Best Loans for Bad Credit in Colorado for 2024

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Updated: July 26, 2024

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Happy Money stands out as the best personal loan lender for bad credit in Colorado, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. This lender offers a quick application and approval process, provides quality service, and maintains high credibility and transparency about its loan terms and process. As the runner-up, Avant distinguishes itself with a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. It is recognized for its strong customer service, broad payment options, and quick application and approval process.

MoneyGeek reviewed three personal loan lenders in Colorado that set and disclosed their minimum credit score requirements between 580 and 640 to determine the state's best personal loans for bad credit. While these highlighted lenders are excellent choices, other lenders such as Colorado Credit Union, Credit Union of Colorado and Canvas Credit Union also offer personalized services that may cater to your specific financial needs in Colorado.

MoneyGeek Logo IconBest Bad CreditLendersColorado
2024

Best Bad Credit Loans in Colorado

Best Overall - Happy Money
Runner-Up - Avant

MoneyGeek scored personal loan lenders in Colorado that explicitly disclose their minimum credit score requirements on their websites to find the best personal loans for bad credit. Only 12% of lenders disclose this information.

We filtered our analysis to include lenders with minimum credit score requirements between 580 and 640, which meets Experian's definition of fair credit. Our research did not find any published minimums lower than 580.

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Our analysis was completed in April 2024 and considers banks and lenders who are licensed to do business in Colorado. We also consider financial companies that partner with federally insured institutions to offer competitive rates.

34Lenders Analyzed

    Overall Best Bad Credit Loan Lender in Colorado

  • Happy Money
    • 94MoneyGeek Score
    • 11.72% to 17.99%APR Range
    • 640Minimum Credit Score
    • $5,000 to $40,000Loan Amount Range
    • 24 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms

    Happy Money is MoneyGeek's pick for the best personal loan lender for bad credit in Colorado with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. Happy Money is a fintech company that works with lending partners federally insured by the NCUA to originate personal loans. It requires a minimum credit score of 640, offers loans ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 and disburses funds by the next day. It doesn't charge late or early repayment fees and provides flexible repayment terms. Prospective borrowers should note the loan's purpose is limited to debt consolidation, and it charges an origination fee.

    Pros

    • Doesn't charge late, early repayment, bounced checks, failed ACH or other fees
    • Flexible repayment terms from 24 to 60 months
    • Lower maximum APR than competitors

    Cons

    • Only offers loans for debt consolidation
    • $40,000 borrowing limit
    • No co-signers or co-borrowers
    Happy Money

    Runner-Up for Best Bad Credit Loan Lender in Colorado

  • Avant
    • 92MoneyGeek Score
    • 9.95% to 35.99%APR Range
    • 580Minimum Credit Score
    • $2,000 to $35,000Loan Amount Range
    • 12 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms

    Avant stands as the runner-up for the best bad credit loan lender in Colorado with a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. It partners with WebBank — a state-chartered FDIC member bank — to originate personal loans. For individuals with less-than-ideal credit profiles, it offers loans ranging from $2,000 to $35,000 and a swift funding time, usually by the next day, with a minimum credit score requirement of just 580. It does not charge prepayment penalties and has flexible repayment terms spanning 12 to 60 months. However, potential applicants should be mindful of the up to 9.99% administration fee and additional late or dishonored payment charges.

    Pros

    • Doesn't charge a prepayment penalty
    • Allows you to check your loan options without hurting your credit score
    • Offers next-day funding

    Cons

    • Charges an administration fee up to 9.99%
    • Has late fees and dishonored payment fees
    • Doesn't allow co-signers or joint applications
    Avant

Calculate Your Monthly Loan Payment in Colorado

In Colorado, the average new account balance for personal loans stands at $11,537 according to TransUnion's Credit Industry Snapshot report. Once a personal loan, typically an unsecured loan, is obtained, borrowers must make fixed monthly payments over an agreed-upon period. This installment payment process includes a portion of the principal amount plus interest.

