Loans for 500 Credit Score:
Yes, You Can Get Approved

A 500 credit score puts you in the 'very poor' category - but that doesn't mean you're out of options. Our lender partners specialize in working with borrowers that banks turn away. They look at your income, your job, and your ability to repay - not just that number.

✓ No credit impact  •  ✓ 100% free  •  ✓ Takes 2 minutes

500

Minimum Score Accepted

$4,500

Average Loan Approved

47%

Approval Rate

+53 pts

Avg. Score Increase After 12 mo.

Check Your Loans for 500 Credit Score Options

Can You Really Get a Loan with a 500 Credit Score?

Yes, you can. While a 500 credit score is considered 'very poor' (only about 16% of Americans have scores this low), several lenders in our network specifically work with borrowers in this range. They're called subprime lenders, and helping people rebuild is their specialty.

At 500, you won't qualify for the lowest rates, but you CAN get a legitimate personal loan with fixed payments that helps you cover immediate needs AND build your credit score over time. It's a path forward, not a dead end.

Approval depends heavily on other factors: steady income, stable employment, and reasonable debt-to-income ratio. A 500 score with a good job is much more approvable than a 500 score with unstable income.

500 score? Still options available - We work with subprime lenders
Income matters more - Steady job = better odds
Amounts from $500 to $10,000 - Smaller loans to start
Build credit over time - Positive payments help your score
Fixed monthly payments - No surprises, easy to budget

Loans for 500 Credit Score FAQ

Common questions answered

Subprime lenders and some credit unions specialize in low-score lending. Our network includes multiple lenders who work with scores in the 500s. Rates will be higher, but options exist.
Typically $500 to $5,000 for first-time borrowers, though amounts up to $10,000 are possible with strong income. Start smaller and build up.
APRs for 500-score borrowers typically range from 25% to 35.99%, depending on the lender and your state. This is higher than prime rates but much lower than payday loans.
Make all payments on time, reduce credit card balances, dispute errors on your credit report, and avoid new credit applications. A loan with on-time payments can add 50+ points over 12 months.
Not necessarily. Many subprime lenders approve 500-score borrowers without co-signers if income is sufficient. A co-signer with good credit can help you access better rates.
With consistent on-time payments, most borrowers see improvement within 3-6 months. After 12 months of positive payment history, increases of 50+ points are common.

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See what you qualify for in 2 minutes. No credit impact.

✓ No credit impact  •  ✓ 100% free  •  ✓ Takes 2 minutes