Personal loans in Arkansas
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Arkansas personal loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 89 (Ark. Const. amend. 89, §§ 2, 3, 6) |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | 17% per year on loans not made by or to governmental units or by Arkansas-headquartered federally insured depository institutions. A contract above the limit is void as to principal and interest. Arkansas-headquartered federally insured banks may charge the rate allowed under federal law (12 U.S.C. § 1831u as of March 1, 2009). (Ark. Const. amend. 89, §§ 2, 3, 6(b)) |
| Loan sizes covered | The 17% limit is not tied to loan size. (Ark. Const. amend. 89, § 3) |
Bad credit loans in Arkansas
Bad credit doesn't automatically rule you out in Arkansas. Many lenders in our network look at your income and bank activity, not just your score, and offer personal installment loans of $500 to $5,000 to borrowers with fair or poor credit. Rates are higher than prime offers, so compare the monthly payment and total cost before you accept. More on bad-credit loans.
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Estimate only. Your rate depends on your credit, income and state; your lender shows the exact terms before you sign.
Compare neighboring states
Lenders must follow the law of the state where you live, not where you visit.
| State | Rate cap |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | Blended tiers: 36% to $1,400, 27% to $4,000, 24% to $7,000, 21% above. |
| Mississippi | Tiered 36%-14% APR; 59% to $5,330; credit availability 25%/month to $3,320. |
| Missouri | No rate cap: licensed lenders may charge rates agreed by the parties. |
| Oklahoma | Supervised loans: about 32% plus fed funds rate (tiered); small loans: 17% monthly. |
| Tennessee | 36% effective rate for industrial loan and thrift loans of $100+ (since July 2025); flex loans 24% plus fee. |
| Texas | Tiered caps for licensed Chapter 342 lenders: up to 30% a year on the first $4,600, 24% on the part from $4,600 to $9,660, and 18% on the part up to $23,000… |
Personal Loans by city in Arkansas
Counties in Arkansas
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Also see: Payday Loans in Arkansas · Title Loans in Arkansas · All Arkansas loan options
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cap on personal loan interest rates in Arkansas?
17% a year maximum for non-bank lenders, set by the state constitution.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Arkansas?
Yes, some lenders in our network work with fair or bad credit, but approval is not guaranteed and rates are higher. Licensed lenders in Arkansas must follow the state's consumer-lending rules shown above; tribal and bank-partner lenders may follow different rules, so compare the APR on every offer.
Can I get a personal loan in Arkansas with bad credit?
Yes, it's possible. Many lenders in our network work with borrowers who have fair, poor or limited credit, and they look at factors like income and employment, not just your score. Approval and rates depend on your full profile, and nothing is guaranteed, but checking your options is free. Arkansas residents can see if they qualify for $100 to $5,000 in about 3 minutes.
How do installment loans work in Arkansas?
You apply, the lender reviews your income and credit profile, and if you're approved you receive a lump sum deposited into your bank account. You then repay it in equal scheduled payments over an agreed term, with interest built in. Your agreement shows each payment amount and date before you sign. Arkansas residents can see installment loan offers with our free 3-minute form.
What credit score do I need for a personal loan in Arkansas?
There's no single minimum. Some lenders want good credit, but many lenders in our network consider fair, poor and limited credit and weigh your income and job history too. A higher score may get you better rates and larger amounts, while lower scores may still qualify for smaller loans. Find out what's available to you in Arkansas with our free 3-minute form.
How can I get an emergency loan in Arkansas?
Unexpected bills happen, and an online emergency loan can help you handle them quickly. Fill out our 3-minute form with your income and bank details, and lenders in our network will review your request. Many make decisions within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited by the next business day. Amounts range from $100 to $5,000, and you're never obligated to accept an offer.