How much can I borrow with a personal loan if I have bad credit?

Key takeaways Lower credit scores signal higher risk of default to lenders, so lenders will limit loan amounts. Borrowers with bad credit get approved for unsecured loans with an average amount under $2,000, according to TransUnion data. Adding a cosigner or co-borrower with better credit can help you qualify for a larger loan amount, as can having a healthy debt-to-income ratio. If you have bad credit, certain personal loan lenders will still work with you, but they typically limit how much you c ...