Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit: Compare 2026 Offers
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Edited by Sam OneliaBorrowers with credit scores between 580 and 669 can qualify for personal loans up to $50,000 with APRs starting at 6.20% from lenders like Upstart an...
- Compare fair credit lenders with APRs from 6.20% to 35.99%.
- Prequalify without impacting your credit score.
- Get funded as fast as one business day.
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The largest loan amount typically available for borrowers with fair credit is up to $50,000. The lenders in our comparison accept credit scores from 580 and up, with APRs starting as low as 6.20%.
When you evaluate offers, consider also the monthly payments. On-time payments will help you improve your credit score, so make sure the loan terms fit your budget.
Top Online Personal Loans for Fair Credit Right Now
- Upstart: Best overall for fair credit personal loans.
- Upgrade: Best for fair credit personal loans with flexible terms.
- LoansUnder36: Best for comparing multiple lenders.
- 5KFunds: Best for fair credit personal loans that offer quick funding.
- Low Credit Finance: Good for very low credit scores.
Methodology: Our team evaluated over 30 online lenders and took into consideration factors such as: eligibility requirements, loan amounts, interest rates, fees, terms, funding time, customer service, customer satisfaction, lender transparency, prequalifying process and special features among others.
Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit in 2026
Here are the lenders that cater to borrowers with fair credit scores (typically between 580 and 669) and offer the best personal loans for fair credit in 2026. Compare their APRs, check their terms and features, and consider prequalifying with a few of them to see offers tailored to you, side by side.
Upstart: Best Overall for Fair Credit Personal Loans
Upstart offers personal loans for fair credit with APRs from 6.20% to 35.99%, loan amounts from $1,000 to $50,000, and 3 or 5 year terms. They have a low minimum annual income of $12,000, do not require a co-signer, and provide next-day funding. Upstart uses alternative data like education and job history for approval decisions, making it a strong option for borrowers with limited credit history.
Pros
| Lender | APR Range | Loan Amounts | Terms | Min Score | Origination Fee | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upstart | 6.20% - 35.99% | $1,000 - $50,000 | 3 or 5 years | 580 | 0% - 12% | 1 business day |
| Upgrade | 7.74% - 35.99% | $1,000 - $50,000 | 24 - 84 months | 580 | 1.85% - 9.99% | 1 business day |
| LoansUnder36 | Up to 35.99% | $500 - $35,000 | 61 days - 72 months | None | Varies by lender | Within 24 hours |
| 5KFunds | Varies by lender | Varies by lender | Varies by lender | None | Varies by lender | 1 - 2 business days |
| Low Credit Finance | Varies by lender | Varies by lender | Varies by lender | None | Varies by lender | Same day |
Flexible Eligibility: No minimum credit score requirement. Instead they consider factors such as educational background and consistent job history.
Competitive APRs: One of the lowest available APRs among lenders providing online personal loans for fair credit.
Fast Funding: Funds as soon as one business day after approval, which might be great for you if you're looking for urgent funding.
Diverse Loan Amounts: Loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, providing flexibility in the amount needed.
High Customer Satisfaction: Trustpilot score of 4.9/5 stars, which is the highest among all lenders reviewed, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.
Origination Fees Might Be High: Upstart charges an origination fee that can range from 0% to 12%.
Limited Loan Terms: Upstart offers only 3-year or 5-year repayment terms. This lack of flexibility may not suit you if you prefer longer repayment periods to lower your monthly payments.
No Joint Loans or Cosigners: This can be a disadvantage for borrowers who might benefit from a co-borrower to improve their chances of approval or secure a lower interest rate.
Upgrade: Best for Flexible Terms
Upgrade offers personal loans with APRs from 7.74% to 35.99% and repayment terms from 24 to 84 months. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000, with origination fees of 1.85% to 9.99%. Upgrade requires a minimum credit history of two years and offers a 0.5 percentage point autopay discount plus a 1 to 4 percentage point direct pay discount for debt consolidation.
