Personal loans in Connecticut
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Connecticut personal loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Small Loan Lending and Related Activities (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 36a-555 to 36a-573) |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | Under $5,000: the lesser of 36% APR or the federal Military Lending Act maximum. $5,000 to $50,000: 25% APR. APR is calculated under the Military Lending Act and counts ancillary products and any fee paid in connection with the loan. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 36a-555(2), 36a-558(d)(1)) |
| License required | Yes. A small loan license is required to make, offer, solicit, broker, arrange, find, service, buy or advertise small loans to Connecticut borrowers, including online. A non-licensed lender's small loan that breaks the rules is void. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 36a-556(a), 36a-558(c)) |
| Loan sizes covered | Loans or advances of $50,000 or less with an APR over 12%. This includes advances on future pay, pension or tax refunds. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-555(11)) |
| Origination / other fees | No fees or charges of any kind except those the statute expressly permits. Any fee counts toward the APR cap. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 36a-558(d)(11), 36a-555(2)) |
Bad credit loans in Connecticut
Bad credit doesn't automatically rule you out in Connecticut. 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 |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 23% APR plus $20 fee on loans up to $6,000; 20% usury above. |
| New York | Licensed lenders may exceed 16% civil cap; 25% criminal usury applies. |
| Rhode Island | Small loans up to $5,000: 2%-3% per month (24%-36% a year) by size. |
Personal Loans by city in Connecticut
Counties in Connecticut
Show all 9 counties
Also see: Payday Loans in Connecticut · Title Loans in Connecticut · All Connecticut loan options
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cap on personal loan interest rates in Connecticut?
36% APR under $5,000; 25% APR $5,000-$50,000; all-in MLA-style APR.
Do personal loan lenders need a license in Connecticut?
Yes. A small loan license is required to make, offer, solicit, broker, arrange, find, service, buy or advertise small loans to Connecticut borrowers, including online. A non-licensed lender's small loan that breaks the rules is void.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Connecticut?
Yes, some lenders in our network work with fair or bad credit, but approval is not guaranteed and rates are higher. Licensed lenders in Connecticut 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.
How do installment loans work in Connecticut?
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. Connecticut residents can see installment loan offers with our free 3-minute form.
Can I get a personal loan in Connecticut 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. Connecticut residents can see if they qualify for $100 to $5,000 in about 3 minutes.
How can I get an emergency loan in Connecticut?
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.
Where can I find a loan for bad credit in Connecticut?
You can apply at local banks and lenders in Connecticut, 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.