Small Loans for Bad Credit: How to Get $100 to $2,000
| Typical small loan | $100–$2,000 |
|---|---|
| What lenders weigh | Income, bank history, ability to repay |
| Common types | Payday, small installment, title, app advance |
| Credit checks | Many skip a hard pull from the big three bureaus |
| Funding | Often next business day after approval |
| Our form | Free, about 3 minutes, no obligation |
Yes, you can get a small loan with bad credit
Unexpected bills don't wait for your credit score to improve. The good news is that small loans are where bad credit matters least. When you're borrowing a few hundred dollars, many lenders care more about whether money comes into your account regularly than about past late payments. Some lenders also use alternative credit data, such as bank activity or specialty credit reports, instead of a traditional hard pull from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Bad credit can still affect how much you're offered and the price. Asking for an amount that fits your income is one of the easiest ways to improve your odds.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Start your free request. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
Small loan options for bad credit, by dollar cost
Here's what common small-loan options cost on typical amounts. Figures are examples based on common structures and legal caps; your lender shows the exact cost before you sign.
| Option | Typical amounts | Example cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash advance app | Often under $100 to start; up to $500–$1,000 for some users | Free standard transfer at some apps; instant fees or memberships at others | Limits start low and depend on your deposits |
| Credit union payday alternative loan | $200–$2,000 | Rates capped at 28%; application fee up to $20 | Membership required |
| Small installment loan | $300–$5,000 | $1,000 at 36% APR over 12 months: about $205 in interest | Fixed payments; many report to bureaus |
| Payday loan | Generally $500 or less | $300 at $15 per $100 for 2 weeks: $45 | One payment on your next payday; state rules vary |
| Title loan | Based on vehicle value | Set by state; e.g. up to $25 per $100 per month in Mississippi | You keep driving; vehicle secures the loan |
Want details on any option? See cash advance apps, credit union payday alternative loans, installment loans for bad credit, payday loans for bad credit and title loans.
Pick your amount
Every amount has its own best-fit loan types and repayment. Jump to the guide that matches your need:
- $100 loan and $200 loan: often a payday loan or app advance.
- $300 loan and $400 loan: payday or small installment loans.
- $500 loan and $600 loan: the most common request.
- $800 loan and $1,000 loan: usually installment loans.
- $1,500 loan and $2,000 loan: installment or title loans.
Small loans with no credit check: what that really means
You'll see "small loans no credit check" advertised often. In practice, legitimate lenders check something. What many small-dollar lenders skip is a traditional hard pull from the big three bureaus. Instead they may verify income and bank activity, or check a specialty consumer reporting agency. That's why people with low scores can still get offers.
Be cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed approval or asks for an upfront fee before you get a loan. The FTC warns that advance-fee demands are a sign of a scam. Learn more in no credit check loans and how to spot loan scams.
How to boost your approval odds
- Ask for a realistic amount. A smaller request relative to your income is easier to approve.
- Use the checking account where your pay lands. It's the easiest for lenders to verify.
- Show steady income. Job, benefits, pension and self-employment income can all count.
- Fill out every field accurately. Mismatched names or addresses slow things down.
- Keep your phone handy. Some lenders call or email to confirm details before funding.
- Consider collateral. If you own a car, a title loan can make credit less important.
More tips in loans for bad credit.
What you need
- Age 18 or older (19 in some states)
- A government ID and Social Security number
- Proof of regular income
- An active checking account in your name
- A phone number and email address
Your state's rules shape which small loans are available. Check yours with the state law lookup. Where payday loans aren't allowed, lenders in our network may offer small installment loans instead.
Income doesn't have to come from a job. Many lenders accept Social Security, disability, pension or other regular benefit deposits, and some work with gig and self-employment income shown in your bank statements. See loans for Social Security recipients and loans for gig workers.
Repaying a small loan smoothly
Small loans work best when the repayment fits your next few paychecks. Before you accept, look at the due date or payment schedule and check it against your rent and other bills. If one paycheck can't cover a payday payoff, a small installment loan with a few payments may be easier. Set reminders, keep enough in your account on the due date, and contact your lender early if something changes. Many lenders have options when you reach out before a payment is missed. Paying on time also matters for your next loan: lenders that report to the bureaus can help your score rise, and a good repayment record with one lender often leads to better offers later.
Get a small loan through our network
Zebra Finance is a free loan-matching service, not a lender. One short form takes about 3 minutes and reaches lenders in our network that serve your state. All credit types can apply. Many lenders decide within minutes, and approved funds can arrive as soon as the next business day. Your lender shows the fee, APR and total to repay before you sign, and you're never obligated to accept.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Start your free request. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a small loan with bad credit?
Online lenders, storefront lenders, credit unions and cash advance apps all offer small amounts to people with bad credit. Online lenders are often the fastest. Our free form reaches lenders in our network that serve your state, with requests from $100 to $5,000, and many decide within minutes.
What is the easiest small loan to get with bad credit?
Loans that rely on income or collateral tend to be easiest, such as payday loans where allowed, small installment loans that focus on bank history, and title loans backed by your car. Cash advance apps can also work if you have regular direct deposits. No legitimate lender can guarantee approval.
Can I get a small loan with no credit check?
Many small-dollar lenders don't pull a traditional hard credit report from the big three bureaus, but they still verify your identity, income and bank account, and some check alternative credit data. That's why bad credit doesn't automatically disqualify you. Avoid anyone who guarantees approval for a fee.
How much can I borrow with bad credit?
Small loans for bad credit commonly run from $100 to $2,000, and some installment lenders go up to $5,000 if your income supports it. Your state's rules, your income and the lender's review set the final amount. Asking for less can improve your chances.
Do small loans help build credit?
Some do. Many installment lenders report payments to at least one credit bureau, so on-time payments can help your history. Payday loans and app advances often aren't reported. Ask the lender whether and where it reports before you accept an offer.
Sources
- CFPB — What is a payday loan?
- eCFR — 12 CFR 701.21 (NCUA payday alternative loan rules)
- FTC — What To Know About Advance-Fee Loans