Most lenders require you at least to be in the fair range, which is between 580-669. Even more so, lenders will want to see a score of at least 640. This is considered a below-average score, but on the end closer to the "good" range when it comes to credit.
The main factor in determining if you qualify for a $10,000 personal loan is your credit history. You'll need a credit score of at least 670 before you apply. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio when deciding approval. A DTI ratio of 36% or lower is ideal.
Most lenders consider $10,000 to be a significant amount of money. To qualify for an unsecured personal loan of $10,000 or more, you should have a credit score of at least 630. A score of 630 places you at the beginning of the fair credit range.
With FICO, fair or good credit scores fall within the ranges of 580 to 739, and with VantageScore, fair or good ranges between 601 to 780. Many personal loan lenders offer amounts starting around $3,000 to $5,000, but with Upgrade, you can apply for as little as $1,000 (and as much as $50,000).
Some of the easiest loans to get approved for if you have bad credit include payday loans, no-credit-check loans, and pawnshop loans. Before you apply for an emergency loan to obtain funds quickly, make sure you read the fine print so you know exactly what your costs will be.
Hardship personal loans are a type of personal loan intended to help borrowers overcome financial difficulties such as job loss, medical emergencies, or home repairs. Hardship personal loan programs are often offered by small banks and credit unions.
The FHA approves loan amounts based on factors like your credit score, living expenses, assets, debt-to-income ratio, household income, and the value of the property. As of 2025, the FHA maximum loan limit for a one-unit property is $524,225 in low-cost areas and $1,209,750 in high-cost areas.
Average Recovery Time
The good news is that when your score is low, each positive change you make is likely to have a significant impact. For instance, going from a poor credit score of around 500 to a fair credit score (in the 580-669 range) takes around 12 to 18 months of responsible credit use.
You may be able to get a personal loan without income verification if you pledge collateral, use a co-signer or have an excellent credit score. There are several ways to get approved for a personal loan with no proof of income, including applying with a co-signer and securing the loan with collateral.
Check Your Credit Score
However, when applying for a larger amount of $20,000 and up, you may need a higher score. A score of around 670 or more will increase your chances of being approved for a larger loan amount at the lowest rates available.
The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024.
If you're just starting out, a good credit limit for your first card might be around $1,000. If you have built up a solid credit history, a steady income and a good credit score, your credit limit may increase to $5,000 or $10,000 or more — plenty of credit to ensure you can purchase big ticket items.
Get a secured loan
A secured loan is a type of personal loan that requires collateral. Because the lender can repossess your collateral if you default, lenders may be more willing to offer secured loans to bad-credit borrowers. APRs are typically lower on secured loans compared to traditional personal loans.
Which bank offers the lowest interest rate on a personal loan? Among leading private sector banks, Axis Bank, IDFC First Bank, and IndusInd Bank offer the lowest interest rates on personal loans starting at 10.49% p.a., closely followed by HDFC Bank offering personal loans at 10.50% p.a. onwards.
If you take a loan for five years and your interest rate is 4%, your monthly payment for a $40,000 loan will be $737. Remember that the longer the loan period, the more money you will overpay to the bank.
HDFC Bank customers can get Personal Loans with minimal or no documentation. In fact, if they are pre- approved for a Personal Loan, they can easily apply for it.
The minimum credit score required for a personal loan varies by lender. If a lender requires a fair credit score, that might mean a score somewhere between 580 and 660. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), having a higher credit score typically makes it easier to qualify for a loan.
Only available to Wells Fargo customers: You have to be a Wells Fargo customer for at least 12 months to get a Flex Loan. Only two loan amounts available: Loan amounts for the Wells Fargo Flex Loan aren't customizable. You must choose from one of two amounts they offer.
Yes, you can pay off your loan early by making larger monthly payments or settling the full balance at once. This can save you money on interest and reduce debt, but it's important to investigate potential downsides first.