HomePersonal LoansPersonal Loans For Credit Score Under 600
Advertising Disclosure Acorn Finance receives compensation from some of the companies featured on our website, which may influence the presentation and order of the offers shown. Please note that not all loan options, savings products, or lenders are represented on our site.

Loans for Credit Under 600

Compare monthly payment options from several lenders in under 2 minutes.

Check Offers
A woman is using the Fiona Template to control her smart home app on her phone.

Personal Loans For Credit Score Under 600

How Can I Get a Personal Loan with a Credit Score Under 600?

Loans for a 600 score are a bit more challenging to get, but it is certainly possible. If you are in a position where you need to borrow money, it’s best to do some research. Acorn Finance gives you access to dozens of fully vetted lenders.

We all try our best, but we all can’t have excellent credit scores. Life events like divorce, job loss, a death in the family, may put us in less than ideal financial situations. For example, you may have had to take on loads of credit card debt due to job loss. If this helped you survive a tough time then it is what it is. But at some point, you should focus hard on paying off debts and rebuilding your credit. If you intend to use a personal loan for debt consolidation, you should indicate that to the lender. Otherwise, they may assume that you are looking to add more debt to your already high debt-to-income ratio. If they know you are trying to consolidate debt and improve your credit, they may be more motivated to get on your team and help.

Check Offers
Quick. Simple. Secure.

How To Apply For Loans for Credit Under 600

A blue icon with a leaf on a monitor and a phone.
1

Pre-qualify

Fill out an easy online form to check for pre-qualified offers with no impact to your credit score
A mobile phone and a tablet with a list on it.
2

Select offer

Compare terms and payment options to select the offer that’s best for you
A mobile phone and a tablet with a building on it.
3

Finish application

Complete your application on your selected lender’s website
A hand holding a dollar sign.
4

Receive funding

After your loan is approved, your funds should arrive within 1-2 business days2

Check offers
in seconds

Get pre-qualified for loan offers with an easy online form

Won't impact
credit scores

Checking offers will not impact your credit score

Competitive
payment options

Compare rates from our network of lenders

Receive
funds quickly

Same-day and next-day available for certain offers2

Compare Rates From Lenders in Our Network

Learn More About Loans for Credit Under 600

If you find yourself having a fair credit rating of 600, you might wonder if you can get a loan with the credit rating you have. Keep reading and take a look at your borrowing options if you have a credit score of 600.

Read more - FAQ

+

What do lenders consider when evaluating a potential borrower with a credit score under 600?

A credit score under 600 means, from a lender's point of view, that the borrower is high risk. They may have had many late payments, carry too much debt, have accounts in arrears, collections, judgments, or other credit issues. It's possible to get personal loans for a credit score under 600, but lenders typically require a considerable amount of information from the borrower before granting an approval.

Lenders will often want to know the reasons behind a poor credit score. They may also want proof that late payments, account arrears, or bad debts have been paid and if the borrower has corrected the situation. Additionally, the lender will want to know that the borrower is now able to make their payments.

Possible reasons for a poor credit score could be a job loss, medical issues, or life-changing events such as a marital split. These unfortunate circumstances can put people in a position where they cannot manage to pay all their bills on time. Therefore, lenders will want to know if the borrower is better positioned to handle their payments.

Lenders may want proof in the form of receipts or a confirmation letter from the creditor that payments are up to date, or any arrears have been paid. This shows that the borrower has made an effort to pay their bills despite having difficult circumstances.

When applying for a personal loan for credit under 600, lenders often want to verify that the borrower is now financially able to make their payments. They may ask the borrower to provide some or all of the following information:

Proof of income and employment

Proof of address and identity

Proof of assets

Whether you pay or receive alimony or child support

Details of any unsecured debts that might not show on a credit report like medical bills or loans to family members

Can you get a $2500 loan with a credit score under 600?

