Introduction
Finding a personal loan with bad credit can feel like an uphill battle—but several U.S. lenders specialize in working with borrowers whose credit scores fall below prime levels. Below are the top 7 personal-loan options for “subprime” borrowers in 2025, complete with loan ranges, APRs, and minimum requirements so you can compare and choose the best fit for your needs.
1. Upstart
- Loan Amount: $1,000–$50,000
- APR: 6.60 %–35.99 %
- Min. Credit Score: None (accepts scores down to 300 or no credit history)
- Terms: 36 – 60 months
- Why It Matters: Uses AI-driven underwriting that considers education and employment variables—often approving borrowers whom traditional credit-score models reject. investopedia.com
2. Upgrade
- Loan Amount: $1,000–$50,000
- APR: 7.99 %–35.99 %
- Min. Credit Score: 580
- Terms: 24 – 84 months
- Why It Matters: Offers co-applicant and secured-loan options (using collateral to lower rates), plus rapid funding—often within one business day. investopedia.com
3. Avant
- Loan Amount: $2,000–$35,000
- APR: 9.95 %–35.99 %
- Min. Credit Score: 550 (varies by state)
- Terms: 24 – 60 months
- Why It Matters: Specifically welcomes borrowers with fair or poor credit, with funding as soon as the next business day and smaller minimum loan sizes for modest needs. avant.com
4. LendingPoint
- Loan Amount: $2,000–$30,000
- APR: 7.99 %–35.99 %
- Min. Credit Score: 600
- Terms: 24 – 48 months
- Why It Matters: Fast online applications and funding (often next-day), with flexible qualification metrics that look beyond FICO to recent financial behaviors. experian.com
5. OneMain Financial
- Loan Amount: $1,500–$20,000
- APR: 18.00 %–35.99 %
- Min. Credit Score: None (accepts scores across the spectrum)
- Terms: 24 – 60 months
- Why It Matters: With over 1,300 branch locations nationwide, OneMain offers in-person support and both secured/unsecured loans—ideal if you need a co-signer or collateral to improve terms. lendingtree.com
6. OppLoans
- Loan Amount: $500–$5,000
- APR: 160 %–195 %
- Min. Credit Score: None (approval based on income and banking history)
- Terms: 9 – 18 months
- Why It Matters: An alternative to payday loans that reports on-time payments to credit bureaus, helping rebuild credit—though with very high APRs, it’s strictly for short-term emergency cash. opploans.com
7. Fig Loans
- Loan Amount: Small-dollar installment loans (typically $300–$1,000)
- APR: Approximately 36 % (varies by state)
- Min. Credit Score: None
- Terms: 6 – 12 months
- Why It Matters: Designed to make borrowing transparent and build credit by reporting payments to bureaus—ideal for first-time or no-credit borrowers seeking a responsible alternative to high-cost payday loans. money.usnews.com
Key Takeaways for U.S. Borrowers
- Compare APRs & Fees: Subprime loans carry higher rates; opt for the lowest APR you qualify for.
- Mind Loan Terms: Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less interest paid overall.
- Watch for Origination Fees: Many lenders deduct 1 %–12 % up front—factor that into your cost.
- Use Wisely: Only borrow what you need, and set up autopay to avoid late fees and build positive payment history.
By evaluating these seven options—each tailored for “bad” or “limited” credit—you can find a personal loan that balances cost, speed, and credit-building potential. Good luck!
