Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit for 2024

The Bottom Line

There are plenty of personal loan options available if your credit score is in the fair range. The best fit for you depends on your situation and preferences. U.S. Bank tops our list for several reasons, including its affordability. The Navy Federal Credit Union offers affordable loans and flexible eligibility requirements, but they are only available to military members and their families.

If you’re not in the military, consider Lake Michigan Credit Union for a small loan or Upstart, which offers low rates and minimum credit scores as low as 300. Since each lender has different rates, terms, loan amounts, and eligibility requirements, it’s important to shop around and compare loans to find the best fit.

Guide to Choosing the Best Personal Loan for Fair Credit

Should You Get a Fair-Credit Personal Loan?

You won’t qualify for the best rates and terms if you have a credit score in the fair category. It’s important to assess if a personal loan’s costs will fit into your budget, and if they’re worth it long term. This is especially important if you already have lower credit as the cost of debt may be higher for you.

According to Investopedia’s 2023 Personal Loan Borrower Survey, the most common use of a personal loan is to consolidate debt. In some cases, you may be looking for a personal loan to make your other loans more manageable. Be mindful that there's a stark difference between increasing the amount of debt you hold as opposed to simply being more strategic about the existing debt you have.

Where to Get a Fair Credit Personal Loan

You can find fair credit personal loans from a variety of financial organizations including banks, credit unions, and online lenders.

• Online lenders: Many online lenders partner with banks and credit unions to provide loans, and some of them advertise loans for people with fair or worse credit.
• Credit unions: You can also go directly to certain credit unions; some online credit unions, like First Tech Federal Credit Union, offer loans to people with scores in the fair credit range. Local credit unions are worth checking, too. If you’re already a member, you may have an easier time qualifying.
• Traditional banks: Many traditional banks like Discover, TD Bank, and U.S. Bank offer personal loans. You may have a harder time qualifying, but pre-qualifying is often available and doesn’t hurt your credit.

Comparing Fair-Credit Personal Loans

When comparing personal loans for fair credit, it’s important to consider the eligibility requirements, APRs, repayment terms, and funding speed.

• Eligibility requirements: It’s harder for people with fair credit to get loans, so knowing what it takes to qualify for a personal loan is important. Most lenders evaluate your credit score, but they also consider such things as your income, ability to repay the loan, and credit history. To improve your odds of qualifying, look for lenders with eligibility requirements that you can meet. 
• Annual percentage rate (APR): When comparing loans, make sure you compare the APR rather than the interest rate. Unlike the interest rate, the APR also includes the fees you’ll be required to pay. This will help you understand how the costs of different loans compare. 
• Repayment terms: Ensure that the lender you select offers the repayment term length you want. Many lenders offer limited repayment terms of 36 or 60 months. However, if you need more or less time to repay your loan, you may be able to find a lender that offers a shorter term of a year or less or a longer term of up to 180 months.
• Funding speed: If you need money quickly, look for a lender that can get you funded in a matter of days. Many of the best personal loan providers can disburse funds as quickly as the same business day after your loan is approved.

How to Qualify For and Apply For a Personal Loan With Fair Credit

There are several factors that lenders look at and review before you can be approved for a loan. Keep in mind that some lenders may weigh certain criteria heavier than others. Here are a few of the most common things that lenders consider from potential borrowers:

• Your age: Lenders cannot discriminate based on age. However, some states require that borrowers meet minimum age requirements before they can enter a legal financial contract with a financial lender.
• Legal residency: Just like age, lenders can't turn you down because of your national origin. They may ask you about your residency status to determine whether you can pay back the loan. Keep in mind that non-residents and non-citizens may still qualify, but it may be tougher to be approved.
• Income: Almost all lenders ask you for your income and employment information. This is to ensure that your source of income is enough to repay the loan. Some companies may have an income threshold before you can borrow.
• Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: This ratio represents how much of your income goes to pay off your debts every month. As such, it helps lenders see how much of a risk you are if they approve you for a loan.
• Credit history and score: The majority of lenders use your credit history and credit score to qualify you for a loan. Although these factors don't make or break the decision, they may also influence your loan terms, amount, and interest rate.

