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

On average, Virginia residents have a credit score of 721. You may borrow as little as $1,000 and as much as $50,000 through a low-income loan in Virginia.

By Christopher Boston

Edited by Scott Strandberg

Updated: November 21, 2024

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WHAT WE’RE GEEKING OUT ON

Best Overall Low-Income Loan Lender in Virginia
Runner-Up for Best Overall Low-Income Loan Lender in Virginia
Best Low-Income Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Virginia
Best Low-Income Loan Lender for Good Credit in Virginia
How to Choose the Right Personal Loan for You
What to Do if You Can’t Get a Low-Income Loan in Virginia
Calculate Your Monthly Payment
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Virginia

Best Low-Income Loan Lenders in Virginia

MoneyGeek ranked the top companies providing low-income loans in Virginia by reviewing more than 30 data points. The best lender for your situation depends on your financial background and personal preferences.

We ranked the top companies overall and the best options for those with bad and good credit. Our key factors include the loan amount, interest rate, credit score requirements and features that promote high customer satisfaction, like a seamless application process.

From our findings, Upgrade offers the best low-income personal loans in the state. Upstart ranked first for bad credit, while Prosper is the best for borrowers with good credit. By shopping around, you can find a suitable offer for your profile.

Best Overall Low-Income Loan in Virginia: 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
Established in 2017, Upgrade offers up to $50,000 in low-income loans to Virginia residents. For your application to be approved, you must meet the 560 minimum credit score requirement.
Upgrade allows you to use your low-income loan for many purposes, except funding postsecondary education and investments. Although its loans do not feature a prepayment penalty, you will pay up to 8.99% in origination fees. Fortunately, you can reduce your interest rates through automatic payments.
Upgrade pays creditors directly for debt consolidation. The lender also conducts an initial soft credit inquiry and funds most loans within a day. Repayment periods vary from 36 to 60 months.
Pros
Pays creditors directly for debt consolidation
No prepayment penalty
Broad range of repayment terms
Low minimum APR

Cons
High maximum APR
Charges origination fees
Restricted funds usage
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

Runner-Up for Best Low-Income Loan in Virginia: 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
Borrowers can apply for a low-income personal loan from LendingClub for practically anything, except investments and postsecondary education. The lender was established in 2007 and offers to fund between $1,000 and $40,000 for low-income loans in Virginia. The exact amount depends on a borrower’s preferences and eligibility.
LendingClub has a minimum credit score requirement of 600. Low-income loans from this lender have a maximum repayment period of five years. After completing the approval process, the lender typically funds your account within a day.
Borrowers can submit joint applications at LendingClub and may have their existing debts paid directly for debt consolidation. One primary drawback of the company is the high APR. You will also pay an origination fee of up to 8.99% of the total loan amount.
Pros
Direct payment to creditors
Allows joint loan applications
No prepayment penalty
Soft credit inquiry

Cons
Maximum of $40,000
Restricts use of funds
High interest and origination fees
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: Next day

Best Low-Income Loan for Bad Credit in Virginia: 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 is MoneyGeek’s choice for the top low-income loan lender in Virginia for residents with bad credit. The lender uses an AI platform to offer personal loans between $1,000 and $50,000. It has the lowest credit score requirement of 300, meaning it accepts applicants with bad or incomplete credit.
Upstart was established in 2012 and has an online application process. Customers typically receive funding within one day. The lender will conduct an initial soft credit check to verify your eligibility as a borrower.
Unfortunately, Upstart charges origination fees of up to 10%, which can significantly increase the cost of your loan. It also only offers two repayment term options, so if you want to repay your loan in any duration other than three or five years, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Pros
Does not charge prepayment fees
Low minimum credit score
Initial soft credit inquiry
Low baseline APR

Cons
Lacks autopay discount
Origination fee of up to 10%
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

Best Low-Income Loan for Good Credit in Virginia: 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 is a peer-to-peer lending platform founded in 2005 that allows borrowers to obtain funding from several investors. Virginia residents who meet the credit score requirement of 640 from Prosper may apply for a low-income loan from this lender, which is MoneyGeek’s pick for the best low-income loan lender in the state for borrowers with good credit.
Borrowers can get a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $40,000. The lender features a repayment period from 36 to 60 months and usually disburses funds the same day of application.
The lender charges several fees, including late, origination and check payment fees.
Pros
Few restrictions on loan purpose
Quick funding
Does not have a prepayment penalty
Co-applicants allowed
Several repayment term options

Cons
Potentially high APR
High credit score needed
Charges late fees and origination fees
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

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

Personal loans can help you cover large or unexpected expenses. In Virginia, the average personal loan debt is $17,503, and the average interest rate is 9.41%. Requirements for a low-income loan vary across lenders, and some may restrict how you use the funds.

Most lenders consider your creditworthiness while evaluating your suitability for a loan. MoneyGeek summarized the following steps to help you identify the right low-income loan offer in Virginia for your needs.

