Need an $800 Loan? Find Your Lender Fast with LendUp

What Is an $800 Loan?

An $800 loan is a small personal loan meant to help when unexpected expenses pop up and you're short on cash. Maybe your car needs urgent repairs, or you've got a medical bill to pay. These loans are typically unsecured, so you won't need to put up any collateral. You borrow a set amount and pay it back according to agreed terms.

LendUp connects you with lenders who handle $800 loan requests. You can review different offers and pick one that works for your situation. Just keep in mind that what's available to you depends heavily on where you live, since state laws differ quite a bit.

Feature	Details
Loan Amount	$800
Loan Types Available	Personal Installment Loans, Payday Loans
Typical APR Range	Varies widely from 36% to over 400%, depending on the lender, loan type, state regulations, and your credit profile.
Repayment Terms	Payday loans: 2 to 4 weeks (single payment). Installment loans: 3 to 24 months (multiple payments).
Funding Speed	Typically within one business day after approval.

*APR and fees vary by state, credit profile, and lender policy.

Common Uses of $800 Loans

People typically use these loans for unexpected expenses or to cover short-term gaps. Car repairs, medical bills, utility payments—situations where you need cash before your next paycheck arrives. The loan helps you handle immediate costs without disrupting your budget long-term.

Loan Types for $800

You'll usually find two options when looking for an $800 loan: payday loans and installment loans. Both get you money fast, but they work differently.

Payday Loan: You repay this in one lump sum on your next payday. It's designed for very short-term needs when you know you can pay it back quickly. Some states cap payday loans at $500, which means you might not be able to get $800 this way depending on where you live.

Installment Loan: This gets repaid over weeks or months through fixed, equal payments. The predictable schedule makes budgeting easier. Some lenders report your payments to credit bureaus, which could help your credit score if you pay on time.

Is an $800 Loan Right for You?

Consider how quickly you need the funds and whether your income is stable enough to handle repayment. If you can cover everything with your next paycheck, a payday loan might make sense. If smaller payments spread out over time sound better, go with an installment loan. Always check the total cost, including APR and fees, before you commit.

Eligibility for Your $800 Loan

Before you apply for an $800 loan, you'll need to meet certain eligibility requirements. Lenders in the LendUp network evaluate a few key areas to decide whether you qualify. Here's what you can typically expect.

Criterion	Common Requirement
Age	At least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and Nebraska).
Residency	U.S. resident with a verifiable physical address (P.O. boxes not accepted).
Income	A steady, verifiable monthly income, often a minimum of $1,000.
Banking	An active checking account in your name for funds transfer.
Identification	A valid government-issued ID and Social Security Number or ITIN.

Credit and State Rules

Perfect credit isn't required. Most lenders work with borrowers who have fair or poor credit scores, typically below 670. Recent bankruptcy, active delinquencies, or too many loan applications might hurt your chances. State lending regulations also affect eligibility, loan amounts, and terms.

Documents to Prepare

Gather these items before you start:

• Government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or state ID
• Social Security card or ITIN documentation
• Recent pay stub, benefits letter, or other income proof
• Most recent bank statement
• Proof of address such as a utility bill or lease agreement

How to Apply Through LendUp

LendUp makes finding an $800 loan easier by connecting you with lenders in its network. The application happens entirely online and breaks down into three steps you can complete from your phone or computer.

1. Submit Your Request

You'll start by filling out a secure form online. Choose $800 as your loan amount and provide some basic information about yourself. This includes your name, how to contact you, your Social Security Number, and where your income comes from.

You'll also need to share your bank account information. Lenders use this to verify your details and deposit funds if you're approved. Once you submit everything, LendUp sends your request to lenders in its network that operate in your state.

2. Compare and Select an Offer

If a lender decides to make you an offer, you can review it without any commitment. Look closely at the terms from each potential match. The APR matters most, but also check the total finance charge, how long you have to repay, and whether there are origination fees or penalties for late payments. When you find an offer that works for your budget, you'll go to the lender's site to finish up, confirm who you are, and sign the agreement electronically.

3. Receive Your Funds

After the lender gives final approval, they'll send the money straight to your bank account through direct deposit. Some borrowers get their funds the next business day, though timing depends on your lender and bank. You'll get confirmation along with your full repayment schedule.

Interest Rates and Fees

What makes your APR

Your Annual Percentage Rate shows the yearly cost of borrowing, combining interest and certain fees. Several factors influence this rate: your credit score, income level, how long you'll take to repay, and regulations in your state. For an $800 loan, rates can differ dramatically. A credit union might charge between 18% and 28%, while online lenders could range from 36% to well over 100%. Short-term payday loans sometimes carry APRs exceeding 400%.

