Loans for Those with High Debt-to-Income Ratios in June 2026
Explore how managing your debt-to-income ratio can unlock new loan opportunities and reduce financial stress.
Writer: Eric Bank
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
Disclosure: When you apply through links on our site, we often earn referral fees from partners. For more info, see our ad disclosure and review policy.
Having a steady income is fantastic, but it truly counts when it surpasses your expenses. Lenders understand this well, which is why they often calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) when you apply for a loan. The lenders we’ve reviewed offer loans specifically tailored for those with high DTI ratios.
DTI is defined as total monthly debt (house payments, child support, credit cards, student loans, auto loans, etc.) divided by gross monthly income (income before withholdings, taxes, and expenses deducted from your paycheck).
It’s important to note that your DTI doesn’t cover monthly expenses like internet, cable, utilities, or cell phone bills because these are seen as regular household costs, not debts.
Let’s say your monthly debt totals $2,000 while your gross monthly income is $3,000. This gives you a DTI of 66.67%. Although lenders see DTI as important, it’s not included in your credit reports and needs to be calculated separately.
Personal Loans for High Debt-to-Income Ratio Borrowers
These loan-matching services collaborate with networks that provide loans to individuals with poor credit or high DTI ratios. Each of these seven services can connect you to lenders that offer quick decisions and fast funding, often by the next business day.
None of these services collect fees from borrowers. Rather, network lenders pay finder’s fees to the matching services.
Eligible borrowers usually must be a U.S. citizen or resident, age 18 or older, have a checking account, valid email address, and work and/or home phone numbers.
1. MoneyMutual
 | Our Rating |
- Short-term loans up to $5,000
- Online marketplace of lenders
- Funds available in as few as 24 hours
- Simple online form takes less than 5 minutes
- Trusted by more than 2 million customers
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Loan Amount | Up to $5,000 |
| Interest Rate | Varies |
| Loan Term | Varies |
| Loan Example | Representative example |
| Our Expert Review | 4.8/5.0 (see review) |
The MoneyMutual network provides personal loans ranging from $250 to $5,000. To be eligible, you must have a checking account and earn at least $800 per month.
The lenders use your checking account to deposit the loan proceeds and collect your payments. MoneyMutual can find you a lender even when you have negative factors such as a high DTI ratio, a low credit score, or a history of collections or bankruptcies.
 | Our Rating |
- Personal loans from $500 to $35,000
- All credit types are considered and welcome
- Simple, no credit impact form
- Helping consumers since 2001
- 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot rating with 2,000+ reviews
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Loan Amount | $500 to $35,000 |
| Interest Rate | 5.99% - 35.99% |
| Loan Term | 60 Days to 72 Months |
| Loan Example | Representative example |
| Our Expert Review | 4.8/5.0 (see review) |
24/7 Lending Group may be able to connect you with a direct lender after you answer a few questions on its website. Doing so won’t hurt your credit, and you can easily compare loan offers in minutes.
While you don’t need a high income to qualify for a loan, you do need to show you can afford the loan payments. The network won’t run a credit check, but the lender you choose to work with may.
3. Avant
 | Our Rating |
- Personal loans of $2,000 to $35,000
- Compare rates in 2 minutes without affecting your credit
- Best for low origination fees for bad credit
- 550 minimum credit score required
- Powered by Credible
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Loan Amount | $2,000 to $35,000 |
| Interest Rate | 9.95% - 35.99% |
| Loan Term | 12 to 60 Months |
| Loan Example | Representative example |
| Our Expert Review | 4.8/5.0 (see review) |
Avant may be able to offer you a loan of $2,000 or more, depending on your ability to repay your debt. One source reports that Avant allows a maximum DTI ratio of 70%. You can enter your information on Avant’s website to see what you may be approved for with no cost or obligation, nor harm to your credit score.
Avant partners with WebBank to issue loans to people who may not qualify elsewhere. Potential fees include a nonrefundable administration fee and late/returned payment fees.
4. Upstart
 | Our Rating |
- Personal loans of $1,000 to $50,000
- Find loans you prequalify for, complete your application, and close your loan
- Loans for 580+ FICO
- Checking rates doesn't impact your credit score
- Powered by Credible
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Loan Amount | $1,000 to $50,000 |
| Interest Rate | 6.2% - 35.99% |
| Loan Term | 1 to 5 Years |
| Loan Example | Representative example |
| Our Expert Review | 4.7/5.0 (see review) |
Upstart states on its website that a borrower’s DTI — excluding rent/mortgage payments — must not exceed 45% if the applicant resides in Connecticut, Maryland, New York, or Vermont, and 50% in all other states, of projected pre-tax income.
