Best Low-Income Loans in Michigan: Top Lenders and Rates for 2024

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Updated: November 21, 2024

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WHAT WE’RE GEEKING OUT ON

Best Low-Income Loan Lenders in Michigan

MoneyGeek reviewed over 30 lenders for more than 35 data points to find the best low-income loans in Michigan. Our analysis factored in loan limits, APR ranges, repayment terms and minimum eligibility requirements. We also analyzed the best lenders for different borrower profiles, including borrowers with bad credit.

Based on our analysis, Upgrade offers the best low-income loans in Michigan. However, the best lender for you may vary depending on your borrower profile. For instance, Upstart is the best low-income loan lender for borrowers with poor credit, while Prosper is ideal for those with good credit.

Best Overall Low-Income Loan in Michigan: 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

    MoneyGeek found that Upgrade offers the best low-income loans in Michigan. Since 2017, Upgrade has provided quality personal loan products to borrowers with low incomes and credit scores.

    Upgrade’s minimum credit score requirement of 560 is relatively low in comparison to other lenders, allowing more borrowers to qualify for a loan with this lender. Depending on their overall profile, borrowers can obtain a loan from $1,000 to $50,000 with repayment terms between 36 and 60 months.

    While the lender’s loan products are very accessible, those with poor credit scores may receive a high interest rate on their personal loan. To view your expected interest rate without impacting your credit score, you can complete a rate inquiry on the lender’s website.

    Pros

    • Low minimum credit score requirement
    • Soft credit check during the initial rate check
    • Fast funding
    • No prepayment penalties
    • Flexible repayment terms

    Cons

    • Origination fees of up to 8%
    • Relatively high APR range
    • Late 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

Runner-Up for Best Low-Income Loan in Michigan: LendingClub


  • LendingClub
    • 7.04% to 35.89%APR Range
    • 600Minimum Credit Score
    • $1,000 to $40,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Next DayTime to Receive Funds

    LendingClub is a peer-to-peer lending platform that was founded in 2007. It’s the second-best low-income loan lender in Michigan because of its fair credit score requirement and fast funding. LendingClub loans can be used for home renovations, emergency expenses, debt consolidation and other purposes.

    Those with a credit score of 600 or higher can qualify for a loan with LendingClub. The lender also accepts co-applicants on its loans, which can increase a borrower’s chance of being approved. LendingClub loans can be used for home renovations, emergency expenses, debt consolidation and other purposes. It’s an ideal choice for those that need a loan quickly, as most borrowers receive funds within 24 hours of their application being approved.

    Potential borrowers should be mindful of LendingClub’s high APRs; the maximum APR on its loan products is 36%. The lender also charges fees for loan origination, which can significantly increase the cost of your loan.

    Pros

    • Soft credit inquiry during prequalification
    • Quick funding
    • Co-applicants accepted
    • No prepayment fees
    • Flexible repayment terms

    Cons

    • Origination fees
    • High APR range
    • Low maximum loan amount of $40,000
    • APR range: 7.04% to 35.89%
    • Minimum/maximum loan amount: $1,000 to $40,000
    • Minimum credit requirements: 600
    • Repayment terms: 36 to 60 months
    • Time to receive funds: Within 24 hours
    LendingClub

Best Low-Income Loan for Bad Credit in Michigan: 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

    Those with bad credit can obtain the best low-income loans in Michigan from Upstart. Founded in 2012, Upstart uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to qualify borrowers for loans based on factors like education history, employment status and financial history.

    Upstart offers loans to borrowers with a credit score of 300 or higher. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000 and feature APRs between 3.22% and 35.99%. While this is one of the lowest starting APRs, only those with excellent credit will qualify for it; borrowers with poor credit scores may receive a high APR.

    Borrowers can easily check their rate on the Upstart website without impacting their credit score. After your application is approved, you can expect to receive your funds the following day. While the lender charges origination fees, borrowers won’t have to pay a penalty for prepayment.

    Pros

    • Low credit score requirement of 300
    • Prequalification with soft credit check available
    • Fast funding
    • No prepayment penalties

    Cons

    • Limited repayment term options
    • Origination fees
    • Relatively 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

Best Low-Income Loan for Good Credit in Michigan: Prosper


  • Prosper
    • 7.95% to 35.99%APR Range
    • 640Minimum Credit Score
    • $2,000 to $40,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Same DayTime to Receive Funds

    Prosper offers the best low-income loans in Michigan for borrowers with good credit. Prosper is a peer-to-peer lending platform that offers loans to low-income borrowers from $2,000 to $40,000 with repayment terms between 36 and 60 months.

    Prosper only accepts applicants with credit scores of at least 640, but you can also apply with a co-applicant to increase your chances of being approved. Applicants with poor credit should be mindful of receiving a high interest rate in excess of 35%. To see if you prequalify, you can check your rate online without impacting your credit score.

    The lender is a good option for borrowers who need emergency funds, since most borrowers receive funds on the same day of their application being approved. Potential borrowers should also be aware of Prosper’s origination fees, which can be up to 5% of the original loan amount.

    Pros

    • Prequalification with soft credit check
    • Quick funding
    • No prepayment penalties
    • Allows co-applicants
    • Flexible loan limits

    Cons

    • Origination fees
    • Late fees
    • Relatively high APR range
    • APR range: 7.95% to 35.99%
    • Minimum/maximum loan amount: $2,000 to $40,000
    • Minimum credit requirements: 640
    • Repayment terms: 36 to 60 months
    • Time to receive funds: Same day
    Prosper

How to Choose the Best Low-Income Loan in Michigan for You

In Michigan, the average credit score is 729, but it’s still possible to get a low-income loan if you have an average or poor credit score. Lenders will typically consider factors like your credit score, DTI ratio and employment history when determining APR ranges, loan limits and other terms. This means it is important to consider your financial profile when looking for the best lender for low-income loans.

