.99%
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Affirm Pay Over Time

Affirm Pay Over Time offers installment loans with interest-free options, which can be advantageous for those who have improved their credit and want manageable monthly payments.

Affirm Pay Over Time

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Improving your credit opens doors to better loan terms and lower interest rates, emphasizing the importance of financial discipline. If you're interested in other financial products, consider our analysis on student loan refinancing in Choosing Between SoFi and College Ave: Student Loan Refinancing for more insights.

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Best for: This service is ideal for those looking to consolidate debt or finance larger purchases without prepayment penalties.

Upgrade Personal Loans offers flexible borrowing with competitive rates, but be mindful of potential high APRs for lower credit scores.
⚡ 1 business day View offer
APR
7.74–35.99%
Amount
$1k–$50k
Term
24–84mo

Best for: This service is ideal for borrowers who are new to credit and need a manageable loan for personal expenses, ranging from $300 to $18,500.

Oportun offers accessible personal loans for those looking to build credit, with flexible terms and no credit history required.
⚡ Minutes (prequalification), same-day funding View offer
APR
19.9–35.95%
Amount
$300–$10k
Term
12–48mo

Best for: This service is best for individuals with good credit looking to consolidate debt with fixed-rate personal loans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

Achieve Personal Loans offers competitive rates and a streamlined process for debt consolidation, making it a viable option for qualified borrowers.
⚡ 24-72 hours View offer
APR
6.25–35.99%
Amount
$5k–$50k
Term
24–60mo

Best for: This service is best for borrowers needing fast funds without the hefty fees of traditional payday loans.

RISE Credit is for those seeking quick emergency cash, but be wary of high APRs.
⚡ Next business day View offer
APR
60.0–199.0%
Amount
$500–$5k
Term
4–26mo

Best for: This service is best for individuals needing immediate financial assistance and who may have trouble qualifying with other lenders.

NetCredit provides quick access to personal loans, but high APRs make it costly for long-term borrowing.
⚡ Next business day View offer
APR
34.0–155.0%
Amount
$1k–$10k
Term
6–60mo

Best for: This service is best for individuals who need emergency cash and may struggle to get approved by traditional lenders.

OppLoans provides for borrowers with poor credit wanting quick access to funds, but the high APRs can be burdensome.
⚡ Same day View offer
APR
59.0–199.0%
Amount
$500–$4k
Term
9–18mo

Best for: These loans are best for existing Citizens customers looking for reduced rates and individuals seeking amounts between $5,000 and $50,000 without origination fees.

Citizens Personal Loans offer a flexible borrowing range with competitive rates and no origination fees. However, borrowers should weigh the potential downsides before applying.
APR
7.49–22.44%
Amount
$5k–$50k
Term
36–84mo

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