For individuals with less-than-perfect credit, closely estimating these monthly payments is particularly beneficial. To accurately calculate potential loan payments, you can use MoneyGeek's personal loan calculator. This tool provides a simple way to get a projection of your monthly financial commitment before you finalize the loan.

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Updated: Nov 21, 2024

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Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.

Best Bad Credit Loans by Credit Score in Colorado

The average credit score in Colorado is 731, standing above the national average of 715 according to Experian data.

Lenders in Colorado may accommodate borrowers with poor credit, though this often means higher interest rates and less favorable loan conditions. Refer to the following table to determine your options for personal loans in Colorado based on your credit score.

Avant5809.95% to 35.99%$2,000 to $35,00012 to 60 monthsNext Day92
Prosper6008.99% to 35.99%$2,000 to $50,00024 to 60 months1 business day90
Happy Money64011.72% to 17.99%$5,000 to $40,00024 to 60 months3 to 6 Business Days94

What to Do if Your Loan Application Is Denied in Colorado

It's not uncommon to face a personal loan application denial in Colorado, but this doesn't halt your borrowing journey. Here are some measures to enhance your chances for approval on future applications.

  1. 1
    Find out the reason for the denial

    If your loan application has been denied, it may be due to factors such as a poor credit score, a high debt-to-income ratio, insufficient income or mistakes on your application. Review the lender's reasons to address weak areas and prevent future denials.

  2. 2
    Modify your loan terms

    Consider negotiating with your lender. Ask if it is possible to change the loan amount or the repayment terms to secure approval.

  3. 3
    Find another lender

    Lenders vary in their loan approval criteria. Look around to find the best lender for your financial situation and credit history. Consider the following factors:

    • Eligibility requirements: Each lender sets their own bar for credit score, income level, debt-to-income ratio and employment history.
    • Interest rates: Seek lenders offering competitive rates, an important factor for those with bad credit.
    • Additional fees: Understand fees like origination, late or prepayment penalties, as some lenders may not charge these, while others do.
    • Loan terms: Different lenders offer various terms. Assess the impact of short-term versus long-term loans on your finances.
    • Customer service and reputation: Research the lender's quality of customer service and overall reputation.
  4. 4
    Look for alternatives

    Alternatives to personal loans, such as secured loans, credit unions or family loans, might be more suitable for borrowers with bad credit. Explore these options.

  5. 5
    Improve your credit score

    Working on improving your credit score can lead to personal loan approval in the future. Payments on time, reducing debt, correcting credit report errors and limiting new credit applications are effective ways to enhance your credit score.

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EXPERT TIP

Work on improving your credit score before applying for a personal loan to increase your chances of approval and getting better terms. Here are some long-term steps to consider:

  • Monitor your credit utilization ratio: Keep your credit utilization ratio low, as high credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit limit.
  • Don’t close old credit cards: The length of your credit history contributes to your credit score. Even if you no longer use a credit card, keep it open unless it has an annual fee.

—Alvin Yam, CFP

FAQ About Bad Credit Loans in Colorado

When shopping for personal loans in Colorado, it's common for borrowers, especially those with bad credit, to have questions or concerns. To assist in this process, we compiled answers to some frequently asked questions, offering clarity and guidance to help you make well-informed decisions.

Who is the best personal loan lender for bad credit in Colorado?
Which lender in Colorado has the lowest APR rates for personal loans?
Which lender in Colorado has the lowest minimum credit score requirement for personal loans?
How to apply for a personal loan for bad credit in Colorado?
How long does it take to get a bad credit loan in Colorado?
Can I pay off my personal loan early in Colorado?
Is there a difference between personal loans and installment loans in Colorado for bad credit?

About Zachary Romeo, CBCA

Zachary Romeo, CBCA headshot

Zachary Romeo is a certified Commercial Banking and Credit Analyst (CBCA), and the Head of Loans and Banking at MoneyGeek. Previously, he led production teams for some of the largest online informational resources in higher education, with over 13 years of experience in editorial production.

Romeo has a bachelor's degree in biological engineering from Cornell University. He geeks out on minimizing personal debt and helping others do the same through people-first content.

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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.

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