Iowa personal loan rates range from 7.00% to 19.00% APR, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 13, 2026. Current personal loan options available to borrowers in Iowa include: Fort Dodge Family Credit UnionFort Dodge Family Credit Union407 2nd Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 8.01% offering Personal Loan - Unsecured 12 Months at 7.00% APR, Dubuque Postal Employees Credit UnionDubuque Postal Employees Credit Union1155 LORAS BLVD, DUBUQUE, IA, 52001A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.00% offering Unsecured Loan at 7.50% APR, River Community Credit UnionRiver Community Credit Union644 W 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA, 52501 2358A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.24% offering Personal Loans at 7.50% APR, Unite Credit UnionUnite Credit Union802 W 29th St, Cedar Falls, IA, 50613 5022A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 12.08% offering Cross-Collateralized Loans (Personal Loans) - Relationship Rate at 8.00% APR, and First Class Community Credit UnionFirst Class Community Credit Union2051 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA, 50265 1541A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.27% offering Personal Loan at 8.49% APR. Personal loan rates as of October 13, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
Use the tabs below to compare personal loan rates across Iowa side-by-side. Iowa personal loan rates currently start as low as 7.00% APR from Fort Dodge Family Credit Union at 407 2nd Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501. Rates are continually updated, so we recommend checking back frequently.
We empower borrowers with transparent, proprietary financial health metrics, including A-F Safety Grades, verified Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios, so you can confidently borrow from a stable, highly-rated institution in Iowa.
Personal loan rates reflect recent market quotes and representative offers available to borrowers in Iowa. Rates shown are typically “as low as” APRs for borrowers with excellent credit. Your final approved rate will depend on your credit history, credit score, income, and loan amount. Personal Loan Rates Last Updated and Verified: October 13, 2026
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
Requires co-signer; total unsecured loans from DPECU cannot exceed $8,000; rate up to 7.50% based on credit score
As Low As; Current Rates featured APR
Requires co-signer; total unsecured loans from DPECU cannot exceed $8,000; rate based on credit score
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
Requires co-signer; total unsecured loans from DPECU cannot exceed $8,000; rate based on credit score
As Low As; Relationship Rate: Member must have three of the following: GAP Coverage, Warranty, Debt Protection, E-Statements, Mastercard, Active Share Draft Account, Direct Deposit or Automatic Payments. Member will lose discount if cancel or terminate any qualifications. Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Relationship Rate: Member must have three of the following: GAP Coverage, Warranty, Debt Protection, E-Statements, Mastercard, Active Share Draft Account, Direct Deposit or Automatic Payments. Member will lose discount if cancel or terminate any qualifications. Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; rate may vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications and collateral condition
As Low As; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
As Low As
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
As Low As; Actual rate you receive is based on your credit score and term
As Low As; Up to 24 months; Model Year: 2018 - 2020
No additional details available.
As Low As; Up to 36 months; Model Year: 2018 - 2020
Terms and qualifications apply. Rate subject to change without notice.
No additional details available.
As Low As; Applicant must meet Credit Score Qualifications; Relationship Rate: Member must have three of the following: GAP Coverage, Warranty, Debt Protection, E-Statements, Mastercard, Active Share Draft Account, Direct Deposit or Automatic Payments. Member will lose discount if cancel or terminate any qualifications. Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; rate may vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications and collateral condition
As Low As
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
Terms and qualifications apply. Rate subject to change without notice.
As Low As
As Low As; Applicant must meet Credit Score Qualifications; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; APR based on credit qualification and total loan amount
Personal Loan Rates as of January 5, 2026; Rates stated as Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Terms and qualifications apply. Rate subject to change without notice.
As Low As; Term band: Up to 12 Months
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
Published APR range: 9.99% to 24.99%.
As Low As; Rates effective as of 05/01/2026
As Low As
As Low As; Lifestyle loan
Personal Loan Rates as of January 5, 2026; Rates stated as Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
As Low As
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
Regular Rate
Personal Loan Rates as of January 5, 2026; Rates stated as Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
As Low As; Loan amount: $250 to $499; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Lifestyle loan
As Low As; Table prints term as 'Up to 60'; Applicant must meet Credit Score Qualifications; Relationship Rate: Member must have three of the following: GAP Coverage, Warranty, Debt Protection, E-Statements, Mastercard, Active Share Draft Account, Direct Deposit or Automatic Payments. Member will lose discount if cancel or terminate any qualifications. Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Term band: 13 to 24 Months
As Low As; Rates effective as of 05/01/2026
As Low As; rate may vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications and collateral condition
No additional details available.
