Having bad credit doesn’t mean you’re doomed to experience lenders continually turning up their noses at you. Quite the contrary. In fact, there are lenders that offer payday loans for low credit borrowers — and they can come with flexible repayment terms and fast funding. But you’ll have to deal with a few caveats, including higher interest rates and fees.
Still, when you need money for things like an urgent car repair or unexpected medical bill, getting fast approval is probably at the top of your priority list. Here, we’ve found six payday lenders that are flexible to work with, even if your credit score is less-than-stellar.
6 lenders you might consider for payday loans
These payday loans for those with poor credit are typically able to offer funding within several business days. Along with the ability to fund loans fast, they were also chosen for their more reasonable annual percentage rates (APRs), lower fees, and minimum credit score requirements. Each option also offers a distinct feature that may help you choose which might be a better fit for you.
1. Upgrade — "Longer repayment terms"
Minimum credit score: 580
Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000
APR: 7.99% to 35.99%
Repayment term: 24 to 84 months
Origination fee: 1.85 % to 9.99 %
What to know: Upgrade’s overall APR is fairly competitive even if the lender does charge an origination fee (the amount a lender charges to give you the loan). Although it is up to the lender what term it will approve you for, Upgrade offers repayment terms up to 84 months.
What to watch out for: You can be charged a
$10 to $38 late fee if the lender doesn’t receive your payment within 15 days of the due date.
2. Prosper — "Apply with a co-borrower"
Minimum credit score: 600 (though may consider lower scores)
Loan amount: $2,000 and $50,000
APR: 8.99% to 35.99%
Repayment term: 24 to 60 months
Origination fee: 1% to 9.99%
What to know: Prosper looks at factors other than your credit score to assess your application, it also allows
co-borrowers. That way, if you want to ask a trusted person with good credit history to be a second applicant, you could qualify for a lower rate and a higher loan amount.
3. OneMain Financial — "Receive funds in a few hours"
Minimum credit score: 500
Loan amount: $1,500 up to $20,000
APR: 18% to 35.99%
Repayment term: 24 to 60 months
What to know: OneMain Financial can
give you your funds in as fast as an hour after your application has been approved. If you'd rather speak to someone, you can also stop by in person to any of their branches and submit an application.
What to watch out for: The loan amount and origination fee may have different minimum and maximums depending on the state, which can feel confusing. Its minimum APR is also higher than some of the other lenders on this list.
4. Upstart — "Low credit requirements"
Minimum credit score: 300 Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000
APR: 6.7% to 35.99%
Repayment term: 36 to 84 months
What to know: Upstart can be a good fit if you're just starting out and have very little credit history. For example, college graduates or those new to the U.S. might find Upstart helpful.
The lender has a low income requirement, and you may be able to qualify for a lower APR compared to other lenders.
What to watch out for: Upstart does charge late fees like many other lenders do. If Upstart doesn’t receive a payment from you within 10 days of the due date, it’ll either charge you
$15 or 5% of the past due amount — whichever one is greater.
5. Universal Credit — "Option to offer collateral"
Minimum credit score: 580
Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000
APR: 11.69% to 35.99%
Repayment term: 36 to 60 months
Origination fee: 5.25% to 9.99%
What to know: This payday loan allows you to use one of your assets as collateral, like a car. Collateral may even help you get a lower APR — though this can also depend on other factors like your income and credit history. Same as with many of these lenders, you can get your loan funds as soon as the next business day after your application has been approved.
What to watch out for: If you do use your car as collateral, you could risk losing it if you don't make on-time payments. There's not much information upfront on the website unless you enter your details to check to see what rate you qualify for.
6. Oportun — "Low minimum loan amount"
Minimum credit score: None
Loan amount: $300 to $10,000
APR: Up to 35.99%
Repayment term: Unknown
Origination fee: As high as 10%
What to know: Oportun doesn't have a minimum credit requirement, which means it could be a good fit if you have a bad credit history or don't have any credit history. The lender also offers loans as low as $300 — one of the lowest amounts for online lenders.
What to watch out for: There isn’t much transparent information online when it comes to late fees and APR ranges. To find out what these could be, you’ll need to get a quote. Oportun is only available in 33 states.
Payday loans for bad credit: A comparison table
Lender | Maximum Loan Amount | APR | Minimum Credit Score | Best Use Case | Risks |
Upgrade | $50,000 | 7.99% to 35.99% | 580 | Longer repayment term | High origination and late fee |
Prosper | $50,000 | 8.99% to 35.99% | 600 | Apply with a co-borrower | High fees |
OneMain Financial | $20,000 | 18.00% to 35.99% | 500 | Fast funding | Higher origination fees and interest rates |
Upstart | $50,000 | 6.7% to 35.99% | 300 | Borrowers with no credit history | High late fees |
Universal Credit | $50,000 | 11.69% to 35.99% | 580 | Secured loan options | Loss of collateral |
Oportun | $10,000 | Up to 35.99% | None | Borrowing less | Little transparency on website |
As of July 25, 2025
Safer alternatives to payday loans for poor credit
Using payday lenders if you have low — or no — credit may not be the best option, since you could pay high interest rates and fees. Consider these alternatives instead.
Earned wage access apps (EWA)
Earned wage access (EWA) allows you to draw money from your paycheck before payday. This can be done through some employers or with apps like EarnIn.
EarnIn's Cash Out feature allows you to get up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays — with no interest.
Think about how much you can save instead of paying upwards of 35% APR or more to use an online payday lender who accepts risky borrowers. Since you’re only accessing the money you’ve already earned, there is no credit check. EarnIn’s Cash Out can be a good option if you need to borrow a smaller amount regularly.
Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs)
These types of loans are installment loans that are advertised as alternatives to payday loans. Many credit unions market them as PALs or short term loans. You can be charged
a fixed APR up to a maximum of 28%, up to $20. And, if you’re charged late fees, it should be no more than 5% of the monthly payment amount.
Small emergency personal loans
You could get loans with longer terms and a lower APR. However, you may need a higher credit score. Personal loans can provide fast cash for any expenses or emergencies that might pop up. Look for options like credit unions or online lenders that offer competitive rates with flexible repayment plans.
Employer-based paycheck advance
Some employers may have programs that will allow you to get an advance on your paycheck, also called earned wage access (EWA). You may be able to access budgeting tools through your employer, as well, which can help you manage your money.
What to remember before you borrow again
It's true that payday loan providers could lend you money even if you have bad credit. But this path is expensive compared to
safer alternatives — not to mention the risks if you’re late on a payment. Consider these types of payday loans only if you're in a pinch. And if you do take one out, work to pay it off as soon as you can.
With Cash Out from EarnIn, you can make any day payday — with no interest, no credit checks, and no mandatory fees. It's a way to make bridging paychecks a little less stressful.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.
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