To qualify for a personal loan with fair credit, start by checking your credit reports. Ensure the information on them is correct and up to date. If you find errors, contact your creditors and/or file disputes with the credit reporting agencies. On the other hand, if all is correct, look for ways to quickly boost your score. For example, check to see if there is a bill you can add to Experian Boost or a credit card balance you can pay down. 

1. Get pre-qualified: Look for lenders that seem like a good fit in terms of eligibility requirements, loan amounts, APRs, terms, and fees. Then, try to collect pre-qualification offers from at least three lenders that you can compare side by side. If you can’t pre-qualify alone, you may want to consider applying with a co-signer or pledging collateral.
2. Choose the best offer: If you find a competitive and affordable personal loan that suits your needs, the next step is to move forward with the full application.
3. Complete a formal application: During this stage, you’ll often need to provide proof of your identity, income, and employment, and allow the lender to perform a hard credit check.
4. Accept the terms and get funded: If all goes well, you’ll get approved, receive the loan contract, and can often receive your funds within one to three business days. 

Lastly, all that’s left is to manage your loan and make your monthly payments. Most lenders allow you to manage your account online through an online customer portal or mobile app.

FICO Credit Score Ranges

How to Increase Your Chances of Qualifying for a Fair Credit Loan

Here are a few tips that can help to increase your chances of qualifying for a fair credit loan:

• Ensure your credit reports are accurate. 
• Pay down credit card balances to 30% or less.
• Maximize your income and minimize your debt.
• Make all of your other credit payments on time.
• Apply with lenders that specialize in lending to borrowers with your credit score and income amount.
• Ensure you have proof to back up your income and employment claims.
• Get quotes from multiple lenders. 

Types of Personal Loan Terms for Fair Credit Borrowers

Even if you qualify for a personal loan with fair credit, it's important to realize there may be some unfavorable terms associated with that loan. This is because the lender may associate you as being a riskier client and will want to position themselves to recover losses should you default on your loan. If you have fair credit, don't be surprised to see some of these types of loan terms in your agreement:

• Higher interest rates: Borrowers with fair or lower credit often face higher interest rates. This is because lenders perceive them as higher risk due to their credit history, and the elevated interest rates act as compensation for that risk.
• Shorter loan terms: Lenders may offer shorter repayment periods for individuals with fair or lower credit. This is a risk management strategy, as a shorter term minimizes the time during which financial challenges could potentially impact the borrower's ability to repay.
• Secured loans: To mitigate the perceived risk, individuals with fair credit may need to secure their loans with collateral. This means in exchange for the loan, the bank possesses a claim on an asset you own (such as a lien on your car) if you default. Should you default, the lender could sell your car and recover their funds.
• Higher upfront fees: Lenders may impose higher origination fees or other upfront costs for individuals with fair or lower credit. These fees serve as compensation for the added risk taken by making sure they get some of the charges upfront before the borrower can default.
• Co-signer requirements: Individuals with fair credit may be required to have a co-signer with a higher credit score. This co-signer takes on the responsibility of repaying the loan if the primary borrower fails to do so, providing an additional layer of assurance for the lender.
• Credit score minimums: We talked about credit scores above; lenders may set restrictions on what credit score you have to have to qualify for a loan.
• Automatic payments requirement: Some lenders may require borrowers to set up automatic payments from their bank accounts. This means timely repayments are automatically made, and the goal of this is to reduce the risk of missed payments or defaults.
• Credit counseling mandates: In certain cases, lenders may mandate credit counseling for individuals with fair credit before or during the loan term. This requirement aims to help borrowers improve their financial management skills and better position themselves with knowledge on how to be fiscally responsible.

