Personal loans near me with bad credit

If you’re having a hard time getting a loan due to a bad credit score, don’t worry as there are still options available. Find out how you can improve your credit score.

Bad credit personal loans are meant for borrowers who have less than desirable credit scores. Lenders usually deem these borrowers more likely to be delinquent on their loans by making late payments or defaulting, and hence avoid lending to people below a certain threshold.

Fortunately, other lenders consider more than just a credit score when it comes to borrowing. These may look at other aspects of your personal finances such as your income, current debt and ability to repay before making a final decision on your application.

While you’d probably pay more than a borrower with good credit, but you’ll still have options when you find yourself in need of a loan.

These types of financing institutions are usually more lenient when considering applicants with lower credit score:

• Online lenders. Faster application process and funds disbursement may be faster, but your interest rates and fees from online lenders are typically higher than what you’d get with a bank or credit union. Try to look for lenders that allow you to prequalify without affecting your credit score so you don’t suffer a point drop just for applying.
• Credit unions. You can usually get a much lower interest rates from credit unions than you’d find at other institutions. Many even provide small short-term loans designed to improve your credit score in the long run. However, credit unions are typically a better option for those who aren’t in a rush: you’ll have to become a member, and it can take a few weeks to complete the application and receive your loan.

If you need a loan urgently and unable to improve on your credit score in time, you may consider one of these loan options:

• Payday loans. Short-term loans that you repay in two to four weeks. Payday loan providers don’t require a collateral from lenders but beware of the high EIRs.
• Short term instalment loans. Access up to $2,000 with repayment terms typically between 2–12 months. The eligibility requirements for these loans tend to focus on a person’s current financial circumstances and their ability to repay the loan within the set timeframe. Beware of high EIR (though typically lower than payday loans) and late repayment fees.
• Secured personal loans. This type of loan requires financial collateral – such as a home, car or other valuable asset – to “secure” the loan. This means that if repayments are not made on time or if other terms of the loan are not met, the lender may claim the asset as a form of compensation.
• Guarantor personal loans. Taking up a personal loan with a guarantor is to have someone else to financially vouch that the loan will be repaid. This person shares responsibility for the loan and may be required to repay it if the terms are not met.
• Cash advances. If you have a credit card, you may be able to withdraw a cash advance meet your short-term money needs.
• Other alternatives. Consider other options to raise funds such as home equity loans, applying for a smaller amount or borrowing from family and friends.

The costs can vary depending on factors including the lender, the type of loan and the amount borrowed.

However, to protect borrowers from exorbitant hidden fees, the Ministry of Law’s Guide to Borrowing from Licensed Moneylenders has indicated a maximum cap on fees and the interest charged on both secured and unsecured loans:

• Interest rate. Maximum 4% per month (must be based on the amount of principal remaining after deducting the total payments made from the original principal)
• Late payment interest. Maximum 4% per month for each month the loan is repaid late (may only be charged on an amount that is repaid late)
• Upfront administrative fee. Up to 10% of the principal of the loan when a loan is granted
• Late repayment fee. Up to $60 for each month of late repayment

Moneylenders are also allowed to impose any legal costs ordered by the court for a successful claim on the borrower for the recovery of the loan. To further prevent moneylenders from overcharging borrowers, the total charges imposed by a moneylender on any loan cannot exceed an amount equivalent to the principal of the loan.

As with any loan, approval is determined based on a range of eligibility factors and lending criteria. So, before applying, it is important to check the details and requirements of a loan to decide if it is suitable. Some other actions to consider include:

• Check your credit score to see where you stand. This helps gives you an idea of your credit position and any details that may affect the chances of loan approval.
• Discuss your options with a qualified professional. If you’re struggling financially and need help, the Credit Counselling Singapore hotline offers free support and advice from qualified professionals. This can help you make decisions that fit with your current circumstances.
• Don’t make multiple credit applications at once. Applying for more than one loan at a time (or over a short amount of time) is a red flag to lenders and can hinder the chances of loan approval now and in the future. When applying for loans, apply for one and wait for a response before taking further action.
• Budget your repayments. Get a realistic idea of how much your repayments will be with a personal loan calculator to ensure that you don’t apply for a loan you can’t afford. Lenders, when reviewing your application, will only approve your loan if you can afford the repayments.
• Skim through the rates and fees. Many loans for poor credit can be costly, so being aware of the full cost will help you plan for your payments.

Most Singaporeans don’t know exactly what their credit score is, but you don’t have to be one of them. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from Credit Bureau Singapore if you meet any of the pre-requisites listed.

Credit Bureau Singapore publishes its credit grading table on its website:

Source: Credit Bureau Singapore

The highest possible credit score risk grade is AA. Grades of B or C are signs of delinquency or late repayments, and grades of D or lower are usually the result of defaults. Lenders in Singapore usually require a least a BB to approve your loan application.