Pros
Accessible Credit Requirements: Minimum credit score of 580, making it suitable for borrowers with fair credit.
Autopay Discount: 0.5 percentage point discount on the APR for setting up automatic payments, helping you lower borrowing costs.
Quick Funding: Funds can be made available within one business day after signing the loan agreement, ideal if you need cash urgently.
Co-borrowing Options: Upgrade allows joint applications, which can help you qualify for better rates or larger amounts by combining incomes and credit profiles.
No Prepayment Penalties: You can repay your loan early without incurring any penalties.
User-Friendly Mobile App: Easy loan management and access to free credit score monitoring and insights.
Direct Pay Discount: 1 to 4 percentage point discount for loans used to consolidate debt when creditors are paid directly.
Origination Fees: Upgrade charges origination fees ranging from 1.85% to 9.99%, which are deducted from your loan proceeds.
Late Fees: Upgrade charges late fees if payments are not made on time, which can add to the overall cost of the loan.
Limited Loan Uses: While Upgrade allows for various loan purposes, it prohibits using funds for certain expenses, such as post-secondary education, investments, gambling, or illegal activities.
LoansUnder36: Best for Comparing Multiple Lenders
LoansUnder36 connects borrowers with over 100 lenders, offering loan amounts from $500 to $35,000 and interest rates capped at 35.99%. The platform is best suited for borrowers with fair credit seeking small personal loans to cover unexpected expenses like medical bills or necessary purchases.
Pros
Variety of Repayment Terms: Repayment terms range from 61 days up to 72 months, giving you options to choose a term that fits your budget and needs.
Quick Application Process: The online application takes just minutes to complete. Borrowers can get matched with multiple lenders and receive offers quickly, often within 24 hours. LoansUnder36 uses 256-bit encryption to protect borrowers' personal information.
Ability to Compare Personalized Offers in One Place: You can explore loan offers from multiple lenders without impacting your credit score. This allows you to swiftly compare rates and terms to find the best deal.
Flexible Loan Purposes: The lender does not restrict how the funds are used. You can use the money for purposes like debt consolidation, home improvements, medical bills, and more.
Not a Direct Lender: LoansUnder36 acts as a marketplace connecting borrowers with lenders, meaning they cannot guarantee specific loan amounts or terms.
Limited Availability: LoansUnder36 is not available in all states, specifically excluding New York, Vermont, West Virginia, and Alaska. This limits access for potential borrowers in those regions.
You Might Receive Multiple Marketing Materials. After submitting your information, expect outreach from multiple lenders.
Lack of Transparency: Since the company is not a direct lender, they cannot provide detailed information about the lending process. This can leave borrowers uncertain about what to expect.
5KFunds: Best for Quick Funding
5KFunds connects borrowers with multiple lenders and is suited for those who need immediate financial assistance for unexpected expenses like medical bills or urgent car repairs. Similar to LoansUnder36, the platform matches you with lenders based on your profile and there is no minimum credit score requirement.
Pros
Quick and Easy Application Process: Borrowers provide basic personal and financial information, and 5KFunds quickly matches them with potential lenders.
Wide Network of Lenders: The competition among lenders can lead to better offers for borrowers.
No Minimum Credit Score Requirement: Accessible to individuals with less-than-perfect or fair credit histories.
Fast Fund Disbursement: Funds can often be delivered directly to the borrower's bank account quickly, providing timely financial support for urgent needs.
Strong Customer Support: Customer support through phone and email, with representatives available to assist borrowers with any questions or concerns during the application process.
No Direct Lending: Connects borrowers with various lenders, not a direct lender.
Variable Interest Rates: Rates can vary widely based on individual lenders and the borrower's creditworthiness.
Potential for Unwanted Contact: Some users report receiving numerous marketing calls, texts, and emails shortly after submitting their information through 5KFunds.
