Advertising Disclosure The offers that appear on this site are from third party advertisers from which Acorn Finance receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Acorn Finance strives to present a wide array of offers, but the offers shown do not represent all financial services companies or products that may be available to you.

Private Personal Loans For Bad Credit

Compare monthly payment options from several lenders in under 2 minutes.

Our customers say Excellent Trustpilot stars 4.6 out of 5 based on 1134 reviews
Our customers say Excellent Trustpilot stars
4.6 out of 5 based on 1134 reviews

What are private personal loans for bad credit?

Some types of loans you may be able to obtain include personal loans, auto loans, home equity loans, home improvement loans, and more.  While debt-to-income ratio can be evaluated when applying for loans (secured or unsecured), what you qualify for can vary by lender. Most lenders have requirements borrowers need to meet. If you meet these requirements, you can be eligible for a loan. A debt-to-income (DTI) ratio represents the percent of your gross monthly income that is allocated toward paying off debt. It can help a lender understand how much more debt you could potentially afford to take on.

Get Started

Compare Lenders For Bad Credit Personal Loans

Learn More About Private Personal Loans For Bad Credit

Read more - FAQ

Who is eligible for a private personal loan with bad credit?

In order to be eligible there are requirements you’ll need to meet. When dealing with a private lender, the lender can set those requirements and therefore they can vary. In most cases though they’ll share similarities. Most private lenders are using the requirements to determine the creditworthiness (likelihood of repayment) of the borrower.

  • 18 years or older: Most lenders require that the borrower is at least 18 years of age, as they’ll be entering a contractual agreement. 
  • Credit score: Most lenders, but not all, have a minimum credit score requirement. If you have bad credit, you’ll want a lender with a lower requirement or none at all (hint: OneMain Financial). 
  • Debt-to-income (DTI): Lenders can set DTI requirements. DTI is a ratio of current debt obligations in comparison to your income. 
  • Employment: Lenders can evaluate your source of income or employment to help them determine risk. 

How do private personal loans differ from traditional loans?

Private personal loans are a traditional type of loan. While you may not think about it, most banks, credit unions, and online lenders are private lenders. In most cases, these are the places that consumers turn for personal loans. In contrast to a private personal loan, there are federal loans such as student loans. Federal loans are often needs-based while private loans are just subject to approval. 

What can I use a private personal loan for?

In most cases a private personal loan has few spending restrictions. However, it’s beneficial to be aware of spending restrictions that apply. Restrictions typically consist of uses such as gambling or illegal activity. Since private personal loans can be funded as a lump sum, you can use one loan for multiple uses. Here are some common uses for personal loans. 

    • Home improvements: Personal loans are a popular avenue for financing home improvements. Without using your home as collateral, you can access up to $100,000, depending on credit score. 
    • Car repair financing: Getting your car back up and running is a timely priority. When surprise repairs add up, you can access a personal loan to get the repairs you need now while enjoying the flexibility to repay in fixed installments. 
    • IVF financing: The cost of IVF can add up quickly, and unfortunately there are few options available for financing. A personal loan can help cover the cost of testing, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, embryo storage, and much more. 
    • Honeymoon financing: Plan that honeymoon you’ve dreamed of with a personal loan helping to expand your budget. 
  • Emergency home repairs: Home repairs can come as a surprise. Keep your savings intact and leverage a personal loan to finance emergency home repairs.

What interest rates do private personal loans offer?

Interest rates for private personal loans can vary depending on what the borrower qualifies for and what the lender can offer. Generally, the interest rate offered is a direct reflection of the amount of risk the lender feels they are assuming. If there’s more risk in their calculation, they may offer higher interest rates. A low credit score, high debt-to-income ratio, unstable employment, and other factors can create more risk for the lender. While lenders may advertise starting rates, comparing real offers can help you determine what’s fair based on your qualifications. 

How fast can I get approved for a private personal loan?

Some lenders can extend a pre-qualified offer in seconds. If you choose to accept the loan offer, the lender can then verify your information. As part of the process, they may request supporting documentation. The time it takes them to complete this process, known as underwriting, can vary. If you’re asked for supporting documentation, the sooner you submit it, the quicker the process can be completed. In addition, submitting complete and accurate information in your original application can help avoid delays. Once the lender has verified your information they can extend an approval, which is what you need to receive funds. The process from getting pre-qualified to approved can take as little as 1 business day or up to a week or more. Furthermore, approved loans can be funded in as little as 1-2 business days, although funding times can vary. 

