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Discover The Best Vacation Loans For Bad Credit And Start Packing

BadCredify helps you find the best vacation loans for bad credit. Get personalized offers from multiple lenders and plan your trip with ease.
Larry Henderson

WRITTEN BY:

LARRY HENDERSON
Larry Henderson

LARRY HENDERSON

Finance Expert at BadCredify

Larry brings over 20 years of experience to the field. Prior to joining our team, he worked as a journalist for CNBC, Money, USA Today, and others
Ronald Johnson

EDITED BY:

RONALD JOHNSON
Ronald Johnson

RONALD JOHNSON

Finance Writer at BadCredify

Ronald specializes in mortgages, personal loans, and small business financing. His articles cover topics such as homeownership, starting a business, and managing personal debt.
Shantel Myers

REVIEWED BY:

SHANTEL MYERS
Shantel Myers

SHANTEL MYERS

Senior Editor at BadCredify

Shantel is a BadCredify finance expert with over a decade of experience writing for top financial publications like Financial Times, The Balance, and Money.

TIME TO READ

8 MIN

UPDATE DATE:

JANUARY 31, 2025

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Vacation Loans for Bad Credit

For everyone, a vacation is something they look forward to. However, planning a trip could be challenging if you don’t have enough savings. Since you can always get a vacation loan from a lender, the lack of money won’t hold you back from taking a trip. But what if a poor credit history presents an additional barrier to obtaining a loan?

If you have a low credit score, you are likely to be rejected by a bank since credit history is a fundamental factor for traditional lenders. Luckily, vacation loans with no credit check allow you to finance your journey without worrying about your credit rating. Lenders offering them usually have more lenient credit score requirements and faster approval processes, making these products attractive for people who need money fast and have less-than-perfect FICO ratings.

Note: When comparing vacation loans, consider the interest rates, repayment terms, and any additional fees. Search for loans with no early repayment penalties so you may pay off your debt sooner if your financial circumstances improve. 

Best Vacation Loans for People with Bad Credit

Sofi Logo
EST.APR
8.99% – 29.49%
LOAN AMOUNT
$5k – $100k
LOAN TERM
24 – 84 months
MIN CREDIT SCORE
Not Specified
READ REVIEW
SEE DETAILS
Known qualification requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Prove your US citizenship or permanent residence
  • Provide your bank account information and social security number
  • Show your monthly income by providing pay stubs, tax forms, or bank statements
  • Provide an active email address and phone number
Fees
  • Optional fees (up to 6%)
Pros
  • Low interest rates
  • Co-applicants are allowed
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Flexible loan amounts
  • Interest rate discounts are available
  • Multiple repayment options
  • No origination fee
Cons
  • Good credit is required for better loan terms
  • Hard credit check if you continue your application
  • Late fees might apply
  • No co-signer option available
  • No physical branches
Time to receive funds

One to three business days

WHO IT’S FOR

Applicants with good to excellent credit scores who want to consolidate debt, make major purchases, or cover their long-term needs.

Overview

SoFi is a financial website that provides unsecured personal loans. The company doesn’t specify its minimum credit score requirements, but most of its borrowers have credit ratings of 680 and higher. Loans from SoFi are also accessible with a co-borrower with good to outstanding credit. Personal loan candidates need to have a sufficient income and a low debt-to-income ratio.

Why we like it

SoFi does not do credit checks on its customers when they prequalify for a loan. Instead, it examines applicants’ whole financial situation. The company offers reasonable interest rates and flexible repayment terms to qualified borrowers.

Lender perks
  • No prepayment penalties
  • No origination fees
  • Low interest rates
  • APR discounts
  • Co-applicant option available
Upgrade Logo
EST.APR
9.99% – 35.99%
LOAN AMOUNT
$1k – $50k
LOAN TERM
24 – 84 months
MIN CREDIT SCORE
None
READ REVIEW
SEE DETAILS
Known qualification requirements
  • Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or living in the U.S. on a valid visa
  • Be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and some other states)
  • Give a working email address
  • Provide valid bank account details
  • Confirm a sufficient monthly income to cover your loan payments
Fees
  • Origination fees: 1.85% to 9.99%
  • Late payment fees: $10
  • Non-sufficient funds fees: $10 per payment returned
Pros
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Multiple rate discounts
  • Next-day funding
  • The due date may be changed
  • Direct payments for debt consolidation
Cons
  • APRs may be high
  • Origination fees are charged
  • Late fees may be applied
Time to receive funds

As soon as one business day after clearing verification

WHO IT’S FOR

Fair-credit borrowers who need the money quickly

Overview

Upgrade is an online financial service that offers up to $50,000 loans to borrowers with good to fair credit. It provides several interest rate reductions and allows you to add a co-applicant or collateral to your application. Choose it if you need money quickly and are not concerned about relatively high interest rates.

