Personal loans for a credit score under 600

Getting your hands on much-needed funds is tough when you have less-than-good credit. But, thankfully, it’s not impossible. Not all lenders offer personal loans for a 600 credit score or less, but some do. Here’s where to apply and what you need to know about getting a 600 credit score loan in Canada.

Compare personal loans for a 600 credit score or less

What does it mean to have a credit score under 600?

If your credit score falls somewhere between 560 and 659, you fall into the “fair credit” category, according to credit reporting bureau Equifax. Here’s how Equifax breaks down credit score rankings:

• 760 and up: Excellent
• 725 to 759: Very good
• 660 to 724: Good
• 560 to 659: Fair
• Below 560: Poor

Lenders typically see borrowers with credit scores under 660 as risky, so fair credit borrowers usually get high interest rates. Major banks tend to play it safe and lend to those with good to excellent credit, so fair credit applicants might not have a good shot. You’re wading into bad credit territory when your score dips below 560. Narrow your focus to lenders that offer bad credit loans in Canada.

Must read: Best bad credit loans in Canada

Can I get approved for a loan with a 600 credit score?

Yes. If you’re searching for a personal loan for a 600 credit score or less, try applying to alternative lenders. More lenient than banks and credit unions, these lenders determine if you can afford a loan by looking at your monthly income and debt payments instead of fixating on your credit score.

Related: How much can I borrow with my credit score?

Features of personal loans for a credit score under 600

If you’re looking for a personal loan with a fair or poor credit score, expect these key features:

• Unsecured and secured options.
  With secured personal loans, you’re putting collateral on the line, such as your home equity or your car. With unsecured personal loans, you don’t have to put up any collateral, but you’ll pay higher interest rates compared to secured loans. Getting unsecured loans is also faster since lenders don’t have to estimate the value of your collateral.
• Loan amounts between $$500 and $10,000.
  Personal loans offer flexibility in terms of how much you can apply for, depending on your needs. You can apply for as little as a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. You can even apply for upwards of $10,000 if you choose a secured loan with your house as collateral (also known as a “home equity loan”).
• Higher APRs.
  Because you’re applying with a credit score under 600, be prepared for interest rates between 18% - 47% for unsecured loans and between 9% – 49%for secured loans. Your lender is taking a chance on you and will offset the risk with these higher interest rates.
• Loan terms of 3 - 60 months.
  Generally, the longer the loan term, the more you’ll pay interest.

How to get a loan with a credit score under 600

If you’re applying for a personal loan with a 600 credit score for fair or poor credit, follow these steps to help you find the best loan options you can qualify for:

1. Check your credit (and make improvements if you have the time).

Before you get started with an application, check both your credit report and credit score so you have a good read on how you’ll appear to lenders. If you notice any inaccuracies, contact your creditor and the credit bureau to report the error and make sure it’s removed before you apply. If you have the time to spare before applying, take steps to rebuild your credit first. This will help you score a better interest rate and terms.

2. Compare lenders and check their eligibility requirements.

With a credit score under 600, zero in on lenders with a minimum credit score requirement that’s lower than your score. Also check the lenders’ minimum income requirement and serviced provinces.

3. Apply to your top choices and wait for pre-approval.

Once you’ve shortlisted your options, fill out the applications to get pre-approved. Pre-approval for a bad credit personal loan gives you an estimate of the interest rate, loan amounts and terms you’re eligible for.

4. Pick a lender and complete the rest of your application.

If you’re happy with a loan offer, proceed with the rest of the application process. You may need to provide documents such as a copy of your government-issued ID and bank statements.

5. Review and sign your final offer.

Once your lender verifies your identity and your income, you’ll receive your final loan offer. Carefully review your loan agreement. Once you sign your contract, you should receive your loan funds in your bank account within 1 business day.

How do I evaluate offers for loans with a 600 credit score?

You’ve submitted your loan application and received a loan offer, but how do you decide if it’s good or not? Here’s what to focus on:

The interest rate

Are you happy with the interest rate the lender is qualifying you for? Shopping around for the lowest interest rate on loans for a 600 credit score will save you money over the lifetime of your loan. Focus on the annual percentage rate (APR), which is the annual interest rate plus other fees you’ll pay to get the loan.