Typically, people with bad credit have struggled paying off debt in the past or simply don’t have a long-enough credit history to get a good credit score. If you’ve missed payments, defaulted on previous loans or declared bankruptcy, it’s likely that you won’t have a good credit score.

• No collateral required. Loans for bad credit are typically unsecured, so you don’t have to provide collateral to qualify.
• Quick turnaround. Many personal loans only take a few minutes to apply for, and you could receive a decision the same day.
• Your rates don’t change. Personal loans usually have fixed interest rates, so you don’t have to worry about your repayments changing over time.
• Very few restrictions. You can use a personal loan for just about anything, including debt consolidation and bill payments. As long as it’s legal and approved by your lender, you won’t be limited to where you spend your loan.
• No early settlement penalties. Some lenders let you repay your loan ahead of time without charging any additional fees, reducing how much you end up paying in interest.

While it depends on the type of loan you’re looking to borrow, you’ll follow about the same process with each lender and need to supply much of the same information:

1. Find a lender that accepts poor credit borrowers. These lenders may still look at your credit score, but they will also consider your income and ability to repay your loan when considering your application.
2. Check if you can complete an application online or in-store.
   • In-store application. Lender may be able to give you your loan funds that same day.
   • Online application. It may take a day or two for your funds to be deposited into your bank account.

You’ll also need to give your lender a bit of basic information about yourself, including

• Your contact information, current address and employer
• Your NRIC and date of birth
• Your salary slips, tax notice and bank statements

While improving your credit score can be a slow process, it will help you find better financing and more favourable rates down the road. You can start working on your score by taking advantage of some of these tips:

• Order a copy of your credit report. To get the most accurate picture of your current financial health, purchase your credit report from Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) at $6.42 (inclusive of GST). Take a look at your personal information, employment data, open accounts and balances and any other financial details listed and make sure that all of the information is accurate. If you see any discrepancies, report them to CBS and the providers that marked them.
• Pay down your credit card accounts. One of the five variables that determines your credit score is your credit utilisation ratio, which is calculated by dividing your balance on existing credit cards by your available credit limits. Most lenders want to see a utilisation ratio of 30% or less. This means that if you have a credit card with a $10,000 limit, you only want to keep a balance of $3,000 or less.
• Don’t take out new loans. Every time you apply for a credit card or personal loan, the lender does a hard credit check, which knocks your credit score down by a few points. To avoid further damage to your credit report, work on paying your outstanding debts instead of borrowing more.
• Don’t close accounts just because you’re not using them. One of the five variables that determines your credit score is your credit history. Lenders want to see a long history of credit in your report, so closing that bank account or credit card could do more harm than good.

Bad credit isn’t the end of the line when it comes to taking out a personal loan. There are multiple lenders and loan options available to you no matter your score, but be careful. You may face high interest and multiple fees when you borrow, making your loan difficult to afford.

As with every big financial decision, compare your loan options before signing a loan contract.

• Can I get a personal loan with a low credit score?

  It’s possible. But you’ll have more options with a better credit rating. You might want to take some simple steps to improve your credit score, even if it’s just by paying down some of your debts or checking your credit report for errors.

• What is the maximum amount I can get through a personal loan for bad credit?

  This depends on the lender you choose as well as your creditworthiness, existing financial situation and ability to repay.

• Can I consolidate debt with bad credit?

  You can, but it might not be a good idea. Unless your credit score has significantly improved since you took on the debt that you owe, you probably won’t be able to qualify for competitive rates or terms.

  If you’re struggling to pay off your debt, you might want to consider signing up for a government-approved credit counselling program to figure out what the best next step is for you. You can find on the Credit Counselling Singapore website. You might also want to check out our guide to debt consolidation to know what your options are first.

• Do providers of online loans for bad credit require me to fax any documents?

  Online lenders usually do not require you to fax documents over.

• What makes up my credit score?

  Factors that affect your credit score include your payment history, the money you owe, length of your credit history, types of credit you use as well as how often you apply for new credit.

  What is the easiest loan to get approved for with bad credit?

  The easiest loans to get approved for would probably be payday loans, car title loans, pawnshop loans, and personal installment loans. These are all short-term cash solutions for bad credit borrowers. Many of these options are designed to help borrowers who need fast cash in times of need.

  What is the best way to get a personal loan if you have bad credit?

  Credit unions. You must be a member of a credit union to borrow from it, but they're one of the best places to turn if you have bad credit. Credit unions consider a loan applicant's history as a member when making a decision, which means a good relationship with the credit union could help with approval.

  Can I take a loan out with a 500 credit score?

  Lenders can consider giving a personal loan to a borrower with a 500 credit score. However, most lenders have preset requirements that help determine who can qualify for a loan. If you have a 500 credit score and need a personal loan, you should identify subprime lenders.

  Can I get a personal loan with a credit score of 550?

  Yes, you can get a personal loan with a credit score of 550. You could consider getting a secured personal loan, applying for an unsecured personal loan with a co-signer, borrowing from family and friends, and checking with local credit unions which usually have a lower requirement over credit score.