Personal loans in Pennsylvania
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Pennsylvania personal loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Consumer Discount Company Act, for non-mortgage loans of $25,000 or less charging more than an unlicensed lender could. (7 P.S. § 6201 et seq. (Act 66 of 1937)) |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | Interest or discount of up to $9.50 per $100 per year, computed on the face amount for the full term, for contracts repayable within 48 months, and $6 per $100 per year for any remainder beyond 48 months. A service charge of $1.50 per $50 (maximum $150) is also allowed. As an alternative, revolving loan accounts may charge up to 2% per month on the unpaid principal balance. (CDCA §§ 13(E)-(F), 17.1(A)) |
| License required | Yes. A Consumer Discount Company license from the Secretary of Banking is required to make or negotiate loans of $25,000 or less at charges above what an unlicensed lender may charge. This applies whether acting as principal, employee, agent or broker. (CDCA § 3(A)) |
| Loan sizes covered | Loans of $25,000 or less (the face amount may exceed $25,000 by the precomputed charges). (CDCA §§ 3(A), 13(E)) |
| Origination / other fees | Service charge of $1.50 for each $50 (or fraction) of the contract, capped at $150 per contract. Default, deferment or extension charges of 1.5% per month on the amount in arrears are also allowed. (CDCA § 13(F), (K)) |
Bad credit loans in Pennsylvania
Bad credit doesn't automatically rule you out in Pennsylvania. 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.
Estimate your monthly payment
Personal / installment loan calculator
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 |
|---|---|
| Delaware | No cap; licensed lenders may charge any rate the agreement states. |
| Maryland | 33% APR on first $1,000 (loans to $2,000); 24% otherwise. |
| New Jersey | Licensed lenders set agreed rates; criminal usury caps loans to individuals at 30%. |
| New York | Licensed lenders may exceed 16% civil cap; 25% criminal usury applies. |
| Ohio | Licensed lenders capped at 21%-28% a year depending on license; Consumer Installment Loan Act 25%. |
| West Virginia | 31% up to $3,500; 27% to $15,000; 18% above. |
Personal Loans by city in Pennsylvania
Counties in Pennsylvania
Show all 67 counties
Also see: Payday Loans in Pennsylvania · Title Loans in Pennsylvania · All Pennsylvania loan options
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cap on personal loan interest rates in Pennsylvania?
Licensed consumer discount companies: $9.50 per $100 yearly add-on plus fees; unlicensed: 6%.
Do personal loan lenders need a license in Pennsylvania?
Yes. A Consumer Discount Company license from the Secretary of Banking is required to make or negotiate loans of $25,000 or less at charges above what an unlicensed lender may charge. This applies whether acting as principal, employee, agent or broker.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Pennsylvania?
Yes, some lenders in our network work with fair or bad credit, but approval is not guaranteed and rates are higher. Licensed lenders in Pennsylvania 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.
What credit score do I need for a personal loan in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania with our free 3-minute form.
Where can I find a loan for bad credit in Pennsylvania?
You can apply at local banks and lenders in Pennsylvania, 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.
How do installment loans work in Pennsylvania?
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. Pennsylvania residents can see installment loan offers with our free 3-minute form.
Can I get a personal loan in Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania residents can see if they qualify for $100 to $5,000 in about 3 minutes.