Installment Loans for Bad Credit
| Credit | Bad, fair and limited credit considered |
|---|---|
| What lenders weigh | Income, bank history, debts and credit |
| Amounts via our network | $100–$5,000, by state and lender |
| Repayment | Fixed payments over months |
| Funding | Often next business day |
| Cost to use our form | Free, no obligation |
Bad credit doesn't have to stop you
A low score usually comes from a tough stretch, like a job loss, a medical bill or a divorce. It doesn't mean you can't borrow. Many installment lenders in our network specialize in working with people who have bad or limited credit. They look at the whole picture: your income today, your bank account and whether the payment fits your budget.
Our form takes about 3 minutes and is free to use. Many lenders decide within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited the next business day. See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes.
What makes an installment loan work for bad credit
A bad-credit installment loan works like any installment loan: you get a lump sum and repay it in fixed payments until the balance is zero. The difference is how the lender decides. Instead of relying mainly on a credit score, these lenders often weigh:
- Your current, regular income
- Deposits and balances in your checking account
- Your existing monthly debts
- Alternative credit data, such as records from specialty bureaus
Your credit history can still affect the rate and term you're offered. Your lender shows the exact APR and terms before you sign.
Why installments fit a tight budget
When money is tight, a smaller payment spread over several paychecks can be easier to manage than repaying everything at once. With an installment loan you know the exact payment and payoff date from day one, and each payment lowers your balance. Lenders that report to the credit bureaus also give you a chance to show a steady record of on-time payments. See payday vs. installment loans.
Installment loans also reach higher amounts. Through our network you can request up to $5,000, which can cover a car repair, a medical bill or several smaller bills combined into one payment. Many people with bad credit use a single installment loan to replace several due dates with one predictable payment.
Sample payments
Rates for bad credit are generally higher than for good credit, and they vary by lender and state. Sample payments:
| Term | Sample APR | Monthly payment | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 99% | $217.96 | $1,307.75 |
| 6 months | 160% | $252.48 | $1,514.88 |
| 12 months | 99% | $134.42 | $1,613.03 |
| 12 months | 160% | $171.53 | $2,058.39 |
These are examples, not offers. A shorter term means less total interest; a longer term means a smaller payment. Your lender shows the exact APR and terms before you sign. Try other amounts:
Personal / installment loan calculator
Estimate only. Your rate depends on your credit, income and state; your lender shows the exact terms before you sign.
How to improve your approval odds
- Request what you need. A smaller amount is easier to approve and keeps payments low.
- Show steady income. Two to three months of regular deposits help a lot.
- List all income. Benefits, side work and self-employment income can count if documented.
- Keep your checking account in good standing. Fewer overdrafts look better to lenders.
- Choose a payment that fits. Lenders want to see the payment is comfortable for your income.
- Consider collateral or a co-applicant. Either can strengthen your request.
- Fill out the form accurately. Matching details speed up verification.
Use the loan to rebuild your credit
An installment loan can do more than cover a bill. If your lender reports to the credit bureaus, every on-time payment adds positive history, and payment history is a major factor in most credit scores. A few tips:
- Set up autopay for the day after payday.
- Ask the lender whether it reports to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- Pay a little extra when you can, as long as your agreement allows it without a penalty.
A stronger score can mean better rates the next time you borrow.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 (19 in a few states) and a U.S. resident
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Regular income from a job, benefits, self-employment or gig work
- An active checking account for the deposit and repayment
- A working phone number and email address
Many lenders start with a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your score. If a lender declines you, it must tell you why or how to request the reason, which can help you strengthen your next application.
Spotting a legitimate offer
Legitimate lenders never ask you to pay a fee before you receive your loan; any fees are taken from or added to the loan and shown in your disclosure. A real offer lists the APR, payment amount, number of payments and total to repay. If you're asked to pay upfront by gift card or wire, walk away.
A real lender will also verify your identity and income, explain how it reviews credit, and give you time to read the agreement. You're always free to decline an offer that doesn't fit your budget and keep looking.
How to apply through us
- Fill out the form. Enter the amount, your contact details, income and bank information. It takes about 3 minutes.
- Get matched. We send your request to lenders in our network that serve your state.
- Review your offer. If a lender approves you, you see the amount, APR, payment schedule and total to repay before you sign.
- Get your money. Accept, e-sign, and funds are often deposited the next business day.
Zebra Finance is a free loan-matching service, not a lender. Whether you get an offer, and for how much, is up to the lender and your state's rules. You are never obligated to accept.
Related: loans for bad credit and personal loans for bad credit. Ready? See if you qualify.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an installment loan with a 500 credit score?
It's possible. Many lenders in our network consider applicants with scores in the 500s and look closely at income, bank history and existing debts. A lower score may mean a higher rate or smaller amount. No lender can promise approval before reviewing your application, but your score alone doesn't stop you from applying.
Do bad credit installment loans check credit?
Most installment lenders review credit in some way. Many start with a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your score, and some rely on alternative credit data or bank-account history rather than a traditional report from the big three bureaus. Your lender explains its process before you accept.
How fast can I get a bad credit installment loan?
Our form takes about 3 minutes, many lenders make decisions within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited the next business day. Applying early on a weekday and having your ID, proof of income and bank details ready helps keep things moving.
Will an installment loan help my credit?
It can. If your lender reports to the credit bureaus, on-time payments add positive payment history, which is a major factor in credit scores. Late or missed payments can hurt, so choose a payment you can make comfortably and set up autopay right after payday.
How much can I borrow with bad credit?
Through our network you can request $100 to $5,000. The amount you're offered depends on your income, debts, credit, state law and the lender's review. Asking for the amount you actually need, rather than the maximum, can improve your odds of approval.
Sources
- CFPB — What is a personal installment loan?
- CFPB — What is a soft inquiry?
- eCFR — 12 CFR Part 1026 (Regulation Z, Truth in Lending disclosures)