Easiest Personal Loans to Get in 2025

Before we get into the benefits and risks of an easy-to-get loan, let’s first understand what you can use a personal loan for.

• Debt consolidation: This is when you combine multiple debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate and more manageable repayment terms. Debt consolidation helps streamline your finances and can save you money on interest payments over the long run.
• Home improvements: You might also get a personal loan to pay for home renovations, repairs, and upgrades. Since personal loans provide a lump sum of money upfront, they can be handy for covering expensive home improvement projects, which can increase your property value.
• Financing major purchases: Cover the cost of appliances, electronics, or other big-ticket items.
• Medical expenses: Pay for procedures, hospital bills, or unexpected health-related costs.

Other popular uses of personal loans include funding significant life events like weddings or moving. Personal loans are flexible – there aren’t many limitations on how you can use one.

Easier-to-get loans generally have a simple online application process that requires minimal documentation. They also have relaxed eligibility criteria, which may mean no credit checks, minimal income verification, or the use of collateral to secure the loan. This makes these loans relevant if you have bad credit or need fast funding, since they provide a quick path to receiving funds.

However, these loans also come with risks and have higher interest rates and fees. This can substantially increase your cost of borrowing over time. You may come across predatory lending practices, so be on guard for lenders looking to take advantage of your financial situation.

Getting a personal loan offers convenience and accessibility, but always exercise caution. Before borrowing, review the loan terms and make sure you can afford repayment.

From loans that don’t require a credit check to those secured by collateral, understanding the differences between the easiest loans to get will help you make the best decision for you.

1. Unsecured loans

Unsecured personal loans don’t require you to pledge assets like your home or car, making them easier to get if you lack collateral.

Because the lender takes on more risk, these loans often have higher interest rates compared to secured loans. Still, unsecured loans provide a way for borrowers to access funds without risking their personal belongings.

Credit requirements vary by lender, but some will work with poor- or fair-credit borrowers. You might also improve your chances of approval by applying with a creditworthy co-signer.

2. Retirement plan loans

Borrowing from your retirement plan offers a quick source of funds without needing a credit check, making it one of the easiest loans to get approved for.

You can borrow up to 50% of your vested balance and have to pay it back within five years.¹ However, it’s important to consider the potential long-term consequences on your retirement savings. Regularly dipping into your retirement funds may hurt your ability to build a nest egg for the future. And if you borrow from your 401(k) and leave your job, the loan could become immediately due.²

3. No-credit-check loans

Often called bad credit loans, these are some of the easiest places to get a loan. No-credit-check lenders, unlike traditional lenders that rely heavily on your credit score, look at your ability to repay based on your income and financial stability. This makes these loans available to a broader range of borrowers who may have difficulty securing credit elsewhere. However, these loans may have exorbitant interest rates and fees.

4. Pawnshop loans

Some pawnshops offer a straightforward lending option by accepting valuable items as collateral for a loan. One advantage of pawnshop loans is that they don’t involve a credit check, making them a viable choice for borrowers with value items to pledge as collateral. On the flip side, fees can be high and loan amounts may be small compared to the value of your item. Carefully assess the loan terms to ensure you can afford repayment.

5. Payday loans

Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans that can provide instant cash, designed for people with a low or no credit score. These loans are easy to qualify for, relying on your income and ability to repay within a short period, usually on your next paycheck.

Which payday loan is easiest to get? The easiest payday loans to get are typically online payday loans, since they often require only proof of income, a bank account, and basic identification, with minimal credit checks.

With that said, payday loans have very high interest rates and can send some borrowers into a debt trap, so consider these a last resort when no other viable borrowing options are available.

6. Secured loans using your car as collateral

Some lenders let you use your car as collateral for a personal loan, which can make approval easier if you have poor or limited credit. Because the loan is secured, interest rates may be lower than on unsecured loans, but you risk losing your vehicle if you can’t make payments.

While easy loans can provide quick access to funds, they aren’t the only way to meet your cash needs. Here are a few alternatives to easy loans that may better suit your financial needs and goals.

• Payday alternative loans (PALs) from credit unions: Payday alternative loans offer up to $2,000 with repayment terms up to one year. The maximum APR is 18%, which is a lot lower than what you’ll find with some other easy loan types.³ You’ll need to become a member of a credit union to borrow, which may involve working, living, or attending school in a certain area (though some credit unions are open to anyone). By becoming a credit union member, you might access loans with competitive interest rates and fees.
• Credit cards: Credit cards offer a flexible and readily accessible line of credit. If you can qualify for a 0% APR credit card, you can avoid interest charges for a year or longer. However, carrying a balance after that promotional period ends or on a regular card can get expensive fast. The average rate on a credit card is 21.16%.⁴ Making late payments can also hurt your credit score.
• Payment plans: Some service providers offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of the products or services you buy over time. This can be a practical option for specific purchases, such as medical bills or other large purchases. Some payment plans don’t charge interest at all, making them a cost-effective way of managing expenses without taking out a loan. Ask the service provider about your options, or look for a “buy now, pay later” option at checkout.
• Paycheck advances: If you receive a regular paycheck, you may be able to access it early with a paycheck advance. Ask your employer if this is an option, or consider a paycheck advance app that can send you a portion of your earnings early. Paycheck advances often don’t come with fees and automatically deduct the advanced amount from your next paycheck.

Finding the easiest personal loans to get can be a lifesaver when you’re facing unexpected expenses. However, it’s crucial to weigh the risks and costs, since many of these options come with high fees. If possible, explore alternatives to reduce your costs while still getting access to the fast cash you need.

For additional insights on qualifying for safer, lower-cost borrowing, see our personal loan approval tips.