Having a fair credit score will make it more challenging to get a loan, but some lenders can approve loans for credit under 600. Since there can be big differences in the loan's interest rate, terms, and conditions, it's wise to shop around to get the best deal you can. When you compare offers, pay attention to origination fees and other fees. $2,500 is a fairly small amount of money so you may qualify for a $2,500 loan with a credit score under 600. However, if possible, you should boost your credit score before applying for a loan.

How does the FICO credit score rating work?

The FICO credit score rating gives lenders information about how borrowers have managed their credit in the past. It is a three-digit score created from the data drawn from the three main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.

Five main factors determine a borrower's credit score. The most significant is the borrower's payment history. A borrower who makes all their payments on time and has no late payments or payments in arrears will have a higher credit score than a borrower who has late payments.

The second major component is how much a borrower owes. If a borrower owes more than 30% of their credit limits, their score will be lower than those who keep their balances low.

The third factor is how long a borrower has had a credit report. A more extended history can generate a higher credit score because more information is drawn on. For example, having a record of 72 monthly payments gives lenders a more accurate picture of how borrowers manage their credit than someone who only has nine payments on their credit report.

The last two components are the credit mix and if there have been any new accounts opened. These two data pieces have the most negligible impact on the borrower's credit score but are still relevant. The credit mix refers to the types of credit a borrower has, such as loans, credit cards, and mortgages. New accounts can reduce a credit score in the short term.

Credit scores fall into one of five categories lenders use to assess a borrower's creditworthiness. They are as follows:

300-579-poor

580-669-fair

670-739-good

740-799-very good

800+-exceptional

Borrowers with a high credit score typically have an easier time getting approved for credit.

What are the causes of a credit score under 600?

There can be several reasons for a credit score under 600. For example, there might be multiple late payments, accounts in arrears, collections, or judgments on the credit report. It could also result from a borrower having too much credit relative to their income or having a very limited credit history because they have just started borrowing.

How can I improve my under 600 credit score?

Improving your credit score may take a bit of time, but it's well worth the effort. The first thing to do is get a copy of your credit report from each credit bureau. Then, check the reports to make sure there is no incorrect information. If there is, dispute the errors and have them corrected.

Make sure you make all your payments on time and bring any accounts in arrears up to date. This is the single most crucial factor in your FICO score. It will impact the second most significant factor, the amount of debt you owe. You should pay down your debt as you make your payments on time.

Avoid applying for new credit or opening new accounts. Doing either can reduce your credit score, which you don't want.

What kind of payments build credit for a FICO score under 600?

Making monthly payments can build your credit score. The payments can be in the form of installment loans such as a personal loan or auto loan, a mortgage, or a credit card. Most lenders will report to the credit bureaus between 30-45 days, so the information on your credit report is updated frequently.

Another way to have payments reported on your credit report is to sign up for Experian Boost. This service will report payments on items like your cell phone, streaming services, and utilities to the credit bureaus. This can help build your credit score quickly.

Should I apply for a personal loan with a credit score under 600 or increase it first?

If you don't need the money urgently, it's best to increase your credit score before getting a personal loan. Loans for credit under 600 will have high rates and sometimes expensive fees.

In addition, the approval process might be complicated. As a borrower with a low credit score, you might need to provide a lot of documents to prove income, assets, and net worth. Some lenders might want you to have a co-signer, or they may ask for collateral to secure the loan. If you can raise your credit score, you will avoid much of this.

What does it mean to prequalify for a personal loan with a credit score of 600?

Lenders use prequalified offers as marketing tools. It means that they have, in most cases, done a soft pull on a borrower's credit report and offered that borrower some type of credit.

In some cases, all the borrower needs to do is accept the offer. But, typically, lenders want more information to make sure that the borrower qualifies for the product they were offered. Therefore, prequalified offers can best be considered a starting point for the lending process.

Are personal loans for credit scores under 600 worth it?

Deciding if a personal loan for credit under 600 is worth it will depend on how much the borrower needs the money. Sometimes people are in a difficult situation and need to borrow regardless of the cost. In a case like this, it's wise to shop around to find the best deal possible. You'll want to find a personal loan with as low an interest rate and as few fees as you can.

