Best Small Personal Loan Options In 2023

Small personal loans are short-term and easy to qualify for. They are a quick and highly convenient option for emergencies. You can apply for the best small personal loan options in 2023 to cover the following emergency expenses;

  • Car repairs
  • Repair of an important home appliance
  • Medical expenses
  • Tuition fees
  • Purchase of a major appliance
  • For minor home renovations, among other things
  • You can also use the loans for debt consolidation.

You can apply for a short-term loan application if you need quick cash and don’t have an emergency savings account. The loans can also be a good option if you are looking for debt emergency expenses consolidation loans for your loan application and emergency expenses.

High-risk personal loans with guaranteed approval from direct lenders are marketed to people with poor credit scores or a high risk of default. These loans may have high-interest debt rates and favorable terms, making them expensive and potentially problematic for borrowers. It is important to be cautious when considering such loans and to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions before signing on the dotted line.

In a financial emergency, you may consider bad credit loans a temporary solution, but be aware of their potential risks. Borrowers should also consider other alternatives, such as improving their credit score or finding a co-signer before resorting to high-risk personal loans. It is also advisable to compare multiple-lender offers to ensure you get the best deal possible with our loan without income verification.

Main Points

  • Small personal loans are short-term, easy to qualify for, and convenient options for emergencies such as car repairs, medical expenses, tuition fees, home repairs, and purchase of appliances.
  • High-risk personal loans with guaranteed approval from direct lenders can be problematic and expensive. Before considering such loans, borrowers should compare multiple options, work on improving their credit score, and find a co-signer.
  • According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, affordable short-term loans have the following features: fixed monthly payments with no hidden fees, monthly payment expenses should not exceed 5% of income per month, the term ranges from 3-12 months, and loans have no credit score requirements.
  • Some of the best options for small personal loans in 2023 are Upgrade, Upstart, LendingClub, OneMain Financial, Best Egg, Avant, Prosper, and Rocket Loans. They offer loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 with interest rates ranging from 5.99% to 35.97%, depending on credit score.
  • Local credit unions can be a good starting point for borrowers as they offer payday alternative loans with less-stringent requirements and charge lower interest rates than other institutions. They specialize in providing short-term personal loans ranging from $200 to $1,000.

Defining a Short-Term Loan

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, affordable short-term loans have the following features;

  • Fixed monthly payments with no hidden fees
  • Monthly payment expenses should be at most 5% of your monthly income.
  • Have a term ranging from 3 months to 12 months.
  • The loans have no credit score requirements.

Online loans are available in smaller amounts. Some lenders approve loan amounts of as little as $1000. The loans don’t have minimum credit score requirements. Comparing multiple options and choosing a loan option to pay comfortably based on your annual income and monthly income is advised. Additionally, the online application process for these loans makes it convenient for potential borrowers.

Our company offers a variety of services, including mortgages and bank accounts. However, it also provides the best personal loan at competitive interest rates. You might get cash in your account the following day if your loan term is accepted, with payback periods ranging from 6 months to 5 years. Our annual percentage rate and installment loan options are designed to meet your financial needs.

Comparing the Best Small Personal Loans in 2023

LenderMin credit scoreAPRBest forRating/5.0
Upgrade5806.94 – 35.97%Small personal loans of as little as $10005.0
Upstart5808.94 – 35.99%Small loans as little as $10004.5
LendingClub6008.05 – 35.89%Small loans as little as $10004.0
OneMain Financial60018.00 – 35.99%Range of loan amounts starting at $15004.0

Choose our annual percentage rate and installment loan options to find the best personal loan.

None18.00 – 35.99%Small personal loans from as little as $15004.0

Best Egg6005.99 – 29.99%Small loans starting from $2000 with flexible loan proceeds4.0Avant5509.95 – 35.99%Small loans starting from $2000 for borrowers with a low credit report4.0Prosper6407.95 – 35.99%Small loans starting from $2000, offering common types of personal loan options4.5Rocket Loans6407.16 – 29.99%Small loans from as little as $2000 with a variable interest rate4.0

Our Best Options for Short-Term Loans From as Little as $1000

LenderMin credit scoreInterest rateLoan amountRating
Upgrade5806.94 – 35.97%$1,000 – $50,0005.0
Upstart5808.94 – 35.99%8.94 – 35.99%4.5
Lending Club6008.05 – 35.89%$1,000 – $40,0004.0

Our Best Options for Short-Term Loans for Borrowers With Poor Credit History and Minimum Loan Amounts of $1,500

LenderMin credit personal ScoreInterest rateLoan amountRating
OneMain FinancialNone18.00 – 35.99%$1,500 – $20,0004.0

Our Best Options for Short-Term Credit Personal Loans From as Little as $2,000

LenderMin Credit scoreInterest rateLoan amountRating
Best Egg6005.99 – 29.99%$2,000 – $50,0004.0
Avant5509.95 – 35.99%$2,000 – $20,0014.0
Prosper6407.95 – 35.99%$2,000 – $40,0004.5
Rocket Loans6407.16 – 29.99%$2,000 – $45,0004.0

Short-Term Personal Loans Offered by Credit Unions

A local credit union can be a good starting point for smart consumers if you need the best personal loan. Credit unions are nonprofit institutions that help members get cash with less-stringent requirements. The institution looks beyond the applicant’s credit history when approving loan types requests.

