Bad Credit Personal Loans in Houston, TX

There may be some basic things that you may want to know if you are thinking of getting a personal loan in Houston, Texas, with bad credit. The good news is that securing a loan (even with bad credit) has become more accessible in recent years. Read this article to learn about:

  • What kind of loans are available in Houston, TX?
  • What products or services can loans for bad credit be used for?
  • How can I apply for a bad credit loan with Bad Credit?

 

Read on to understand how bad credit personal loan options* work in Houston, TX.

Bad Credit Personal Loan Options in Houston

In Texas, bad credit personal loans are financial solutions offered to potential borrowers on a short-term basis. Bad credit loans are alternative financing options* for those who need immediate access to money but may not have perfect credit scores or little to no credit histories to get loan approval for installment loans through traditional lending institutions.

 

State laws governing lending practices vary from state to state, and different financing options are available. It’s important to know what loans may be available based on where you live. If you have bad credit, it’s important to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each lending option while also remembering your personal financial needs.

Understanding Texas Loan Types for Bad Credit

Various lending options are allowed by state and federal law for borrowers who have bad credit. Loans available for residents of Texas include personal loans, auto loans, home loans, and payday loans. While some bad credit loans like home and auto have specific requirements for how funds are used, personal and payday loans tend to have fewer restrictions.

Bad Credit Personal Loans

Secured loans involve funds paid directly to a designated merchant for purchase financing. If approved, money may be deposited and available for use as early as the next business day. In addition, funds from unsecured loans are not restricted and may be used for just about any purpose or financial need a borrower may have.

Bad Credit Auto Loans

Two types of bad credit auto loans that are available in Texas are car title loans and auto loans. A car title loan provider may offer near-instant access to cash, often with short-term loans financed over 15 to 30 days. Car title loans can be costly, but car title loans are currently legal as a lending option in Houston, TX.

 

Many direct lenders also offer traditional auto loans, but it can be challenging to meet the criteria for approval with a low credit score or little to no credit history. In efforts to help customers with bad credit get into vehicles, used car dealerships may offer in-house financing as an alternative to conventional lender approval.

Bad Credit Home Loans

To get approved for a home loan through a conventional mortgage lender, the minimum credit score to apply is typically 620 or above with no recent bankruptcies, foreclosures, judgments, or collections. Applicants who have a credit score of 580 or below may qualify for a loan through the FHA. A VA loan is also another option, but there are specific qualifications needed, such as veteran or active-duty status.

Bad Credit Payday Loans

Like title loans, bad credit payday loans are typically short-term loans borrowed over 15 to 30 days. Payday loans in Texas have few regulations, so be mindful of what terms you may sign up for with a payday loan.

What Products or Services Can a Bad Credit Loan Get You?

Houston residents may be able to use the funds from bad credit loans in various ways.

Many products or services may be financed through a bad credit personal loan.

You might be wondering: Is a lease the same as a loan?

Leases & loans are quite different – here’s what you need to know:

  • loan (or personal loan) is generally a lump sum of funds provided on the recipient’s behalf that is paid back over time (and, like most loans, includes interest.)
  • lease (or lease-to-own option) allows the recipient to possess the leased item for a pre-determined period of time and includes the option to purchase the item outright. It does not include interest but has leasing fees.

Uses for Bad Credit Loans in TX

Bad credit loans may help Texans access funding necessary to obtain products and services. Things like broken appliances, and unexpected expenses can happen at the most inconvenient times, so it’s helpful to know that financing options* even with bad credit, are available.

 

Products that can be financed with bad credit loans may include (but aren’t necessarily limited to) refrigerators/appliances, air conditioners, mattresses, jewelry, and electronics. Here are some financed products:

Product or Service Average Price** Link
Furniture $400 – $10,000 Find a Store*
Mattresses $250 – $3,000 Find a Store*
TVs $300 – $3,500 Find a Store*
Refrigerators $1,000 – $2,500 Find a Store*
Washers and Dryers $450 – $2,000 Find a Store*
Ovens $500 – $2,500 Find a Store*

 

**Please Note: Payment solutions vary based on the merchant and will be indicated at the beginning of the application process. Be sure to confirm that the merchant you select offers the lease, loan, or alternative payment solution you intend to apply for.