If the need for a personal loan isn't urgent, we have seen that there can be significant advantages in waiting to borrow while you improve your credit score. For example, you'll find that it'll be easier to qualify for credit, you'll get better rates, and you may find a loan with no additional fees.

Is 600 a bad credit score?

A credit score of 600 is considered fair. Credit scores, which are usually FICO scores, have five different categories. A credit score of 300-579 is poor or bad. It indicates that the borrower had significant challenges in repaying debt, such as multiple missed payments, judgments, collections, and possibly a foreclosure or bankruptcy. A credit score between 580-679 is fair. A FICO of 670-739 is good. A very good credit score is 740-799, and a score of 800-850 is exceptional.

What can I get with a 600 credit score?

At Acorn Finance some of our lending partners have a FICO requirement of 600 or better. While there are more lenders in the world than just our lending partners, it may be difficult, but not impossible, to secure a personal loan with a 600 credit score.

For some lenders, a score of 600 is still considered a "fair" credit score. So, technically you may still be in the realm of qualifying for a personal loan.

Just understand that you may pay a higher interest rate if your credit score is 600. You may also get rejected for a higher amount as well. Make sure you are requesting a reasonable amount based on your income and income to debt ratio. One thing you will want to avoid is applying to several lenders if they need to do a hard credit pull. You will especially want to avoid applying with multiple lenders if you have been denied one, twice, or maybe even three times. Here's where Acorn Finance comes in. While there is no guarantee that you will qualify, you can still fill out a form and check offers. If one or more of our lending partners can help you, you can check offers with no impact to your credit score.

A 600 credit score is in the range of fair, but some lenders consider a credit score below 630 to be poor. This doesn't mean that you can't qualify for credit. You may be eligible for an unsecured credit card, but your chances of being approved and having a reasonable rate will be better if you get a secured credit card. You may qualify for an auto loan since the dealership will take the car as collateral. You might also qualify for a personal loan. You need to remember, though, that your rates on any type of borrowing, including loans and car loans, will be high.

Can I get a loan with a credit score under 600?

Personal loans for credit scores under 600 are more challenging to qualify for but not impossible. Some lenders do have loans for credit under 600, but the criteria is different than for borrowers with higher credit scores. You may find that you are eligible for less than you would be if you had a good credit score, or the term to pay it back will be shorter because of your credit score. Your rate will also be considerably higher than if you had a good credit score.

How much of a loan can I get with a 600 credit score?

Depending on the lender, you might be able to get a loan for up to $50,000 with a credit score of 600. One way to shop for amounts and rates is to apply using an online platform like Acorn Finance. You can apply to dozens of fully vetted lenders and can have multiple offers to check in minutes. You can compare amounts, rates, fees, terms, and conditions of any offers you receive. It's a fast and easy way to see what you qualify for, and there is no impact on your credit rating. Having no impact on your credit score is an excellent feature if your credit score is on the low side. An application through Acorn Finance will not further reduce your credit score.

You could still qualify for a loan up to $40,000 with a credit score of 600. Again, it depends on your overall income and your income to debt ratio. If you already have a lot of pre-existing debt, then expect this figure to be much lower.

However, if you contact the lender and make them aware that you are looking for a personal loan with the purpose of debt consolidation, they could potentially be more flexible.

You still should avoid borrowing anything that you cannot afford because, with a 600 credit score, you can still expect a little bit of a higher interest rate than someone with a 750 credit score. That higher interest rate can add up over time and cost you more money in the long run.

A last bit of advice, make sure you are not only borrowing within your means, but you are borrowing for necessary purposes. You should not be using a personal loan to finance a vacation or an unnecessary entertainment center if you are already struggling financially.

What credit score is needed to get a personal loan?

Some lenders will consider borrowers with a score of 550 and above. Other lenders don't have a minimum credit score. Some lenders specialize in loans for people with poor credit. The minimum credit score will depend on the lender you deal with. Lenders usually like to see a credit score of 630, but some will consider borrowers with a score of 550.

