8 Easiest Personal Loans To Get Approved for in 2026

The easiest personal loans to get in 2026 are ones with low credit score minimums, soft credit check prequalification and flexible income rules. Upstart, Universal Credit, Avant, OneMain Financial, Upgrade, LendingPoint, Oportun and Prosper tend to approve borrowers other lenders turn down because they look at more than your credit score alone.

Quick answer at a glance:

• Best for no credit history: Upstart, no strict minimum

• Best for bad credit: Upgrade, minimum score in the fair range

• Best for fair credit: Avant, minimum score 580

• Best for in-person help: OneMain Financial, no strict minimum

• Best for fast funding: LendingPoint, minimum score in the fair range

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While these “easier” loans typically come with higher annual percentage rates (APRs), they can provide access to funds when traditional lenders aren’t an option. 

Read on to learn some of the easiest personal loans to get, including options for easy approval, loans for fair credit, low income or no credit history.

With MoneyLion, you can access offers up to $100,000 from top lenders. Compare rates, terms, and fees to find the deal that fits your needs. 

Key Takeaways

• What are the easiest personal loans to get? Loans with low score minimums, soft-check prequalification and flexible income rules — Upstart, Universal Credit, Avant, OneMain Financial, Upgrade, LendingPoint, Oportun and Prosper all fit.

• Some lenders skip a hard credit minimum entirely: Upstart, Oportun and OneMain Financial weigh income, work history and bank activity beyond your score.

• Easier approval usually means a higher APR: Rates across this list run from about 6% up to 35.99%, and weaker credit lands you nearer the top.

• Prequalifying won't hurt your score: A soft credit check lets you compare real rates before you formally apply.

• A true personal loan beats payday, title and pawn loans: Those skip the credit check but can carry APRs over 300%.

• Compare the full cost, not just approval odds: Check the high end of the APR, the origination fee (up to about 12%) and the loan term before you sign.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

What Makes a Personal Loan Easy To Get Approved For?

A personal loan is easier to get approved for when the lender uses flexible standards to review your application. That means you can qualify with less-than-perfect credit or a shorter credit history.

Lenders that are easier to qualify with tend to share a few traits.

• Low credit score minimum: Many accept scores in the 580 to 620 range and some go as low as 300.

• Soft credit check prequalification: You can see your rate without hurting your score.

• Alternative data review: Some lenders look at your job, education and bank activity, not just your credit report.

• Co-signer or co-borrower options: Adding someone with stronger credit boosts your odds.

• Smaller loan amounts: Smaller loans carry less risk for the lender, so approval is easier.

Learn More: Easy Loans for Unemployment and Bad Credit

Personal Loans vs. No Credit Check Loans — What's the Difference?

Not every loan marketed as easy to get is a personal loan. If you're weighing no credit check loans, know that payday, title and pawn shop options skip the credit check but come with much higher costs and shorter repayment terms.

Here's how they compare.

• Personal loans: Installment loans with fixed monthly payments, APRs from about 6% to 36% and terms of two to seven years.

• Payday loans: Small, short-term loans due on your next payday, often with APRs over 300%.

• Title loans: Loans secured by your car title, with high APRs and the risk of losing your vehicle.

• Pawn shop loans: Loans backed by an item of value that you forfeit if you don't repay.

A true personal loan is almost always the safer, cheaper option when you qualify.

The Risks of No Credit Check and High-APR Loans

Easy approval can come with a cost. Loans that skip the credit check or charge very high rates can trap you in a debt cycle if you're not careful.

Watch for these downsides before you borrow.

• High APRs: Rates on payday and title loans can top 300%.

• Short repayment windows: You may owe the full balance in two to four weeks.

• Rollover fees: Extending the loan adds more fees each cycle.

• Collateral risk: Title and pawn shop loans can cost you your car or property.

• Credit damage: Missed payments on any loan can drop your score.

Learn More: Best Personal Loans for Teachers in 2026

Easiest Personal Loans To Get at a Glance

Easiest Personal Loan Lenders Ranked by Minimum Credit Score

Here are the eight lenders, ranked from lowest to highest, by minimum credit score required for approval.

1. Oportun: No minimum credit score

2. OneMain Financial: No minimum credit score

3. Upstart: No minimum credit score

4. Avant: 580 minimum credit score

5. Universal Credit: Fair credit score

6. Upgrade: Fair credit score

7. LendingPoint: Fair credit score

8. Prosper: 600 minimum credit score

Below are the eight easiest personal loan lenders, what each does best and what to watch before you apply.

Upstart: Best for No Credit History

Upstart's AI-driven model weighs your education and work history, not just your score, so it accepts applicants with no stated minimum (down to a 300 FICO). Expect APRs from 6.3% to 35.99%, loans of $1,000 to $75,000 and funding as soon as one business day. Best for thin or no-credit files; watch for an origination fee that can reach the double digits.