Why we like it

Upgrade offers convenient maximum and minimum loan amounts along with flexible repayment terms. It also accepts fair credit borrowers and provides several interest rate discounts.

Lender perks
  • Rate discounts for auto pay, direct payment, and reward checking
  • Allows to add a co-applicant
  • Mobile app for managing your loan
Upstart Logo
EST.APR
7.40% – 35.99%
LOAN AMOUNT
$1k – $50k
LOAN TERM
36 – 60 months
MIN CREDIT SCORE
300
READ REVIEW
SEE DETAILS
Known qualification requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Prove your US citizenship or permanent residence
  • Provide your bank account information
  • Show your monthly income by providing pay stubs, tax forms, or bank statements
  • Provide an active email address and phone number
Fees
  • Origination fees up to 12%
  • $15 late fee
  • $15 NSF fee
Pros
  • Quick access to loan funds
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Flexible monthly payments
  • Soft credit check when prequalifying
  • Flexible loan amounts
Cons
  • Origination fees up to 12%
  • High maximum annual percentage rate
  • Co-signers aren’t allowed
  • Hard credit checks for final approval
  • Limited repayment loan terms
Time to receive funds

One business day (same-day funding available)

WHO IT’S FOR

Poor credit borrowers who can’t qualify for traditional personal loans

Overview

Upstart is a financial platform that enables borrowers with low credit to get personal loans with flexible payback options. Its key advantage is same-day funding.

Why we like it

Upstart does not do hard credit checks when you prequalify. In addition, customers can apply in the morning and receive their personal loan by the end of the day.

Lender perks
  • Quick funding (same-day deposit available)
  • Available to borrowers with poor credit
  • Soft credit checks when viewing your rate
Discover Logo
EST.APR
7.99% – 24.99%
LOAN AMOUNT
$2,5k – $40k
LOAN TERM
3 – 7 years
MIN CREDIT SCORE
660
READ REVIEW
SEE DETAILS
Known qualification requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Prove your US citizenship or permanent residence
  • Provide your bank account information
  • Show your monthly income by providing pay stubs, tax forms, or bank statements
  • Have fair credit (at least 660)
  • Provide an active email address and phone number
Fees
  • Late fee of $39
Pros
  • Long repayment periods
  • Thre­e options for repayment he­lp
  • High level of customer satisfaction
  • No origination fees
  • Free FICO score monitoring tools
  • Competitive interest rates
Cons
  • Charges a $39 penalty for late­ payments
  • Strict eligibility requirements
  • No co-borrower permitted
Time to receive funds

One business day (same-day funding available)

WHO IT’S FOR

Borrowers with fair credit scores who want to consolidate debt, renovate home, or make big purchases.

Overview

Discover is more than just a digital bank known for credit cards. It’s also a loan service provide­r. It gives out fixed-rate personal loans up to $40,000 to people nationwide. The company offers flexible repayment terms and reasonable interest rates to borrowers with fair to good credit.

Why we like it

Discover has some of the best rates in the industry. Plus, they charge no origination fees or pre­payment penalties. This means that the overall cost of borrowing is less. If you are in a rush, Discover can transfer funds to you on the next business day.

Lender perks
  • Zero origination fees
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Loan funds in one business day
Onemain Financial Logo
EST.APR
18% – 35.99%
LOAN AMOUNT
$1,5k – $20k
LOAN TERM
24 – 60 months
MIN CREDIT SCORE
None
READ REVIEW
SEE DETAILS
Known qualification requirements
  • At least 18 years also
  • Permanent US resident
  • Income confirmation
  • Valid bank account or debit card.
Fees
  • Origination fees: 1% to 10%, or $25 to $500, depending on the state
  • Late payment fees: $5 to $30, or 1.5% to 15% of your loan amount
  • Non-sufficient funds fees: $10 to $50 per payment returned
Pros
  • Joint and secured loans are available
  • Wide range of loan options for low credit
  • Pre-qualifying doesn’t affect your credit score
  • Convenient options for debt consolidation
Cons
  • Relatively high interest rates
  • Charges origination fees
  • APRs are not disclosed when pre-qualify
  • Not available in all states
Time to receive funds

Within one business day of approval via a direct deposit. Funding within several hours may be offered if you receive the funds on your debit card.

WHO IT’S FOR

Borrowers with credit issues who want to avoid predatory lenders.