What Loan Types Do Credit Unions Offer?

Federal credit unions specialize in providing alternative payday loans. These are small short-term loans ranging from $200 to $1000. The institution offers loans to borrowers with less than stellar credit scores. A federal credit union is by law required to charge interest of not more than;

  • 18 for their short-term personal loans
  • 28% for their alternative payday loans

Credit unions may also offer credit cards and loan agreements designed for individuals working to build or repair their credit. These options could be useful for those needing more credit but still wanting to access financial services.

Short-Term Personal Loans Offered by Banks

Only a few banks offer the best short-term personal loans, and most banks work with borrowers that need vast amounts of money. The two main banks that provide short-term loans are;

PNC

PNC offers short-term loans for as little as $1000. Existing customers qualify for a rate discount of up to 0.25%. PNC also offers credit cards to help manage credit card debt more effectively.

Citibank

Citibank can approve loan amounts starting from $2000. The bank offers affordable small personal loans. Existing customers get rate discounts by allowing automatic payments. For those interested in credit cards, Citibank provides various options suitable for different financial needs.

Other Available Options

  • In the last quarter of 2020, Bank of America launched Balance Assist. This is also a small short-term loan ranging from $100 to $500, providing an option for individuals seeking a bad credit lender. The loan comes with an affordable fee of $5 and a repayment plan of 3 months. One of the qualification requirements is to be an existing customer at the bank and to provide proof of income.
  • U.S Bank Simple Loan is a bad credit loan company that considers your credit rating and payment history when considering your application. With the U.S Bank Simple Loan, you can borrow a small loan from 100 to 1000. The money is paid in 3 monthly installments. This loan attracts a small fee of between $12 and $15, translating to an APR of 77% to 81%. It is a costly option, but still, these loans are cheaper compared to working with predatory payday loan lenders.

Small Personal Loans for Bad Credit

Another option for borrowers with poor credit is the signature loans near me. These loans, also known as unsecured loans, do not require collateral and are based on the borrower’s signature and credit history. They are a great option for those who need quick cash and may need help getting approved for a traditional loan due to their credit score. It’s important to carefully research and compare the interest rates and repayment terms of signature loans near me to find the best option for your financial situation.

Best personal loans chart

How to Find Affordable Best Personal Loans With Poor Credit?

Not all poor credit lenders are the same. The trick lies in comparing options. By shopping around, you will likely find a lender who offers loans at manageable terms.

At PaydayChampion, we understand that financial setbacks can happen to anyone, and we believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to secure the funds they need, regardless of their credit history. With our commitment to providing personalized financial solutions, we are proud to extend our services across various states throughout the United States. In the table below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the American states where our company actively offers personal loans tailored specifically for individuals with bad credit. Explore the possibilities and discover how we can help you embark on your journey toward financial stability.

AL – AlabamaAK – AlaskaAZ – Arizona
AR – ArkansasCA – CaliforniaCO – Colorado
CT – ConnecticutDE – DelawareDC – District Of Columbia
FL – FloridaGA – GeorgiaHI – Hawaii
ID – IdahoIL – IllinoisIN – Indiana
IA – IowaKS – KansasKY – Kentucky
LA – LouisianaME – MaineMD – Maryland
MA – MassachusettsMI – MichiganMN – Minnesota
MS – MississippiMO – MissouriMT – Montana
NE – NebraskaNV – NevadaNH – New Hampshire
NJ – New JerseyNM – New MexicoNY – New York
NC – North CarolinaND – North DakotaOH – Ohio
OK – OklahomaOR – OregonPA – Pennsylvania
RI – Rhode IslandSC – South CarolinaSD – South Dakota
TN – TennesseeTX – TexasUT – Utah
VT – VermontVA – VirginiaWA – Washington
WV – West VirginiaWI – WisconsinWY – Wyoming
American States where PaydayChampion Offers Personal Loans for People with Bad Credit

Alternatives to Small Personal Loans

If you need fast money, there are other options than the best personal loan. There are cheaper options that you can consider for emergency cash. These include the following;

  • Get assistance from charities, local nonprofits, and religious organizations.
  • Ask for a paycheck advance from your employer.
  • Use any of your assets to secure a pawnshop loan.
  • Research other ways to make extra cash
  • Ask for help from friends and family.

Payday Loans Might Also Be a Good Option, but What’s the Catch?

Payday lenders offer loans with high-interest rates. These loans are short-term, and payments on time can lead to rollovers. Having late payments can negatively affect your income ratio. Additionally, resorting to cash advances may further impact the income ratioAll this makes online payday loans difficult to repay.

