Best Loans for Bad Credit in Wisconsin: Top Lenders and Rates for 2024

Updated: October 29, 2024

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Best Bad-Credit Loan Lenders in Wisconsin

MoneyGeek looked at more than 30 different information facets, like APR ranges, loan amounts, repayment terms and fees, to determine the best bad-credit loan options in Wisconsin. We also considered other factors that can influence your chances of getting a loan, like the minimum credit score and acceptable debt-to-income ratio.

Additionally, we cover some negatives you might want to take into account, such as limitations on how you can use your funds, to aid you in selecting the best Wisconsin bad-credit loan provider for your unique needs and circumstances.

Best Overall Bad-Credit Loan in Wisconsin: 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, an artificial intelligence lending platform that was launched in 2012, caters to applicants with credit scores as low as 300. This made it our pick for the best loan provider for individuals with bad credit in Wisconsin.

    You can borrow $1,000 to $50,000 with Upstart. There are no penalties for paying off your loan early, but Upstart only offers two repayment terms of three or five years. You are free to utilize the loan for any legal reason, including paying for education, as there are no restrictions on how the money may be used.

    However, Upstart levies origination and late fees in addition to having a high maximum APR. Additionally, it prohibits co-signers, which can often help borrowers with bad credit secure loans with favorable terms.

    Pros

    • 300 minimum credit score
    • Fast funding
    • No prepayment penalty
    • Soft credit pull
    • Potentially low APR

    Cons

    • No co-signers allowed
    • Only two repayment term options
    • High maximum APR
    • APR range: 3.22% to 35.99%
    • Minimum/maximum loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000
    • Minimum credit requirements: 300
    • Repayment terms: 36 to 60 months
    • Time to receive funds: Next day
    Upstart

Runner-Up for Best Bad-Credit Loan in Wisconsin: 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 has been operating since 2016. According to MoneyGeek's data, Upgrade is the second-best choice for getting a loan in Wisconsin with bad credit.

    Its qualifying credit score is 560, and it allows a joint application, which increases your chances of getting better rates. This online lender provides unsecured loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. There is no prepayment penalty, and you can repay the loan within three to five years.

    However, you will pay an origination charge that can be up to 8.99% of the loan amount, and you can also be assessed a $10 late payment fee. In addition, having a low credit score puts you at risk of paying Upgrade’s high maximum APR.

    Finally, Upgrade prohibits the utilization of loan funds for certain expenses like postsecondary tuition.

    Pros

    • Flexible repayment terms
    • Quick funding
    • Allows joint applications
    • Many repayment term options
    • Pays creditors directly for debt consolidation

    Cons

    • High maximum APR
    • Late fees
    • Up to 8.99% origination fees
    • APR range: 5.94% to 35.47%
    • Minimum/maximum loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000
    • Minimum credit requirements: 560
    • Repayment terms: 36 to 60 months
    • Time to receive funds: Same day
    Upgrade

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

Personal loans can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including emergency expenses, home improvements, large purchases and debt consolidation. In Wisconsin, the average balance on a personal loan is $16,953.

However, you must assess your financial status before submitting your loan application. This analysis will make sure you get the money you need without further damaging your credit by taking out a loan you can't afford. In order to select the best Wisconsin bad-credit lender for you, we advise that you follow these steps.

  1. 1
    Ask Yourself the Important Questions

    It's critical to assess your present financial condition and funding requirements before looking for loans. It's also crucial to think about how much debt you already have and whether you have the financial means to obtain a new loan. Before continuing, MoneyGeek advises that you ask yourself the following questions.

    • 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. 2
    Do Your Research

    Because a personal loan is a major commitment, you should carefully compare several lenders before settling on the one that best suits your needs. Although MoneyGeek's guide lists the top Wisconsin lenders for those with bad credit, our suggestions may not apply to you because of the specifics of your circumstance. When doing your research, pay attention to the loan amounts, interest rates and payback terms that each lender offers. Also, take note of the minimum credit requirements and fund utilization restrictions.

  3. 3
    Read the Fine Print

    You must check the loan agreement and carefully read the contract after choosing the lender. It will provide you with an overview of the fees charged by the lender and any additional expenses that may be added to the total amount of your loan. It’s imperative to take this step to prevent paying more than necessary in the long term.

  4. 4
    Wait

    It could be tempting to start an application right away after choosing a personal loan lender. However, it's advisable to take a step back and hold off before making a decision for a day or two. Giving yourself space to breathe can prevent you from making an impulsive choice. Don't take a personal loan lightly; it's a significant commitment. Apply only after you're certain it's the best financial move you can make.

  5. 5
    Apply

    You're prepared to submit an application for your loan once you've selected a lender, understood all the charges and waited until you're sure of your choice. At the very least, the lender will want information about your identity, employment history and finances. You can submit your application in person by going to the lender's office or applying online — whichever you prefer.

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

When a loan application is turned down, it can be disheartening, especially if it causes you to postpone your plans for the money. However, giving up on a bad-credit loan is too early at this point. There are still steps you can take to get the funds you need.

You can get in touch with the lender to learn the reason you were turned down. For instance, your credit score may be too low. In this case, you can work on building up your credit score before applying again.

Maybe you simply didn't provide enough documents or the application form is incomplete. You can also try making a compromise, such as lowering the loan amount or cutting the repayment period, to make your application more appealing.

Without improving the factor that led to your denial, it's doubtful that you'll get approved, even if you apply to a different lender. MoneyGeek also advises staying away from payday loans. These loans are simple to get but have absurdly high APRs and brief repayment periods, which can lead to further debt and further harm your credit score.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment

A personal loan requires payments each month with interest. Calculate your monthly payment using MoneyGeek's personal loan calculator to see if you can afford it. This tool can also help you plan your budget better.

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 Wisconsin

Analyzing your existing financial condition and needs is the first step in locating the best bad-credit loan provider in Wisconsin. To assist you in determining which lender offers loans that might be suitable for you, MoneyGeek has compiled the following answers to frequently asked questions regarding the subject.

What is the best bad-credit loan lender in Wisconsin?
Which lender in Wisconsin has the lowest interest rates for bad credit?
What kind of debts can I not use my bad-credit loan for in Wisconsin?
How long does it take to get a bad-credit loan in Wisconsin?
Can I pay off my loan early in Wisconsin?

Methodology

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METHODOLOGY

MoneyGeek examined more than 30 personal loan providers using at least 35 distinct data points in six critical categories — loan accessibility, affordability, customer service, consumer friendliness, flexibility and lender transparency.

We considered a number of distinct factors that are important when choosing a personal loan provider for each category. Loan amounts, APR ranges, application costs, required minimum credit scores, income levels, payback terms and disbursement times are some of these.

MoneyGeek prioritizes the needs of the consumer, so we also looked at each lender's customer service, business ratings and any additional features — like prequalification, automated payment options and mobile apps — that can make this process easier for you.

MoneyGeek's final selections are made with your best interests in mind after rigorous deliberation and analysis. When selecting a lender that suits your needs and financial condition, you may use our loan suggestions and professional advice to help you make informed choices.

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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