What Are the Easiest Personal Loans To Get Approved for? (2024)

If you need to borrow money, you may be able to get a fast and easy loan or a cheap loan, but probably not both. The easiest loans to get approved for may help you get the cash you need quickly, but there are pitfalls to avoid as well as fine print that you should read carefully before you move forward. The best emergency loans for bad credit offer you fast funding for a car repair, medical bill, or something else.

Key Takeaways

  • 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.
  • Before you apply for an emergency loan, make sure you read the fine print so you know exactly what your costs will be.

1. Payday Loans

Payday loans are a type of funding that require you to pay back what you owe on your next payday, hence the name. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), there are no set rules that govern which loans are considered payday loans, although all loans in this category tend to be short-term in nature and exorbitantly expensive.

Most payday loans are for $500 or less, and these loans require a postdated check that has you paying off the loan balance the next time you expect to get paid by an employer or through other means like Social Security. The biggest problem with payday loans is the fact that, because they’re often short-term with no credit check required, borrowers can wind up paying interest rates of 400% or higher in the end. Because of the high costs, payday loan users often get caught in a payday loan “trap,” where they are stuck borrowing over and over again to keep up with expenses and bills.

2. No-Credit-Check Loans

No-credit-check loans can also be referred to as bad credit loans, mostly because they are taken out by people who couldn’t get approved based on their credit score. Because most lenders require a minimum credit score of at least 670 for traditional personal loans, this means no-credit-check loans are geared to borrowers with scores below that range.

Despite the fact that these loans are easy to get approved for, bad credit loans can be punishing due to their incredibly high costs. In fact, interest rates on some no-credit-check loans can be as high as 160% with some lenders.

3. Unsecured Personal Loans

If you have a fair credit score, which includes FICO scores from 580 to 669, you may be able to qualify for an unsecured personal loan from a traditional lender. However, individuals with scores at the lower end of that range will find fewer available options overall, and they may not like what they see when they check.

For example, OneMain Financial, is known for offering unsecured personal loans for individuals with imperfect credit. However, interest rates for their installment loans can be as high as 35.99%, and they charge origination fees of up to 10% of the loan amount.

Because unsecured personal loans for fair credit come with less-than-ideal terms, they are often referred to as emergency loans. This means you should only get one in an emergency, if you truly need the money, and if better options aren’t available when you need them.

4. Retirement Plan Loans

If you desperately need money and you have some retirement savings built up in a traditional plan, you may be able to borrow from your own assets. With a 401(k) loan, for example, you can borrow from your account balance without a credit check. From there, you pay back what you borrowed to your own account, plus interest, over time.

That said, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has some warnings about 401(k) loans:

  • First off, not paying back the loan according to its terms can mean the money you borrow becomes a distribution from your account.
  • You also may be required to pay back the loan in full almost immediately if you leave your job.
  • You’re also siphoning funds from your account that are supposed to be compounding over time to help pay for your retirement.

For all these reasons and others, borrowing from your 401(k) should only be done as a last resort.

5. Pawnshop Loans

Finally, you also can “pawn” items you don’t need at a pawnshop and get access to cash that way. This move has you agreeing to loan terms that are never in your favor, although the rates and terms of pawnshop loans vary widely.

When you pawn an item, or let a pawnshop hold it temporarily in exchange for cash, you won’t get anywhere close to the value of your item. The pawnshop also has the right to sell your item if you don’t repay the loan based on the original terms that you agreed to.

That said, pawnshop loans don’t require a credit check and are easy to get approved for if you have anything of value that you can stand to lose. For example, you could take out a pawnshop loan with old jewelry or electronics as collateral.

Alternatives to Easy Loans

If you want to avoid overpaying when you borrow, your best bet is looking for more traditional loan options. Alternatives to easy loans include the following:

  • Banks and credit unions: Local banks and credit unions may offer funding options that you can qualify for, and all you have to do is inquire to find out. That said, you may have better luck getting approved for the best personal loans if you apply with a bank or credit union that you have an existing relationship with.
  • Borrow from family or friends: Ask family members and friends if they will lend you money for emergency use. Keep in mind that you may be putting your relationship on the line if you fail to pay the money back.
  • Credit cards: If you need a line of credit that you can use to make purchases or pay bills, a credit card can be a valuable tool. Just remember that the best credit card options go to those with good credit, and that credit cards for fair credit and bad credit charge higher interest rates and more fees.
  • Online lenders: A range of online loan companies offer personal loans that can be secured or unsecured. Most also make it easy to apply online, and some let you “check your rate” and gauge your approval odds before you formally apply.
  • Payment plan: If you owe money to a lender or any other company, you can always ask about payment plans. For example, it’s not uncommon for hospitals and other medical providers to offer payment plans for services rendered.

What Is the Lowest Credit Score Required to Borrow Money?

Some lenders let you borrow money with no credit check required, meaning you can get approved with no credit score or a very low score. However, rates and fees for bad credit loans tend to be significantly higher.

How Long Does It Take to Get Loan Funds?

How long it will take to get loan funds varies depending on the lender, but some lenders offer fast loan funding in as little as a few business days.

What Is the Easiest Bank to Get a Personal Loan from?

The easiest bank to get a personal loan from varies based on your income, credit history, and where you live. To find out which lenders might approve you, look for companies that let you “check your rate” and gauge your approval odds before you apply.

How Do People Use Personal Loans?

