Dental Loans for Bad Credit: Financing Options To Compare

You can get a dental loan with bad credit, although your options may be more limited and interest rates may be higher. Personal loans are one option, and some lenders offer rates that are still lower than those charged by many credit cards.

Key Takeaways

• You can get dental loans for bad credit, though your rates will likely run higher. A personal loan can cover care with annual percentage rates (APRs) from about 6% to 36% depending on your credit.

• Bad credit generally means a FICO score below 580 or a low VantageScore. Both models run from 300 to 850, and lenders tie low scores to higher default risk.

• Financing straight through your dentist can sometimes cost you little to nothing. In-house plans may charge low or no interest, though a credit check and application can still apply.

• Third-party dental cards often hide a steep standard rate behind a promo offer. Their regular financing rates can exceed 30% once any promotional period ends.

• Interest-free options may cover your care without adding debt. A health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), dental savings plan, dental school or earned wage access (EWA) platforms can shrink or replace what you borrow.

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What Counts as Bad Credit for a Dental Loan?

A bad credit score is one that’s 579 or less under the FICO scoring model, or 600 or less for VantageScore. 

• FICO scores and VantageScores both range from 300 to 850.

• A FICO score below 580 is “poor.”

• A VantageScore of 600 or less is “subprime.” 

• Lenders associate poor and subprime scores with a higher risk that the borrower might default on their loan.

Your Best Options for Dental Financing With Bad Credit

You might qualify for a personal loan or for financing through your dentist even if your credit is bad. Here’s an at-a-glance look at how those options compare

Personal Loans for Dental Work: What To Know

Personal loans are usually unsecured, so you won’t need collateral. And they can be used for almost any purpose, including dental care. Interest rates range from 6% for borrowers with excellent credit to 36% for people with low credit scores. But many lenders may work with those with credit scores as low as the 500s. 

Most personal loan lenders charge origination and administrative fees, which can range from 1% to 10%, depending on the lender and on factors such as credit score and loan amount. 

Lenders usually add the fee to your balance. That means you’ll need to borrow enough to pay for both your care and the fee, and you’ll pay interest on that entire amount.

Financing Through Your Dentist

Your dentist may offer a payment plan or other financing options for care that won’t be covered by insurance, whether because you don’t have insurance or your policy doesn’t cover the services you’ll receive.

How it works depends on the type of financing available.

• With an in-house payment plan, you may pay little to no interest and gain access to treatment immediately. However, you still might have to go through your dentist’s application process and possibly receive a credit check.

• Some dentists may work with you even if you have low credit, though, and the dentist might offer some flexibility with the payments. 

• If your dentist doesn’t offer their own payment plan, they might accept third-party financing, where you apply for a special credit card from an outside company, and if approved, use the card to pay for your care.

• Although third-party credit providers sometimes offer promotional interest rates, their standard rates can exceed 30%.

Payment plans and third-party dental financing options can vary widely between dental practices and financing providers. The following questions will help you get all the information you need to make an informed decision before you apply.

• Who is the lender for this plan — the dentist or a third-party financing company?

• If a third party, exactly what may this card or credit line be used for?

• Will I be charged interest?

• Is the initial interest rate a promotional rate? If so, what is the standard rate?

• What happens if I don’t repay my balance before the promotional rate expires? Will the standard rate apply to the remaining balance only, or to the full amount I financed?

• What is the repayment term? 

• What is the penalty for late payments?

• Will this account be reported to credit bureaus?

MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences.

Other Ways To Pay When Your Credit Is Low

With low credit, you might worry that you face limited options for dental care. However, there are several alternative dental financing options available. 

• Health savings account (HSA): An HSA is a specialized savings account that can pay for qualified healthcare-related expenses. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Your HSA can pay for dental visits, procedures and other expenses — though it won't cover insurance premiums. An additional benefit is that your contributions are tax-deductible, and you withdraw the money tax-free.

• Flexible spending account (FSA): An FSA is an employee benefit that allows individuals to set aside a portion of their income to cover medical and dental procedures. You can use your FSA to cover dental work, including insurance deductibles and co-pays. But keep in mind that all contributions to an FSA must typically be used within one year. 

• Dental savings plan: This is a membership-based financial plan offering discounts on procedures you receive from participating dental practices. Not to be confused with insurance, a savings plan provides discounts in exchange for a membership fee. You can usually use the discounts immediately, and you’ll have no exclusions for pre-existing conditions or cosmetic services, and no annual limits on benefits. Some plans offer free preventative care.

