Personal loans in Missouri
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Missouri personal loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Consumer credit (small loan) licensees under RSMo 367.100-367.215 with rates under RSMo 408.100-408.210; consumer installment lenders under RSMo 408.510. (RSMo 408.100; 367.100-367.215) |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | Missouri sets no maximum interest rate on these loans: lenders may charge simple interest on the unpaid balance at rates agreed to by the parties. Extra fees are limited to those listed in RSMo 408.140. (RSMo 408.100; 408.140) |
| License required | Yes. Consumer credit ('small loan') companies are licensed by the Division of Finance under RSMo 367.100-367.215 for loans of $500 or more; consumer installment lenders (RSMo 408.510) make loans of any amount repayable in at least four equal installments over at least 120 days. (RSMo 367.100-367.215; 408.510) |
| Loan sizes covered | Small loan licensees may lend any amount of $500 or more; there is no upper limit. (RSMo 367.100-367.215) |
| Origination / other fees | On non-open-end loans of 30 days or longer, a fee of up to 10% of the principal, capped at $100, may be charged (not on extensions, refinances or renewals unless a new credit investigation is made). (RSMo 408.140.1(1)) |
Bad credit loans in Missouri
Bad credit doesn't automatically rule you out in Missouri. 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 |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | 17% a year maximum for non-bank lenders, set by the state constitution. |
| Illinois | 36% APR all-in cap on consumer loans; installment lenders up to $40,000. |
| Iowa | Regulated lenders: rates set by Banking Superintendent rule; 2026 rule rewrite unclear. |
| Kansas | 36% a year cap on closed-end consumer loans; open-end credit uncapped. |
| Kentucky | Tiered monthly caps: 3% to $5,000, 2.42% to $10,000, 2.25% to $15,000. |
| Nebraska | Licensed installment lenders: 24% on first $1,000, 21% above; loans up to $25,000. |
| Oklahoma | Supervised loans: about 32% plus fed funds rate (tiered); small loans: 17% monthly. |
| Tennessee | 36% effective rate for industrial loan and thrift loans of $100+ (since July 2025); flex loans 24% plus fee. |
Personal Loans by city in Missouri
Counties in Missouri
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Also see: Payday Loans in Missouri · Title Loans in Missouri · All Missouri loan options
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cap on personal loan interest rates in Missouri?
No rate cap: licensed lenders may charge rates agreed by the parties.
Do personal loan lenders need a license in Missouri?
Yes. Consumer credit ('small loan') companies are licensed by the Division of Finance under RSMo 367.100-367.215 for loans of $500 or more; consumer installment lenders (RSMo 408.510) make loans of any amount repayable in at least four equal installments over at least 120 days.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Missouri?
Yes, some lenders in our network work with fair or bad credit, but approval is not guaranteed and rates are higher. Licensed lenders in Missouri 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 Missouri 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. Missouri 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 Missouri?
You can apply at local banks and lenders in Missouri, 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri with our free 3-minute form.
How do installment loans work in Missouri?
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. Missouri residents can see installment loan offers with our free 3-minute form.