Personal loans in Bakersfield, CA
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Bakersfield, CA.
The median household in Bakersfield earns $80,540 a year, 19% below the California median of $99,122. About 16% of residents live below the federal poverty line, and 39.4% of households rent their home.
California law that applies in Bakersfield
| Rate cap | Loans under $2,500: tiered caps of roughly 12% to 30% a year, depending on balance. |
|---|---|
| License required | Yes. |
| Loan sizes covered | The rate caps cover loans under $10,000. |
Full rules with statute citations: Personal Loans in California. Cities in California cannot set their own payday or title loan rate caps in most cases; zoning rules for storefronts are local.
What you need for a personal loan in Bakersfield
Most Bakersfield applicants can finish in one sitting if they have these ready:
- Be 18 or older and a US resident
- Your Social Security number for identity verification
- A steady source of income
- An active checking account in your name
- A working phone number and email address
Popular loan amounts in Bakersfield
What Bakersfield borrowers use it for
the fastest options online
Moving costsdeposits, trucks and first-week expenses
Emergencieshandle the unexpected the same week
Holiday expensesgifts and travel without maxing a card
Loans for your situation
How to get a personal loan in Bakersfield
- Choose an amount from $100 to $5,000 and complete one form.
- Lenders in our network review your request; many accept fair or bad credit.
- Compare the APR, monthly payment and total cost on any offer.
- If you accept, money is usually deposited in 1–2 business days.
Estimate your cost
Personal / installment loan calculator
Estimate only. Your rate depends on your credit, income and state; your lender shows the exact terms before you sign.
Banks and credit unions in the area
Banks with branches in Bakersfield
50 FDIC-insured bank branches from 14 banks. Many banks offer small-dollar loans or overdraft lines to existing customers.
| Bank | Branches | Example location |
|---|---|---|
| JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association | 9 | 1515 17th St, Bakersfield 93301 |
| Wells Fargo Bank, National Association | 9 | 5401 California Ave, Bakersfield 93309 |
| Bank of America, National Association | 6 | 1201 Baker St, Bakersfield 93305 |
| Mechanics Bank | 4 | 3990 Gosford Rd, Bakersfield 93309 |
| U.S. Bank National Association | 4 | 2641 Oswell St, Bakersfield 93306 |
| Bank of the Sierra | 4 | 8500 Ming Ave, Bakersfield 93311 |
| Citizens Business Bank, National Association | 3 | 1230 17th St, Bakersfield 93301 |
| Tri Counties Bank | 3 | 5000 California Ave, Bakersfield 93309 |
Source: FDIC BankFind Suite, retrieved Oct 2026.
Credit unions in Bakersfield
33 credit-union locations from 10 credit unions.
| Credit union | Location |
|---|---|
| Strata | 1717 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield 93301 |
| The Golden 1 | 4106 California Ave Ste 1, Bakersfield 93309 |
| Valley Strong | 11500 Bolthouse Dr, Bakersfield 93311 |
| Self-Help | 2100 H St, Bakersfield 93301 |
| Chevron | 5060 California Ave Ste 190, Bakersfield 93309 |
| Safe 1 | 1400 Mill Rock Way, Bakersfield 93311 |
| Firefighters First | 7900 Downing Ave, Bakersfield 93308 |
| Altaone | 6501 Ming Ave, Bakersfield 93309 |
| Bakersfield City Employees | 2817 16Th St, Bakersfield 93301 |
| Espeeco | 2801 H St, Bakersfield 93301 |
Source: NCUA credit union branch data, June 30, 2026.
Nearby cities
County: Kern County · Payday Loans in Bakersfield · Title Loans in Bakersfield
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Bakersfield?
Possibly. Lenders in our network consider applicants with fair and bad credit across California, including Bakersfield. Expect higher APRs than prime borrowers get, and compare every offer's total cost.
Is there a maximum interest rate on personal loans in Bakersfield, CA?
Under $2,500: tiered 12%-30%/yr. $2,500-$9,999: 36% plus Federal Funds Rate. $10,000+: uncapped.
How fast can I get a personal loan in Bakersfield?
Many online lenders give a decision within minutes and deposit funds in one to two business days after you sign. Your bank's processing time can add a day.
Where can I find a loan for bad credit in Bakersfield?
You can apply at local banks and lenders in Bakersfield, or go online to reach more lenders at once. Banks often have stricter credit requirements, while many online lenders consider all credit types. Our free form sends one request to multiple lenders in our network, so you don't have to apply one by one. Many applicants get a decision within minutes.
How do installment loans work in Bakersfield?
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. Bakersfield residents can see installment loan offers with our free 3-minute form.
How can I get an emergency loan in Bakersfield?
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.
Can I get a personal loan with a 500 credit score?
It may be possible. A score around 500 limits options with traditional banks, but some online lenders consider low scores when you have steady income and an active bank account. Offers may be for smaller amounts, and approval isn't guaranteed. The quickest way to find out is to submit one request through our network and see whether lenders respond with an offer. It takes about 3 minutes.
Can I get a personal loan in Bakersfield 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. Bakersfield residents can see if they qualify for $100 to $5,000 in about 3 minutes.
Do I need to visit a store in Bakersfield?
No. You can request offers online from a phone or computer. Some lenders, especially title lenders, may ask you to visit a location or send photos of your vehicle.