Rent or mortgage payments are typically the biggest expense for most people, so excluding that from the DTI calculation allows for a higher allowable DTI. Plus, you’ll need to ensure there are no current delinquent accounts on your credit report and fewer than six inquiries in the past six months to qualify.
5. CashUSA.com
 | Our Rating |
- Loans from $500 to $10,000
- All credit types accepted
- Loan requests can be approved in minutes
- Get funds directly to your bank account
- Use the loan for any purpose
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Loan Amount | $500 to $10,000 |
| Interest Rate | 5.99% - 35.99% |
| Loan Term | 3 to 72 Months |
| Loan Example | Representative example |
| Our Expert Review | 4.7/5.0 (see review) |
CashUSA.com facilitates ranging loans from $500 to $10,000 from its network of high-DTI-ratio lenders. The loans have repayment terms of three to 72 months.
To qualify for a loan, you’ll need an after-tax income of at least $1,000 per month. Once you meet this requirement, you’ll be connected to a lender who will outline the loan terms, including interest rates and fees. We appreciate the CashUSA.com website because it provides valuable insights on various financial topics.
 | Our Rating |
- Personal loans from $100 to $20,000
- Receive an approval decision in as little as 2 minutes
- Funds can be deposited into your account in one business day and used for any purpose
- No hidden fees
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Loan Amount | $100 to $20,000 |
| Interest Rate | Varies |
| Loan Term | Varies |
| Loan Example | Representative example |
| Our Expert Review | 4.8/5.0 (see review) |
SmartAdvances.com can line up a loan for you that ranges from $100 to $20,000, repayable in periods ranging from months to year. The allowable DTI will depend on the lender you’re matched with.
Applying for a loan and getting your funds is a breeze, with money ready for you as soon as the next business day.
 | Our Rating |
- Loans from $500 to $10,000
- Helping those with bad credit since 1998
- Get connected with a lender
- Simple form & quick funding
- Get your money as soon as next day
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Loan Amount | $500 to $10,000 |
| Interest Rate | 5.99% - 35.99% |
| Loan Term | 3 to 60 Months |
| Loan Example | Representative example |
| Our Expert Review | 4.5/5.0 (see review) |
Since 1998, Bad Credit Loans has been matching lenders with borrowers who have high DTI ratios and bad credit. The lenders on its network provide personal loans of $500 to $10,000 with payment terms of three to 60 months.
The lenders recommended by Bad Credit Loans will clearly disclose the actual loan interest rate and repayment period. Like all such matching services, there’s no obligation on your part, and the service is entirely free.
 | Our Rating |
- Personal loans of up to $50,000
- All credit types welcome
- Receive funds in as little as 24 hours
- Fast approval decision
- Safe and secure application
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Loan Amount | Up to $50,000 |
| Interest Rate | As low as 6.40% |
| Loan Term | Varies |
| Loan Example | Representative example |
| Our Expert Review | 4.8/5.0 (see review) |
Loan for Personal works with borrowers of all types, including those who may have a lot of debt compared to their income. Its network of lenders offers options to subprime borrowers, and the application process is quick and easy.
If you have bad credit, you’ll probably face higher interest rates, but you could still receive funding offers when you really need it. The money might even appear in your bank account by the next day.
 | Our Rating |
- Personal loans up to $5,000
- Access to a network of lenders
- Funds could be yours in as little as one business day
- Quick, easy online application
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Loan Amount | Up to $5,000 |
| Interest Rate | Varies |
| Loan Term | Varies |
| Loan Example | Representative example |
| Our Expert Review | 4.6/5.0 (see review) |
One Loan Stop offers loan options from $100 to $1,000, and its lending network works with all credit types. The online application takes only minutes to complete, and you could have multiple loan offers in a matter of minutes.
If you choose to go ahead with an offer, you can easily e-sign the loan agreement and get access to your funds as soon as the next business day.
Debt Relief Options Worth Considering
If you’re constantly juggling bills, maybe it’s time to reassess your loan needs and instead focus on reducing your debt. The following three companies provide debt relief services tailored for consumers with high DTI ratios.
