Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit of May 2026
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The best debt consolidation loans for bad credit help you pay off multiple debts at once while saving money on interest.
| Lender | NerdWallet rating | Est. APR | Loan amount | Min. credit score | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.5/5 Excellent for thin credit | 6.70-35.99% | $1,000-$75,000 | None | See my rateson NerdWallet's secure website | |
5.0/5 Excellent for multiple rate discounts | 7.74-35.99% | $1,000-$50,000 | 600 | See my rateson NerdWallet's secure website | |
4.5/5 Excellent for fast funding | 11.69-35.99% | $1,000-$50,000 | 560 | See my rateson NerdWallet's secure website | |
4.0/5 Excellent for low income requirement | 9.95-35.99% | $2,000-$35,000 | 550 | See my rateson NerdWallet's secure website | |
4.5/5 Excellent for secured loan option | 5.99-35.99% | $2,000-$50,000 | 600 | See my rateson NerdWallet's secure website |
Best for
thin credit
Upstart
6.70-35.99%
$1,000-$75,000
None
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Upstart personal loans offer fast funding and may be an option for borrowers with low credit scores or thin credit histories. Upstart is a solid choice for financing large purchases.
- No minimum credit score requirement
- Fast funding
- Secured loans
- Range of loan amounts
- Origination fee
- Only two repayment terms
- No joint or co-sign loans
- No direct payment to creditors
- Must be at least 18 years old in most states.
- Must have a valid U.S. bank account, U.S. residential address and email address.
- Must provide valid Social Security number.
- Must provide verifiable source of income.
- Minimum credit score: None.
- Minimum annual income: None.
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%, not including rent or mortgage, in most states.
- Origination: 0% to 12%.
- Late fee: 5% of the unpaid amount or $15, whichever is greater.
- Insufficient funds fee: $15.
Best for
multiple rate discounts
Upgrade
7.74-35.99%
$1,000-$50,000
600
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Upgrade personal loans come with multiple rate discounts and offer direct payment to creditors. This lender has a low minimum credit score requirement, making the perks stand out even more.
- Multiple rate discounts
- Secured and co-sign loans
- Fast funding
- Range of loan amounts and repayment terms
- Origination fee
- No option to choose repayment date
- Minimum credit score: 600.
- Minimum annual income: None.
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including mortgage payments.
- Minimum credit history: 3 years and 1 account.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and provide a valid Social Security number, email address, proof of residency and U.S. bank account.
- Origination: 1.85% to 9.99%.
- Late fee: Undisclosed.
Best for
fast funding
Universal Credit
11.69-35.99%
$1,000-$50,000
560
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A Universal Credit loan is a sound option for bad-credit borrowers looking to build credit, but rates are high compared to similar lenders.
- Direct payment to creditors
- Fast funding
- Multiple rate discounts
- Wide range of loan amounts
- Origination fee
- No co-sign, joint or secured loan options
- Minimum credit score: 560.
- Minimum credit history: Two years and one account.
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including mortgage.
- Must be at least 18 (or the age of majority in AL, MS or NE)
- Must be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number and provide proof of residency.
- Must have a valid U.S. bank account and email address.
- Origination fee: 5.25% to 9.99%.
- Late fee: Undisclosed.
Best for
low income requirement
Avant
9.95-35.99%
$2,000-$35,000
550
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Avant personal loans are a solid option for fair- and bad-credit borrowers who need fast funding, but their rates and origination fees can be high.
- Accepts all credit scores
- Low income requirement
- Next-day funding
- Hardship program
- 7-day customer support
- Origination fee
- No co-sign, joint or secured loan options
- No rate discount
- No direct payment to creditors
- Minimum credit score: 550.
- Minimum monthly net income: $1,200.
- Must have a Social Security number, valid U.S. bank account and email address.
- Must not be in active bankruptcy.
- Must not live in CO, HI, IA, ME, MA, NY, VT, WA or WV.
- Origination fee: Up to 9.99%.
- Late fee: $25.
- Nonsufficient funds fee: $15.
Best for
secured loan option
Best Egg
5.99-35.99%
$2,000-$50,000
600
View details Close details
Best Egg is worth considering for borrowers looking for a secured loan or to consolidate debt, but the loans come with an origination fee.
- Range of loan amounts
- Secured loans
- Direct payment to creditors
- Next-day funding
- Free credit score
- Origination fee
- No co-sign or joint loans
- Minimum credit score: 600.
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 70%, including mortgage payments.
- Minimum credit history: 3 years and 1 open account.
- Must provide a Social Security number, a valid U.S. bank account and proof of employment or income.
- Must not have any previous bankruptcies.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age.
- Cannot live in Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia or Washington, D.C.
- Origination fee: 0.99% - 9.99%.
Best debt consolidation companies for bad credit
The best debt consolidation companies for borrowers with bad credit have a low minimum credit score requirement and income requirement, offer important consolidation features like direct payment to creditors and keep interest costs low through features like rate discounts.
Upstart: Best for thin credit histories
What credit score do I need? Upstart has no minimum credit score requirement.