Alternatives to a Fair Credit Personal Loan

If you can’t get approved for a fair-credit personal loan, or aren’t finding one that’s a good fit for your situation, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Cash advance apps: Cash advance apps like Earnin enable you to borrow against your upcoming paycheck for free, or for a small fee. 
• Buy now, pay later: Buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing from companies like Affirm allows you to split up the cost of a retail purchase into installments. If you opt for a bi-weekly payment plan of four payments over six weeks, the financing is often free. Many also offer longer installment plans that come with interest and fees. 
• 0% purchase APR credit cards: A credit card with a 0% purchase APR—many of which last for a year or more—can be a useful way to pay for an expensive purchase over time. Just be sure to make your payments on time and pay off the entire balance before the 0% period is over. If you don’t, you could end up paying more and/or damaging your credit.
• 0% balance transfer APR credit cards: If you’re paying down one or more debts, a 0% balance transfer credit card allows you to move the balances over and pay them off without accruing more interest. You’ll usually pay a transfer fee, and if you don’t make your monthly payments, you can lose the 0% rate and hurt your credit. But if you abide by the card terms and pay off the balance within the 0% period, a balance transfer can be a great way to help reduce your debt.
• Crowdfunding: A crowdfunding site like GoFundMe or Meal Train could be worth exploring, depending on why you need a loan. These platforms can be helpful if you need to raise funds for medical, emergency, educational, or memorial expenses.

Why You Should Trust Us

Investopedia collected and analyzed hundreds of key data points from over 70 companies across three months to identify the most important factors for readers choosing a fair loan lending company.

We used this data to review each company for fees, repayment terms, income requirements, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best loans for those with fair credit since 2020.

How We Pick the Best Fair Credit Loans

To evaluate and rank personal loan providers we collected hundreds of data points across 70 lenders, including traditional banks, credit unions, fintechs, and special interest finance companies. We researched and evaluated APRs, loan amounts and terms, fees, customer experience, and much more.

To rank the lenders in our database and to generate star ratings, we weighted the data we collected, based in part on what consumers told us were the most important features of a personal loan and lender in a survey we conducted. We grouped those factors into four broad areas:

• Loan costs (advertised APR, fees, and six other factors): 29.25%
• Loan terms (loan amount, repayment term, and three other factors): 22.25%
• Borrowing requirements (credit score, membership requirement, and six other factors): 28.5%
• Additional features (online application, pre-qualification, and eight other factors): 20%

Learn more about how we evaluated personal loans in our complete methodology.

Guide to Fair Credit Personal Loans

Learn more about personal loans:

• What is a personal loan?: A personal loan is an installment loan that can help you cover different personal expenses. Loans can be secured or unsecured, and are taken through banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.
• How do personal loans work?: When you take out a personal loan, your lender deposits the proceeds as a lump sum in your account. Most lenders require that you pay your loan back in regular installments, usually monthly, plus interest.
• When are personal loans a good idea?: You can use a personal loan for any purpose, including debt consolidation, to buy a new car, or to take a vacation. Before you apply, make sure you can repay the loan to ensure you don't damage your credit.
• How to get a personal loan: There are several steps to getting a personal loan. Do your research on lenders and rates and see if you pre-qualify. Make a formal application (if necessary) and sign your loan documents when you're approved. After you receive your funds, begin repaying your loan.
• How to apply for a personal loan: Applying for a personal loan is fairly easy. Before you apply, though, review your finances and decide how much you need and can afford to borrow. Review the lenders that are available to you, see if you pre-qualify, and submit your application online or in person.
• How to use a personal loan: You can use a personal loan for any reason. Personal loans are helpful when you want to consolidate debt, make home improvements, cover emergencies, or make large purchases.
• Where to get a personal loan: You can apply for and get a personal loan from a bank or credit union. You may also want to consider other financial institutions and online lenders. Requirements and interest rates vary based on the lender you choose.
• Personal loans vs. credit cards: Personal loans are installment loans that usually come with fixed rates and can only be used once. Credit cards have revolving credit lines, which means you can use them more than once, and require at least a minimum payment.
• Alternatives to personal loans: Some of the common alternatives to personal loans include credit cards, lines of credit, payday loans, and retirement loans among others.
• Personal loan calculator: A personal loan calculator can help you figure out your loan payments and overall costs before you apply.
• Personal loans methodology: Review our methodology to see how we came up with our lists of best personal loans.