The Ins and Outs of Getting a Loan With Bad Credit

If financial difficulties or uninformed decisions have left you with bad credit, you may not know where to turn for a loan. While borrowing money with a low credit score may take additional research or work, it’s likely still within your reach.  

Many lenders offer bad credit loans for people who need extra cash but may not have the best credit background. Applying for a loan with bad credit may feel intimidating, but the following considerations could make the process easier.

Start by Checking Your Credit

Before you begin shopping for loans, check your credit report. Some creditors require specific scores for each loan product, even those designed for bad credit, so knowing your score saves you time.

It’s also important to check your credit report for errors that may drag your score down and limit your loan options. You can access this information from Equifax and TransUnion for free online.

Compare Your Options

While a lower credit score likely disqualifies you from some personal loans, you may still have many options. Some lenders offer loans specifically for people with low credit scores who struggle to qualify for other options.

Bad credit loans may require a deposit or other fees, have higher interest rates than other loans, or include income requirements. However, they may also offer a wide range of payment terms and options like online portals that make managing your loan easier. With some research, you could find the right fit for your circumstances.  

Whenever possible, take advantage of loan prequalification. Many lenders allow you to check your potential eligibility for a loan by providing personal and financial information. They use that to run a soft credit check, which doesn’t affect your credit score. If you pre-qualify, they’ll provide information about possible rates and terms. You could complete prequalification forms for multiple loans to help you find your best option.

Improve Your Application

Some financial decisions improve your loan eligibility. A friend or family member with better credit may agree to co-sign your loan. In that case, their financial information influences your eligibility for a loan.

Cosigners take on substantial risk. If you fail to repay your loan, your cosigner becomes responsible. Likewise, issues with the loan could hurt their credit score and put a strain on your interpersonal relationship.  

If multiple lenders have declined your applications for unsecured loans, consider a secured loan instead. Secured loans require collateral, like a deposit, car, or other property. If borrowers don’t repay their loans, lenders may seize the collateral. Lending institutions don’t take on as much risk with secured loans as unsecured loans so they may have more lenient credit requirements for borrowers.

Avoid Scams

Unfortunately, fraudulent lenders often exploit consumers who have limited loan options. Before providing a lender with any personal or financial information, ensure they’re legitimate. Otherwise, you risk having your identity stolen or paying fees for a loan you never receive.

Be wary of anyone offering guaranteed approval or soliciting your business via cold calls. Always verify loan servicers’ contact information and check their reviews on trusted third-party websites.

The Bottom Line

If you have bad credit, you could still qualify for a personal loan. Remember to check your credit score, investigate your options, and confirm a lender’s legitimacy before applying. If you still struggle to qualify, you may need a cosigner or collateral to boost your application.

By taking some extra steps, you can make getting a loan easier and safer.