Personal loans in Winston-Salem, NC
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Winston-Salem, NC.
The median household in Winston-Salem earns $59,268 a year, 18% below the North Carolina median of $72,388. About 18% of residents live below the federal poverty line, and 44.4% of households rent their home.
North Carolina law that applies in Winston-Salem
| Rate cap | For loans of $12,000 or less: 33% a year on the first $4,000 of unpaid principal, 24% on $4,000-$8,000, and 18% above $8,000. |
|---|---|
| License required | Anyone in the business of lending or servicing loans of $25,000 or less at charges above what Chapter 24 allows needs a license from the Commissioner of Banks. |
| Loan sizes covered | Installment loans up to $25,000. |
Full rules with statute citations: Personal Loans in North Carolina. Cities in North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem
Most Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
What Winston-Salem borrowers use it for
handle the unexpected the same week
Car repairskeep getting to work while the shop fixes it
Need money nowthe fastest options online
Rent duecover a short gap before payday
Loans for your situation
How to get a personal loan in Winston-Salem
- 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 Winston-Salem
7 FDIC-insured bank branches from 4 banks. Many banks offer small-dollar loans or overdraft lines to existing customers.
| Bank | Branches | Example location |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Bank, National Association | 4 | 418 S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem 27103 |
| First National Bank of Pennsylvania | 1 | 161 S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem 27104 |
| First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company | 1 | 1199 Hayes Forest Dr, Winston-Salem 27106 |
| First Horizon Bank | 1 | 4306 N Liberty St, Winston-Salem 27105 |
Source: FDIC BankFind Suite, retrieved Oct 2026.
Credit unions in Forsyth County
42 credit-union locations from 11 credit unions.
| Credit union | Location |
|---|---|
| State Employees' | 1025 S Peace Haven Rd, Winston Salem 27103 |
| Truliant | 4100 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons 27012 |
| Allegacy Financial | 1691 Westbrook Plaza Dr, Winston Salem 27103 |
| Latino Community | 1608 S Stratford Rd, Winston Salem 27103 |
| Self-Help | 711 E Salem Ave, Winston Salem 27101 |
| Empeople | 1000 John Deere Rd, Kernersville 27284 |
| Members | 2098 Frontis Plaza Blvd Ste A, Winston Salem 27103 |
| Summit | 1100 S Stratford Rd Ste 400B, Winston Salem 27103 |
| Piedmont Advantage Credit Union | 5610 University Pkwy, Winston Salem 27105 |
| Emergency Responders | 1777 Link Rd, Winston Salem 27103 |
| Tcp | 3051 Westinghouse Rd, Rural Hall 27045 |
Source: NCUA credit union branch data, June 30, 2026.
Nearby cities
County: Forsyth County ·
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Winston-Salem?
Possibly. Lenders in our network consider applicants with fair and bad credit across North Carolina, including Winston-Salem. Expect higher APRs than prime borrowers get, and compare every offer's total cost.
Is there a maximum interest rate on personal loans in Winston-Salem, NC?
Tiered caps: 33% on first $4,000, 24% to $8,000, 18% above.
How fast can I get a personal loan in Winston-Salem?
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.
How do I apply for a personal loan with bad credit in Winston-Salem?
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.
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 Winston-Salem with our free 3-minute form.
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. Winston-Salem residents can see their options in about 3 minutes.
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.
How do installment loans work in Winston-Salem?
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. Winston-Salem residents can see installment loan offers with our free 3-minute form.
Do I need to visit a store in Winston-Salem?
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.