Low Credit Finance: Good for Very Low Credit Scores
Low Credit Finance is designed for individuals with poor credit scores or limited access to traditional financing. If your credit score is fair, some of the other options listed above will likely offer better rates and terms.
Pros
Accessible to Borrowers with Low Credit Scores: Designed for individuals with poor credit, making it easier for them to secure loans that they might not qualify for with traditional lenders.
Quick Approval Process: The platform typically offers a streamlined application process, allowing borrowers to receive loan approvals quickly, often within the same day.
No Collateral Required: Unsecured loans, meaning borrowers do not need to provide collateral to secure their loans.
Opportunity to Rebuild Credit: By making timely payments on loans from LowCreditFinance, borrowers can improve their credit scores over time.
Variety of Loan Uses: Can typically be used for various purposes, such as medical expenses, home repairs, or consolidating high-interest debts.
Higher Interest Rates: Significantly higher interest rates compared to traditional lenders. This is often due to the increased risk associated with lending to individuals with poor credit scores.
Potential for Hidden Fees: Some borrowers may encounter hidden fees or unfavorable terms that are not clearly disclosed upfront. This lack of transparency can lead to unexpected costs over the life of the loan.
No Direct Lending: Marketplace connecting borrowers with lenders, meaning the experience can vary significantly based on the lender chosen.
What is Fair Credit?
Fair credit typically refers to a FICO score range of 580 to 669. However, different lenders may have slightly different definitions. Here's a general breakdown of FICO score ranges:
| Credit | Score |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 800-850 |
| Very Good | 740-799 |
| Good | 670-739 |
| Fair | 580-669 |
| Poor | 300-579 |
About 17% of Americans have a FICO score between 580 and 669, which is considered fair credit. If you fall in this range, you still have solid options for personal loans, though your rates will typically be higher than borrowers with good or excellent scores.
How Fair Credit Affects Loan Eligibility
Your credit score is a key factor that lenders use to assess your creditworthiness. Along with your debt-to-income ratio, it determines your loan options. With fair credit, you may face certain challenges:
Higher Interest Rates: Borrowers with fair credit can expect personal loan APRs in the mid-to-high 20% range on average. The overall average personal loan rate is around 12.15% for borrowers with good credit (700 FICO), but fair credit borrowers will pay significantly more.
Smaller Loan Amounts: Lenders may offer lower loan limits to fair credit borrowers to mitigate their risk.
Stricter Terms: You might face shorter repayment periods or additional fees.
The good news is that the lenders featured here specialize in fair credit loans, and several factors can work in your favor:
Income and Debt-to-Income Ratio: A strong, stable income and low debt-to-income ratio can offset a fair credit score.
Employment Stability: Long-term employment can demonstrate reliability to lenders.
Collateral: While most personal loans are unsecured, offering collateral can improve your chances of approval and potentially lower your interest rate.
Cosigner: Having a cosigner with better credit can significantly improve your loan terms.
How to Compare Loans for Fair Credit Online
Comparing loans for fair credit online can be tricky. There are lots of lenders out there, so you need to know what to look at when evaluating your options.
Here is what to check:
What to Check
APR: This is the total cost of your loan, including interest and fees. People with fair credit usually see APRs in the mid-to-high 20% range. But some lenders might offer better rates, especially if you have strong income or low debt, so it pays to shop around.
Repayment Time: Longer loans mean smaller monthly payments, but you'll pay more in interest over time. Most fair credit borrowers get loans for about 36 to 60 months.
Extra Costs: Watch out for origination fees (which can range from 0% to 12%), late payment fees, and fees for paying off your loan early.
How Much You Can Borrow: Check if the lender offers the amount you need. Most personal loan lenders offer between $1,000 and $50,000, though the amount you qualify for depends on your credit profile and income.
How Fast You Get the Money: If you need money quickly, look for lenders who can get it to you fast. Many online lenders now get funds to you within one business day.