Overview

OneMain Financial is a reliable financial service that offers personal loans between $1,500 and $20,000 without minimum credit score requirements. With its joint applications, flexible repayment terms, and soft credit checks for pre-qualifying, it can suit borrowers with bad credit. Interest rates are usually high, though.

Why we like it

The company offers a wide range of secured, unsecured, and joint loan options with flexible repayment terms. Its personal loans are available to underbanked borrowers.

Lender perks
  • Direct payment to creditors for debt consolidation
  • Loan cancellation within 7 days
  • Fast funding
BadCredify evaluates lenders based on more than 70 rating criteria, including interest rates, repayment terms, eligibility requirements, fees, consumer experience, affordability, and more. Find out more about our full methodology.

What are Vacation Loans for Poor Credit?

A vacation loan is simply a personal loan that does not require collateral and is designed to cover travel expenses. You can use it to pay for tickets, hotels, car rentals, meals, and other needs. 

As a personal loan for a vacation is paid back in equal installments each month, you may calculate your monthly payment amount beforehand. These loans are available online, in credit unions, and at banks.

With their help, you can borrow up to $50,000 or $100,000 and repay the funds over 12 to 84 months.

The Pros and Cons of Using Travel Loans for Bad Credit

Here’s what to consider before taking out a vacation loan:

Pros

  • Availability. You can get funds for a vacation even with a bad credit history.
  • Improving your credit history. Regular on-time loan payments can help improve your credit history, but only if the lender reports them to the major credit bureaus.
  • Fast approval. Approval usually occurs within minutes, and the funds are in your account the next day.
  • Flexible repayment terms. You can choose a convenient payment schedule.
  • No collateral is required. Most lenders do not require a pledge to secure the loan.
  • The ability to travel immediately. You can go on vacation now instead of saving money over time.

Cons

  • High interest rates. Bad credit loan APRs can be significantly higher compared to options for borrowers with a good credit history.
  • Debt accumulation. Failure to repay debt may result in penalties and increased loan costs.
  • Extra fees. Some lenders may charge additional fees, such as application and processing fees, that increase the overall loan cost.
  • Limited loan amounts. Borrowers with poor credit may be able to obtain smaller amounts.
  • Potential financial burden. Repaying the loan may create an additional financial burden on your budget.
  • Risk of credit score damage. If you fail to repay the loan on time, your late payments will be reported to major credit bureaus.

Should You Consider a Vacation Loan with No Credit Check?

A no-credit-check vacation loan is designed for people with a low credit score or for those who do not have time to wait several days for bank approval. This type of loan assumes that online lenders do not check your creditworthiness via major credit bureaus. This means you can get approved faster based on your current financial situation, not your credit score.

  1. What is my current credit score? FICO scores range from 300 to 850. If your credit score is good (670 or higher), you’d better consider loans with a hard credit check but on more favorable terms.
  2. How much money do you need to borrow for a vacation? For higher loan amounts, traditional loans offer better terms and conditions, including lower interest rates and more repayment flexibility.
  3. How do I plan to repay the loan? Assess whether you have a stable income and a budget plan for repaying the loan. You won’t drive yourself into a debt trap if you can handle the payments.
  4. Do I have other financing options? Consider whether you can use a family loan or an emergency fund instead of this debt.

A bad credit vacation loan may be an option if you have a stable income and clear debt management plan. Make sure you choose a loan with favourable terms and reasonable interest rates.

How to Find The Perfect Vacation Loans Online Despite Bad Credit

Finding the right holiday loan with credit can be tricky, but you can get the best deal by shopping around carefully. Here are some factors to consider when comparing lenders:

Interest Rates

First, ask your lender if they offer fixed or variable interest rates. Fixed rates stay the same for the life of the loan, providing predictable monthly payments. Variable rates can fluctuate based on market conditions, resulting in lower initial rates but potential increases over time. Look at the APR, which includes the interest rate and additional fees. This gives a more complete picture of how much the loan will cost. For example, a loan with a 10% interest rate and 3% fees has a higher APR than that with a 12% interest rate but no fees. Here’s a representative example for a $5,000 loan issued for 36 months to help you better understand how the total cost of your loan is determined: 

Interest RateOrigination FeesAPRCash ReceivedMonthly PaymentCost of Loan
6%5%9.476%$4,750$152.11$725.95
8%No8%$5,000$156.68$640.55

Fees

Some lenders charge an origination fee, typically between 1% and 10% of the loan amount. A $5,000 loan comes with an additional $50 to $500 charge. Also, find out about late fees. They can vary widely, with some lenders charging a flat fee (like $25) and others charging a percentage of the missed payment (like 5%). Check if there are any prepayment fees. Loans with no charges for early repayment allow you to save on interest by paying off your loan early.