Terms and repayment options

Are you comfortable with the repayment conditions, such as the amount of time you have, the payment frequency and the payment amount? You may want a lender that allows you to make payments weekly, bi-weekly or monthly and gives you the flexibility to make early repayments without penalties.

Principal versus interest

Examine the payment schedule and know how much of your payments is going towards paying the interest versus reducing the principal.

Fees and charges

Fees can add unnecessary costs to your loan for a 600 credit score, driving up the cost of your loan. Charges you should watch out for are administration fees, surety fees, broker fees, NSF fees, late payment fees, prepayment penalties and loan insurance.

Customer reviews

Read customer feedback to give you an idea of the quality of service you can expect with your top contenders. You may wish to avoid a lender with a noticeable pattern of complaints.

What are the signs of a legitimate lender?

Ensuring you’re working with a legitimate lender is a crucial step before proceeding with any loans for a 600 credit score. When you’re examining a lender, make sure of the following:

• It’s registered as a business in your province or territory.
• It has a physical address for a head office, a phone number and an email address for customer service. If a lender is missing these key details, this may be a red flag.
• It says it doesn’t refuse any applications. Avoid any lenders promising approval for everyone. No trustworthy and reliable lenders can guarantee you’ll get approved for a personal loan with a 600 credit score. Legitimate lenders evaluate a borrower’s financial situation before approving. Read our guide to no refusal loans.
• It is well-reviewed, has an active social media presence and has accreditations. Online clout helps to prove a lender’s legitimacy. Does the lender have a lengthy history of reviews from customers? Is it active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn with frequent posts or responses to customer inquiries? Is it accredited by the Better Business Bureau? You’ll want to find a lender with a decent social imprint.
• It doesn’t pressure you to sign. Avoid lenders that rush you into signing and don’t take the time to explain the terms of the loan to you.
• It’s transparent. Only apply to lenders that are upfront about the interest rate and fees they’re charging you.

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Are there any alternatives to personal loans?

Whether you have excellent, fair or poor credit, personal loans aren’t your only option. You can also consider getting a car title loan, credit card or (as a last resort) payday loan.

Car title loan

An auto title loan is secured using your vehicle as collateral, so you don’t need good credit to qualify. But you must own your vehicle outright—it can’t be partially unpaid. Terms range from 3 – 60 months. Be aware that if you default, the lender can repossess your car.

Credit card

Credit card interest rates can be high, but this could be an option if you need funds urgently and don’t qualify for a personal loan. There’s no term or deadline for full repayment. By law, federally-regulated financial institutions like banks must offer a minimum 21-day grace period, in which you can pay off your balance without interest. But this doesn’t apply to cash advances or balance transfers.

Payday loan

When you can’t get personal loans for a 600 credit score or less, a payday loan can help you cover short-term costs. Borrow up to $1,500, and repay the amount with your next pay cheque. The catch? Payday loans come with extremely high interest rates, and there’s a risk of getting stuck in a cycle of debt if you can’t fully pay off the loan on time. Make sure you can afford repayment before moving forward.

Credit scores are the top reason for personal/car loan rejection

In the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey January 2024, respondents were asked to select the main factor for a previous application for a personal or car loan being denied. Eight percent of respondents cited having an insufficient credit rating as the primary reason.

FAQs about loans for a 600 credit score or less

• Can you get approved for loans with a 600 credit score?

  Yes, you can get a loan with a 600 credit score. If your credit score is 600, you fall into the "fair credit" category. While you won't gain access to the lowest available rates and the widest range of lenders, fair credit loans will still be available to you.

• Can I get a loan if my credit score is below 600?

  With a credit score of under 600, you can qualify for a range of loan options including the following:

  • Unsecured personal loans
  • Payday loans
  • Car title loans
  • Home equity loans
  • Credit builder loans

• How big of a loan can I get with a 600 credit score?

  Count on qualifying for a personal loan between $500 and $10,000 if your loan is unsecured. You may be able to borrow more if you're putting collateral on the line.