 

**Retail prices may vary based on extras and the type of product you purchase. For example, a TV can have a retail price as low as $300, however, some models may have a retail price upwards of $3,500 or more.

Houston, TX Bad Credit Loans in Summary

There are not a lot of options available for borrowers trying to apply for a loan from a traditional financial institution or lender with bad credit.

 

However, with the rise of alternative lenders and other options, for those with less-than-stellar or no credit, there are more options than before. Like most things, it’s best to learn about all the options that may best fit your financial needs as rates and other details vary from one lender type to another.

 

Interested in applying for a loan on our site? Find a store near you* and apply to see if financing is an option.

 

**Please Note: Payment solutions vary based on the merchant and will be indicated at the beginning of the application process. Be sure to confirm that the merchant you select offers the lease, loan, or alternative payment solution you intend to apply for.

Houston, TX Bad Credit Loans FAQs

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What Kinds of Loans for Bad Credit Can You Get in Houston, TX?
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What’s Considered “Bad Credit”?
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Where’s the Best Place to Get a Bad Credit Loan?
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How Can I Apply for a Bad Credit Loan?
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How Much Money Can I Borrow with a Bad Credit Loan?
© 2025 American First Finance. All Rights Reserved.

1 Application Terms: Your application, including the amount, cost, and approval, is subject to review and is not guaranteed. Applications are reviewed based on data you provide and one or more of the following: identity verification, bank verification, information from a third-party, a credit reporting agency, and/or prior experience through American First Finance (AFF).

Bank Loan: A consumer installment loan is originated by FinWise Bank, a Utah-chartered bank, Member FDIC and sub-serviced by AFF. The loan may be funded by the bank to the merchant for you to purchase item(s) and/or service(s). In some cases, the loan for returning customers is funded directly to your checking account for personal, family or household use.

Retail Installment Sale Agreement: A retail installment agreement is not a loan. You may enter into a Retail Installment Sale Agreement with a merchant to purchase item(s) and/or service(s). AFF may purchase the Agreement from the Merchant. An example of a retail installment transaction based on a 12-month term with 26 biweekly payments: if you make a purchase of $1,000 and make a $50 down payment with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 169.53%, you will have 25 bi-weekly payments of $74.79 and 1 bi-weekly payment of $75.06. The total amount repayable will be $1,944.81 with full, timely payments over 12 months.

Lease: A lease is not a loan or credit transaction. It has several names: lease, lease-to-own, rent-to-own, or rental-purchase. With a lease, you select the item(s) and AFF purchases the item(s) from a Merchant. You take the item(s) home. AFF retains ownership until you pay for the item(s) plus rental fees. Other fees may be included, such as late, non-sufficient funds, delivery, and optional Liability Damage Waiver fees. As a result, the total amount you pay for leasing an item may be more than double the retail cost. You can cancel your lease at any time without penalty by contacting AFF. An example of a 12-month lease with weekly payments: if you lease a $1,000 item and pay a $50 (plus tax) processing fee, you will have 52 additional weekly rental payments of $46.11 to complete your lease. Your total lease payments will be $2,452.21 with full, timely payments over 12 months.

2 You will save money on interest, finance charges, or leasing fees when you pay the discounted amount during the Early Payoff Discount (EPD) period or by exercising the Early Buyout Option (EBO). You must make payments larger than your regularly scheduled payments by the EPD/EBO expiration date. You will make additional payments through the customer portal or by contacting the customer service team.

3 Decisioning may take additional time and not be same day. Additional information may be required.

4 This loyalty program is offered by FinWise Bank. The program provides loyal customers the opportunity to qualify for a lower rate. A rate reduction is valid on new loans only and cannot be applied to existing loans. The rate reduction is only applicable to customers with a prior loan open for at least 150 days, with all payments posted and cleared on time for the life of the loan, and the loan has been paid in full. Maximum of two (2) rate reductions per customer. Loans are originated by FinWise Bank, a Utah-chartered bank, Member FDIC. Terms and conditions subject to change at any time without prior disclosure or notice.

5 Approval is possible without a credit score, but credit may be checked.

6 Testimonials reflect the real-life experiences of customers who used our products and/or services. Individual results may vary.

To report a problem or complaint with this lender, you may write info@americanfirstfinance.com or call customer service at (855) 721-1188.

American First Finance, LLC – NMLS ID 1757007

© 2025 American First Finance. All Rights Reserved.