Can People with Bad Credit Really Get a Personal Loan?

Personal loans come in 2 different types: A secure loan, and an unsecured loan. The secured loan is one that requires collateral from the borrower, such as a house or car. If you have bad credit, you can still get a loan as long as you have something of value to offer as collateral. If you have bad credit and no collateral, it’s a bit harder to get a personal loan, but isn’t impossible.

As the economy is so desolate right now, a lot of financial institutions are offering bad credit loans. These are personal loans for people with no collateral and that also have a bad credit rating. They can be used to pay off debts, home construction, medical bills, vehicle repairs, or catching up on things you owe.

If you need a bad credit personal loan, you may want to try your bank or credit union first. Usually, these financial institutions don’t offer these types of loans. But it’s always good to start with the place you have built a relationship with.

Your next stop should be the Internet. When you start searching there, you’ll find that there are thousands of choices for you. Just by clicking your mouse you can get quotes, rates, and terms of numerous and varied loan types.

You do need to be careful, though, because all bad credit personal loans are different, just as the companies are that offer them. Searching for a lender online gives you the chance to thoroughly investigate each option before committing to just one. Be careful that you don’t run into a scam because there are many out there, not to mention the potential for identity theft. Verify everything about a lender before starting the process. Make sure there’s a valid physical address. Also, call the phone number and speak to a customer service representative. The Better Business Bureau will alert you to any complaints a company has filed against it.

If you have poor credit and no collateral, your interest rate will probably be pretty high. Your loan paperwork should clearly explain your fees and rate. Be clear about when your payments are due and read all fine print before signing anything.