Personal loans in Waltham, MA
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Waltham, MA.
The median household in Waltham earns $120,216 a year, 16% above the Massachusetts median of $103,960. About 9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, and 50.3% of households rent their home.
Massachusetts law that applies in Waltham
| Rate cap | Licensed small loan companies may charge no more than 23% a year on the unpaid balance (actuarial method), plus a $20 administrative fee when the loan is made. |
|---|---|
| License required | Yes. |
| Loan sizes covered | Loans of $6,000 or less (measured by the amount the borrower actually keeps after deductions). |
Full rules with statute citations: Personal Loans in Massachusetts. Cities in Massachusetts 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 Waltham
Here's what to have on hand before you start your personal loan request in Waltham:
- 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 Waltham
What Waltham borrowers use it for
handle the unexpected the same week
Holiday expensesgifts and travel without maxing a card
Medical billspay a doctor, dentist or pharmacy bill now
Moving costsdeposits, trucks and first-week expenses
Loans for your situation
How to get a personal loan in Waltham
- 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 Waltham
19 FDIC-insured bank branches from 12 banks. Many banks offer small-dollar loans or overdraft lines to existing customers.
| Bank | Branches | Example location |
|---|---|---|
| Santander Bank, N.A. | 2 | 700 Main St, Waltham 02451 |
| Rockland Trust Company | 2 | 75 Moody St, Waltham 02453 |
| Bank of America, National Association | 2 | 1065 Lexington St, Waltham 02452 |
| Watertown Savings Bank | 2 | 6 Lexington St, Waltham 02452 |
| Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company | 2 | 775 Main St, Waltham 02451 |
| Cambridge Savings Bank | 2 | 81 Wyman St, Waltham 02451 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association | 2 | 1111 Lexington St, Waltham 02452 |
| Citizens Bank, National Association | 1 | 716 Main St, Waltham 02451 |
Source: FDIC BankFind Suite, retrieved Oct 2026.
Credit unions in Waltham
2 credit-union locations from 2 credit unions.
| Credit union | Location |
|---|---|
| First Technology | 130 Lexington St, Waltham 02452 |
| Brightbridge | 600 Main St, Waltham 02452 |
Source: NCUA credit union branch data, June 30, 2026.
Nearby cities
County: Middlesex County ·
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Waltham?
Possibly. Lenders in our network consider applicants with fair and bad credit across Massachusetts, including Waltham. Expect higher APRs than prime borrowers get, and compare every offer's total cost.
Is there a maximum interest rate on personal loans in Waltham, MA?
23% APR plus $20 fee on loans up to $6,000; 20% usury above.
How fast can I get a personal loan in Waltham?
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.
Are personal loans bad for your credit?
Not necessarily. Checking offers often uses a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your score, though a lender may do a hard pull before final approval. Once you have the loan, on-time payments can help build your credit history, especially with lenders that report to the major bureaus, while missed payments can lower your score. Waltham residents can see their options in about 3 minutes.
How can I get an emergency loan in Waltham?
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 Waltham?
You can apply at local banks and lenders in Waltham, 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?
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 Waltham with our free 3-minute form.
How do I apply for a personal loan with bad credit in Waltham?
Start by gathering your ID, proof of income and bank account details. Then complete our online form with accurate information about your income and the amount you need. Lenders in our network review your request, and many respond within minutes. Asking for an amount that fits your income can improve your chances. If you're approved, you'll review the full terms before signing.
Do I need to visit a store in Waltham?
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.