The short version
Key takeaways
- A 600 score is in the fair range, and several online lenders and some credit unions do approve borrowers there.
- Expect APRs toward the higher end — often in the 20s or 30s — plus origination fees that can reach 8% to 12%.
- Adding a co-borrower, choosing a secured loan or lowering your debt-to-income ratio can improve your rate.
- Avoid payday and car title loans, which typically cost far more than even a high-APR personal loan.
A 600 credit score sits in the fair range. It's below what many traditional banks look for, but it's well within reach for a number of online lenders that specialize in fair credit — and some credit unions.
So yes, you can usually get a personal loan with a 600 score. The real questions are what it will cost and how to get the best offer available to you.
What a 600 score means to lenders
On FICO's scale, scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair. To a lender, that typically signals some past credit challenges — late payments, high card balances or a short credit history — but not a disqualifying record.
That means:
- Fewer lenders will approve you than if your score were 700+.
- Higher APRs — lenders price in the extra risk.
- Higher origination fees — often deducted from the loan before you receive it.
- Possibly lower loan amounts than you request.
Lenders that work with fair credit
Based on published information and third-party reports as of October 2026, these lenders are known to work with fair credit. None guarantees approval at 600, and each looks at your whole profile.
| Lender | APR range | Loan amounts | Origination fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade | 7.74%–35.99% | $1,000–$50,000 | 1.85%–9.99% | Reported minimum around 580–600; can pay creditors directly |
| Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub) | 5.96%–35.99% | $1,000–$75,000 | 0%–8% | Reported approvals from about 600; co-borrowers allowed |
| Upstart | 6.3%–35.99% | $1,000–$75,000 | 0%–12% | No published minimum; considers more than your score |
| Avant | 9.95%–35.99% | $2,000–$35,000 | Up to 9.99% | Reported minimum around 550–580 |
| OneMain Financial | 9.99%–35.99% | $1,500–$30,000 | 1%–10% or flat fee | Secured option backed by a vehicle; branch network |
| Best Egg | 8.99%–35.99% | $2,000–$50,000 | 0.99%–8.99% | Secured option for homeowners |
Terms change often — see the current details and filter by credit level in our personal loan comparison, or read our list of the best personal loans for fair credit.
What it will likely cost
The advertised starting APRs are reserved for the strongest applicants. With a 600 score, plan for an offer toward the upper end of each lender's range.
How to get a better offer with a 600 score
Lower your credit card balances first. Credit utilization is a major part of your score and has no long memory, so paying cards down can improve your score — and your offers — within a billing cycle or two.
Add a co-borrower. Lenders such as Happen Bank and Upgrade accept joint applications. A co-borrower with stronger credit and income can improve both your approval odds and your rate. They're equally responsible for the debt, so treat this seriously.
Consider a secured loan. Pledging a vehicle (OneMain) or, for homeowners, fixed home fixtures (Best Egg) can lower your rate. The trade-off is real: miss payments and you could lose the collateral. Our guide to secured vs. unsecured loans explains the risks.
Reduce your debt-to-income ratio. Paying off a small loan entirely, or borrowing a smaller amount, can make a meaningful difference. See understanding debt-to-income ratio.
Ask your credit union. Credit unions often look at your relationship with them, not just your score, and federal credit unions are subject to an interest-rate cap.
Prequalify widely, apply once. Soft-pull prequalification lets you compare real offers from several lenders without hurting your score.
Alternatives to consider
- A credit-builder or share-secured loan from a credit union, if your goal is to improve your credit for a bigger loan later.
- A payment plan directly with the company you owe — hospitals, utilities and many service providers offer them, sometimes interest-free.
- Nonprofit credit counseling, if you're borrowing to manage existing debt. A debt management plan can lower card interest rates without a new loan.
Should you wait?
If the expense can wait three to six months, improving your score first can save you a lot. Moving from fair into good credit — around 670 — can open up more lenders and noticeably lower rates. Focus on on-time payments, lower card balances and correcting any report errors. Our guide to how credit scores work shows what moves your score fastest.
If you need the money now, a fair-credit loan is still a far better option than high-cost alternatives — as long as you compare offers carefully and the payment fits your budget.
The bottom line
A 600 credit score doesn't shut you out of personal loans, but it does make them more expensive. Prequalify with several fair-credit lenders, compare APR and total cost including fees, and use a co-borrower or secured option if it makes sense. To see what changes at higher scores, read what credit score you need for a personal loan.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
What APR can I expect with a 600 credit score?
Rates vary by lender and depend on your full profile, but borrowers in the fair range should generally expect APRs well above the advertised minimums — often in the 20s or 30s, up to about 36% at many mainstream lenders.
How much can I borrow with a 600 credit score?
It depends on your income, existing debts and the lender. Lenders that serve fair credit offer loans from roughly $1,000 to $50,000 or more, but approval amounts for fair-credit borrowers are often lower than the maximum.
Is it better to wait and improve my score first?
If the expense can wait a few months, often yes. Paying down card balances and fixing report errors can raise your score relatively quickly, and moving from fair into good credit can lower your rate significantly.
Will applying for several loans hurt my score?
Prequalifying usually uses soft inquiries, which don't affect your score. Only formal applications trigger hard inquiries, so prequalify widely, then apply with one lender.