Your score isn't the whole story. Lenders here know that.
No minimum credit score to request a loan. Lenders in our network look at your income and bank activity first — so a rough credit history means a smaller amount or a higher rate, not an automatic no.
What to expect at your score
Drag to your approximate FICO. Ranges are typical across the network, not a promise — your income matters as much.
Steady deposits into your checking account do more for your offer than a few points of score.
What lenders weigh instead of the score alone
Illustrative weighting; each lender's model differs.
Three paths, from easiest to cheapest
Short-term loan
Lightest credit criteria; approval rests on income and your next pay date. $200–$1,500, repaid next paycheck. Most expensive per dollar — use it once, not monthly.
Installment loan
$500–$5,000 over 3–24 months. APR 29.99%–35.99% is typical with fair credit. Often reported to bureaus, so on-time payments start rebuilding.
Personal loan
$2,000–$5,000 with a fixed APR. Needs 3+ months of deposit history; cheaper if you qualify. Good for consolidating cards that are dragging your score down.
Using the loan to rebuild
If rebuilding is the goal, the loan type and your habits matter more than the amount.
Bad-credit traps to avoid
"Guaranteed approval"
Nobody licensed guarantees approval. The promise is bait for an upfront fee.
Fees before funding
Processing, insurance or "first payment" before you receive money is a scam, full stop.
Rolling over short-term loans
Each rollover repeats the fee. If you can't clear it next payday, pick an installment loan instead.
Cheaper options first: a credit-union payday alternative loan (28% APR cap) or an employer advance. See alternatives.
Bad credit loan FAQ
What counts as bad credit?
Lenders generally treat FICO scores below about 580 as poor and 580–669 as fair. Through Bear Loan there is no minimum score to request offers — lenders weigh income and bank activity alongside the score.
Can I really get a loan with a 500 credit score?
You can request offers; many lenders in the network consider scores in the 500s when income is steady. Expect smaller amounts or a higher APR than a borrower with good credit.
Will applying hurt my credit further?
No. Requesting offers is a soft inquiry. Only accepting a lender's offer triggers a hard inquiry.
Which loan type is easiest to get with bad credit?
Short-term loans have the lightest credit criteria, followed by installment loans. Personal loans of $2,000+ apply a slightly higher income bar. Start with the amount you actually need.
Will a Bear Loan help rebuild my credit?
It can, if you choose an installment or personal loan that reports to the bureaus and pay on time. Short-term loans usually aren't reported.
Are 'guaranteed approval' loans real?
No. Any site promising guaranteed approval regardless of income is a red flag. Licensed lenders must assess ability to repay.
What if I was recently declined elsewhere?
A decline from one lender doesn't affect others. Because our check is soft, you can request offers without adding inquiries to your report.
See what you qualify for — without touching your score.
No minimum credit score. A soft check shows real offers in minutes.