Playstore Icon
Download Jar App

How to Get a Loan for a Bad Credit Score: Here’s What You Need to Know

February 10, 2025

Table of Contents

    A score less than 650 is considered a bad credit score. Continue reading this blog to get a loan for a bad credit score and find out ways to improve it.

    When facing unexpected financial emergencies, applying for a personal loan is often the go-to solution. 

    The process is straightforward and requires minimal documentation. Lenders usually assess your CIBIL or credit score before approving a loan. 

    However, there are instances when borrowers may struggle to secure a loan for a bad credit score

    If you are in this situation, this blog will guide you on how to obtain a personal loan despite having a poor credit score.

    Understanding the Credit Score

    Before seeking loans for bad credit scores, it is important to understand the basics of a credit score. 

    A credit bureau determines a credit score by analysing various aspects of an individual, such as credit history and repayment capacity. 

    Lenders, including banks and financial institutions, check your credit score before offering any loan to you. This credit score showcases an individual's creditworthiness when it comes to getting a loan.

    The credit score is a quantifying number that ranges between 300 and 900. The more you build your credit score, the more worthy you become of getting a loan.

    A score of more than or equal to 750 is considered a good credit score. Scores below 600 are considered poor to avail of a loan.

    Why Does a Bad Credit Score Matter?

    A bad credit score can have a significant impact, as it helps lenders assess your creditworthiness when offering loans. 

    Lenders with credit scores between 300 and 550 may indicate that he or she has defaulted on payments and has unpaid dues.

    Individuals with a credit score of 550 to 600 are considered average, but they need to improve their credit score.

    Benefits of a Good Credit Score

    Besides getting information about a loan for a bad credit score, it is important to know the benefits of having a good credit score. 

    Below are the common benefits of having a favourable credit score in terms of applying for a loan:

    Avail Lower Interest Rates

    Loan applicants with a good credit score can get lower interest rates for their loans. This is crucial because a lower percentage of interest rates can allow you to get higher credit limits.

    Quick Approval on Credit

    A higher credit score indicates your creditworthiness, which allows your lender to take less decision-making time regarding your credit applications. 

    It becomes beneficial for you at the time of emergency when you need quick access to funds.

    Opportunities for Pre-Approved Loans

    With a high credit score, you may increase your chances of getting pre-approved loans and numerous credit card offers. 

    These offers allow you to get quicker access to loans due to minimal documentation and shorter approval times.

    How to Get a Personal Loan for a Low CIBIL Score?

    At times, securing funds for emergencies can be challenging due to a poor credit score, which increases the likelihood of your loan application being rejected. 

    However, here are some of the tips that you can follow to get a personal loan for a bad credit score:

    Stable Income

    Demonstrating a steady income can enhance your eligibility for a loan. The closer your income is to or exceeds the minimum requirement, the stronger your application will be. 

    In addition, working for a respected company or securing salary increments can create a more favourable impression with lenders.

    Lowering the Debt-to-Income Ratio

    You need to lower your debt-to-income ratio since it indicates the proportion of debt to your income. 

    Paying off credit card dues and other debt can allow you to get a personal loan for a bad credit score.

    Joint Personal Loans

    While applying for a loan, you can also bring a co-applicant to increase your chances of getting approval. 

    Whoever your co-applicant is, he or she must have a high credit score, which will increase your eligibility for the application.

    Additional Documents

    If you are seeking a personal loan for a bad credit score, you will need to provide some additional documents. 

    You must also keep your documents, like KYC documents and bank statements, as well as salary slips, well organised.

    Tips to Improve Your Credit Score

    In addition to searching for a loan, you should focus on improving your credit score. Follow the tips below to improve your credit score:

    • Check the Credit Report: Ask for a copy of your credit report from the credit bureau and review it carefully if there are some errors. Errors in these reports can hamper your loan application. 

    • Repayments on Time: You need to make timely repayments of your existing debt. Repayments on time can make a positive impact on your credit score, which will allow you to get instant loans

    • Diversify Your Credit Mix: You can have a mix of credit accounts, including credit cards, mortgages, and loans. This can help you improve your credit score. 

    • Regular Monitoring: You must regularly keep track of your credit score to monitor your progress in terms of repaying your debts.

    How to Check Your Credit Score?

    Aside from banks and credit bureaus, you can check your credit score online. The credit score checker from Jar allows you to check and helps you understand what qualifies as a favourable credit score. 

    The Bottom Line

    Individuals with bad credit scores need a loan too to address the financial gaps in emergency situations. 

    They can secure a loan for a bad credit score by stabilising their income, reducing their debt-to-income ratio, and opting for joint personal loans. 

    Additionally, providing collateral can increase their chances of approval, as it offers the lender added security. 

    Download the Jar app to avail instant loans up to ₹5 lakhs. You can also get the benefit of instant money transfer and flexible EMI options from this platform.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is the range of CIBIL scores in India?

    The CIBIL score in India ranges from 300 to 900. The CIBIL score with three-digit numbers showcases the creditworthiness of a borrower to apply for a loan. 

    2. Can I get a loan with terrible credit?

    Yes, you can get a loan for a bad credit score by taking certain steps. These include making your income stable, lowering your debt-to-income ratio, and looking for joint personal loans.

    3. What credit score is too low for a loan?

    A credit score less than 600 is too low for getting an approval for a loan. Individuals must achieve a credit score of 650 or above to get approval for instant loans.