As Low As
As Low As; Table prints term as 'Up to 60'; Applicant must meet Credit Score Qualifications; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Loan amount: $500 to $1,000; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Amount Financed: $100 - $1,499
No additional details available.
As low as
As Low As; Term band: 25 to 36 Months
As Low As; APR as low as*
As Low As; Apply online
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
As Low As; Rates effective as of 05/01/2026
As Low As
Variable rates are subject to change at the end of each calendar quarter and shall not exceed 18.00% APR.
$5,000; As Low As; Personal Loan Greater than $5,000, Up to 48 Months
As Low As
As Low As; Personal Loan Rates effective 12/1/2023; Personal Loans
APR based on $10,000 loan and $250 fee; Annual Percentage Rate on approved credit
As low as*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
To qualify for this rate, you must have an automatic payment from a checking account.
As Low As; Secured Consumer Loans; Maximum Amount Financed: $10,000; APR includes 0.25% discount with automatic payment from North Star account
Regular Rate
As Low As; Loan amount: $1,001 to $2,500; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
No additional details available.
As low as*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
As Low As
As Low As; Rate is based on credit score and automatic payment; Maximum rate 21.00%; available terms 6-48 months
As low as*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
As Low As; Apply Online
As Low As; Loan amount: $2,501 to $5,000; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Best rate for excellent credit; rate based on credit history
As Low As; Best rate for excellent credit rating; Membership requires $5 minimum share deposit
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
As Low As
As Low As; Rate based on $5,000 loan amount for 60 months with a monthly payment of $109.34. Membership required.
As low as*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
Regular Rate
As Low As; Loan amount: $5,001 to $8,000; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Best rate for excellent credit rating; Membership requires $5 minimum share deposit
As Low As; Rates effective as of 05/01/2026
As Low As; Apply Online
As Low As; Loan amount: $8,001 and Over; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Best rate for excellent credit; rate based on credit history
As Low As; Term band: 37 to 60 Months
As Low As
As Low As
As Low As
No additional details available.
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
As Low As; Best rate for excellent credit; rate based on credit history
Regular Rate
Published APR range: 14.00% - 18.00%. Risk Based Lending: lowest rate listed is for members with a credit score of 700+, an active checking account or direct deposit to Siouxland FCU, and payment deducted from an account at Siouxland FCU
Fixed Rates APR effective 10/1/2026
No additional details available.
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
Regular Rate
APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Payments listed are examples only. Payment examples are based on a personal loan with a 60-month term & APR above, calculating the payment per $1,000. Interest rates determined by individual credit history. The "As Low As" rates quoted here are for credit scores of 740+. Rates, terms, & conditions subject to change at any time. The rate listed indicates automatic payment made electronically (not using cash, coupon book or check mailed to credit union to repay your loan). Add 1% to rate listed when using cash, check or coupons (non-electronic or automated payment method).
Annual Percentage Rate may vary. The rate is in effect as of September 17, 2026. Variable Rate Information: Your rate may vary. The rate will be 8.95% spread above the base rate* of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, adjusted monthly. Grace Period for Repayment of Balance for Purchases: . Method of Computing Balances for Purchases: Average Daily Balances Including New Advances. Processing Fee: . Transaction Fee for Cash Advances: .
As Low As; For loans less than $2,500
Competitive rate and terms. Rate discount for automatic payments. Debt Cancellation Coverage available for qualified borrowers. Maximum term is 36 months and payment is auto debit.
No additional details available.
