Best Loans for Bad Credit in South Dakota for 2024

Happy Money provides the best loans for bad credit in South Dakota, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. It excels in customer service, transparency and application process.

Updated: November 27, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Happy Money is the best personal loan lender for bad credit in South Dakota, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. It offers quality service, has competitive interest rates and is credible and transparent about its loan terms and process. Avant is the runner-up, with a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. It is known for its broad payment options, quick application and approval process, and strong customer service.

To identify the best options for bad credit loans, MoneyGeek reviewed four personal loan lenders in South Dakota that disclosed minimum credit score requirements between 580 and 640. While the overall best and runner-up lenders are notable, it's also wise to consider local services such as Aspen Federal Credit Union, Black Hills Federal Credit Union and BankWest, which cater to the specific financial needs within South Dakota.

Best Bad CreditLendersSouth Dakota

2024

Best Bad Credit Loans in South Dakota

Best Overall - Happy Money

Runner-Up - Avant

MoneyGeek scored personal loan lenders in South Dakota 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.

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

34Lenders Analyzed

Overall Best Bad Credit Loan Lender in South Dakota

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 as the best personal loan lender for bad credit in South Dakota, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. It is not a traditional lender but a fintech company that partners with federally insured lending partners of the NCUA for loan origination. Happy Money caters to applicants with a minimum credit score of 640, offers personal loans ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 and disburses funds as quickly as the next day. It does not charge fees for late payments or failed ACH. However, borrowers should note it requires an origination fee and only offers loans for debt consolidation.

Pros

Doesn't charge late, early repayment, bounced check, failed ACH or other fees
Flexible repayment terms from 24 to 60 months
Offers to pay creditors directly

Cons

Only offers loans for debt consolidation
Charges an origination fee
No co-signers or co-borrowers

Runner-Up for Best Bad Credit Loan Lender in South Dakota

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 is the runner-up for the best bad credit loan lender in South Dakota, with a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. It works with WebBank, a state-chartered member FDIC bank, to originate personal loans. For borrowers with less-than-ideal credit, it requires a minimum credit score of 580 and offers loans ranging from $2,000 to $35,000, with the possibility of receiving funds the next day. Avant does not charge a prepayment penalty and offers flexible repayment terms of 12 to 60 months. Applicants should note it charges an administration fee of up to 9.99% and imposes late fees and dishonored payment fees.

Pros

Doesn't charge a prepayment penalty
Flexible repayment terms from 12 to 60 months
Offers next-day funding

Cons

Charges an administration fee of up to 9.99%
Has late fees and dishonored payment fees
Low borrowing limits at $35,000

Calculate Your Monthly Loan Payment in South Dakota

According to TransUnion's Credit Industry Snapshot report, the average new account balance for personal loans in South Dakota is $9,768. After receiving a personal loan, typically an unsecurde loan, borrowers are expected to repay the amount over time in regular installments, which include both principal and interest.

Calculating your monthly loan payments is a critical step, particularly for individuals with bad credit. Accurate calculation helps with budgeting and ensuring that payments are manageable within your financial situation. To estimate your loan payments, consider using MoneyGeek's personal loan calculator, which can provide quick and easy insights into your potential repayment plan.

Personal Loan Calculator

Estimate the monthly payment for your loan.

Updated: Dec 22, 2024

Loan Amount

Loan Term

5 Years

Interest Rate

Payment:

$0/Month

Total Principal Paid:

Total Interest Paid:

Total Paid

Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek

MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about advertising and editorial disclosure.

Best Bad Credit Loans by Credit Score in South Dakota

South Dakota's average credit score of 734 is higher than the national average of 715, based on Experian data.

Some lenders in South Dakota may consider applications from borrowers with bad credit. However, they typically charge higher interest rates and provide less favorable terms. Refer to the following table to find personal loan lenders in South Dakota that match your credit profile.


