Loans for Bad Credit: What Lenders Look At
A low score doesn't have to close every door. Learn what lenders in our network consider beyond your credit score, how to improve your chances, and how to avoid offers that make things worse.
Yes, you may get a loan with bad credit. Some lenders in the mobiloans network look at steady income and bank history as well as your credit score. Approval isn't guaranteed, lower scores usually mean higher APRs, and no legitimate lender guarantees approval or asks for upfront fees.
- Poor FICO score
- 300 to 579
- Fair FICO score
- 580 to 669
- What lenders check
- Income, bank history, credit
- Red flag
- Upfront fees or guaranteed approval
Where Does Your Score Fall?
Most lenders use FICO scores, which run from 300 to 850. "Bad credit" usually means a score in the poor or fair range, often because of late payments, high card balances or a short credit history.
FICO score ranges
Most lenders use FICO scores from 300 to 850
Example: 600
What Lenders Look At
Lenders that work with fair or poor credit typically weigh your ability to repay today, not only your past. Common factors include:
Steady income
A regular paycheck or benefit deposit shows you can make scheduled payments.
Bank account activity
An established account with consistent deposits and few overdrafts or returned payments.
Debt-to-income
How much of your income already goes to other debts each month.
Recent credit behavior
Recent on-time payments can count more than old problems.
How to Improve Your Chances
- Request only what you need. A smaller amount is easier to approve and cheaper to repay.
- Fix errors on your credit report. You can get free reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute mistakes.
- Use your main checking account. The account where your income is deposited gives lenders the clearest picture.
- Double-check your details. Mismatched names, addresses or bank numbers are a common reason for delays or declines.
- Avoid many applications at once. Several hard inquiries in a short time can lower your score further.
Offers to Avoid
People with bad credit are frequent targets for expensive or fake loan offers. Walk away if you see:
- "Guaranteed approval" or "no credit check, any amount" promises.
- An upfront fee to "release" or "insure" your loan, especially by gift card or wire transfer.
- No APR shown before you sign, or pressure to decide immediately.
- Rollover-based loans that let you pay only the fee and keep the full balance.
Lenders in our network never ask for upfront fees. If anyone claiming to be mobiloans or a partner lender asks you to pay before you get a loan, stop and read our scam guide.
Other Options Worth Checking
Co-borrower
Applying with someone who has stronger credit can improve approval odds and rates.
Credit union PAL
Federal credit unions offer payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
Secured options
Secured cards or credit-builder loans help rebuild credit at a low cost.
Rebuilding Your Credit
Payment history makes up about 35% of a FICO score and amounts owed about 30%, so the fastest improvements usually come from paying every bill on time and lowering card balances.
- Set up autopay for at least the minimum on every account.
- Keep card balances low, ideally under 30% of each limit.
- Keep old accounts open to protect the length of your history.
- Choose lenders that report to credit bureaus so on-time loan payments count.
Bad Credit Loan FAQ
Can I get a loan with bad credit through mobiloans?
Possibly. Some lenders in our network consider income and banking history alongside your credit score, so a low score doesn't automatically rule you out. Approval isn't guaranteed, and lower scores usually mean higher APRs.
What credit score counts as bad?
On the FICO scale of 300 to 850, scores below 580 are generally considered poor and 580 to 669 fair. Each lender sets its own cutoffs.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
Lenders may check your credit. A soft inquiry doesn't affect your score; a hard inquiry can lower it by a few points for a limited time. Your lender will tell you which type it uses.
Are 'guaranteed approval' loans real?
No legitimate lender can guarantee approval before reviewing your information. Guarantees, especially combined with an upfront fee, are a common sign of a loan scam.
Can a loan help rebuild my credit?
It can if the lender reports to the credit bureaus and you pay on time every month. Payment history is the largest factor in FICO scores.
Reviewed by the mobiloans editorial team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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See What You May Qualify For
Lenders in our network look at more than your score. Sending a request is free.