How to get a personal loan even if you have the worst credit like under 600
When I first started looking into personal loans with a credit score under 600, I figured I was out of luck. Every bank I checked basically told me the same thing: come back when your score is higher. But after doing a ton of research (and actually applying to a few lenders myself), I found out there are real options out there.
A growing number of online lenders now specialize in working with borrowers who have fair or poor credit. Some use AI and alternative data to look beyond your credit score, which means you could get approved even if your FICO number alone would get you rejected at a traditional bank.
Here's everything I learned about getting a personal loan with a sub-600 credit score, and what to do if a personal loan isn't the right move for your situation.
Posted Feb 19, 2026, 3:48 PM UTC