Here is an example;

You apply for a payday loan of $500. The loan has a term of two weeks. The fee is $15 for every $100 borrowed. This type of loan can attract an APR of as high as 391%. This is a highly expensive rate that only some people can afford, often trapping them in a cycle of debt.

Even payday lenders offer loans of at most 1000 dollars. But these loans have unfavorable terms, especially for Bad credit borrowers. Payday lenders aim to make extra profits while causing difficulties for borrowers who struggle to repay their loans. They don’t care about the borrower’s financial well-being.

How to Spot a Predatory Lender?

It is easy to confirm whether an online lender is reputable or not. Here is how;

  • Beware of lenders who do not check your credit when approving loans, as they may target Bad credit borrowers.
  • Watch out for lenders who require access to your bank account, as this may hinder your ability to manage loan payments.
  • Beware of lenders who need to give precise information on the personal loan terms and rates, as trustworthy lenders should offer transparent financial assistance.

How to Find the Best Loans for Bad Credit?

To find the best loans for bad credit, focus on lenders that provide transparent terms and conditions, offer financial assistance, and ensure the lowest interest rate possible. Comparing different lenders, reading customer reviews, and seeking referrals can help identify reputable options for borrowers with bad credit.

If you have poor credit, the most important thing is to shop around;

  • Find a lender who can clearly explain the amount you qualify for and your terms and rates.
  • Allow the lender to check your credit usage and credit score range.
  • Learn how to apply for a high-interest-rate loan without debt and avoid bad credit loan scams.

How to Prequalify for a Personal Loan?

Prequalifying can help you determine whether you can qualify for a personal loan even before submitting your loan request form. You can learn how much you are eligible for, the interest rates, fees, and repayment periods.

Prequalifying also allows you to compare different loan offers. This will help you make an informed decision when applying online for a short-term loan and help you manage your credit usage.

How We Came Up With the Best Lenders for Short-Term Personal Loans?

All the personal loan lenders on our list offer loans with consumer-friendly features. The lenders offer loans with the following;

  • No or limited fee charges
  • Soft credit checks
  • Transparent terms and conditions
  • Affordable loan rates
  • Flexible repayment terms
  • 24/7 access to the lender’s customer experience support team

Other important factors we considered

  • Whether the lender reports consumer information to the major credit bureaus
  • Whether there are any complaints filed against the lender with the CFPB

Our list only includes lenders offering loans with at most 36% interest rates. This is the acceptable limit for affordable short-term loans offered on an online lending platform. We do not get compensation for this review.

Types of Personal Loans

There are many types of personal loans that you can apply for. One of the most common options is student loans. We have also introduced personal loans for December that can help you pay for expenses this month. All these loans, which can be easily found on an online lending platform, don’t need you to have a good credit mix or credit scores to secure the lowest rates.

With us, you can get a personal loan with less hassle, even if you are working with a credit card company or have a limited credit history. The better business bureau accredits us so that you can rely on us for the best services. You may even qualify for the best personal loan rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Small Personal Loans for People With Bad Credit?

Yes. Some lenders approve loan requests for people with a credit score of as low as 500. Furthermore, certain lending platforms are more likely to approve loans for individuals with lower scores. You can even prequalify, which allows you to confirm whether your application will be approved before applying.

Prequalifying a credit inquiry will not negatively impact your credit score. It lets you know the loan amount and rates you qualify for.

How Can I Get a Small Short-Term Loan?

When applying for a short-term personal loan, there are three steps that you have to follow, whether you are borrowing from a credit card company or another lender.

  • Prequalify. This will help you know which individual lenders can offer the loan at more convenient terms.
  • Get all your documents ready. This includes your bank statements, employment documents, and application fees. You should also have copies of your government-issued ID card and driver’s license. Ensuring that you avail all the documents the lender requires is always essential. This will increase your chances of qualifying for the loan.
  • The last step is to submit your application. It can take as little as 2 hours to apply and get approved for online applications, but the process might last a business day.

Personal Loans in Detail

The loan amount ranges depending on several factors, including your credit utilization ratio. Most online lenders offering these loans need to have minimum credit score requirements. A personal loan from reputable lenders like Wells Fargo can be a good option if you have a bad credit score. The interest rates you get will also depend on your financial situation, and processing could take a business day.

Where Can I Apply for a Small Loan With No Credit Check?

Some online lenders also provide no credit check loans. However, these loans come with high-interest credit card debt. If you have a regular income and can repay within a time, you might avoid ending up in a cycle of debts. It is better to consider the abovementioned alternatives, especially for those with excellent credit scores.

Kathy Jane Buchanan

Kathy Jane Buchanan has more than 10 years of experience as an editor and writer. She currently worked as a full-time personal finance writer for PaydayChampion and has contributed work to a range of publications expert on loans. Kathy graduated in 2000 from Iowa State University with degree BSc in Finance.