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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Best Bad-Credit Loan Lenders in Ohio

MoneyGeek studied and reviewed more than 30 data points to create this list of bad-credit loan lenders in Ohio. These data points include APR ranges, fees, loan amounts and repayment terms.

Moreover, we checked different factors that may affect your loan application’s acceptance, including credit scores and debt-to-income ratios.

Our guide outlines the information you must consider before applying for a bad-credit loan in Ohio. In general, we found Upstart and Upgrade to be the state’s best lenders for borrowers with poor credit.

Best Overall Bad-Credit Loan in Ohio: Upstart


  • Upstart
    • 3.22% to 35.99%APR Range
    • 300Minimum Credit Score
    • $1,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Next DayTime to Receive Funds
    Upstart

    on Upstart Website

Runner-Up for Best Bad-Credit Loan in Ohio: Upgrade


  • Upgrade
    • 5.94% to 35.47%APR Range
    • 560Minimum Credit Score
    • $1,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Same DayTime to Receive Funds
    Upgrade

    on Upgrade Website

How to Choose the Best Bad-Credit Loan in Ohio for You

MoneyGeek discovered that Ohioans incur an average personal loan debt of $24,808. In other words, you are certainly not alone in pursuing a personal loan.

Before starting your loan application, evaluate your financial situation. It will prevent you from incurring additional costs and help you find the best bad-credit loan lender in Ohio.

1

Ask Yourself the Important Questions

Before browsing different lender websites, you first need to check your financial status and determine how much you need. If you have existing debts, make sure you can manage taking out another loan.

Here are questions that you can ask yourself:

  • How much funding do you need?
  • What’s your credit score?
  • Can you afford the monthly payments?
  • Do you have existing debts?
  • Is your debt manageable through other means?
2

Do Your Research

Check out different lender websites and see if they offer bad-credit loans in Ohio. Review the lender-specific requirements, how much you need to borrow and whether they allow co-signers. MoneyGeek’s resources are generalized and may not suit your situation, so doing your own research is always important.

3

Read the Fine Print

It’s best to read the fine print to identify potential hidden charges that could significantly increase the total cost of your loan. For instance, be on the lookout for prepayment penalties, origination fees, late fees and more. This will help you avoid incurring additional costs and fees when signing the loan agreement.

4

Wait

Before starting your application with your preferred lender, it’s ideal to give yourself time to think. Taking out a loan is a serious commitment. Also, check if your monthly budget can handle adding monthly repayments for the loan. Use this period to weigh the pros and cons of making this decision.

5

Apply

When you feel confident about taking out a personal loan with your preferred lender, it’s time to start your loan application. Lenders will ask for proof of identification, employment status, income, financial history and more. Usually, applying online is more convenient, but some lenders may also allow you to go to the nearest branch to finalize your application.

What to Do if You Can’t Get a Bad-Credit Loan in Ohio

It is unfortunate that borrowers may get their loan applications denied. Lenders may decline the application if they see missing requirements, incomplete information, insufficient income or a high debt-to-income ratio, among other factors.

If denied, MoneyGeek advises you to consult your lender regarding the reason that they declined your application. It will help you improve and apply again.

If lenders say it’s about incomplete details, you may submit the missing requirements or fill out the application form again. If the issue is your credit score, work to improve it before applying again. In some situations, lowering the loan amount or shortening the repayment term may influence the lender to accept your application.

On the other hand, payday loans may seem like a quick and easy fix for your financial woes. However, payday loans have extremely short repayment terms and outrageous interest rates, which may significantly increase your debt and negatively impact your credit score.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment

Once you take out a personal loan, you’ll need to pay it back monthly with interest over a period of several years. Using MoneyGeek’s personal loan calculator will help you determine your monthly payments and see if you can afford the loan.

years
months
%

Principal

+ $114.98

Interest

+ $8.33

Origination Fee Percentage

+
%

Origination Fee Fixed amount

+

Total monthly payment

$123.31

FAQs About Bad-Credit Loans in Ohio

Finding the best bad-credit loan lender in Ohio will require you to evaluate your current needs and financial preferences. MoneyGeek responds to the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand this topic.

Methodology

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METHODOLOGY

MoneyGeek evaluated more than 30 personal loan lenders using a minimum of 35 individual data points in six critical categories — accessibility, consumer friendliness, customer service, flexibility, lender transparency and loan affordability.

We incorporated different individual data points in every ranking category when choosing a personal loan lender. These factors are application fees, APR ranges, available loan amounts, disbursement periods, minimum credit scores and income requirements.

MoneyGeek puts the consumer first. That’s why we also scrutinize every lender’s business ratings, customer support, special features and benefits — like mobile apps, online banking, web application options, payment options and prequalification — that can make the borrowing experience more convenient.

In choosing our top picks, we ensure that we put every consumer’s best interest first. These personal loan recommendations and expert tips intend to guide you in making the right decision. MoneyGeek wants you to find the best lender that suits your needs and lifestyle.

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the rates mentioned may have changed. We recommend visiting the lender's website for the most up-to-date information available.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, lender or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.