Why we like Upstart: Upstart loans are available to borrowers who want to apply for a debt consolidation loan but don’t have enough credit history to generate a credit score, which is a unique feature among lenders.
» MORE: Read our Upstart review
Upgrade: Best for multiple rate discounts
What credit score do I need? You need a minimum 600 credit score to apply with Upgrade.
Why we like Upgrade: Qualifying for a low rate is important for debt consolidation, and Upgrade offers multiple ways to get a discount, like by setting up automatic payments, which helps you avoid late fees, and having the loan funds directly sent to your creditors.
» MORE: Read our Upgrade review
Universal Credit: Best for fast funding
What credit score do I need? You need a minimum 560 credit score to apply with Universal Credit.
Why we like Universal Credit: Universal Credit says it approves most loan applications under five minutes, and the loan funds are typically available in one business day, getting you quickly on the path to paying off your debts.
» MORE: Read our Universal Credit review
Avant: Best for low income requirement
What credit score do I need? You need a minimum 550 credit score to apply with Avant.
Why we like Avant: Avant’s low income requirement — $1,200 net monthly — could help you qualify if you’re worried your credit score isn't high enough. Income is another factor lenders consider when deciding whether to approve you for a loan.
» MORE: Read our Avant review
Best Egg: Best for secured loan option
What credit score do I need? You need a minimum 600 credit score to apply with Best Egg.
Why we like Best Egg: Best Egg lets borrowers use home fixtures or their vehicle as collateral for a debt consolidation loan, which can help you qualify for a lower rate or larger loan.
» MORE: Read our Best Egg review
How does debt consolidation with bad credit work?
Many people who struggle with debt have bad credit (any score from 300 to the high 500s), but the good news is you can still qualify for a debt consolidation loan to help pay off your debts.
Online lenders and credit unions offer debt consolidation loans for borrowers with low credit scores, and these loans can not only ease your debt burden, but help you save money in the long run.
Here’s how it works: You apply for a debt consolidation loan (amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000), and if approved, you use that money to pay off all your debts in one go. Now you’re left with only one debt — your new loan — which simplifies the payoff process, since you’re no longer juggling multiple payments and due dates. Most debt consolidation loans come with repayment terms of two to seven years
Nerdy Tip
Debt consolidation loans make the most sense if you can qualify for a lower interest rate than the average rate you’re currently paying across your debts. It can be harder to qualify for a low rate if you have bad credit, but it’s doable. You may just need to compare rates from a few different lenders before you apply.
How to boost approval odds for a debt consolidation loan
Many lenders offer debt consolidation loans for borrowers with bad credit, and you may not need to do anything other than apply. But if you want to boost your approval chances even higher, these three tips can help.
Rack up a couple quick wins for your credit score
Before you apply for a debt consolidation loan, start by paying down any small debts, if possible. This lowers your debt-to-income ratio, which can help quickly build your score. You can also check your credit report for errors (more common than you think) and file a dispute.
Add someone with better credit to your loan application
Applying for a co-signed or joint loan, especially if the co-borrower has a better credit score or higher income than you, can majorly improve your chances of getting approved. You’ll want to make sure this is a person you can trust, since they may have access to the loan funds, and they’ll be equally on the hook for repayment.
Tie collateral to the loan application
Applying for a secured loan, in which you pledge collateral like your car or savings account to help guarantee the loan, is another way to boost your application. This makes the loan less risky for the lender, so they’re more likely to approve or give you a lower rate. But keep in mind that if you fail to repay the loan, the lender can seize the collateral.
The pros and cons of debt consolidation loans for bad credit
Pros
- Save interest and time.
- Fixed, predictable payments.
- Ability to build credit.
- Clear finish line to being debt-free.
Cons
- May not qualify for a low rate.
- Temporary hit to your credit.
- Doesn’t address the root causes of debt.
Pros of debt consolidation loans for bad credit
You’ll save money on interest: By consolidating your debts under a loan with a lower interest rate, you’ll save money on interest. You can even apply that savings back to your debt to speed up your payoff time and get out of debt faster.
You’ll have fixed monthly payments: Debt consolidation loan payments are fixed, meaning you’ll owe the same amount each month, which makes it easier to budget for.
You can build credit: Reputable lenders will report your payment history to the credit bureaus, so paying off your consolidation loan on time can help build your credit score.
You’ll have a clear finish line: By taking out a loan with a set repayment term, you’ll know exactly what day you’ll be debt-free, which can be especially motivating.
Cons of debt consolidation loans for bad credit
It may be hard to get a low enough rate: Borrowers with bad credit may have a harder time qualifying for a lower rate than their current debts.
Your credit will take a small hit: Applying for a debt consolidation loan will require a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily knocks a few points off your credit score.
Consolidation doesn’t address the root causes of debt: Consolidating your debts won’t fix issues like overspending or not making enough income to cover expenses.
How to get a debt consolidation loan with bad credit
1. Know how much debt you have and what rate you want
Knowing how much debt you’re carrying tells you the loan amount you need to apply for. You can use NerdWallet’s debt consolidation calculator to plug all your existing debts into one place and get the total amount.
