Consumer borrowing · 2026 comparison

The 5 best personal loan options to compare with poor credit

An affordable offer matters more than an approval message. Compare the cash you receive, the payment you can sustain and the full cost.

Updated October 11, 2026

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Choose the service around the problem.

These are five providers to check, not five guaranteed approvals. A poor credit history can mean a high APR, fees or no offer. Check rates through the provider’s stated prequalification process, then compare actual offers for the same amount and term. Consider a local credit union before accepting expensive borrowing.

Best for Comparing offers from lending partners

Upstart

Upstart is a loan marketplace working with lending partners. Its application and underwriting process considers multiple factors, but it does not promise approval for a low score.

Published cost: Advertised APR 6.3%–35.99%; terms of 3 or 5 years.
What to compare: Origination fees may apply; review the amount deducted from your loan.
Before you choose: Use your actual offer rather than the lowest advertised rate. Credit requirements depend on underwriting.

Visit Upstart Check the provider’s published details ↗

Best for Comparing amounts, terms and possible joint applications

Upgrade

Upgrade offers a broad personal-loan range, with some joint or secured options. Compare an unsecured offer first and understand the risk before pledging collateral.

Published cost: Advertised APR 7.74%–35.99%; $1,000–$50,000; 24–84 months.
What to compare: Origination fee 1.85%–9.99%, deducted from proceeds.
Before you choose: A longer term can reduce the payment while increasing total cost. Secured options put the pledged asset at risk.

Visit Upgrade Check the provider’s published details ↗

Best for A defined unsecured personal-loan range

Avant

Avant’s personal loans are issued by WebBank. The published range makes it an option to compare when you want a smaller unsecured loan and can afford the quoted payment.

Published cost: Advertised APR 9.95%–35.99%; $2,000–$35,000; 24–60 months.
What to compare: Administration fee up to 9.99%, deducted from the loan.
Before you choose: Calculate the actual cash received after the fee, not just the approved loan amount.

Visit Avant Check the provider’s published details ↗

Best for Branch assistance and secured or unsecured offers

OneMain Financial

OneMain combines personal loans with branch service. Some applicants may be offered a secured loan, so the collateral and fee terms are central to the decision.

Published cost: Advertised APR 11.99%–35.99%; $1,500–$30,000; 24–60 months.
What to compare: Origination fees vary by state and product.
Before you choose: If an offer is secured, missed payments can put the collateral at risk. Ask for an unsecured comparison if available.

Visit OneMain Financial Check the provider’s published details ↗

Best for Another installment offer for eligible borrowers

LendingPoint

LendingPoint offers personal loans with eligibility and income requirements. Its published FAQ requires at least $35,000 annual income, so it will not fit every person searching for a bad-credit loan.

Published cost: Advertised APR 7.99%–35.99%; $1,000–$36,500; 24–72 months.
What to compare: Origination or other fees may reach 10%; state minimums and availability vary.
Before you choose: Check the income and state requirements before applying, and compare the fee-adjusted proceeds.

Visit LendingPoint Check the provider’s published details ↗

Before paying or applying

Ask these four questions.

How much cash reaches your bank after the origination or administration fee?
What are the APR, monthly payment and total repayment for the same term?
Is collateral required, and what can you lose if you miss payments?
Does checking the offer use a soft inquiry, and when does a hard inquiry occur?

Our practical starting point

Do not borrow simply to move an overdue balance somewhere else. If the new payment is unaffordable, ask the existing creditor about a workable payment arrangement before taking on another loan.

How we made this shortlist

We compared the providers’ published product scope, costs, reporting or eligibility requirements, and the situations each service fits. This is an editorial selection, not a finding that every listed company will give you a better financial result. Prices and advertised rates were checked on October 11, 2026; your current written offer or checkout terms control.

Original source links appear in each listing. No provider is presented as guaranteeing a credit score change, a deletion or loan approval. Read our approach to sources and rankings.