Whether you need funds for a home improvement project, an emergency expense, or a vacation, personal loans can provide the financing you need. Personal loans for bad credit in California come in two main forms: secured personal loans and unsecured personal loans. Let’s take a closer look at each option.
10.64%3 APR 84 mos. Loan term $12,000 Loan amount
3Last updated on 04/02/2025. More than 10% of loans taken in the state of California have a lower APR than what is advertised here. You may have different rates and terms than what is being advertised.
As you can see, personal loans for bad credit in California can come with a wide range of terms and conditions. It’s important to compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best fit for your needs and financial situation.
These are just a few examples of the lenders that offer personal loans for bad credit in California. It’s important to compare offers and terms to find the best fit for your needs.
Before you empty out your savings account, read the following information to learn more about bad credit loans in California.
As mentioned, personal loans for bad credit in California can come in two different lending models: secured personal loans and unsecured personal loans. Here’s a closer look at each:
Typically, whether you are seeking a secured or unsecured loan, its structure will be designed to be repaid in installments. Installment loans are generally funded as a lump sum and repaid in fixed installments, usually monthly, with interest. The repayment period will dictate how long payments are required.
To determine what credit score is needed for a bad credit loan near you in California, let’s talk about credit ranges and exactly what “bad credit” is.
A poor FICO score is considered to be in the range of 300-579, with fair FICO scores falling between 580-669. Offers will be more likely to be returned for borrowers with fair, good, average, or excellent credit. Most lenders on the Acorn Finance platform have a credit score cutoff of 600 or above.
It’s important to note that lenders can consider other factors, such as income or debt-to-income ratio, to determine a borrower’s creditworthiness. Some lenders may work with borrowers with so-called bad credit, but not many are willing to due to the risk.
If you’re interested in exploring bad credit loan options in other states, here are a few examples:
This is just a small sample of the many states that offer bad credit loan options. Be sure to explore options in your local area as well.
Here are some of the top options for personal loans for bad credit in California:
Lender | APR Range | Loan Term | Minimum FICO Score Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
LightStream | 6.99% – 25.49% | 2-12 years | No minimum requirement, but better rates for higher scores. |
Upgrade | 8.49% – 35.99% | 3-7 years | No minimum score listed on their website. |
BestEgg | 8.99% – 35.99% | 3 & 5 years | No minimum score listed, but better rates for higher scores. |
Prosper | 6.95% – 35.99% | 2-5 years | No minimum requirement, but better rates for higher scores. |
Reprise | 9.99% – 36% | 3, 4 & 5 years | No minimum score listed on their website. |
UniversalCredit | 11.69% – 35.99% | 2-7 years | No minimum requirement, but better rates for higher scores. |
OneMainFinancial | 18.00% – 35.99% | 2-5 years | No minimum score listed on their website. |
Personal Loans for Bad Credit in California | |||
---|---|---|---|
Pros | Cons | ||
Fixed Monthly Payments | Possible Higher APRs and Fees | ||
Faster Approval Process | Risk of Collateral Loss in Secured Loans | ||
No Need for Collateral (Unsecured) | Tight Credit Score Requirements | ||
Access to Funds for Unexpected Expenses | Potential Negative Impact on Credit Score if Not Repaid Promptly |
If you’re looking for more information on bad credit personal loans in California, visit our blog or check out our comprehensive guide to personal loans. We provide up-to-date resources and tools to help you make informed decisions about your financing needs.
Remember that bad credit doesn’t have to limit your financial options. With the right lender, you can secure a personal loan that fits your budget and helps improve your financial standing over time. —