You can also use the calculator to see the combined interest rate. Look for a debt consolidation loan with a lower annual percentage rate, or APR, than your existing debts. This saves you money on interest.
2. Pre-qualify with multiple lenders
If you have bad credit, it’s particularly important to compare interest rates and terms from multiple lenders in order to get the best deal on your debt consolidation loan. The easiest way to do that is through a process called pre-qualification.
Pre-qualifying just means filling out a short application on the lender’s website and submitting to a soft credit check, which won’t hurt your credit score. You can then view your estimated annual percentage rate with that lender. You’ll want a rate that’s lower than your existing debts, which allows you to save money and get out of debt faster.
Almost all online lenders offer pre-qualification, as well as some credit unions.
3. Submit your application
Once you’ve pre-qualified and chosen a lender, it’s time to officially apply for the loan. Most applications are online, and you’ll be asked to provide personal information, including your Social Security number, and any required documentation that verifies your identity, income and employment.
Many lenders can make an immediate approval decision, though some may take a few business days to get back to you.
» MORE: How to get a personal loan
4. Get funded
Once you’re approved, you’ll receive the loan documents, which you can usually sign electronically. Make sure to read the documents carefully before signing.
Lenders can deposit the funds directly into your bank account, though some may offer direct payment to creditors, which means the lender pays off your creditors for you, simplifying the process — and eliminating any temptation to use the cash for something else.
Though funding time varies, many online lenders offer same- and next-day funding.
5. Pay down debt and keep up with loan payments
Once you receive the funds in your account, use them to pay off your debts. If the funds are being sent to your creditors for you, confirm with each creditor that your debt was successfully paid off.
Next, make a plan to manage your loan, which may include building a budget that prioritizes your new monthly payment and keeping an eye on any refinancing opportunities.
Most lenders charge a late fee for missed payments — and report them to the credit bureaus, which can hurt your score — so consider setting up automatic payments to avoid falling behind.
FAQs about debt consolidation loans for bad credit
What credit score do I need for a debt consolidation loan?
Many online lenders have no minimum credit score requirement, and some will use alternative data, like your college education or work experience, to help qualify you for a debt consolidation loan. Upstart is a good example.
Can I get a guaranteed debt consolidation loan with bad credit?
No lender should guarantee approval for a debt consolidation loan. If you stumble on a lender that implies you’ll be approved no matter what, steer clear. This is likely a predatory lender that may charge triple-digit interest rates. Reputable lenders conduct a hard credit check before deciding whether to approve you and charge a maximum APR of 36%.
What is a credit card consolidation loan for bad credit?
A credit card consolidation loan is just another name for a debt consolidation loan. Many people use debt consolidation loans to pay off multiple credit card balances at once, which is why it’s sometimes called a credit card consolidation loan. Online lenders and credit unions offer these loans to borrowers even if they have bad credit, but you may need to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
What rate can I expect on a debt consolidation loan if I have bad credit?
Debt consolidation loans typically have higher rates for borrowers with bad credit. Though the rate you get will depend on the lender and the details of your loan application, borrowers with bad credit can expect an average personal loan rate of about 22%, according to NerdWallet rate data. As long as the rate you get is lower than the rate of the debts you want to consolidate, you’ll still save money with a debt consolidation loan.
Other ways to tackle your debt if you have bad credit
A debt consolidation loan isn’t your only option for getting out of debt if you have bad credit.
Credit counseling
If you’d like help with tackling your debt instead, credit counseling can be a great resource. Credit counselors at a reputable non-profit can help negotiate your interest rates down and put you on a debt management plan. These plans can help you get out of credit card debt in three to five years and come with small monthly fees.
DIY debt payoff strategies
You can take a do-it-yourself approach to paying off debt with two time-tested strategies: the debt snowball or the debt avalanche method.
With the debt snowball method, you tackle your smallest debt first and then work your way up, building momentum as you go. With the debt avalanche, you tackle your most expensive debt first, meaning the one with the highest interest rate, and apply your savings to the next highest and so on.
Debt settlement
Debt settlement is the process of settling your debts for less than you owe, usually with the help of a debt settlement company. A debt settlement company will ask you to stop making payments on your debts and instead funnel that money into a holding account. Once a debt is significantly overdue, the settlement company will approach your creditor with a settlement offer, using the money in the holding account. Debt settlement is risky, though, so explore alternatives first.
Bankruptcy
If you have significant debt (more than 40% of your income) and you don’t think you can pay it off within five years, bankruptcy is another option. This wipes out most unsecured debts, but it’s hard on your credit score. You’ll want to consider other alternatives first.
» COMPARE: More options for debt relief
Last updated on October 1, 2025
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit of May 2026- Upstart: Excellent for thin credit
- Upgrade: Excellent for multiple rate discounts
- Universal Credit: Excellent for fast funding
- Avant: Excellent for low income requirement
- Best Egg: Excellent for secured loan option