Avant	580	9.95% to 35.99%	$2,000 to $35,000	12 to 60 months	Next Day	92
Prosper	600	8.99% to 35.99%	$2,000 to $50,000	24 to 60 months	1 business day	90
Achieve	620	8.99% to 35.99%	$5,000 to $50,000	24 to 60 months	Same Day	92
Happy Money	640	11.72% to 17.99%	$5,000 to $40,000	24 to 60 months	3 to 6 Business Days	94

What to Do if Your Loan Application Is Denied in South Dakota

It's not uncommon to face a personal loan application denial in South Dakota, but this doesn't halt your borrowing journey. Understanding the next steps can help you navigate this setback. Here are some measures to enhance your chances of approval for future applications.

1
Find out the reason for the denial
Lenders may deny your loan application for various reasons, such as a poor credit score, a high debt-to-income ratio, insufficient income or mistakes in your application. It's recommended you review the reasons for the denial to identify areas for improvement and to prevent future rejections.
2
Modify your loan terms
You may consult your lender about changing the loan amount or the repayment terms to fit their lending criteria and increase the chances of getting your loan application approved.
3
Find another lender
Different lenders have their own set of criteria for approving loans. Shopping around and comparing lenders is a strategic move to find the best option suited to your needs and credit history. Here are some factors to consider:
- Eligibility requirements: Lenders vary in their requirements for credit score, income levels, debt-to-income ratio and employment history. It is beneficial to be informed about these criteria.
- Interest rates: Searching for lenders with competitive rates can be more economical, especially for those with less-than-perfect credit.
- Additional fees: Check for lenders that charge fees such as origination, late and prepayment fees, as opposed to those that do not, which could influence the total loan cost.
- Loan terms: Different lenders offer varying repayment terms with distinctions between short and long terms affecting repayments.
- Customer service and reputation: Quality customer service and a positive reputation are significant when selecting a lender for a personal loan.
4
Look for alternatives
If personal loans are not an option due to bad credit, there are alternatives like credit builder loans, secured loans or borrowing from friends and family. Exploring these options is advisable as they might align better with your financial situation.
5
Improve your credit score
Enhancing your credit score can increase the likelihood of loan approval in the future. Some methods for improving your credit score include paying bills on time, reducing outstanding debt and checking credit reports for inaccuracies.

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 South Dakota

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

Who is the best personal loan lender for bad credit in South Dakota?

Happy Money is the best personal loan lender for bad credit in South Dakota, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100.

Which lender in South Dakota has the lowest APR rates for personal loans?

Achieve and Prosper both offer the lowest starting APR of 8.99%. However, this rate is typically available only to borrowers with excellent credit.

Which lender in South Dakota has the lowest minimum credit score requirement for personal loans?

Avant has the lowest minimum credit score requirement of 580.

How to apply for a personal loan for bad credit in South Dakota?

To apply for a personal loan with bad credit in South Dakota, begin by reviewing your credit report to understand your financial standing. Research lenders that specialize in bad credit loans, including online lenders, local credit unions and community banks. Compare various loan offers based on interest rates, repayment terms and fees. Complete the application accurately, either online or in person, and provide any additional required information.

How long does it take to get a bad credit loan in South Dakota?

The time it takes to get a bad credit loan in South Dakota varies by lender. Some lenders offer same-day funding, while others may take from a few business days up to a week.

Can I pay off my personal loan early in South Dakota?

Yes, you can pay off your loan early. However, you should check with your lender regarding any prepayment penalties that might apply.

Is there a difference between personal loans and installment loans in South Dakota for bad credit?

In South Dakota, there's no significant difference between personal loans and installment loans for bad credit, as both require borrowing a set amount and repaying it through consistent, fixed payments.

Best Personal Loans

Best Bad Credit Loans

About Zachary Romeo, CBCA

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.

Read Full Bio »

sources

Experian. "What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?." Accessed April 11, 2024.
TransUnion. "Credit Industry Snapshot." Accessed April 11, 2024.

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.