1
Ask Yourself the Important Questions
You must be sure that getting a low-income loan is the best option for your financial needs. MoneyGeek suggests you respond to the following questions to determine if a loan is the best decision for your financial goals.
- How much do you need to borrow? The amount will depend on the purpose of the loan, how much you can comfortably repay per month and the lender you choose.
- How’s your credit standing? A lower credit score may deny you eligibility for a low-income loan from some lenders. For instance, with a credit score of 300, you may get a loan from Upstart but not from Prosper, Upgrade or LendingClub.
- Can you make your monthly payments? Ensure the loan you choose has affordable monthly installments for your level of income. Late payments may attract additional costs to your loan.
- Do you have other debts? How does adding another loan to your existing debt affect your financial health? If you anticipate huge repayments after getting the loan, you may need to consider other funding alternatives.
- Is your debt manageable through other means? You can borrow from friends and family or use your credit card to meet urgent financial needs.
2
Do Your Research
MoneyGeek outlines details of the top low-income loan lenders in Virginia to ensure you do not miss out on the best rates and offers in the state. However, personal research may help you get better deals for your circumstances. Remember, repaying a loan requires long-term dedication, and you need to ensure you land the best deal on the market.
3
Wait
After getting details about your preferred lenders, take a few days to think through your decisions. Taking a deep look at the lender and loan details can help you identify areas that need a review. Remember, once you sign the offer, you commit to making monthly payments without fail until you finish repaying the loan.
4
Read the Fine Print
Key details of your loan are outlined in the lender’s fine print. Check for details about application fees, interest, penalties, repayment durations and deadlines. If you miss any costs, you may end up paying more than you intend for your loan. For instance, some lenders charge prepayment, origination and late fees, while others don’t.
5
Apply
After completing the initial steps and confirming that you have chosen the best low-income loan in Virginia for your situation, ensure you have the requested documents ready for submitting your application. Typically, you need proof of identification and financial information.

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

Lenders can refuse your loan application if you do not meet the minimum requirements. You could be denied due to a low credit score or a high debt-to-income ratio. If your loan application is denied, don’t despair.

A loan denial does not mean you will never qualify for a loan. Making the necessary adjustments to your profile and application information can help you get the funds you need. Ensure you speak to your lender to establish why your submission was declined.

Problems with your debt-to-income ratio or credit score should be resolved before you apply to other lenders. MoneyGeek recommends keeping away from payday loans due to the extremely high interest rates and short repayment durations that can significantly worsen your financial situation.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment

To help you stick to your preferences and budget, MoneyGeek formulated a personal loan calculator to estimate repayment amounts for your preferred low-income loan. Enter your loan details and get a quick estimate of your monthly obligations.

FAQs About Low-Income Loans in Virginia

Low-income loan lenders in Virginia offer different repayment terms and rates based on your profile. To make the application process easier for you, MoneyGeek answered the common questions about low-income loans in the state.

What is the best low-income loan lender in Virginia?

MoneyGeek’s findings indicate that Upgrade has the best low-income loans in Virginia. Your preference, however, may vary across factors like your credit score. For instance, Upstart is the best for those with bad credit, and Prosper ranks first if you have good credit.

Which lender in Virginia has the lowest interest rates for low-income?

Upstart features the lowest baseline APR on low-income loans.

What kind of debts can I not use my low-income loan for in Virginia?

For some lenders, you cannot use the low-income loan for investments, postsecondary education expenses or illegal activities. Each lender has its own loan usage restrictions, so make sure to check with your chosen lender.

How much debt can I consolidate in Virginia?

The amount varies across multiple factors, including the lender and your profile. Generally, you can get between $1,000 and $50,000 for debt consolidation.

How long does it take to get a low-income loan in Virginia?

Some lenders will fund your account in just one business day, although some can take up to a week.

Can I pay off my loan early in Virginia?

You may decide to make advance payments for your loan in Virginia, although some lenders will charge you a prepayment penalty.

Methodology

METHODOLOGY

MoneyGeek utilized 35+ individual data points and 30 lenders to identify top low-income loan providers for different borrower profiles. The 35+ data points were then merged into six primary categories, including lender transparency, consumer friendliness, flexibility, loan affordability, customer service and accessibility.

Our data points comprise factors that influence lender ratings the most. These include loan amounts, income levels, credit score requirements and APR ranges.

MoneyGeek prioritizes you, the consumer, in our research. As such, our analysis includes careful consideration of attributes that contribute to an excellent customer experience, like payment options, prequalification processes and the availability of online and mobile platforms.

We utilize a thorough methodology to identify the top lenders for your needs. Our up-to-date recommendations and tips ensure you make smart financial decisions that suit your long-term goals.

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About Christopher Boston

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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sources

LendingClub. "Personal Loans." Accessed September 18, 2024.
Prosper. "Personal Loan FAQs." Accessed September 18, 2024.
Upgrade. "What Is an Origination Fee?." Accessed September 18, 2024.
Upstart. "What Fees Am I Charged?." Accessed September 18, 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.