We recommend taking the following steps to find the best low-income loan lender for you:

  1. 1
    Ask Yourself the Important Questions

    Prior to researching different lenders, you should ask yourself the following questions to ensure that taking out a low-income loan is the best option for you.

    • How much funding do you need? Start by figuring out how much you need to borrow. Different lenders have different loan limits, so knowing your loan amount can help you narrow down your lender choice. Furthermore, only borrowing the amount you need can help you avoid paying more in interest or taking out an additional loan.
    • What is your credit score? Your credit score impacts your loan eligibility and the interest rate you receive on your loan. Those with higher credit scores will typically receive lower interest rates. If your credit score is low, consider improving it first before applying for a low-income loan.
    • Can you afford the monthly payment? Consider how a low-income loan will impact your finances. Choosing a higher monthly payment amount will allow you to repay your loan faster, reducing the overall amount you pay in interest. However, it’s important to ensure you still have enough money to cover other expenses.
    • How much debt do you already have? If you have existing debt, you may want to repay it first before taking on more.
    • Is your debt manageable through other means? Look into interest-free or low-interest financing options, like borrowing from friends and family or taking out a credit card.
  2. 2
    Do Your Research

    It’s important to compare lenders for their APR ranges, repayment periods, eligibility requirements and other terms to find the best lender for your needs. You can use MoneyGeek’s suggestions as a guide, but keep in mind that our recommendations are based on an average borrower profile and may not reflect your unique situation.

  3. 3
    Wait

    After you’ve chosen the lender that’s best for you, it’s best to wait a day or two before submitting a loan application. This will give you time to consider all your options and ensure that you are making the right decision. While personal loans can help you access funds quickly, they will impact your finances for a long time, so it is best to avoid making an impulsive decision. Take time to consider how the loan will impact your finances and figure out whether it is the best financial step for you.

  4. 4
    Read the Fine Print

    It’s essential to read the fine print of your loan agreement to learn about any fees associated with your loan, like those for loan origination, prepayment and late payments. These seemingly insignificant costs can add up over the life of your loan, so it’s important to budget for them ahead of time. If you have any questions about the terms of your loan, you should reach out to your lender for clarification.

  5. 5
    Apply

    Once you’ve read and understand the fine print of your loan agreement, it’s time to submit your application. To save time, prepare any required documents in advance. Lenders typically require you to provide proof of identification, employment, address and income, but this varies depending on the lender. Some lenders allow you to apply in person at a physical branch or over the phone, while others are online-only lenders.

What to Do if You Can’t Get a Low-Income Loan in Michigan

If your application for a low-income loan in Michigan is rejected, don’t panic. Lenders deny applicants for several reasons, including an insufficient credit score, high DTI ratio or incomplete application submittal.

After your application is rejected, you should contact your lender to find out why. Often, you can modify terms of your loan agreement, like your loan amount or repayment period, to have it approved. However, applicants rejected due to a low credit should work to improve their credit before reapplying. That way, they can avoid dips in their credit score from hard credit checks during the application process.

MoneyGeek strongly advises against taking out a payday loan. These lending products feature high interest rates and short repayment terms that may cost borrowers more money in the long term. Repaying a payday loan on time also won’t help your credit score.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment

Before signing up for a loan, it’s important to calculate your monthly payments to make sure a low-income loan fits into your budget. Use MoneyGeek’s personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments.

years
months
%
Principal
+ $114.98
Interest
+ $8.33
Origination Fee Percentage
+
%
Origination Fee Fixed amount
+
Total monthly Payment
$123.31

FAQs About Low-Income Loans in Michigan

If you are a low-income borrower in Michigan, the best lender for you will mainly depend on your funding needs and individual financial factors, like your credit score and DTI ratio. MoneyGeek answered some frequently asked questions about low-income loans in Michigan to help borrowers learn more.

What is the best low-income loan lender in Michigan?
Which lender in Michigan has the lowest interest rates for low-income?
What kind of debts can I not use my low-income loan for in Michigan?
How much debt can I consolidate in Michigan?
How long does it take to get a low-income loan in Michigan?
Can I pay off my loan early in Michigan?

Methodology

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METHODOLOGY

MoneyGeek reviewed over 30 personal loan lenders for more than 35 data points to find the best low-income loan lenders. Our analysis factored in data points across six main categories, including loan affordability, accessibility, lender transparency, flexibility, consumer friendliness and customer service.

For each category, MoneyGeek analyzed individual factors that we feel matter most when consumers are looking for a low-income loan lender. These factors include APR ranges, loan limits, credit score and income requirements, application fees and disbursement time.

At MoneyGeek, we value you, the consumer, so we also considered lenders’ customer support, business ratings and additional tools and features that improve user experience. These include features like prequalification and payment options as well as mobile application availability.

Our recommendations are made with your best interest in mind. We strive to provide you with expert tips and recommendations to help you make well-informed financial decisions.

About Christopher Boston

Christopher Boston headshot

Christopher (Croix) Boston was the Head of Loans content at MoneyGeek, with over five years of experience researching higher education, mortgage and personal loans.

Boston has a bachelor's degree from the Seattle Pacific University. They pride themselves in using their skills and experience to create quality content that helps people save and spend efficiently.

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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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