Product Type	Typical APR	Example Term	Approx. Total Repaid*
Payday (single pay)	360%-664%	14 days	$920-$960
Installment (online lender)	36%-200%	6 months	$1,120-$1,270
Federal credit union PAL	Up to 28% + $20 fee	1-12 months	$860-$930
Bank personal loan	8%-24%	12 months	$868-$938

*Examples assume equal monthly payments; actual cost varies by lender.

Most personal loans come with fixed rates, which means your payment stays the same each month. Before you sign anything, lenders must give you a Truth in Lending Act disclosure. This document spells out your APR, the finance charge in dollars, and what you'll pay in total. Take time to read through it.

Common fees to watch

Interest isn't the only cost you'll face. Various fees can add up quickly. Some lenders subtract an origination fee right from your loan amount—so a 5% fee on $800 means you'd actually receive $760.

• Origination fee: Processing charge, usually 1% to 8%
• Late payment fee: Penalty for missing your due date, often $25 or 5% of the payment
• NSF or returned payment fee: Applied when a payment bounces
• Expedited funding fee: Optional charge for faster access to money
• Prepayment penalty: Fee for early payoff, though rare on smaller loans

How to compare offers

When you're looking at options through LendUp, focus on the APR to understand the real cost. But also check the total amount you'll repay and whether the monthly payment works with your budget.

$800 Loan Cost Comparison

Feature	Lender A (Installment Loan)	Lender B (Short-Term Loan)
APR	36%	150%
Term	6 Months	3 Months
Monthly Payment	~$147	~$318
Total Repaid	~$882	~$954

Check whether fees get added to your loan balance or taken from what you receive. Ask about autopay discounts and review the fee schedule thoroughly.

Approval and Funding Speed

Getting Approved

Online lenders typically give you a preliminary decision in about a minute. Final approval usually comes within a few minutes to several hours once you've uploaded the documents they need. Since $800 counts as a small-dollar loan, automated systems verify your income, identity, and bank information quickly. Many lenders partnered with LendUp let you pre-qualify using a soft credit check, so you'll know where you stand without affecting your credit score.

Receiving Your Funds

How fast you get your money depends on the lender's cutoff time and how they send funds. Sign your loan agreement before mid-morning or early afternoon on a weekday, and your ACH deposit might show up that same evening. If you complete things later in the day, expect the money by the next business day. Some lenders offer instant transfers to your debit card for an extra fee. Banks and credit unions often take two to three business days. Applications submitted on weekends or federal holidays usually process the following business day.

Factors That Impact Speed

A few things can make your $800 loan faster or slower:

• Accurate applications: Incomplete information or missing documents mean manual reviews that take longer.
• Bank verification method: Instant verification tools work faster than waiting for small test deposits.
• Your history: Repeat borrowers often skip additional checks.
• Transfer type: Debit card transfers happen fastest, ACH takes longer, and checks need mailing time.
• Your bank's schedule: Some banks only post deposits at day's end.
• Timing: Late submissions or holiday applications push to the next business day.

Repayment Terms Explained

How Your Payment Schedule Works

Once you're matched with a lender through LendUp for your $800 loan, you'll review the repayment schedule before accepting anything. Most lenders let you choose between biweekly or monthly payments that sync up with when you get paid. A shorter repayment period means your individual payments will be larger, but you'll spend less on interest overall. Stretching out the loan term reduces what you owe each month, though you'll end up paying more in total interest since it accumulates longer.

Comparing Different Terms

Your choice of term length directly affects both your payment size and total interest costs. Here's a hypothetical comparison for an $800 loan to show you the difference. Keep in mind that actual rates vary between lenders.

Feature	Short-Term Example (6 Months)	Long-Term Example (12 Months)
Estimated Monthly Payment	Higher (around $172)	Lower (around $100)
Estimated Total Interest Paid	Lower (around $232)	Higher (around $400)
Best For	Borrowers who can handle higher payments and want to minimize total cost.	Borrowers who need smaller, more manageable payments spread over time.

How You Can Pay

Lenders give you several payment options to help you stay on track:

• Automatic ACH Payments: Money gets withdrawn directly from your bank account, which many lenders require.
• Debit Card Payments: You can make one-time or recurring payments with your debit card.
• Online Portal: Log in to the lender's website to make manual payments whenever you want.

Autopay helps you avoid missing due dates. Most lenders won't charge you a prepayment penalty, so you can pay extra or settle the loan early to cut down on interest.

When Things Don't Go as Planned

If you're struggling to make a payment, reach out to your lender right away. Many will work with you on options like payment deferral or a temporary hardship arrangement. Ignoring the problem leads to late fees, which typically run between $15 and $30 as a flat charge or a percentage of what you owe. Check your lender's policies on late payments, returned payment fees, and grace periods before you sign anything.

