Personal loans in Hawaii
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Hawaii personal loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Hawaii installment loan law, HRS Chapter 480J (small-dollar loans up to $1,500), and the general usury law, HRS s. 478-4. (HRS chs. 480J, 478) |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | Installment loans under 480J: interest up to 36% a year, plus a monthly maintenance fee of $25 (loans under $300), $30 ($300-$699.99) or $35 ($700 and up), prorated daily for part months, with no maintenance fee for active-duty servicemembers and dependents. Total loan charges may not exceed 50% of the principal. Other consumer credit (outside 480J and outside licensed finance companies under HRS 412 articles 9 and 10): 12% a year, or 24% a year if the creditor is a chapter 412 financial institution. (HRS ss. 480J-2(a)(3)-(4), 480J-4(a), 478-4(a), (d)) |
| License required | Yes. Installment lenders must be licensed by DFI (application through NMLS). 'Installment lender' includes anyone who offers or makes these loans, arranges one for a third party required to be licensed, or acts as that party's agent, by any method including mail, phone or the internet. (HRS s. 480J-1) |
| Loan sizes covered | Up to $1,500 per lender at any time, with terms from 2 months (loans of $500 or less) or 4 months (over $500) up to 12 months. Lenders must take reasonable steps so you have only one installment loan at a time. (HRS ss. 480J-2(a)(2), (5), (13), 480J-5(a)-(b)) |
| Origination / other fees | Not allowed. Installment lenders may not charge loan origination or deferment fees. A late charge of $30 per installment is allowed once a payment is more than 10 days past due; a debit-card convenience fee of up to $1 is allowed but you cannot be required to pay by debit card, and no NSF fee may be charged on a rejected debit-card payment. (HRS ss. 480J-4, 480J-2(a)(10)) |
Bad credit loans in Hawaii
Bad credit doesn't automatically rule you out in Hawaii. 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 |
|---|---|
| California | Under $2,500: tiered 12%-30%/yr. |
Personal Loans by city in Hawaii
Counties in Hawaii
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Also see: Payday Loans in Hawaii · Title Loans in Hawaii · All Hawaii loan options
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cap on personal loan interest rates in Hawaii?
Installment loans up to $1,500: 36% interest plus monthly fee; 12%/24% otherwise.
Do personal loan lenders need a license in Hawaii?
Yes. Installment lenders must be licensed by DFI (application through NMLS). 'Installment lender' includes anyone who offers or makes these loans, arranges one for a third party required to be licensed, or acts as that party's agent, by any method including mail, phone or the internet.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Hawaii?
Yes, some lenders in our network work with fair or bad credit, but approval is not guaranteed and rates are higher. Licensed lenders in Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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. Hawaii residents can see if they qualify for $100 to $5,000 in about 3 minutes.
Where can I find a loan for bad credit in Hawaii?
You can apply at local banks and lenders in Hawaii, 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.
What credit score do I need for a personal loan in Hawaii?
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 Hawaii with our free 3-minute form.
How do installment loans work in Hawaii?
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. Hawaii residents can see installment loan offers with our free 3-minute form.