As low as; **
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
As Low As; Current Rates featured APR
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
As Low As; Relationship Rate: Member must have three of the following: GAP Coverage, Warranty, Debt Protection, E-Statements, Mastercard, Active Share Draft Account, Direct Deposit or Automatic Payments. Member will lose discount if cancel or terminate any qualifications. Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Relationship Rate: Member must have three of the following: GAP Coverage, Warranty, Debt Protection, E-Statements, Mastercard, Active Share Draft Account, Direct Deposit or Automatic Payments. Member will lose discount if cancel or terminate any qualifications. Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; rate may vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications and collateral condition
As Low As; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
As Low As
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
As Low As; Applicant must meet Credit Score Qualifications; Relationship Rate: Member must have three of the following: GAP Coverage, Warranty, Debt Protection, E-Statements, Mastercard, Active Share Draft Account, Direct Deposit or Automatic Payments. Member will lose discount if cancel or terminate any qualifications. Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; rate may vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications and collateral condition
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
As Low As; Applicant must meet Credit Score Qualifications; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; APR based on credit qualification and total loan amount
Personal Loan Rates as of January 5, 2026; Rates stated as Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
As Low As; Term band: Up to 12 Months
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
As Low As; Rates effective as of 05/01/2026
As Low As
Personal Loan Rates as of January 5, 2026; Rates stated as Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
$12K; Unsecured Limit: $12K
Regular Rate
Personal Loan Rates as of January 5, 2026; Rates stated as Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
As Low As; Loan amount: $250 to $499; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Table prints term as 'Up to 60'; Applicant must meet Credit Score Qualifications; Relationship Rate: Member must have three of the following: GAP Coverage, Warranty, Debt Protection, E-Statements, Mastercard, Active Share Draft Account, Direct Deposit or Automatic Payments. Member will lose discount if cancel or terminate any qualifications. Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Term band: 13 to 24 Months
As Low As; Rates effective as of 05/01/2026
As Low As; rate may vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications and collateral condition
No additional details available.
As Low As; Table prints term as 'Up to 60'; Applicant must meet Credit Score Qualifications; Maximum limit of $15,000.00
As Low As; Loan amount: $500 to $1,000; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Term band: 25 to 36 Months
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
As Low As; Rates effective as of 05/01/2026
As Low As
Variable rates are subject to change at the end of each calendar quarter and shall not exceed 18.00% APR.
$5,000; As Low As; Personal Loan Greater than $5,000, Up to 48 Months
As low as*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
To qualify for this rate, you must have an automatic payment from a checking account.
Regular Rate
As Low As; Loan amount: $1,001 to $2,500; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
No additional details available.
As low as*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
As Low As
As low as*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
As Low As; Loan amount: $2,501 to $5,000; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Best rate for excellent credit rating; Membership requires $5 minimum share deposit
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
As Low As
As low as*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
Regular Rate
As Low As; Loan amount: $5,001 to $8,000; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Best rate for excellent credit rating; Membership requires $5 minimum share deposit
As Low As; Rates effective as of 05/01/2026
As Low As; Loan amount: $8,001 and Over; Rates will vary depending on credit score; 0.25% discount applies for debt protection
As Low As; Term band: 37 to 60 Months
No additional details available.
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
Regular Rate
Fixed Rates APR effective 10/1/2026
Loyalty Rate; Members who enroll in direct deposit of at least $1,000/mo. and set up automatic loan payments qualify for a 0.25% rate discount
Regular Rate
Annual Percentage Rate may vary. The rate is in effect as of September 17, 2026. Variable Rate Information: Your rate may vary. The rate will be 8.95% spread above the base rate* of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, adjusted monthly. Grace Period for Repayment of Balance for Purchases: . Method of Computing Balances for Purchases: Average Daily Balances Including New Advances. Processing Fee: . Transaction Fee for Cash Advances: .
As Low As; For loans less than $2,500
No additional details available.
As Low As; Actual rate you receive is based on your credit score and term
As Low As; Up to 24 months; Model Year: 2018 - 2020
As Low As; Up to 36 months; Model Year: 2018 - 2020
Terms and qualifications apply. Rate subject to change without notice.
As Low As
Terms and qualifications apply. Rate subject to change without notice.
As Low As
Terms and qualifications apply. Rate subject to change without notice.
Published APR range: 9.99% to 24.99%.
As Low As; Lifestyle loan
As Low As
As Low As; Lifestyle loan
As Low As
As low as
As Low As; APR as low as*
As Low As
APR based on $10,000 loan and $250 fee; Annual Percentage Rate on approved credit
As Low As; Secured Consumer Loans; Maximum Amount Financed: $10,000; APR includes 0.25% discount with automatic payment from North Star account
As Low As; Rate is based on credit score and automatic payment; Maximum rate 21.00%; available terms 6-48 months
As Low As; Apply Online
As Low As; Apply Online
No additional details available.
Fixed Rates APR effective 10/1/2026
APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Payments listed are examples only. Payment examples are based on a personal loan with a 60-month term & APR above, calculating the payment per $1,000. Interest rates determined by individual credit history. The "As Low As" rates quoted here are for credit scores of 740+. Rates, terms, & conditions subject to change at any time. The rate listed indicates automatic payment made electronically (not using cash, coupon book or check mailed to credit union to repay your loan). Add 1% to rate listed when using cash, check or coupons (non-electronic or automated payment method).