Which lenders offer personal loans for a 600 credit score or lower?

Some lenders extend loans for credit scores under 600. Three lenders who do lend to those with lower credit scores are MoneyMutual, CashUsa, and CreditLoan. Loan amounts can be as little as $250 up to $10,000, depending on the lender.

What will my interest rate be for a personal loan with a 600 credit score?

Your interest rate can depend on several things. The lender will consider your credit score if you are securing the loan with an asset, the length of the loan term, and the amount you are borrowing. People with a 600 credit score have a fair credit score. The rates on these loans will often be between 27%-35.99%.

Adding to the cost of these loans are origination fees. These fees can be anywhere from 1%-8% of the loan. The rate you are charged depends on the amount you borrow, the term of the loan, and your credit rating. Some lenders offer loans to people with lower credit scores with no origination fees. If the rates are the same, this can be a much better way to go because it will save you some money.

Is it worth applying for a personal loan with a credit score under 600?

Loans for credit scores under 600 can be expensive and a bit difficult to qualify for. Your rate will be high, and you may pay origination fees. In addition, you may have to provide the lender with a lot of documentation such as proof of income and employment, proof of identity, proof of address, and a list of your assets and liabilities. If you don't need the money for anything urgent, it might be best to hold off on borrowing and take some time to improve your credit score. Increasing your score by even 50 points can help you qualify more easily and at a better rate.

Which lenders are best for borrowers with fair to poor credit?

Some lenders specifically deal with borrowers with fair to poor credit. Personal loans with a 600 credit score can be easier to get than loans for credit scores under 579. Having said that, these loans usually have high rates, shorter amortization schedules, origination fees, and smaller loan amounts. When researching the market, make sure you protect yourself against lenders who are not legitimate. A legitimate lender will have a physical address, want to know your credit score, not ask for fees upfront, be registered in your state, and not make offers over the phone.

So, which lenders are best for borrowers with fair to poor credit? MoneyMutual, CashUsa, and CreditLoan are all rated highly for borrowers with poor to fair credit. Others you can consider are Upstart, OneMain, Avant, LendingPoint, LendingClub, and Upgrade. Each of these lenders has different criteria regarding rates, fees, terms, and amounts. Check their websites to see what works best for you.

What can I get approved for with a 600 credit score?

A 600 credit score is not considered too low but, rather, "fair" or slightly below average in the eyes of most lending businesses and other companies. That means that you should still have access to loans with a 600 credit score but you may have to pay higher interest rates or provide down payments. Most lenders have a minimum credit score requirement which may be above, below, or at 600. You should check with a lender to find out what their minimum credit score requirement is before you apply. After all, you don't want to waste their time or yours.

Some banks, credit unions, and online lenders can approve loans for borrowers with a 600 credit score. Since you are already prone to higher interest rates and have less negotiating power, the importance of shopping around increases. However, you'll want to avoid submitting several loan applications with several different lenders as this may make your credit score dip below 600. So how do you compare offers without impacting your credit score? Acorn Finance is the answer. At Acorn Finance you can check personal loan offers with no impact on your credit score.

If you think your credit score is at or near 600, you should check it before you apply for a loan. There may be a few simple ways you can help bring your credit score up some before you apply for a loan. Knowing your credit score and being realistic can help prepare you for the loan process. If you have a 600 credit score don't expect to take advantage of 0% financing offers or other extremely low rates. You are able to get approved for many purchases, big and small, with a 600 credit score. However, the larger the buy, the more hoops you may have to jump through.

Where can I get approved for a 600 credit score?

In all reality, you may want to work on rebuilding your credit score before applying. However, if you feel it's necessary to apply now, you can fill out a form at Acorn Finance to get pre-qualified. Acorn Finance allows borrowers to see if they pre-qualify without further damaging your already fragile credit score.

Alternatively, if you are in good financial standing with your primary banking institution, you could see if they can offer a personal loan. While some banks and credit unions may have more strict guidelines as to who qualifies and who doesn't, it may still be worth checking.