Universal Credit: Best for Credit Building

Universal Credit targets fair- to bad-credit borrowers who want a lower-friction path to approval, with a soft credit check rate quote up front. APRs run from 11.69% to 35.99% on loans of $1,000 to $50,000. Best for borrowers focused on approval odds and credit-building tools; watch for origination fees of 5.25% to 9.99% that come out of your proceeds.

Avant: Best for Fair Credit Scores

Avant specializes in fair-credit borrowers, with a minimum score around 580, fast next-business-day funding and a simple app. APRs range from 9.95% to 35.99% on loans of $2,000 to $35,000. Best for fair-credit borrowers who need money quickly; watch for an administration fee of up to 9.99%.

OneMain Financial: Best for Secured Borrowing

OneMain Financial sets no strict score minimum and offers both secured and unsecured loans, so you can pledge a vehicle to improve your odds or rate, online or in a branch. APRs run from 11.99% to 35.99% on loans of $1,500 to $30,000. Best for borrowers who want in-person help or a secured option; watch for higher rates and origination fees that vary by state.

Upgrade: Best for Bad Credit Borrowers

Upgrade approves less-than-perfect credit (minimum around 580) and can pay creditors directly for debt consolidation, with no prepayment penalty. APRs run from 7.74% to 35.99% on loans of $1,000 to $50,000. Best for consolidating higher-rate debt; watch for an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%.

LendingPoint: Best for Fast Funding

LendingPoint's streamlined online process can fund approved loans as soon as the next business day, and it weighs more than your score, appealing to fair-credit borrowers. APRs run from 7.99% to 35.99% on loans of $1,000 to $36,500. Best for time-sensitive needs; watch for origination fees up to 10% and note that it doesn't offer a co-signer option.

Oportun: Best for No Credit Score and Small Loans

Oportun sets no minimum score and lends to thin- or no-credit files using income and alternative data, with same-day funding in some states. Loan amounts are small — $300 to $10,000 — with APRs capped at 35.99% (the low end isn't published, so it can run high). Best for small, credit-building loans; watch for fees up to 10% and limited state availability.

Prosper: Best Peer-to-Peer Loan

Prosper's marketplace model funds your loan through investors and lets you apply with a co-applicant to improve your odds. Its minimum score is generally around 600, with APRs from 8.99% to 35.99% on loans of $2,000 to $50,000 and next-day funding. Best for fair-credit borrowers who want a peer-to-peer (P2P) option; watch for an origination fee (about 1% to 9.99%) and note that it allows a co-applicant, not a traditional co-signer.

What To Check Before You Apply for an Easy Approval Loan

Use this checklist to understand personal loan requirements and compare offers before you submit a full application.

1. Minimum credit score: Confirm your credit score meets the lender’s stated minimum.

2. APR range: Check both the low and high end of the APR, not just the advertised starting rate.

3. Loan amount: Make sure the lender offers the exact amount you need.

4. Loan term: Look for a loan term that keeps your monthly payment affordable.

5. Origination fee: Some lenders charge up to 12% of the loan amount upfront.

6. Funding time: Confirm how quickly the funds hit your account after approval.

7. Prequalification: Use a soft credit check to see your rate without hurting your score.

8. Income requirements: Check the minimum income and proof-of-income rules.

9. Co-signer option: See if adding a co-signer can lower your rate or improve your odds.

10. Repayment flexibility: Look for autopay discounts, hardship programs and no prepayment penalty.

What an Easy Approval Loan Actually Costs

Easier approval usually means a higher APR, so it helps to see the real cost before you borrow. Here's roughly what a $5,000 loan costs at a few rates common on this list:

A lower APR and shorter term mean less total interest. Prequalify with two or three lenders and compare the total cost — not just the monthly payment — before you get a $5,000 loan.

Learn More: Best Loans for Furniture

Alternatives to Quick and Easy Personal Loans

Looking for other ways to access funds? While quick personal loans can be a solid choice for many borrowers, it’s worth exploring all your options to find the best fit for your situation.

Cash Advances

You can get access to wages you’ve already earned before your scheduled payday, typically for a small flat fee rather than interest charges. MoneyLion’s Instacash^® allows you to access up to $500 of your paycheck before you get paid — without interest or mandatory fees*. 

Credit Cards

You may be able to access funds immediately with a revolving credit line. Some credit cards have 0% APR promotional periods for new purchases or balance transfers. However, the best offers go to people with good credit. 

Credit Builder Loans

Credit builder loans can be a smart alternative when you need to build credit. Instead of giving you immediate access to funds, they can help you build a positive payment history while building a savings cushion you can access later, potentially helping you qualify for better loan terms in the future when you truly need to borrow.

How To Apply for a Personal Loan in 5 Steps

The application process is quick when you know what to expect. Most online lenders can give you a decision and fund your loan within a few days.

