We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What are the Different Types of Personal Loans for People with Bad Credit?

By Tess C. Taylor
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

There are a number of options available for personal loans for people with bad credit. There are programs designed to loan sums of cash to those with bad credit ratings; however, consumers should be aware that there is a price to pay in the form of higher payments and more difficult repayment terms. The types of loans available depend on the lender, but options include secured loans and payday advance loans. In some cases, the type of loan a borrower can get and its interest rate are determined by how low the borrower's credit score is.

People with bad credit do have several options when a loan is needed to cover an unforeseen event such as a medical bill or money for repairs to a home or automobile. It’s up to consumers to carefully research lenders before applying for a personal loan so that they don’t get hit with ridiculously high fees or impossible repayment terms. It’s also important for applicants to read all contracts and understand the terms before accepting any loan.

Personal loans for people with bad credit vary based on the credit score of the person applying for the personal loan. If the score is very low, the lender will often require a second party to co-sign on the loan or ask for collateral in the form of substantial personal property or real estate. Likewise, if there are multiple judgments or a bankruptcy on the borrower's credit history, this can be a red flag for lenders. Consumers should keep in mind that a bad credit rating is considered more risky for a lender.

One possible option for people with bad credit is a secured personal loan. The secured loan requires a deposit of a predetermined sum of money that is held in escrow until the loan is repaid. This can be a good way to rebuild credit and is often offered as an option by legitimate financial institutions and credit card companies. Once the terms of the loan are met, the deposit is returned and the account can be transferred to an unsecured personal loan or line of credit for future use.

Other loan options for people with bad credit can include payday advance loans or car title loans. These loans are the quickest type to get, making them useful for an unexpected emergency, but they also often have the highest interest rates. In recent years, several well-known loan companies of this type were criticized for having unfair lending terms.

Personal loans for people with bad credit can also be obtained from a local bank or credit union in some cases, especially when the borrower already has a business established relationship with the institution or property is presented as collateral. Personal loans that are taken out in advance of receiving a tax return or another financial windfall may be available in certain circumstances. These types of loans may have lower interest rates, but they may require repayment in a shorter period of time or upon receipt of the anticipated funds.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.