Compare local Iowa personal loan rates against the statewide average
Daily personal loan rate averages tracked across our database of 8,500+ banks and credit unions, updated every evening.
Iowa personal loan rates rose 0.133 points over the past 7 days to 11.152% APR.
Iowa signature loan rates fell 0.056 points over the past 7 days to 10.751% APR.
Personal loan APRs follow lender funding costs and credit conditions. Our model projects the likely path of personal and signature loan averages from the current Iowa figures.
Key assumptions: the Federal Reserve holds the federal funds rate at its current level over the next 12 months, with the possibility of one 25 basis point increase; unsecured lenders reprice new offers within one to two policy cycles, and advertised as-low-as rates move before average approved rates do.
Important notice: this forecast is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for financial decisions. Rate forecasts carry significant uncertainty. The actual trajectory will depend on Federal Reserve decisions, economic conditions, and competitive dynamics among financial institutions.
Estimated monthly payments at the current IA average personal loan APR of 11.15%, across the terms lenders serving Iowa most commonly offer. Personal loans are fixed-rate and fully amortizing, so the payment never changes and the balance reaches zero on schedule.
| Loan Amount | 24 Months | 36 Months | 48 Months | 60 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $233.39/mo | $164.05/mo | $129.60/mo | $109.09/mo |
| $10,000 | $466.78/mo | $328.11/mo | $259.19/mo | $218.18/mo |
| $15,000 | $700.17/mo | $492.16/mo | $388.79/mo | $327.27/mo |
| $25,000 | $1,166.96/mo | $820.27/mo | $647.98/mo | $545.45/mo |
| $35,000 | $1,633.74/mo | $1,148.37/mo | $907.17/mo | $763.64/mo |
Principal and interest only. Does not include any origination fee, which some lenders deduct from your loan proceeds. Your APR depends on credit score, income, loan amount, term, and lender underwriting.
Debt consolidation is the most common reason people take a personal loan, and the math is usually straightforward: credit cards carry variable double-digit APRs, while a personal loan locks in a fixed rate and a fixed payoff date. Below is the total interest on a $15,000 balance repaid over 48 months at the IA personal loan average versus a range of typical credit card APRs.
| Repayment Option | APR | Monthly Payment | Total Interest | Interest Saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Loan (IA average) | 11.15% | $388.79 | $3,662 | |
| Credit card at 18% APR | 18.00% | $440.62 | $6,150 | $2,488 |
| Credit card at 22% APR | 22.00% | $472.59 | $7,684 | $4,023 |
| Credit card at 26% APR | 26.00% | $505.76 | $9,276 | $5,615 |
The 18%, 22%, and 26% figures are illustrative points across the range card issuers commonly charge, not a published average. Check your own statement for your actual APR, then use the calculator below to run your real numbers. This comparison assumes a fixed 48-month payoff in both cases; paying only the card minimum would stretch the timeline and raise interest substantially. Consolidation only helps if you avoid rebuilding a balance on the paid-off cards.
Most lenders serving Iowa will show you an estimated APR using a soft inquiry that does not touch your credit score. Prequalify with several before formally applying. The advertised rate is the best-qualified rate, and the number you personally receive can differ by many percentage points.
Origination fees run as high as 10% of the amount borrowed and come straight out of your proceeds, so a loan with a lower interest rate can cost more than one with a higher rate and no fee. APR folds the fee in, which makes it the only number worth comparing across lenders.
Credit unions consistently publish the lowest personal loan APRs in our Iowa data, and many charge no origination fee. Membership is usually easier than expected; many accept anyone who lives, works, or worships in the area. Federal credit unions are also capped by regulation on what they may charge.
Lenders often price longer terms at higher APRs, so a 60-month loan can cost more per dollar borrowed than a 36-month loan on top of accruing interest for longer. Take the shortest term whose payment comfortably fits your budget, and resist rounding the amount up.
Local demographics and economic context for borrowers. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
A $389 monthly loan payment is roughly 10.6% of the median individual income in Iowa. Lenders generally want your total monthly debt payments, including housing, to stay under roughly 36% of gross income, so consider the new payment alongside everything you already owe.