• Dental school: If you live near a dental school, you may be able to receive cheaper dental procedures performed by students under supervision. Some dental schools may even offer access to cosmetic dentistry at an affordable price.

• Earned wage access (EWA): Some employers offer EWA, allowing employees to receive an advance on their next paycheck. This provides you with access to cash without the risk associated with payday loans. Keep in mind that your first paycheck after the advance will be smaller, and you might have to pay a fee. 

How To Get Approved With Bad Credit

Dental financing can be the right choice if you need preventative or other care to protect your dental health, and you’ve explored options that don’t require taking on debt. Here’s how to apply, regardless of your credit score. 

1. Ask your dentist for an estimate of the cost of your care, including follow-ups.

2. Request a payment plan. If none is available, consider other options.

3. Research personal loans and dental credit cards that accept borrowers with imperfect credit. 

4. Request no-credit-check quotes to compare rates, fees, repayment terms and funding timelines.

5. Gather the information and documents you’ll need for your application, such as government-issued photo ID and your most recent bank statements and pay stubs.

6. Apply for credit and wait for approval. Many online lenders and card providers offer instant or same-day approval.

7. Once approved, accept your loan and provide account information to receive the funds. Most lenders fund loans within a few business days.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The right option for you depends on your financial situation and the type of care you’ll receive.

• Choose the dental practice’s own repayment plan if you can afford the payments and can continue receiving needed care while you’re paying off the balance.

• Choose third-party financing if you don’t qualify for an in-house repayment plan and can repay the whole balance before any promotional rate expires, or you need to finance ongoing care.

• Choose a personal loan if you prefer a fixed interest rate and longer loan term.

Bottom Line

• Dental payment plans and loans can help you maintain your oral health regardless of credit history. 

• Get an estimate from your dentist so you know about how much the charges will be.

• Explore payment options that reduce the amount of credit you need, such as an HSA, FSA, discount plan, dental school or EWA.

• If you still need to borrow, look at your dentist’s in-house payment plan first. If they don’t have an affordable one, or you don’t qualify, compare dental credit cards and personal loans to find your best option.

FAQs

Have lingering questions about dental loans? Find the answers below.

Can I get a dental loan with a 500 credit score?

That depends on other factors, such as your income and the amount you need to borrow. But loans are available for people with 500 credit scores.

What’s the difference between a dental loan and a dental payment plan?

A dental loan is money you get from a bank, credit union or other lender and pay to your dentist to cover the cost of care you received or will receive. A payment plan is an installment agreement you make with the dentist to pay off your debt in a series of monthly payments.

Does applying for a dental loan hurt my credit score?

Yes. You’ll typically see a slight dip because of the hard inquiry on your credit.

Are there dental loans with no credit check?

Yes. Not all lenders check credit, but they will need to verify your income to make sure you can repay the loan.

How fast can I get money for a dental procedure?

Some lenders approve and fund loans the same day you apply, as long as you apply early in the day.

What if I can’t afford dental work and have no credit?

First, ask your dentist about hardship programs that might provide care at a reduced rate. Other options include paying the bill from an HSA or FSA, if you have one. Enrolling in a dental savings plan and receiving care at a dental school can also make payments more affordable.

Key Terms

• Dental loan: Money you borrow from a bank, credit union or online lender to pay for dental care, usually as an unsecured personal loan repaid in fixed monthly installments.

• In-house dental financing: A payment plan offered directly by your dentist, often with low or no interest and flexible terms, though a credit check may apply.

• Third-party dental financing: A special credit card from an outside company used to pay for care, which can carry a standard rate above 30% after any promo period.

• Deferred interest: A promotional feature where interest accrues during the promo period and is charged retroactively if you don't pay the balance in full by the deadline.

• EWA: A way to tap part of the pay you've already earned before payday, with no interest and no credit check. It isn't a loan.

• Origination fee: An upfront lender charge, often 1% to 10% of the loan, that's usually added to your balance so you pay interest on it too.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Sources

• myFICO. "What is a Credit Score?"

• VantageScore. 2025. "The Complete Guide to Your VantageScore 4.0 Credit Score."

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2023. "What is a credit score?"

Sarah Edwards contributed to the reporting for this article.