Bad Credit

Financial Solutions for Bad Credit

Legitimate lenders and credit cards for scores 300–669

580Score for Most Lenders
NoneOneMain Min. Score
550Credit One Min. Score
No CheckOpenSky Secured

Your Options by Credit Score

Score Range Rating Loan Options Credit Card Options
580–669 Fair Upgrade, Avant, LendingClub Capital One Secured, Credit One
500–579 Poor OneMain Financial, Universal Credit OpenSky Secured, First Progress
Below 500 Very Poor OneMain (secured), Credit unions Chime Credit Builder, OpenSky

🔧 How to Rebuild Your Credit — 6 Steps

Step 1Check report for errors
Step 2Get a secured card
Step 3Keep utilization < 30%
Step 4Pay every bill on time
Step 5Use Experian Boost

✅ Smart Moves

  • Pre-qualify with soft checks first
  • Start with secured cards if needed
  • Dispute credit report errors
  • Use Experian Boost for instant lift

❌ Avoid These

  • Payday loans (400%+ APR)
  • Title loans (risk losing your car)
  • “Guaranteed approval” scams
  • Upfront fee lenders
Compare Bad Credit Loan Options →
Lenders accepting scores as low as 580

Guides on bad credit loans, credit building, and improving your score: