What is the lowest credit score to borrow?
Generally, borrowers need a credit score of at least 610 to 640 to even qualify for a personal loan. To qualify for a lender's lowest interest rate, borrowers typically need a score of at least 800.
It is possible to find an FHA lender willing to approve a credit score as low as 500. You may also be able to find a non-QM (non-conforming) conventional lender with a 500 credit score minimum. But you won't have many choices and must be prepared to make a larger down payment.
Minimum CIBIL score for a personal loan
Typically, the higher your CIBIL score, the better. However, the minimum CIBIL score for quick unsecured personal loan approval is 750. It indicates that you have experience managing credit responsibly and will make payments on time.
Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.
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.
Some lenders will give you a loan with a 500 credit score, especially if you have compensating factors.
You will need a credit score of 580 or higher for a $3,000 personal loan. Most lenders that offer personal loans of $3,000 or more require a 580+ credit score for approval, along with enough income to afford the monthly payments.
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.
Ask Someone To Co-Sign
Getting a personal loan with a co-signer that has a strong credit score and a solid income can boost your application. Your co-signer – ideally, a family member or close friend – will apply alongside you, and you'll both be responsible for repayment of the loan.
You may be eligible to get a bad credit personal loan with a score below 580. Personal loan lenders specializing in bad credit loans may scrutinize your income and employment history more closely. Bad credit personal loans usually come with higher APRs and shorter terms, so you'll need to qualify for a higher payment.
How big of a loan can I get with no credit score?
Just keep in mind that if you are approved for the loan with a lower (or no) credit score, you may be subject to a higher interest rate. You can apply for loan amounts as low as $1,000 and as much as $50,000.
The two most widely used credit scoring models, FICO and VantageScore, range from 300 to 850, making 300 the lowest credit score possible. FICO and VantageScore give high credit scores to consumers deemed as lower-risk borrowers, and lower scores to high-risk borrowers.
The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024. Credit scores, which are like a grade for your borrowing history, fall in the range of 300 to 850.
| Average FICO 8 Score by Generation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 2022 | 2023 |
| Generation Z (ages 18-26) | 679 - Good | 680 - Good |
| Millennials (27-42) | 687 - Good | 690 - Good |
| Generation X (43-58) | 707 - Good | 709 - Good |
There's no such thing as a starting credit score. However, there are minimum requirements for generating your very first credit score. According to FICO, the minimum requirements are: You must have at least one credit account or loan open for a minimum of six months.
In general, lenders extend $30,000 loans to borrowers with good to excellent credit, which is typically 670 and higher. But there may be lenders who lend to borrowers with bad credit. If you're having difficulty qualifying, you may consider getting a cosigner or co-borrower to help you get approved for the loan.
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.
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.
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.
Your credit score can make or break your ability to get a $10,000 loan. Generally, it can be hard to meet personal loan requirements if your credit score is below 640. That doesn't mean that it's impossible, but you may need to stick to bad credit loans (which typically have higher APRs).
How big of a loan can I get with a 550 credit score?
| Lender | Loan Amounts | Credit Score Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Upstart | $1,000 - $50,000 | None |
| Oportun | $300 - $18,500 | None |
| OneMain Financial | $1,500 - $20,000 | None |
| RISE | $500 - $5,000 | None |
Based on the OneMain personal loan calculator, a $5,000 loan with a 25% APR and a 60-month term length would be $147 per month. The loan terms you receive will depend on your credit profile, including credit history, income, debts and if you secure it with collateral like a car or truck.
| Payoff period | APR | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | 15% | $271 |
| 24 months | 15% | $145 |
| 36 months | 15% | $104 |
| 48 months | 15% | $83 |
- SoFi – Best for High Loan Amounts.
- LightStream – Best for Low Interest Rates.
- LendingPoint – Best for Fast Funding & Below-Average Credit.
- Upgrade – Best for Bad Credit.
- Universal Credit – Best for Comparing Multiple Offers.
- Discover – Best for No Interest If Repaid Within 30 Days.
- Age. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Citizenship. The loan is available to Indian citizens who have a valid PAN and Aadhaar card.
- Work experience. Salaried individual.
- Monthly Salary. Monthly income of at least ₹15,000.