This service can negotiate with your creditors to lessen the amounts you owe, which can help free up funds to pay for other things. You’ll then make one monthly payment to the debt relief company, which will then distribute the funds accordingly to your creditors.
Typically, this process takes between 24 and 48 months to become debt-free, but it’s not without drawbacks. Your credit score will take a hit, and your relationships with current creditors might suffer. Still, it could be the fresh start you need.
 | Our Rating |
- Requires $10,000 or more in unsecured debt
- Free, no-obligation debt analysis
- Specializes in credit card and medical debt
- Also handles debt from personal loans, repossessions, lines of credit, and collections
- Does not handle IRS, utility, student, auto or mortgage debt
- Long-term program to relive debt over 24-48 month period
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Better Business Bureau | A+ |
| In Business Since | 2009 |
| Free Consultation? | Yes |
| Reputation Score | 9.5/10 |
| Our Expert Review | 4.9/5.0 (see review) |
National Debt Relief can help if you owe at least $10,000 in unsecured debt. It’s been in business since 2008 and has helped more than 100,000 borrowers pay off more than $1 billion in unsecured debt.
The company offers a free debt analysis to see whether you would benefit more from a consolidation loan or some other type of debt relief. The company handles debts arising from credit cards, medical costs, private student loans, and personal loans, but not IRS, mortgage, or federal student loan debt.
 | Our Rating |
- 100% confidential, no-obligation consultation
- Specializes in credit card and loan debt over $10,000
- In business since 2000
- Options for debt settlement, consolidation, bankruptcy, and tax debt
- Get a 100% free, personalized savings estimate from a debt professional
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Better Business Bureau | (No Grade) |
| In Business Since | 2000 |
| Free Consultation? | Yes |
| Reputation Score | 9.0/10 |
| Our Expert Review | 4.0/5.0 (see review) |
CuraDebt offers debt counseling and other services to consumers with high unsecured debts. It has helped more than 180,000 customers since its founding in 2000.
CuraDebt doesn’t directly offer debt consolidation loans. Instead, they provide completely confidential consultations about your consolidation loan options and debt relief, including tax debt. Their debt experts stand ready to assess your unique needs and recommend the best path forward, including ways to lower your monthly payments.
 | Our Rating |
- Toll-free assessment: 1-855-299-9573
- Minimum $10,000 in debt required
- Learn about your debt relief options
- AFCC accredited member
- Resolve debts in as little as 24 to 48 months
- $2 Billion in debt resolved – #1 in America
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Better Business Bureau | A+ |
| In Business Since | 2002 |
| Free Consultation? | Yes |
| Reputation Score | 9.5/10 |
| Our Expert Review | 3.9/5.0 (see review) |
Freedom Debt Relief specializes in debt relief services, including debt consolidation assistance. The company works with an external lender to provide debt consolidation loans to qualified customers with at least $10,000 of existing debt.
The company has helped more than 600,000 clients resolve $5+ billion in debt since 2002. Freedom Debt Relief doesn’t handle collateralized debt, but rather concentrates on debt from credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and other unsecured debt.
Can I Get a Personal Loan with a High DTI Ratio?
Personal loans are accessible through private lender networks, like the seven we’ve reviewed. These networks cater to a broad range of borrowers, including those with bad credit or high DTI ratios.
In other words, whether you have too much debt or a low credit score, your less-than-perfect handling of debt is not automatically disqualifying.
That being said, you should understand how debt affects your credit scores. You may be surprised to learn that your income isn’t part of your credit report, and, therefore, doesn’t figure into your credit score.
Indeed, you can have a high credit score and a high DTI ratio, or a low score and ratio. However, the most likely scenario for consumers with low credit scores is to have an uncomfortably high DTI ratio.
Otherwise, you would be in a position to increase your score by paying down your debts and reducing your credit utilization ratio (CUR), which is the total amount you owe on all your revolving accounts compared with your total credit available. Since amounts owed make up 30% of your FICO score, reducing it can significantly impact your credit.
| FICO Score Factor | Percentage of Your Score |
|---|---|
| Payment History | 35% |
| Amounts Owed | 30% |
| Credit History | 15% |
| Credit Mix | 10% |
| New Credit | 10% |
If your DTI is so high that lenders won’t approve your loan applications, you can consider a secured loan in which your home or car serves as collateral. Secured loans are much easier to obtain, as they put the lender at much less risk.
