Personal loans in Vermont
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Vermont personal loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Licensed lenders under 8 V.S.A. chapter 73; interest limits in 9 V.S.A. § 41a. (8 V.S.A. ch. 73; 9 V.S.A. § 41a) |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | For installment loans not covered by a more specific category: 24% a year on the first $1,000 of the outstanding balance and 12% a year on the excess, or alternatively an 18% annual percentage rate on the whole balance, whichever is higher. Rates are computed by the actuarial method on the outstanding balance. (9 V.S.A. § 41a(b)(5), (d)) |
| License required | Yes. Anyone who makes loans and charges interest or fees, or solicits loans, must first get a license from the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, unless exempt (e.g., banks and other financial institutions, pawnbrokers, insurers). Applications are filed through NMLS. (8 V.S.A. § 2201(a), (d)) |
| Loan sizes covered | Chapter 73 does not apply to commercial loans of $1,000,000 or more; consumer loans of all sizes are covered. (8 V.S.A. § 2201(h)) |
| Origination / other fees | Fees count toward the limit: a licensee may not charge interest or fees greater than § 41a allows. (8 V.S.A. § 2233(a)) |
Bad credit loans in Vermont
Bad credit doesn't automatically rule you out in Vermont. 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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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 |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 23% APR plus $20 fee on loans up to $6,000; 20% usury above. |
| New Hampshire | 36% APR cap on small loans up to $10,000, excluding two $100 yearly fees. |
| New York | Licensed lenders may exceed 16% civil cap; 25% criminal usury applies. |
Personal Loans by city in Vermont
Counties in Vermont
Show all 14 counties
Also see: Payday Loans in Vermont · Title Loans in Vermont · All Vermont loan options
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cap on personal loan interest rates in Vermont?
24% on first $1,000, 12% above (or 18% APR if higher).
Do personal loan lenders need a license in Vermont?
Yes. Anyone who makes loans and charges interest or fees, or solicits loans, must first get a license from the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, unless exempt (e.g., banks and other financial institutions, pawnbrokers, insurers). Applications are filed through NMLS.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Vermont?
Yes, some lenders in our network work with fair or bad credit, but approval is not guaranteed and rates are higher. Licensed lenders in Vermont 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 Vermont 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. Vermont residents can see if they qualify for $100 to $5,000 in about 3 minutes.
What credit score do I need for a personal loan in Vermont?
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 Vermont with our free 3-minute form.
How do installment loans work in Vermont?
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. Vermont residents can see installment loan offers with our free 3-minute form.
How can I get an emergency loan in Vermont?
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.