Investopedia commissioned a national survey of 962 U.S. adults between Aug. 14, 2023, to Sept. 15, 2023, who had taken out a personal loan to learn how they used their loan proceeds and how they might use future personal loans. Debt consolidation was the most common reason people borrowed money, followed by home improvement and other large expenditures.

The Bottom Line

The easiest loans to get approved for are rarely the best. You might actually be able to get several loans of this type. After all, lenders that don’t require decent credit or even a credit check have to charge higher interest rates and more fees to account for the additional risk they take on, so they likely are benefiting from making a number of such loans available.

With that in mind, you should only take out a personal loan if you absolutely have to—and if you know for a fact you can pay the money back, plus interest and fees, in a reasonable amount of time. If you borrow more than you need and can’t make payments, you can wind up paying more than you should and ruining your credit score along the way. Ultimately, that’s why you should avoid easy loans and wait it out until you can qualify for more affordable loan options if you possibly can.

What Are the Easiest Personal Loans To Get Approved for? (2024)

FAQs

What type of personal loan is easiest to get approved for? ›

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.

What is the easiest instant loan to get approved for? ›

Payday and pawn shop loans can be the easiest to get approved for. But their repayment terms can bring difficulties. Borrowers with a lower credit score can sometimes still get approved for a personal loan, but it may come with a high interest rate.

What bank personal loan is easiest to get? ›

Personal loans with fast approval by banks
BankApproval TimeInterest Rate
Hong Leong Bank2 days9.00% - 12.50% p.a.
CIMB1 day upon complete submission4.38% - 19.88% p.a.
Maybank1 day upon complete submission6.50% - 8.00% p.a.
RHB1 day approval and disbursement8.59% - 13.76% p.a.
1 more row

How to get a loan when no one will approve you? ›

If you need money fast, here are some alternatives to consider when you can't get a loan.
  1. Research peer-to-peer lending.
  2. Explore loans from friends and family.
  3. Look at pawnshop loan options.
  4. Compare credit card cash loans.
  5. Seek information about government assistance programs.
Mar 20, 2024

Which bank gives a loan easily? ›

HDFC Bank offers pre-approved loans to customers in 10 seconds flat*. Non – HDFC Bank customers can get loans in 4 hours. If you've wondered how to get an instant loan, wonder no more.

What is a hardship loan? ›

Hardship personal loans are a type of personal loan that is designed to help you overcome financial difficulties. This type of loan is generally offered by small banks and credit unions, and has lower interest rates, lower maximum loan amounts, and shorter repayment periods than standard personal loans.

How to get money when desperate? ›

Once those subside, you'll find there are ways to get your hands on quick cash, without falling prey to scams.
  1. Sell spare electronics. ...
  2. Sell your gift cards. ...
  3. Pawn something. ...
  4. Work today for fast cash today. ...
  5. Seek community loans and assistance. ...
  6. Ask for forbearance on bills. ...
  7. Request a payroll advance.
Dec 19, 2023

Where is the easiest place to get a $1,000 loan? ›

The Best Lenders for a $1,000 Personal Loan
  • PenFed: Our top pick for small loans.
  • Upstart: Best for bad credit.
  • Upgrade: Best discounts.
  • LendingClub: Best for fair credit.
  • PNC Bank: Best credit line option.
5 days ago

What is the best way to borrow money instantly? ›

Quick Answer

Personal loans, credit card cash advances and borrowing from friends or family are among the best ways to access cash when you need money right away.

Who is most likely to get approved for personal loan? ›

Borrowers with multiple credit cards, a mortgage, or an auto loan showing regular on-time payments may be more likely to qualify. Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders seek borrowers who make enough money to meet their current monthly financial obligations, plus loan payments.

Who is the easiest company to get a loan from? ›

Easiest personal loans to get
  • Best for bad credit: Avant Personal Loans.
  • Best for flexible terms: OneMain Financial Personal Loans.
  • Best for no credit history: Upstart Personal Loans.
  • Best for fast approval: LendingPoint Personal Loans.
  • Best for small loan amounts: Oportun.

What is the lowest credit score for a personal loan? ›

To qualify for a personal loan, borrowers generally need a minimum credit score of 610 to 640. However, your chances of getting a loan with a low interest rate are much higher if you have a “good” or “excellent” credit score of 670 and above.

How to get a loan when everyone denies you? ›

Paying down debts, increasing your income, applying with a co-signer or co-borrower and looking for lenders that specialize in loans within your credit band could increase your approval odds.

What is the easiest loan to get online? ›

Payday loans are short-term loans — typically $500 or less — designed to be paid back by your next pay period. Most payday lenders don't check your credit, so these are among the easiest loans to get approved for. However, don't let that sway you.

Which type of loan is typically easier to get? ›

Although payday loans are easy to get, they're often hard to repay on time, so borrowers renew them, leading to new fees and charges and a vicious cycle of debt. Personal loans or credit cards are better options if you need money for an emergency.

How to get a personal loan without being denied? ›

Credit score, income and debt-to-income ratio are the main factors lenders consider when reviewing applications. Paying down debts, increasing your income, applying with a co-signer or co-borrower and looking for lenders that specialize in loans within your credit band could increase your approval odds.

What is the minimum credit score to get a personal loan from bank? ›

Payment history is weighed the most heavily in determining your credit score, along with your total outstanding debt. 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.

Is it easy to get a $5,000 personal loan? ›

You will almost certainly have no problems qualifying for a $5,000 personal loan if you have a strong income and good credit. However, you may struggle to get approved if your income is inconsistent, you have a low credit score, or you have a considerable amount of debt already.

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