Can I get a loan with a 524 credit score?
It is 176 points away from being a “good” credit score, which many people use as a benchmark, and 116 points from being “fair.” A 524 credit score won't knock any lenders' socks off, but it shouldn't completely prevent you from being approved for a credit card or loan, either.
| Lender | Loan Amounts | APRs |
|---|---|---|
| Oportun | $300 - $18,500 | 10.07% - 35.95% |
| OneMain Financial | $1,500 - $20,000 | 18% - 35.99% |
| RISE | $500 - $5,000 | 60% - 299% |
| Jora Credit | $500 - $4,000 | 99% - 349% |
Many give preference to borrowers with good or excellent credit scores (690 and above), but some lenders accept borrowers with bad credit (a score below 630). The typical minimum credit score to qualify for a personal loan is 560 to 660, according to lenders surveyed by NerdWallet.
If you have a credit score below 580, your credit is considered poor, which can make it difficult to qualify for a personal loan with most lenders. However, we partner with a handful of lenders that offer personal loans for bad credit, as well as lenders who accept cosigners.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 300 to 579, considered Very Poor. A 524 FICO® Score is significantly below the average credit score. Many lenders choose not to do business with borrowers whose scores fall in the Very Poor range, on grounds they have unfavorable credit.
Requirements for a $5,000 loan vary by lender. But in general, you should have at least Fair credit, which is a score of 580 or above. Lenders may also look at other factors, such as your income and your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), during the application process.
Secured loans
With a secured loan, you'll have to offer your lender an asset as collateral, like a car, a home or even a savings account. Because secured loans require valuable collateral, they're often easier to obtain than unsecured loans and generally offer better rates, since the lender is at less risk.
Some of the easiest loans to get approved for if you have bad credit include payday loans, no-credit-check loans, and pawnshop loans. Personal loans with essentially no approval requirements typically charge the highest interest rates and loan fees.
You can get a $500 loan via a personal loan, payday loan, payday alternative loan, cash advance app, or credit card cash advance. However, some options are better than others. Some small loans come with high costs that can cause financial hardship.
| Lender | Loan Amounts | APRs |
|---|---|---|
| Upstart | $1,000 - $50,000 | 6.4% - 35.99% |
| Oportun | $300 - $18,500 | 10.07% - 35.95% |
| OneMain Financial | $1,500 - $20,000 | 18% - 35.99% |
| RISE | $500 - $5,000 | 60% - 299% |
What is a hardship loan?
What Is A Hardship Loan? A hardship loan is a type of financing that helps people dealing with a financial crisis caused by an emergency expense or an income shortfall. You can use a hardship loan to cover everything from a surprise medical or car repair bill to necessities like food and rent.
| Lender | Loan Amounts | APRs |
|---|---|---|
| Oportun | $300 - $18,500 | 10.07% - 35.95% |
| OneMain Financial | $1,500 - $20,000 | 18% - 35.99% |
| RISE | $500 - $5,000 | 60% - 299% |
| Jora Credit | $500 - $4,000 | 99% - 349% |
It is 180 points away from being a “good” credit score, which many people use as a benchmark, and 120 points from being “fair.” A 520 credit score won't knock any lenders' socks off, but it shouldn't completely prevent you from being approved for a credit card or loan, either.
Reduce the amount of debt you owe
Pay off debt rather than moving it around: the most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit card) debt. In fact, owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scores.
Credit score required: 620
Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage, accounting for about 70% of the market. They usually require a 620 credit score, though some lenders will consider applicants with scores as low as 580.
Using more of your credit card balance than usual — even if you pay on time — can reduce your score until a new, lower balance is reported the following month. Closed accounts and lower credit limits can also result in lower scores even if your payment behavior has not changed.
Requirements for a $1,000 Personal Loan
A good to excellent credit score of at least 670 is often required, but there are some lenders that weigh other factors more heavily — allowing you to qualify even with a lower credit score.
| Loan Amount | Loan Term (Years) | Estimated Fixed Monthly Payment* |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 3 | $153.54 |
| $5,000 | 5 | $104.98 |
| $10,000 | 3 | $313.32 |
| $10,000 | 5 | $207.54 |
- Peer-to-Peer Lending. ...
- Car Title Loans. ...
- Borrow Money From a Friend or Family Member. ...
- Pawnshop Loans. ...
- Payday Loans. ...
- Credit Card Cash Advance.
The best quick loans overall are from LightStream. The company provides funding as soon as the same day you apply, has an APR range of 7.49% - 25.99%, and offers loan amounts of $5,000 - $100,000. To qualify for a loan from LightStream, borrowers must have a credit score of at least 660.
Can you realistically get a loan with bad credit?
If you have a 500 credit score, you might be able to get a personal loan. However, you'll likely be offered a higher interest rate. Also, you might be required to meet other borrowing criteria before you're approved, like a minimum income, to show you can repay the debt.
Having a strong credit score and credit history is vital to qualify for a $30,000 personal loan. Lenders have varying requirements, but a good credit score is often necessary to secure a sizable loan. Additionally, a high credit score can lead to lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms.
Fair Finance is a direct lender. This means there is no middle man involved, such as a credit broker, agent or financial advisor. If you want to take out a personal loan with us, you apply to us directly. We then make the lending decision without needing to involve anyone else.
The easiest online loans to get with bad credit are typically payday loans, installment loans, or loans from lenders that specialize in subprime borrowers. These loans often require no credit check or have lower requirements, but they come with high interest rates and fees.
| Loan App | Loan Amount |
|---|---|
| Dave10 | Up to $500 |
| MoneyLion11 | $10 to $500 |
| SoLo Funds12 | $20 to $575 |
| Klover13 | $5 to $200 |
