500–579 Credit Score Loans: Check Your Options
Page last reviewed: March 18, 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy by LendUp
At 500–579, You Have Real Options - Don't Take the First One
More lenders serve this range than below 500, and rates on installment loans vary meaningfully between them. That means the first offer you see is rarely the best. Checking 2–3 lenders before accepting can save you real money - especially on installment loans where rate differences translate to hundreds of dollars in total cost.
How to Get Started
- Check your state's rules: your state sets maximum fees and rates. Find your state's rules and license lookup.
- Prequalify with 2–3 lenders using a soft pull: many online installment lenders offer prequalification that won't affect your score. Compare the offers before committing to a formal application. This is the single most valuable step at your score range.
- Compare total of payments, not just monthly payment: if one loan is 6 months and another is 18, the total of payments tells you the real cost - even if the longer loan has a lower monthly payment.
- Verify the lender is licensed: confirm the lender is in your state's license directory before giving personal information.
What's Realistically Available at 500–579
Many payday lenders focus on income and bank account rather than credit score. Payday fees are typically at or near the state cap regardless of your score - your credit doesn't change the price on this product. See payday loans and bad credit.
At 500–579, significantly more installment lenders will consider you than at lower ranges. Rates vary between lenders - the difference on a $1,000 loan over 12 months can be hundreds of dollars depending on who you apply with. See installment loans and bad credit.
Some credit unions will consider members in this range, especially for small-dollar emergency loans or payday alternative loans (PALs). If you're already a member, ask before going to an online lender - the rate may be much lower if you're approved.
Most mainstream lenders set their floor above this range. But some may prequalify borrowers in the high 500s with a soft pull - it's worth checking before moving straight to higher-cost options. See installment vs. personal loans.
Why Comparing Offers Saves You Money at This Range
For payday loans, shopping doesn't change much - fees are typically at or near the state cap regardless of your score. But for installment loans, different lenders set different rates, and the spread at 500–579 can be significant:
Your actual rates will depend on the lender and your state. The point: at this score range, checking one more lender can make a meaningful difference.
What to compare on each offer
- Total of payments: add up every payment - that's what the loan actually costs. Don't compare monthly payments alone.
- Origination or upfront fees: some lenders charge a fee that's added to your balance or deducted from proceeds. Include this in your total cost.
- Prepayment terms: can you pay off early and save on interest? Or is there a penalty?
- State license: confirm the lender is licensed and the rate is at or below your state's cap.
Close to 580? Consider Waiting
If you're in the high 500s and the need isn't immediate, a few weeks of targeted steps could push you into the range where credit unions and some mainstream lenders start to compete - and the rate difference can be substantial. See what you can do before applying.
Not sure how much you need? See loan amount ranges. Worried about credit checks? See loans without a hard credit check. Want to see all score ranges? See bad-credit hub.