When your credit doesn’t exactly shine, landing a personal loan in Florida can feel like jumping in a shark pit. But rest assured: if you know where to look, there are reputable lenders out there.

Read on for an overview of some top low-credit lenders operating in Florida, along with other courses of action to consider before taking out a loan in a time of financial hardship. After all, more debt isn’t necessarily the answer.

But first, a couple things to help you steer clear of loan sharks preying on gullible borrowers.

What to know about bad credit personal loans in Florida

Here’s a quick cheat sheet before you get started.

Avoid lenders with excessive interest rates and short prepayment plans. One of the most obvious red flags is excessively high interest rates and short repayment terms, which trap borrowers in vicious cycles of debt.

Be sure to ask lenders about any prepayment penalties. You want the flexibility of being able to pay the loan off early if you can so that you will save on interest.

If you are denied credit, request the specific reasons and work on improving those areas before reapplying. This helps gradually strengthen your credit profile over time.

Consider borrowing from the lenders below that provide opportunities for those with less-than-ideal credit histories. They can serve as a launching point while you build your profile.

Making all payments on time and keeping balances low demonstrates responsibility to future lenders and will aid your journey toward a prime credit score.

Top personal loans for bad credit (Florida)

Upstart

  • Upstart offers personal loans in Florida from $100 to $50,000 with repayments terms of 3-5 years for applicants with bad credit
  • APRs range from 5.2% to 35.99%
  • They are best for borrowers with bad credit seeking small personal loans in Florida
  • To meet their credit requirements they will look at education, employment history, and other data, beyond credit score for approval
  • Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot

MoneyMutual

  • MoneyMutual is an online lending marketplace that connects borrowers with lenders. It provides fast loan approval and funding within 24 hours for amounts between $200-$5,000
  • APRs vary by lender, loan amount, and the borrower's creditworthiness
  • They are best for borrowers needing quick access to funds
  • There is no minimum credit score requirement
  • Rated 2.9/5 on Trustpilot

1FirstCashAdvance

  • 1FirstCashAdvance is an online platform connecting borrowers to lenders offering payday loans for financial emergencies. It’s known for providing quick and accessible options
  • The APRs they offer vary depending on loan details and the borrower’s creditworthiness
  • FirstCash is best for borrowers needing urgent funds for financial emergencies
  • They do not specify a required minimum credit score
  • Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot

BadCreditLoans

  • BadCreditLoans runs a user-friendly platform that connects borrowers with poor credit to willing lenders
  • The APRs range from 5.99% to 35.99% based on loan details and the borrower's credit
  • These loans are best for borrowers with poor credit scores needing $10,000 or less
  • They do not have a minimum credit score requirement
  • Rated 2.7/5 on Trustpilot

AmOne

  • AmOne provides bad credit friendly personal loans in Florida ranging from $600 to $100,000 with terms of 12-84 months
  • Interest rates at AmOne fall between 4.60% and 35.99% APR, depending on your credit profile
  • These loans are best for borrowers with bad credit seeking personal loans in Florida
  • They do not publish a minimum credit score requirement
  • Rated 4.5/5 on Trustpilot

Upgrade

  • Upgrade provides personal loans in Florida up to $50,000, even for borrowers with bad credit. Terms range from 2-7 years.
  • Interest rates start at 8.49% APR for good credit and go up to 35.99% APR with a poor credit history
  • They are best for borrowers with bad credit seeking personal loans up to $50,000 in Florida
  • Upgrade uses income, credit mix, age, and other factors to their approve loans
  • Rated 4.5/5 on Trustpilot

Personal Loans

  • Personal Loans is a lending platform connecting borrowers to lenders offering various loans, including payday loans
  • APRs range from 5.99% to 35.99%, depending on the lender, loan, and borrower's creditworthiness
  • These are best for borrowers with different credit profiles seeking payday loans up to $35,000
  • The do not have a specific minimum credit score requirement
  • Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot

Credible

  • Credible connects applicants with multiple lenders without requiring a minimum credit score. Borrowers can get personal loans from $600 up to $200,000, with repayment terms ranging from 3-120 months
  • APRs through Credible range from 5.20% to 35.99%
  • Credible is best for borrowers needing personal loans with flexible terms and no minimum score requirement
  • Rated 4.7/5 on Trustpilot

Alternatives to bad credit personal loans in Florida

If you can't get approved for a personal loan, don't worry—you still have options; consider these alternative borrowing options available in Florida for those with bad credit:

Borrowing from family/friends

Asking family members or friends for some cash is one route to go, as long as you're comfortable with doing so and you put terms in writing. Peer-to-peer lending sites like LendingClub also let regular people invest in loans for borrowers who don't meet bank criteria.

Credit counseling

Non-profit credit counseling services are another good bet. They can talk to your creditors for you to try to reduce interest rates and monthly payments. If you've got multiple debts stressing you out, they may be able to roll them into one lower monthly payment through a debt management plan.

Debt management plans

Credit counselors can set up a debt management plan that consolidates your balances into one monthly payment. This can simplify payments and lead to reduced or waived fees.

401(k) or home equity loans, if qualified

Don't forget about tapping your own funds if you have them—401(k) loans and home equity loans let you borrow against what you've already saved up.

The point is, just because you can't get a traditional personal loan doesn't mean you're out of options when you need cash. Get creative and explore alternatives from family, peers, non-profits, or even your own accounts.