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? Ones 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 factors beyond your score.

• Easier approval usually means a higher APR: Rates across this list run from about 6% up to 35.99%.

• Prequalifying won't hurt your score: A soft credit check lets you see your rate 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, origination fees 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. Payday, title and pawn shop loans 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 and cheaper option when you can qualify for one.

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 cycle of debt 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

Upstart: Best Easy Approval Loan for No Credit History

Upstart stands out for its AI-driven approval process that looks beyond credit scores to consider your education and work history. This approach makes it ideal for borrowers who may still need to establish credit. With loan amounts starting at $1,000, Upstart is perfect for smaller financial needs, and funds are often available within one business day.

Universal Credit: Best Easy Approval Loan for Credit Building

Universal Credit is a strong option for borrowers who are trying to rebuild their credit and want a loan process with a little less friction. The lender lets you check your rate with a soft credit inquiry, and it’s often positioned as a fit for fair- to bad-credit borrowers who may not qualify as easily elsewhere. That makes it a practical choice for people focused on getting approved first, as long as they compare the full cost carefully since origination fees and APRs can run high.

Avant: Best Easy Approval Loan for Fair Credit Scores

Avant specializes in loans for borrowers with fair credit, offering fast funding and a simple application process. With flexible terms and an easy-to-navigate platform, Avant ensures you can manage your loan without complications. It’s an excellent choice for those needing quick access to funds for emergencies or other short-term needs.

OneMain Financial: Best Easy Approval Loan for Secured Borrowing

OneMain Financial stands out for secured borrowing because it gives applicants another path to approval beyond a standard unsecured loan. Borrowers can check for offers without hurting their credit score, and the lender offers both secured and unsecured personal loans, which can be especially helpful for people with less-than-perfect credit who want to use a vehicle as collateral to improve their odds or potentially qualify for better terms. Its flexible underwriting is a plus, though the trade-off may be higher rates and fees than you’d see with more prime-focused lenders.

Upgrade: Best Easy Approval Loan for Bad Credit Borrowers

Upgrade shines as an option for easy approval loans for borrowers with bad or less-than-perfect credit. With competitive rates and no prepayment penalties, this loan is designed to help you consolidate debt or cover unexpected expenses.

LendingPoint: Best Easy Approval Loan for Fast Funding

LendingPoint earns its spot for fast funding thanks to its streamlined online process and the potential for next-business-day funding for approved borrowers. The lender also lets you check your rate with a soft credit inquiry and says its underwriting considers more than just a traditional credit score, which can make it appealing to borrowers with fair credit who need cash quickly. It’s a solid fit for emergencies or time-sensitive expenses, though borrowers should still watch for origination fees and compare offers before committing.

Oportun: Best Easy Approval Loan With No Credit Score Required

Oportun is one of the better-known options for borrowers without an established credit history who still need access to a personal loan. The lender says you can prequalify in minutes without affecting your credit score, and outside reviews consistently note that Oportun has no credit history requirement, making it a useful option for people with thin files or no credit score at all. Smaller loan amounts also make it a more realistic fit for modest borrowing needs, though availability varies by state and fees can apply.

Prosper: Best Easy Approval Peer-to-Peer Loan

Prosper stands out in this roundup because its peer-to-peer (P2P) model gives borrowers access to a marketplace-style approval process rather than a single traditional lender. It also allows applicants to check rates with a soft credit pull, and borrowers can apply with a co-applicant, which may improve approval odds or help secure a better offer. While Prosper isn’t the most lenient lender on the list, it makes sense here for fair-credit borrowers who want a peer-to-peer loan with a relatively accessible entry point.

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.

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 gain immediate access to funds with a revolving credit line. Some credit cards have 0% APR promotional periods for new purchases or balance transfers. However, the better offers come to those 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 establish a positive payment history while building a savings cushion that you can access later, potentially allowing you to 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.

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 terms that set you up for financial success rather than a cycle of debt. 

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 are from Upstart, Oportun and OneMain Financial, which do not require a minimum credit score. Universal Credit, Avant and Upgrade also approve borrowers with scores in the fair 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 credit scores between 300 and 600. Upstart has no stated minimum score, while Prosper requires at least 600.

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 can fund your loan in one to five business days after approval. Some, like LendingPoint and Upgrade, offer same-day or next-day funding if you apply early in the day.

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 I get a personal loan with a 500 credit score?

You may be able to get a personal loan with a 500 credit score through Upstart or by using a co-signer. Expect higher APRs, smaller loan amounts and stricter income requirements.

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 drop your score by a few points for up to a year.

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 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, boosting 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? 

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 August 5, 2026, and is subject to change.

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

Photo credit: fizkes / Getty Images / iStockphoto