A personal loan is fast and requires no collateral, but it is not always the cheapest way to borrow. Here is how it compares to the main alternatives available to borrowers in Iowa.
| Feature | Personal Loan | Credit Card | 0% Balance Transfer | Home Equity Loan / HELOC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical APR Level | ● Mid, fixed | ✗ Highest, variable | ✓ 0% for a promo window | ✓ Usually lowest |
| Collateral Required | ✓ None | ✓ None | ✓ None | ✗ Your home is at risk |
| Payment Predictability | ✓ Fixed payment and payoff date | ✗ Revolving, can last indefinitely | ● Rate jumps when promo ends | ● Fixed for loans, variable for HELOCs |
| Speed to Funding | ✓ Often 1 to 3 business days | ✓ Immediate if you hold the card | ● Card approval plus transfer time | ✗ Weeks (appraisal and closing) |
| Upfront Costs | ● Origination fee up to ~10% | ✓ None | ● Transfer fee, typically 3 to 5% | ● Closing costs possible |
| Best For | Consolidation and one-off costs, no collateral | Small balances paid in full monthly | Debt you can clear inside the promo window | Large projects when you have equity and time |
General comparison for educational purposes; terms, eligibility, and pricing vary by lender and borrower credit profile. Borrowing against your home converts unsecured debt into secured debt; missed payments can put the property at risk. MonitorBankRates is not a lender or financial advisor.
Estimate your monthly payment, total interest, and what an origination fee actually costs you. We’ve prefilled the APR with the current IA average, or click any rate on the right to apply it instantly.
Estimates assume a fixed-rate, fully amortizing loan with equal monthly payments and no prepayment. “Cash you actually receive” subtracts any origination fee deducted from proceeds; you still repay, and pay interest on, the full loan amount. Advertised APRs typically require strong credit; your approved rate may differ. This tool is for illustration and is not a loan offer.
Independent, Free, and Unbiased Rate Comparisons: MonitorBankRates.com is an independent rate comparison service. Our Iowa personal loan rate tables are free for consumers to use, and we do not receive payment from any lender to be included or to be ranked in any particular order. Listings are based solely on the rates each lender publicly advertises on its own website.
A Note on Third-Party Rate Tools: Some pages on our site also feature rate comparison widgets and tools provided by third-party partners. These tools may include sponsored listings or affiliate links, and we may receive compensation when users click through them. We clearly label these widgets so you can tell at a glance which rates come from our independent MonitorBankRates.com tables and which come from our advertising partners.
Direct-Sourced & Verified Personal Loan Rate Data: We aggregate personal loan rates for Iowa directly from the official websites of banks, credit unions, and online lenders using our proprietary rate aggregation technology and a dedicated team of rate updaters. By sourcing data from the institutions’ own digital properties and verifying APRs regularly, every rate on MonitorBankRates.com is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Local, Regional, and National Coverage: Our systems constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available personal loan products in Iowa. We feature a comprehensive mix of lenders, from neighborhood credit unions and competitive regional banks to large national lenders available to borrowers in IA.
Regularly Updated APRs: Our rate updaters verify and update personal loan rates regularly. Because APRs can change based on market conditions and lender policies, every product features its own “last updated” date for full transparency. Personal loan APRs shown typically represent “as low as” rates for borrowers with excellent credit; your actual rate will depend on your credit history, credit score, income, and loan amount.
A FICO score below 580 is considered poor and 580 to 669 is fair. You can still get a personal loan with bad credit, but expect an APR well above the best rates on this page, a smaller loan amount, or a request for collateral or a cosigner. Where you apply matters as much as your score.
Federal credit unions cannot charge more than 18% APR on most loans through September 10, 2027. Many weigh your income and membership history, not just your score.
Many federal credit unions offer PALs for small, short term needs, capped at 28% APR with an application fee of no more than $20. That is a fraction of what a payday lender charges.
A share secured or CD secured loan uses your own savings as collateral, so approval is easy and the APR is low. On time payments are reported to the credit bureaus and help rebuild your score.
A second applicant with stronger credit can lower your rate and raise the amount you qualify for. They are equally responsible for every payment.
Most lenders show an estimated rate with a soft credit check that does not affect your score. Compare APRs, including any origination fee, before you submit a full application.
The CFPB notes a typical payday fee of $15 per $100 equals an APR of almost 400% on a two week loan. A title loan puts your car at risk. A credit union loan costs far less.