In fact, opting for a secured loan to consolidate your other debts can help you cut down on your monthly payments and possibly your interest rate. However, be cautious—secured loans can have serious consequences if you default, as you might lose your collateral, like your home or car, through foreclosure or repossession.
Defaulting will definitely impact your credit score, as it will be reflected on your report for seven years. Over time, it’s important to manage your income and expenses wisely so you have extra cash each month to reduce your debt.
What is a Good DTI Ratio for a Personal Loan?
To understand how lenders view a good DTI for a personal loan, it’s useful to first learn how the DTI ratio figures into mortgages. There are two types of DTI in the mortgage market:
- Front-end ratio: This is the percentage of your monthly gross income allocated to fixed housing expenses, including mortgage payments, homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and HOA fees. The ideal front-end ratio should not exceed 28%.
- Back-end ratio: The percentage of your income to cover all your debt obligations, including housing costs, student loans, car loans, credit card payments, child support, and other debts. The ideal back-end ratio is no higher than 36%.
Although the exact definition of a good DTI ratio varies with each personal loan provider, it’s a good bet that the 36% value is key. A higher DTI shows lenders that you may have too much on your plate already to comfortably cover a loan payment for the entire term.
Mortgages are secured, and personal loans are not. It stands to reason that a provider of unsecured personal loans would consider only a lower DTI ratio to be “good” since the lender assumes more risk when a loan is not collateralized.
If your DTI is over 36%, you might want to look into a secured loan, which requires collateral, or consider peer-to-peer lending platforms that may use alternative data.
How Can I Lower My DTI Ratio Quickly?
This is where credit consolidation can be most helpful. To the extent that you can consolidate loans and credit card balances, your monthly payment should decrease and, therefore, lower your DTI ratio.
Remember, your DTI ratio is all about your monthly debt payments. It’s not your total debt divided by your annual income. So, if you have smaller monthly payments, you’ll enjoy a lower DTI ratio.
Bear in mind that debt consolidation is not without its disadvantages. If you pay less each month (without a corresponding decrease in interest rate), your loan will take longer to pay off and probably cost you extra interest.
Once you decide on a consolidation loan, make sure to avoid taking on new credit until it’s fully paid off. Getting trapped in a cycle of debt can lead to bankruptcy, but facing your debt directly will quickly improve your DTI ratio.
If you have unused assets you can cash in, you may be able to make a dent in your current debt. Perhaps you have a valuable stamp or coin collection gathering dust or an antique or art piece you’d be willing to sell. Some folks may decide to downsize their homes to lower their monthly bills.
Whatever steps you can take to economize on your monthly expenditures can help you pay down your debt.
The other half of the equation is your monthly income. Can you increase it?
Many people seeking extra income start side hustles, like freelance work, Uber driving, or Airbnb hosting. Plenty of gigs can be done from home, such as writing, graphic design, programming, or bookkeeping. Alternatively, you might aim for a raise at your current job.
By channeling any extra income into paying down your debt, you can greatly improve your financial health and make it easier to qualify for a personal loan.
Can I Get a HELOC With a High DTI Ratio?
A home equity line of credit is unlikely with a DTI above 43%. Lenders need confidence you have the financial capacity to pay your debt as agreed. This is particularly important with any home loan that uses the property to secure the loan, as is the case with a HELOC or home equity loan.
If you stop making your monthly mortgage payment, HELOC payment, or home equity loan payment, the mortgage lender will foreclose on your home, and you will be kicked out.
In addition to potentially losing your home, your credit score will plunge, making it extremely difficult to find a new place to rent. And you likely won’t qualify for another mortgage for a couple of years.
That is why secured loans that leverage your home are difficult to qualify for with a high DTI — things can get real messy when borrowers default on home loans. And it is in the best interest of the lender and the borrower that this scenario doesn’t come to pass.
Find Ways to Improve Your DTI
We’ve reviewed several sources of loans for high debt-to-income ratio consumers. The loan matching and debt relief services in this article can help you obtain loans despite a high DTI ratio, either directly or through credit counseling.
It’s easier to secure a personal loan if you first pay down some of your debt and lower your DTI ratio. You can also improve this ratio by increasing your monthly income, perhaps by getting a raise, starting a new job, or taking on a side gig. By cutting back on monthly expenses, you might be able to reduce your current debt and keep it low.
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