In most cases, online lenders are easier to qualify for compared to banks and credit unions. However, this does not mean anyone can qualify. If you are striking out and getting denied, you may need to take a step back and determine how you can rebuild your credit. If you have delinquent accounts, you should contact creditors and try to set up a repayment plan. If you are current with all accounts but still have a low credit score, establishing good marks on your credit history may be your only option for improving your score. Credit scores are very sensitive and should be monitored regularly.

How hard is it to get a loan with a 600 credit score?

Modern credit scores range anywhere from 300 to 850. Obviously, the higher your score is, the easier it will be for you to secure a loan or financing deal for whatever you need. However, qualifying for a loan with a 600 credit score is possible. The difficulty may depend on the type of loan that you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for an unsecured personal loan with a 600 credit score, you may qualify, but you may only qualify for a small low amount with a high interest rate. If you are applying for an auto loan, again you may qualify, but they may require a large down payment and yet again, a high interest rate. An auto loan is secured by collateral (the car), while an unsecured personal loan is not secured by collateral.

Therefore, lending companies rely more heavily on your credit to determine loan eligibility. You have to understand that they are taking a risk giving customers money and they need to be certain they will get a return on their investment and the funds will be paid back to them.

If you have a credit score of 600 or less but need a personal loan, you may still have options but the loans may come with stricter rules for you to follow.

How does the FICO credit score rating work?

As you may already know, you have a 3-digit score known as your FICO score. The score is determined based on credit reports. When you apply for a loan or any type of credit, lenders typically check your FICO score or credit score to determine your creditworthiness. FICO scores are harder to build and improve than they are to hurt in most cases. Therefore, you should always pay attention and do what you can to maintain and continually improve your FICO score. FICO scores can be determined by factors such as how much credit or debt you have, how long you have had open accounts, how much credit is available, and so forth. Some make the mistake of assuming that if they make on-time payments they will have a good FICO score. While on-time payments are a positive and should boost your score, there are several other factors you should pay attention to. There are free credit monitoring Apps such as Credit Karma that can help you identify ways that your credit is impacted. They can also alert you of any suspicious activity.

What are the causes of a 600 credit score?

While you may qualify for a loan with a 600 credit score, it is below the average score. When lenders evaluate borrowers that usually consider several factors including credit score. However, credit score is one of the most important in most cases. If you have a 600 credit score, you may be trying to improve it. First, you will need to determine what's dragging your score down. It could be credit usage, length of credit history, total debt and credit, payment history, etc. Some factors you can control and others you cannot. Start by addressing anything you can control. For example, if you have too much debt, start paying more each month on current accounts. If you have late payments, contact the lender and see how you can financially afford to get payments current, they may be willing to work with you to create a payment plan. You should review your credit report and identify customized ways to improve your credit rating as your situation is unique to yourself.

Is it better to raise my 600 credit score before applying for a personal loan?

If you have a 600 credit score, it may benefit you financially to improve your credit score before applying for a personal loan. If you have a better credit score, you should qualify for a lower interest rate. You may also qualify for a higher loan amount. If you can qualify for more favorable terms this can help keep your monthly payment down while saving you money. Anytime you are considering a loan commitment you should look at total loan costs. In some cases, you may not have time to improve your credit score. If you need to borrow money now and have a 600 credit score, you should compare offers and make sure you can afford the monthly payment before committing.

How can I improve my 600 credit score?

Improving your credit score is possible, but will require commitment and an investment of time. If you don't see your score shoot up right away, stick with it. Credit can take a while to build or rebuild. Rest assured though that lenders should be able to tell that you are making an effort to move your credit score in the right direction. You will want to create a plan to improve your credit score that is based on your credit situation. Below, we will discuss some general ways that may help you improve your 600 credit score.

On-time payments: Make sure all of your accounts are current and continue making payments on-time. Setting up automatic payments is a hassle-free way to make sure that bills are paid when they need to be paid. If a due date does not align with your payment schedule or finances, reach out to the lender to see if they can change it to help you make on-time payments.