Bad Credit and $800 Loans

How Your Credit Score Affects Approval

Your credit score matters, but many lenders who offer small loans care more about your current income than past financial problems. Platforms like LendUp and similar installment lenders usually want to see monthly take-home pay of $1,000 to $1,500. They'll check this with pay stubs or bank statements. A FICO score under 580 won't necessarily disqualify you. Instead, poor credit often means you'll face higher interest rates—around 36% for licensed installment lenders or up to 400% for payday loans. Many lenders run a soft credit check during pre-qualification, which won't hurt your score if you shop around.

Options When You Have Poor Credit

Payday Alternative Loans come from federal credit unions. You need to be a member for at least 30 days. These loans range from $200 to $2,000 with repayment periods of 1 to 12 months. The APR caps at 28%, and application fees stay at or below $20.

Online installment loans let you make fixed monthly payments over 3 to 24 months. Approval often depends more on your job history and bank activity than your credit score.

Secured personal loans require collateral like savings or a vehicle title. This can lower your rate by 5 to 15 percentage points compared to unsecured loans.

Credit-builder loans work differently. The lender puts $800 in a locked account while you make payments that get reported to credit bureaus, helping boost your score.

How These Loans Affect Your Credit

When lenders report to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, you get a chance to rebuild credit. Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score. Six months of on-time payments might raise a score below 600 by 20 to 40 points. But miss a payment by 30 days and your score could drop up to 100 points. That mark stays on your report for seven years. Some payday lenders only report when your account goes to collections, which does more harm than good. Always ask about reporting practices before you sign anything.

Potential Risks of $800 Loans to Avoid

High Cost

If your credit isn't great, an $800 loan can get expensive fast. APRs across the United States typically fall between 36% and well over 400%, depending on your lender and where you live. The interest rate tells part of the story, but you need to factor in fees that add up quickly:

• Origination fees: Charged for processing and usually taken right out of what you receive.
• Late payment fees: You'll pay extra if you miss your due date.
• NSF fees: If your payment bounces, expect another charge.
• Rollover fees: Extending your due date costs money and can trap you in deeper debt.

Before you sign anything, confirm the total amount you'll repay. Ask whether paying early triggers a penalty.

Repayment Pressure

Short repayment windows can squeeze your budget hard. When payments don't fit, some borrowers renew their loans and rack up more fees. That creates a cycle that's tough to escape. Try to match your due date with when you get paid, and don't take out multiple loans at once.

Account and Credit Impact

Most online lenders will pull payments directly from your bank account through ACH. If your balance runs low when they withdraw, you could face overdraft fees on top of what the lender charges. Missing even one payment can hurt your credit score if it gets reported to the bureaus. Should your loan go to collections, that mark can linger on your credit report for seven years and make borrowing harder down the road.

Red Flags

Scammers love targeting people who need cash urgently. Stay alert and watch for warning signs:

• Upfront fees: Real lenders don't ask for payment before giving you the loan. Fees get rolled into your total.
• Guaranteed approval: Nobody can promise approval without checking your finances first.
• Lack of transparency: If they won't share the full APR, fees, or repayment total, walk away.
• No state license: Lenders must hold a license in your state. Check with your state's financial regulator.
• Unusual payment methods: Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency are scam red flags.

When using LendUp, review each lender's privacy policy and terms before sharing personal information. If something feels off or you're being rushed, look elsewhere.

Alternatives to Consider

Sometimes an $800 loan isn't your best move. You've got other ways to handle unexpected expenses without piling on debt that's hard to manage. Looking at these alternatives might save you money and stress down the road.

Alternative Option	Typical Cost	Access Speed	Best For
Credit Union PAL	Lower interest (APR capped at 28%)	1-3 business days	Members needing small, affordable loans
Credit Card Purchase	Standard card APR (or 0% intro rate)	Instant (if you have a card)	Planned purchases you can pay off quickly
Payment Plan	Often 0% interest	Varies by provider	Covering specific bills like medical or utilities
Buy Now, Pay Later	0% interest if paid on time; fees for late payments	Instant at checkout	Splitting the cost of a single retail purchase

Credit Unions and Banks

Credit unions offer Payday Alternative Loans with interest rates capped at 28% APR by the National Credit Union Administration. You can borrow between $200 and $2,000, which makes PALs cheaper than most short-term loans. If you have savings, a secured loan might get you an even lower rate.

Using Credit Cards

Your existing credit card can be cheaper than taking out a new loan if you pay off the balance during the grace period. Stay away from cash advances though. They come with higher APRs, extra fees, and no grace period. A card with a 0% introductory APR on purchases could help you manage costs better.

Setting Up Payment Plans

Medical offices, utility companies, and auto repair shops often let you pay over time with little or no interest. Call before your bill is due to set something up. This keeps your services running and helps you dodge late fees.

Workplace and Community Help

Your employer might offer earned wage access or small advances on your paycheck. Local nonprofits can sometimes help with rent, utilities, or other essentials. Dial 2-1-1 or check 211.org to find resources near you.

