Your one-stop guide to bad credit loans and help in your state.
MenuClose

Credit score range

Loans with a 300-499 credit score

FICO calls a 300-499 score "Poor". Here is what that usually means for the loans, APRs and amounts you can expect.

Check your options

BadCreditMD is not a lender or broker. A lending network partner shares requests with lenders, who set their own rates and decide whether to lend. There is no fee to use our service. See disclosures.

Start with your state

Last updated .

What the data says about a 300-499 score

  • Base FICO Scores start at 300, the bottom of this range, and go up to 850.
  • FICO groups base scores below 580 in its Poor range, which it describes as well below the average score of U.S. consumers.
  • Experian data from September 2025 put 14.7% of consumers in the FICO Poor range, 300 to 579.
  • In Experian data from September 2025, people in the FICO Poor range used 79% of their available credit on average.
  • The CFPB's consumer credit research calls FICO scores below 580 deep subprime.
  • HUD's FHA rules do not allow FHA-insured mortgage financing when the borrower's credit score is below 500.
  • A score of 300 to 499 is 81 to 280 points below 580, where FICO's Fair range starts.

Options people in this range often use

  • Installment loans from lenders that work with thin or damaged credit, usually at higher APRs and lower amounts.
  • Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs), capped at 28% APR for members.
  • Secured credit cards and credit-builder loans, which report on-time payments to the credit bureaus.
Check your optionsStart with your stateLoan options, state rules and local help for where you live.

Important disclosures

APRs vary by lender and state. Each lender sets its own rates and terms and must show you the APR before you sign.

Representative example

Amount borrowed
$1,000
Annual percentage rate (APR)
29.99%
Repayment
12 monthly payments
Payment
$97.48
Finance charge
$169.76
Total of payments
$1,169.76

Example: a $1,000 installment loan at 29.99% APR repaid in 12 monthly payments of $97.48 costs $1,169.76 in total, including a finance charge of $169.76. Illustration only; your lender will disclose your actual APR, payment schedule and total cost before you accept a loan.

  • BadCreditMD is not a lender or broker and does not make loans or credit decisions. When you submit a request, a lending network partner shares it with third-party lenders, and those lenders or the partner may pay us a fee for each referral. The lenders decide whether to offer you a loan.
  • There is no fee to use BadCreditMD. Lenders or our lending network partner may pay us.
  • Lenders set their own rates, fees and terms. Offers depend on your credit, income, state of residence and each lender's criteria.
  • Our service is not available in all states, and not every loan type is available in every state.
  • By submitting a request you consent to lenders checking your credit, which may affect your score, and to your information being shared with them.
  • Submitting a request does not mean you will be approved or funded, or that you will receive any particular amount or rate.
  • Short-term loans are costly and are not a long-term financial solution. Borrow only what you can repay on time.
  • BadCreditMD publishes general information about loans and state rules. It is not legal or financial advice.
  • BadCreditMD is operated by BadCreditMD, LLC, 30 N Gould St Ste N, Sheridan, WY 82801. Contact: pr@badcreditmd.com. Full details are on our disclosures page and disclaimer.
  • Each state regulates lenders through its own financial regulator. Our state guides link to each one.
  • You can submit a complaint about any lender to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.