8 Places for Signature Loans for Bad Credit or With No Credit Check

A signature loan can be helpful in an emergency, when paying for a large expense, or when funding a vacation. Despite the fact that these are unsecured loans, there are still a number of lenders that provide them to customers with poor credit, and some do not even require a credit check. Below, we have the list of lenders that offer signature loans with no credit check necessary, as well as those that offer signature loans for bad credit.

What Are Signature Loans?

A signature loan — also known as a good faith loan or a character loan — is a type of unsecured personal loan given in good faith based on the borrower’s promise to repay the loan. This is in contrast to a secured loan, for which the borrower must offer collateral. These loans are called signature loans because the borrower’s signature is typically the only guarantee that the loan will be repaid. Some lenders even let you sign your loan documents electronically so that you can complete the loan paperwork from home. Keep in mind, however, that electronic signatures are legally binding in the U.S. and they carry the same weight as a handwritten signature.

When applying for signature loans, it’s important to keep in mind that they often have higher interest rates than secured loans, particularly for borrowers with bad credit. You should be aware of the loan’s interest rate and fees before applying, to be sure that you will be able to pay the loan back in full. You may also want to research the company to determine whether it is known to engage in any predatory lending practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau maintains a database of consumer complaints that you can use to search lenders by name. You can also check the lender’s Better Business Bureau rating to determine if you’re comfortable borrowing from it.

Signature Loans: No Credit Check Options

The following lenders provide signature loans without a credit check, ordered starting with the best overall options. These lenders will look at other credit data to determine approval, or they will base your eligibility on your income.

OppLoans

• Loan amount: $1,000 to $4,000
• Interest and fees: Variable from around 50% to 160%
• Repayment terms: Up to 36 months; vary by state
• Requirements: A bank account in your name that accepts direct deposit; must be employed and have a monthly income of at least $1,500
• E-signature option available? Yes
• Find out more or apply

CashNetUSA

• Loan amount: Signature loans up to $3,400 in some states
• Interest and fees: Variable APR from around 80% to 200% or more; $15 late fee
• Repayment terms: 18 to 24 months
• Requirements: A checking account and proof of a steady income; must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen
• E-signature option available? Yes
• Find out more or apply

LendUp

• Loan amount: $100 to $1,000, depending on your state
• Interest and fees: APR of up to 400% or more; fees vary by contract
• Repayment terms: Three to 12 months
• Requirements: A valid phone number and email address, a checking account that accepts direct deposit, and proof of income
• E-signature option available? Yes
• Find out more or apply

Alternatively, you can apply for a payday loan without a credit check. For the list of the places, see our article on payday loan options with no credit check.

Signature Loans: Bad Credit Options

We list the signature loan options for bad credit below. Most of the following lenders will perform a soft credit check but will work with you if you have less-than-perfect credit; they don’t set minimum credit requirements. We’ve ordered the list below starting with the best overall options.

PersonalLoans.com

• Loan amount: $500 to $35,000
• Interest and fees: Variable APR from around 6% to 36%; origination fee up to 5%
• Repayment terms: Up to 60 months
• Requirements: A valid checking account, Social Security number, and proof of income and/or employment earning at least $2,000 a month; must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen
• E-signature option available? Yes
• Find out more or apply

Avant

• Loan amount: $2,000 to $35,000
• Interest and fees: Variable APR of around 0% to 36%; administration fee of 1.5% to 4.75%
• Repayment terms: 24 to 60 months
• Requirements: Must have proof of an annual income of at least $20,000
• E-signature option available? Yes
• Find out more or apply

NetCredit

• Loan amount: $1,000 to $10,000
• Interest and fees: Vary by state; origination fee up to 5%
• Repayment terms: Six to 60 months
• Requirements: A valid Social Security number; must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen
• E-signature option available? Yes
• Find out more or apply

OneMain Financial

• Loan amount: $1,000 to $30,000
• Interest and fees: Variable APR from around 18% to 36%; origination fee varies by state
• Repayment terms: Two to five years
• Requirements: Proof of income, proof of residence, and proof of citizenship
• E-signature option available? No
• Find out more or apply

Bad Credit Loans

• Loan amount: $500 to $5,000
• Interest and fees: Variable APR of around 6% to 36%; fees vary by contract
• Repayment terms: Three to 36 months
• Requirements: A valid email address, work and home phone numbers, a regular income, and a checking account that can accept direct deposit; must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen
• E-signature option available? Yes
• Find out more or apply

In Summary

No credit check signature loans are available, as well as signature loans for bad credit. Companies like OppLoans, CashNetUSA, and LendUp do not require a credit check, and they allow you to sign for loans online. Other companies like PersonalLoans.com and Avant do require a credit check, but they are generally willing to lend to applicants with poor credit history. Keep in mind that unsecured signature loans will typically come with lower limits and higher interest rates than secured personal loans, so you should be sure that you can afford the full repayment amount before applying.