We do not issue loans or make credit decisions. We connect borrowers with lenders – the actual loan decision is made by the lender. There are no fees and no pressure.

Personal Loans in California - Compare Lenders 2026

Q: Can I get a personal loan in California with bad credit?

Yes, some lenders serving California specialize in personal loans for bad credit. Many approve borrowers with scores from 580 upward. MaybeLoan works with lenders who serve a range of credit profiles in California.

Q: How fast can I get a personal loan in California?

From submitting your form to getting funded can be as fast as 24 hours. Many online lenders offer same-day or next-day funding.

Q: Are there restrictions on how I spend the money?

Lenders generally do not restrict how you use the funds. Common uses include debt consolidation, home improvement, car repairs, medical expenses, weddings, and moving costs.

Personal Loans in California - Online or Near Me

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How Personal Loans Work in California

Written by Ryan Abramson | Edited by Alex Khodzinskiy | Last Updated: Oct 2026

Written by Ryan Abramson

Last Updated: Oct 2026

Here's what fees you can expect when obtaining online personal loans in California:

Personal loan lending status in California:	Legal
Maximum loan amount in California:	No limit
APR cap:	Under $2,500: tiered monthly rates on unpaid principal (2.5% up to $225, 2% to $900, 1.5% to $1,650, 1% above; Fin. Code 22303). $2,500-$9,999: 36% per annum plus the Federal Funds Rate (Fin. Code 22304.5, AB 539). $10,000 and above: no statutory rate cap
Minimum loan term:	12 months for loans of $2,500-$9,999 (Fin. Code 22334(c))
Maximum loan term:	Under $500: 24 months 15 days; $500-$1,499: 36 months 15 days; $1,500-$2,999: 48 months 15 days; $3,000-$9,999: 60 months 15 days (Fin. Code 22334)
Prepayment penalty:	Prohibited on any loan except one secured by real property (Fin. Code 22307.5)
State Regulator:	California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)

Table Data Updated: October 2026.

Above you can see what fees you can expect when obtaining online personal loans in California.

Personal Loan Locations in California

Search 299 personal loan locations in California by city or ZIP, or use your location to see the nearest first.

100 locations in 12 cities

ACE Cash Express

4.9★★★★☆(2238 reviews)

3401 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804, USA

(562) 985-0482

LoanCenter

4.9★★★★☆(1796 reviews)

4727 Wilshire Blvd # 100, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA

(866) 553-3840

California Check Cashing Stores

5.0★★★★★(1583 reviews)

6231 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95207, USA

(209) 474-2281

Oportun

5.0★★★★★(1536 reviews)

1636 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122, USA

(669) 257-5072

ACE Cash Express

4.9★★★★☆(1453 reviews)

1204 S Euclid St, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

(714) 780-1919

Advance America

5.0★★★★★(1407 reviews)

4663 Pacific Ave Ste C, Stockton, CA 95207, USA

(209) 477-9844

Advance America

5.0★★★★★(1341 reviews)

1008 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029, USA

(323) 953-4880

California Check Cashing Stores

4.9★★★★☆(1339 reviews)

3077 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93711, USA

(559) 224-7135

Advance America

5.0★★★★★(1337 reviews)

2600 Oswell St spc c, Bakersfield, CA 93306, USA

(661) 872-0686

Lendzi

4.9★★★★☆(1316 reviews)

12211 Washington Blvd Suite 110, Los Angeles, CA 90066, USA

(877) 453-6394

Also in California: Payday Loans in California Personal Loans in California

Personal loans in California are unsecured installment loans from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Borrow from $1,000 to $50,000 and pay back over 1 to 7 years with predictable payments.

Personal loans give you a lump sum upfront and a clear repayment schedule. Use the funds for almost any legal purpose – no restrictions.

Benefits of Using MaybeLoan

Compare multiple lenders at once – get rates from top lenders serving California with one quick form
Soft check only at comparison stage – the matching process will not lower your credit score
Transparent monthly payments – know exactly what you are paying before you commit
All credit types considered – we work with lenders for a range of credit scores
No fees from MaybeLoan – comparing is always free

Compare Lenders in California! ➤

How to Get a Personal Loan in California

The process is fully online – no branch visits required.

Step 1: Enter your basic information – takes about 5 minutes
Step 2: See your offers – compare real rate offers instantly
Step 3: Compare and choose – select the offer that fits your budget
Step 4: Receive your money – once approved, funds are deposited directly to your bank account

Who Qualifies

California residents typically need to meet these basic criteria:

18 years of age or older
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
A U.S. bank account for fund deposits
Verifiable income
Social Security number

Credit score requirements vary by lender. Many online lenders accept scores as low as 580-600.

Personal Loan Rates in California

Personal loan APRs in California typically range from about 6% to 36%. Those with fair credit (580-660) typically see rates of 15-30% APR.

Always compare at least 2-3 lenders before deciding.

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FAQ - Personal Loans in California

Can I get a personal loan in California with bad credit?

How fast can I get a personal loan in California?

Are there restrictions on how I spend the money?

What is MaybeLoan?

By Ryan Abramson Last Updated: October 2026

Ryan Abramson is an independent financial consultant with 20+ years in banking and consumer credit. He has held senior roles at two U.S. banks, advising clients on lending products, credit risk, and personal finance strategies. Ryan holds dual degrees in economics and finance. His writing on MaybeLoan focuses on helping borrowers understand loan terms, compare lenders, and make informed decisions under financial pressure.

Edited by Alex Khodzinskiy Personal Finance Editor & Fintech Strategist

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