Soft Credit Check: Look for lenders who let you check your rate without hurting your credit score. All of the options in our list of "Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit" perform soft checks only.
Once you know what to look for, compare loans step by step. This method will help you find the best personal loan for your fair credit situation, and taking your time with the process can save you money down the road.
A quick note: no legitimate lender offers personal loans for fair credit with "guaranteed approval." If you see that claim, be cautious. What reputable lenders do offer is prequalification with a soft credit check, which gives you a realistic look at your odds without hurting your score. The goal is to find a loan that meets your immediate needs and supports your long-term financial health.
Tips for Improving Your Chances of Approval
Clean Up Your Credit Report
Get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and review it line by line. Look for incorrect account balances, wrongly reported late payments, or accounts that aren't yours.
Pay Down Existing Debt
Focus on lowering your credit utilization ratio to less than 30%. If you can't pay off high balances all at once, consider a debt consolidation loan to combine payments into one lower-rate loan.
Make All Payments On Time
Set up automatic payments for all your bills, even if it's just for the minimum amount. Use your phone's calendar app to set reminders a few days before each due date.
Add an Income Stream
Look for opportunities to earn extra money through freelance work on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. A higher income strengthens your application and improves your debt-to-income ratio.
Get a Co-signer
A co-signer with better credit can significantly improve your loan terms. Have an honest conversation about responsibilities, and remember that missed payments affect their credit too. Learn more: Cosigning a Loan
Offer Collateral
A secured loan can improve your chances of approval and potentially lower your interest rate. Calculate the risks carefully before using assets like your car as collateral. Learn more: What Can Be Used As Collateral?
FAQ Personal Loans for Fair Credit
What credit score is considered "fair"?
Generally, a FICO score between 580 and 669 is considered fair credit. However, some lenders may have their own definitions of fair credit.
Can I get a personal loan with a credit score of 600?
Yes, it's possible to get a personal loan with a credit score of 600. Many online lenders cater to borrowers with fair credit. However, you may face higher interest rates compared to those with good or excellent credit.
How much can I borrow with fair credit?
Loan amounts vary by lender, but many offer between $1,000 and $50,000 for borrowers with fair credit. Your income and debt-to-income ratio also play a role in determining how much you can borrow.
Will applying for a loan hurt my credit score?
When you apply for a loan, the lender will typically do a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. However, if you're shopping around, multiple inquiries for the same type of loan within a 14-45 day period are usually counted as one inquiry.
How long does it take to get approved for an online personal loan for fair credit?
Many online lenders offer quick decisions, sometimes within minutes of applying. However, if additional verification is needed, it could take a few business days. Once approved, funds are typically deposited within 1-7 business days.
Can I pay off my loan early?
Most lenders allow you to pay off your loan early. However, some may charge prepayment penalties. Always check the loan terms before signing.
Are there alternatives to personal loans for fair credit?
Yes, alternatives include credit card balance transfers, home equity loans (if you're a homeowner), peer-to-peer lending platforms, or borrowing from family or friends.
How do I know if I'm getting a good deal on a loan?
Compare offers from multiple lenders, looking at the APR, fees, loan terms, and total cost of the loan over its lifetime. The lowest interest rate isn't always the best deal when you factor in fees and other terms.
Can I get a $10,000 loan with a 600 credit score?
Yes, several lenders offer $10,000 personal loans to borrowers with a 600 credit score. Upstart and Upgrade both accept fair credit applicants and offer loans up to $50,000. Expect APRs in the mid-to-high 20% range with a 600 score, and consider prequalifying with multiple lenders to compare offers without affecting your credit score.
How much would a $30,000 personal loan cost per month?
The monthly cost of a $30,000 personal loan depends on your APR and repayment term. For a borrower with fair credit at a 25% APR over 5 years, the monthly payment would be approximately $878. At a lower rate of 15% APR over the same term, it would drop to around $714. Use a loan calculator and compare offers from multiple lenders to find the most affordable option for your situation.