Consolidate debt: If you have a lot of outstanding debt, consider using a debt consolidation loan to make it more manageable and get it paid off. There may be some fees involved with debt consolidation but it can save you a lot of money. Make sure you look at any fees and compare total loan costs of the new loan and existing loans to make sound financial decisions.

Get a secured credit card. If you are looking for a way to boost your credit score, consider getting a secured credit card. Use the secured credit credit on a regular basis and pay it off each month. This should help boost your credit score.

What kind of payments can build credit for a 600 FICO score?

Payments such as credit card payments, auto loan payments, mortgage payments, and so forth should be reported on your credit report. If you have to provide your social security number and authorize a credit report to sign up for an account or loan, it's likely that it can impact your credit score. Paying rent on time or other utilities typically does not impact your credit score.

Do lenders consider giving personal loans to borrowers with a 600 credit score?

Some lenders may extend loans to borrowers with a 600 credit score. As we mentioned earlier, lenders usually consider several factors when evaluating loans, including credit score. They may look at your income, debt-to-income ratio, employment, and other factors to determine if you qualify. If you have a 600 credit score and a consistent job with reliable income, your chances of qualifying may increase. If you have a 600 credit score and no job, your chances of qualifying may decrease. Lenders can disclose minimum credit score requirements. You can check online or reach out to the lender to ask about minimum credit score requirements before applying.

What do lenders consider when evaluating a potential borrower with a 600 credit score?

Regardless of credit score, lenders usually evaluate several factors when determining a borrower's eligibility and creditworthiness. Lenders may evaluate income, debts, employment, residence status, credit score, and more. If you have a 600 credit score lenders may ask for more supporting documentation. It's important to support true and accurate information during the prequalification process.

What does it mean to prequalify for a personal loan with a 600 credit score?

If prequalifying for a personal loan, it does not mean the lender is guaranteed to fund the loan. But rather, it means that you qualify. A little confusing, right? Let's help you understand. If you submit a personal loan application and ask to borrow $5,000, stating that you make $12,000 gross monthly income and own your home, the lender may come back and say you are prequalified for the loan at a certain interest rate and term. However, they may also ask for proof of income or residency. If your income does not match what you submitted or perhaps you rent rather than own, the lender may choose to revoke their offer. If you want to guarantee that a lender will honor their offer, you will want to get pre-approved status.

Are personal loans for a 600 credit score worth it?

Personal loans can be worth it, even with a 600 credit score. While you may have a higher interest rate, if you need to borrow money, a personal loan can help. If you can make on-time payments during the life of the loan, the personal loan can boost your credit score. If you have a 600 credit score and qualify for a personal loan but are concerned you won't be able to keep up with payments, you should decline the loan and find another solution.

Closing Thoughts

Loans for a 600 FICO score are a bit more challenging to get, but it is certainly possible. If you have time to wait, you can work on improving your credit score. Having a better score will give you more options when it comes to getting a loan. If you are in a position where you need to borrow money, it's best to do some research. The first step is to check your credit score. The second step is to determine how much money you need. Finally, have a look at your budget to see what you can comfortably afford as a payment. Once you have this information, you can compare lenders and work with ones who can offer what you need.

An alternative way to go is to apply online using a platform like Acorn Finance. Online lenders are often more flexible in their criteria. Acorn Finance gives you access to dozens of fully vetted lenders. You can have multiple offers to check and compare. Applying this way is fast, easy, and convenient. It doesn't impact your credit rating either because it only does a soft pull on your credit report.

Regardless of whether you apply to lenders individually or online, make sure you check rates, fees, and terms to get the best deal you can.

Compare Rates From Top Lenders

Personal Loan Calculator

Are you a contractor?
Generate more revenue with Acorn Finance.

Offer customers the ability to finance their dreams with zero dealer fees.

Get Started

Popular Home Improvement Projects

Barn Financing Options

One home, endless possibilities

MORE HOME IMPROVEMENT FINANCING OPTIONS

Personal Loan Information