Buy Now Pay Later Services

BNPL services let you split purchases into smaller payments, usually without interest. They work well for planned expenses, but missed payments can lead to late fees and damage your credit score when reported to bureaus.

Boosting Approval Odds

Polish Your Credit

A few targeted actions can strengthen your $800 loan application. Start by paying down credit card balances—keeping your credit utilization below 30% signals responsible borrowing to lenders. Your payment history matters too, so prioritize on-time payments in the months leading up to your application. Pull your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Review them carefully and dispute any errors you find. Hold off on applying for new credit cards or loans until after your $800 loan is funded, since each application creates a hard inquiry that can temporarily lower your score. If you've frozen your credit, you'll need to lift that freeze temporarily so lenders can access your file.

Get Your Documents Ready

Preparing clear, readable copies of required documents will help speed things along. Most lenders ask for similar paperwork to verify who you are and assess your financial situation. You'll typically need:

• Government-Issued ID: A valid driver's license, state ID, or passport
• Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs, bank statements with direct deposits, or W-2s. If you're a gig worker, 1099s or platform earnings statements work
• Proof of Address: A recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement showing your current address
• Bank Account Details: An active checking account in your name for funding and repayments. Verify your routing and account numbers are accurate
• Social Security Number: Required for identity verification and credit checks

Apply Strategically

Only borrow what you truly need and pick a repayment schedule that matches when you get paid. Make sure every detail on your application matches your documents exactly to prevent delays during verification. Watch your debt-to-income ratio—lenders generally prefer it stays below 43%. LendUp and similar platforms often offer pre-qualification tools that use soft credit pulls. This means you can see potential offers without affecting your credit score, letting you compare rates before committing to a formal application.

State Regulations Overview

What varies by state

Small-dollar lending gets regulated at the state level across the United States. Your state's rules determine what kind of $800 loan you can access by setting rate caps, maximum amounts, and repayment terms. Some states have banned high-cost payday loans entirely or capped them below $800, which means you'll need to look at installment loans instead. Many states limit rollovers, require cooling-off periods between loans, and demand clear disclosures from lenders. Every lender needs a license and must follow ability-to-repay rules. The federal Military Lending Act also protects active service members by capping the Military Annual Percentage Rate at 36%.

• Maximum Loan Amount: California caps payday loans at $300, so an $800 loan must be an installment loan.
• APR Caps: States like Illinois and Colorado cap APRs at 36%, controlling the total cost of your loan.
• Repayment Period: Ohio law requires a minimum loan term of 91 days for many short-term loans, preventing very short repayment cycles.

How it affects your loan

These regulations mean your $800 loan offer looks different depending on where you live. You'll encounter different term lengths, payment schedules, and fee structures. State laws often cap prepayment penalties, late fees, and NSF fees too. In states where payday loans are capped below $800, an installment loan that meets local regulations becomes your only real option.

Using LendUp within your state

LendUp connects you with lenders who hold licenses in your state and present offers that reflect local requirements. Review a lender's license and state-specific disclosures before accepting any offer. For authoritative information on local laws, check your state's financial regulator website.

Common Questions Answered

How fast can I get an $800 loan?

Once a lender approves your request, you could see funds in your bank account the next business day. Timing depends on when you complete the application—approvals before 5 PM EST usually process faster—and how quickly your bank handles incoming transfers. You'll also need to e-sign your agreement promptly to avoid delays.

Will applying through LendUp hurt my credit score?

When you submit a request on LendUp, it triggers a soft inquiry that won't affect your credit. If you accept an offer and move forward with a partner lender, they'll run a hard inquiry. This might drop your score by a couple points temporarily, but making payments on time can strengthen your credit history down the road.

Can I qualify for an $800 loan with bad credit?

A strong credit score helps, but some lenders work with borrowers who have credit challenges. They might look at your income, job stability, or banking patterns instead of relying solely on your credit report. Keep in mind that approval isn't automatic, and loan terms can differ based on your profile.

What can I use the $800 loan for?

These loans work best for urgent, short-term expenses like car repairs, medical bills, or overdue utilities. They're not ideal for discretionary purchases or long-term debt management where other credit options might cost you less.

Can I repay the loan early?

Many lenders don't penalize early repayment, which can save you on interest. Check your agreement to confirm your lender's policy before paying ahead of schedule.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Late payments often trigger fees and can damage your credit if reported to bureaus. Reach out to your lender before your due date if you're having trouble making a payment.

Do I need an active bank account?

Yes. Lenders deposit funds and process repayments through your checking account via electronic transfer, which keeps transactions secure for everyone involved.

Does LendUp charge a fee for its service?

No. Using LendUp to request a loan is completely free. If you accept an offer, the lender will show you all rates and fees upfront before you sign anything.