Personal loans in California
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
California personal loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | California Financing Law (Cal. Fin. Code § 22000 et seq.) |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | Loans under $2,500: tiered caps of roughly 12% to 30% a year, depending on balance. Loans of $2,500 to under $10,000: 36% simple annual interest plus the Federal Funds Rate (since Jan. 1, 2020, AB 539), with a minimum term of 12 months. (Cal. Fin. Code §§ 22303, 22304, 22304.5) |
| License required | Yes. Anyone in the business of making consumer or commercial loans (a finance lender) or brokering them (a finance broker) must hold a CFL license unless exempt. (Cal. Fin. Code § 22000 et seq.) |
| Loan sizes covered | The rate caps cover loans under $10,000. The CFL licenses consumer lending of all sizes. (Cal. Fin. Code §§ 22303-22304.5) |
| Origination / other fees | Administrative fee: the lesser of 5% of principal or $50 on loans under $2,500; up to $75 on loans over $2,500 and under $5,000. On loans of $5,000 or more, any administrative fee counts toward the rate cap. (Cal. Fin. Code § 22305) |
Bad credit loans in California
Bad credit doesn't automatically rule you out in California. 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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Personal / installment loan calculator
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 |
|---|---|
| Arizona | 36% a year up to $3,000; 24% on the part above $3,000 (consumer loans up to $10,000). |
| Nevada | No general rate cap; loans above 40% APR need a 604A high-interest license. |
| Oregon | 36% APR (or discount rate plus 30 points) on licensed loans up to $50,000. |
Personal Loans by city in California
Counties in California
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Also see: Payday Loans in California · Title Loans in California · All California loan options
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cap on personal loan interest rates in California?
Under $2,500: tiered 12%-30%/yr. $2,500-$9,999: 36% plus Federal Funds Rate. $10,000+: uncapped.
Do personal loan lenders need a license in California?
Yes. Anyone in the business of making consumer or commercial loans (a finance lender) or brokering them (a finance broker) must hold a CFL license unless exempt.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in California?
Yes, some lenders in our network work with fair or bad credit, but approval is not guaranteed and rates are higher. Licensed lenders in California 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 California 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. California residents can see if they qualify for $100 to $5,000 in about 3 minutes.
How do installment loans work in California?
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. California residents can see installment loan offers with our free 3-minute form.
What credit score do I need for a personal loan in California?
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 California with our free 3-minute form.
How can I get an emergency loan in California?
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.