1. Check your credit score: Know where you stand before you shop.

2. Prequalify with two or three lenders: A soft credit check shows your rate without hurting your score.

3. Compare offers: Look at APR, monthly payment, fees and loan term.

4. Submit a full application: Send in income proof, ID and bank details.

5. Get funded: Most lenders deposit funds within one to five business days.

Easy Approval Loans for a 500 Credit Score

A 500 credit score sits in the poor range, but it doesn't shut you out. Upstart and Oportun set no minimum score and weigh income and history instead, and OneMain Financial offers a secured option if you can pledge a vehicle. 

Adding a co-signer or co-applicant with stronger credit can also improve your odds and your rate. At 500, plan on a higher APR — often in the 25% to 35.99% range — a smaller loan amount and stricter proof of income, so prequalify with a soft check first and compare the full cost before you commit.

Bottom Line 

• While “quick and easy loans” can provide immediate financial relief, the smartest choice isn’t always the easiest one. 

• Take time to compare multiple lenders, understand their true costs and read the fine print before signing. Remember, even with less-than-perfect credit, you have options – whether it’s online lenders or secured loans. 

• The right lender won’t just offer easy approval, but also terms you can afford and manage.

Learn More: Next-Day Personal Loans With No Hidden Fees

Easiest Personal Loans to Get FAQs

Which personal loans are the easiest to get approved for? 

The easiest personal loans to get approved for come from lenders with no strict credit minimum — Upstart, Oportun and OneMain Financial — because they weigh income, employment and bank activity alongside your score. Universal Credit, Avant, Upgrade, LendingPoint and Prosper also approve borrowers in the fair-credit range.

Are online personal loans easy to get with bad credit? 

Yes, online personal loans can be easier to get with bad credit than bank loans. Lenders like Upstart, Avant and Upgrade review income, employment and banking history along with your credit score, so a score in the 580 range can still qualify.

What credit score do you need for an easy approval loan? 

Most easy-approval lenders accept scores between 300 and 600. Upstart and Oportun set no stated minimum, Avant starts around 580 and Prosper generally looks for about 600, so the lower your score, the more it pays to prequalify with several lenders first.

What's the easiest personal loan to get approved for if I have no credit history?

Upstart is the easiest option if you have no credit history. It uses education, job history and income to decide, so a thin credit file doesn't automatically disqualify you.

How fast can you get an easy approval personal loan?

Most online lenders fund within one to five business days after approval, and several — including LendingPoint, Upgrade and Oportun — offer same-day or next-day funding if you apply early in the day and complete verification quickly.

What APR should you expect on an easy approval loan? 

APRs on easy approval loans range from about 6.2% on the low end (Upstart) to 35.99% on the high end across most lenders on this list. Borrowers with lower credit scores tend to land in the 20% to 35.99% range.

Can you get a personal loan with a 500 credit score?

Yes, though your options narrow and your rate rises. Upstart and Oportun consider applicants with no minimum score, and adding a co-signer or co-applicant can improve your odds. Expect a higher APR, a smaller loan amount and stricter income proof at 500.

Do easy approval personal loans hurt your credit?

Prequalifying uses a soft credit check that doesn't affect your score. Submitting a full application triggers a hard inquiry, which can shave a few points off your score for up to a year, so it's worth comparing prequalified offers before you formally apply to just one or two.

What's the difference between a personal loan and a payday loan?

A personal loan is an installment loan repaid over two to seven years at APRs up to about 36%. A payday loan is a short-term loan due on your next paycheck, often with APRs above 300%.

Key Terms

• Easy approval loan: A personal loan with flexible credit and income standards that's easier to qualify for.

• Soft credit check: A credit review for prequalification that doesn't lower your score.

• Hard inquiry: A full-application credit check that can lower your score by a few points.

• Alternative data: Non-credit factors like job, education or bank activity that some lenders weigh.

• Origination fee: An upfront fee some lenders deduct from your loan, sometimes up to about 12%.

• Co-signer: Someone with stronger credit who agrees to repay if you can't, which can boost your odds.

• Peer-to-peer (P2P) loan: A loan funded through a marketplace of investors rather than one lender.

• Credit builder loan: A loan that builds payment history and savings instead of giving upfront cash.

Sources

• CFPB: What to know before taking out a personal loan

• CFPB: What is a payday loan?

• CFPB: What is a credit inquiry?

• Federal Reserve: Consumer Credit (G.19)

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Methodology

For our take on the easiest personal loans to get, we researched lenders to identify the most accessible personal loans, evaluating their minimum credit score requirements, income thresholds and similar information to help you find realistic borrowing options for your situation.

Data is accurate as of September 15, 2026, and is subject to change.

Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHC™, contributed to editing this article.

Photo credit: fizkes / Getty Images / iStockphoto