Private Personal Loans For Bad Credit Calculator

Find the loan you're looking for

Table comparing monthly payments, APRs for approved personal loans.
1
See your options
Take a few minute to answer few questions, and we'll match you with the right range of lenders to consider
2
Choose your loan
Find your favorite marketplace of offers and apply directly with the lender you prefer
3
Do your project
If you're approved, use your funds to cover all your costs now, and pay the lender back month by month

We’ve helped over a million customers, and we’re just getting started

Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
2nd bathroom and new siding underway
Easy online application and quick response time. Options for loan terms and money transfers in a timely manner. All things that helped us get our 2nd bathroom added and new siding for our home
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
Quick and easy.
Quick and easy.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
No hassle Lender selection
No hassle at all it was easy to find and choose who you want for a lender based on available offers that were presented.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
The process was positive and easy
The process was positive and easy. I will use again when needed.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
Working with Acorn was FAST!
Working with Acorn was a fast and easy online experience that resulted in a short term, lower interest rate option. The funds showed up on the date selected in my contract and the entire process went smoothly as they kept me up to date via email. I will certainly use Acorn again in the future for all of my home improvement projects, thanks! Billy Powell
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
Excellent & Easy
You gave me several loan options. I found a company I trusted. I applied for the loan. I received the loan. I received the money when I was told I would receive the money. Everything went smoothly. Thank you.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
It was fast and easy
It was fast and easy. There was a lot of lender options. I had a question called you guys and he was very helpful. I would recommend you guys to everyone!
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
My review
The experience was quite good.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
Incredible easy to work with
Incredible easy to work with
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
It was quick and easy just has you…
It was quick and easy just has you said. Thank you I appreciate it.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
Peace of mind when moving
Easy to understand and simple.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
The process was easy to do
The process was easy to do. You get results fast... They work with you.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
The loan was successful
The loan was successful
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
Excellent deliverance of funds
Excellent deliverance of funds, timely manner. Highly recommend.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
Quick and easy process
Quick and easy process
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
Fast and easy everything went perfect
Fast and easy everything settled. We were so worried. It was very nice to have another outlet to go to for our major purchase on our septic tank. Thank you so much. We are very happy.
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
the application process
The rear of the application process
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
Wonderful experience
Wonderful experience
Trustpilot stars Verified badge verified
The loan process was fast and easy.
The loan process was fast and easy.
Rated 4.6 / 5 based on 1134 reviews.
Trustpilot star Trustpilot

What can I do with a $500 personal loan?

A $500 personal loan has a number of uses, including (but not limited to):
Home improvement Buying a car Wedding costs
Debt consolidation Medical bills Startup business costs

Still have questions?

Lenders can review a set of requirements to determine the likelihood that a borrower will repay a loan. This is otherwise known as the creditworthiness of a borrower. Some factors that can impact your chance of approval for a private loan are as follows. 

  • Credit score
  • Income
  • Debt-to-income ratio
  • Employment
  • Credit history

It depends. Some private loans can require collateral. Loans that require collateral are known as secured loans. In most cases, private personal loans do not require collateral when they are from a private bank, credit union, or online lender. 

If you have bad credit, here are some tips you can follow when it’s time to apply. 

  1. Check your credit score: This can be a helpful first step to help you get a realistic idea of what your score is. If time permits, taking some time to boost your score can increase your chance of approval. 
  2. Gather supporting documentation: Gathering documents such as pay stubs ahead of time can help you submit accurate information, and be prepared to submit any documentation requested. 
  3. Shop multiple offers: Bad credit can mean fewer options. Those determined to find a loan, may need to broaden their search. The internet can help you access local and national lenders. At Acorn Finance, you can check offers from top national lenders in seconds with no credit score impact. 
  4. Accept the right offer: When you find the right offer, you can accept the offer and complete the approval process with the lender. 

Acorn Finance partners with top private national lenders to provide a secure platform for consumers to check loan offers through. With access to more lenders in one place, you can increase the chance of returning an offer. From your smartphone or computer, you can unlock offers in seconds with no credit score impact. Whether you’re just shopping around, or serious about the idea, you can do your due diligence without any commitment or impact. The convenience of comparing offers from multiple lenders in one place can help you find the right loan offer seamlessly. 

Find the right lender to help you access the fund you need. . . check rates at Acorn Finance today!

Related loan articles:

Other Bad Credit Loans

One home, endless possibilities

MORE HOME IMPROVEMENT FINANCING OPTIONS

Personal Loan Information