Our simple calculator can help you determine your exact loan cost based on the terms offered to you by a lender.

Loan calculator

ESTIMATED MONTHLY PAYMENT

TOTAL LOAN AMOUNT PAID

TOTAL INTEREST PAID

TOTAL COST OF LOAN

Loan Terms

Consider the length of the repayment period. A shorter term typically means higher monthly payments but lower overall interest costs. A longer period means lower payment amounts but more overpayment. Look for lenders that offer flexible repayment options. Find out whether you can shift your due date or defer payments if you face financial hardship. Some lenders may allow biweekly payments instead of monthly, which can help you pay off your loan faster and reduce your interest costs.

Qualification Requirements

Different lenders have different minimum credit score requirements. Some specialize in loans for people with bad credit (below 580), while others only accept people with good credit (670 and higher). Also, make sure you meet the lender’s income requirements. Most loan providers will ask for proof of regular income or employment, such as recent payslips, tax returns, or bank statements. Check whether the loan is secured or unsecured. Secured loans may offer lower rates but come with the risk of losing your asset if you default.

Lender Reputation

Read reviews and recommendations on specialized platforms to assess a lender’s reputation and customer service. Check if the lender is licensed and accredited by reputable financial institutions or industry bodies like the National Council of Financial Educators or the Alliance of Online Lenders.

Alternative Ways to Finance a Cruise With Bad Credit

Taking out a personal loan for a vacation isn’t the only way to finance your trip. Consider the following options: 

Save Up

Saving up involves setting aside a portion of your income until you have enough money to pay for the cruise upfront. This method requires disciplined budgeting and patience but allows you to avoid debt and interest payments. You can adjust the amount you set aside each month to your personal savings goal, income, and timeline.

Pay With A Credit Card

Using a credit card to pay for the cruise allows you to make an immediate purchase and repay the balance over time. This option can help build your credit history if you make your payments on time.

Credit card interest rates typically range from 15% to 25% APR. You must have a credit limit that covers the cost of the cruise. There may be annual fees and late payment fees. Credit cards offer revolving credit with minimum monthly payments required.

Use Credit Card Rewards And Travel Programs

Utilizing rewards points or miles from a rewards credit card can significantly reduce or cover the cost of the cruise. This method allows you to use the benefits you’ve earned from regular credit card purchases. This option comes with no interest rates or fees. However, there may be annual fees for the rewards card. The terms depend on the specific rewards program’s conditions and restrictions.

Open A 0% APR Credit Card

Applying for a credit card with a 0% APR introductory offer allows you to finance the cruise and repay the balance during the promotional period (typically 12 months) without accruing interest. After this period, standard APRs apply, usually ranging from 15% to 25%. Approval depends on creditworthiness. There may be balance transfer fees and annual fees. You should pay off the balance before the end of the introductory period to avoid interest charges.

Use Buy Now, Pay Later

Some services allow you to finance your cruise in installments, making managing payments easier. Depending on the provider, interest rates vary widely from 0% to around 30% APR. Approval terms vary by provider. Late payment fees may apply. Repayment periods are typically between 4 and 12 months. Vacation now, pay later options come with no credit check. You can travel when you need it and make payments over time, even with bad credit.

Borrowing From Friends Or Family

Borrowing money from friends or family involves discussing and agreeing on repayment terms that work for both parties. Such loans typically have no interest rates and fees. The conditions are set based on personal agreements between you and your loved ones.

Peer-To-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending platforms connect borrowers with individual investors willing to fund personal loans, often at competitive rates. APRs typically range from 6% to 36%, depending on the investor and your creditworthiness. Approval conditions vary by platform. There may be origination fees (1-5%) and possible late payment fees. The repayment terms are usually 3 to 5 years.

How to Get a Vacation Loan?

Here’s how you can apply a guaranteed loan to finance a vacation:

1. Check Your Credit Score

A high credit score increases your chances of getting a loan with a favorable interest rate. Borrowers with a FICO score below 670 often face difficulties when getting a loan as lenders are less willing to work with them. If your credit is bad, consider loans from online lenders that don’t do hard credit checks. Just be wary of potentially higher interest rates.

2. Pre-Qualify

Pre-qualify for a loan with different lenders. This step won’t affect your credit score and will allow you to compare offers. Simply provide basic information via the lender’s website including personal details, income and employment information, the purpose of the loan, and the amount you want.

3. Compare Offers From Lenders

There are several key factors to consider when choosing a lender:

  • Annual percentage rates. Low rates reduce the amount you’ll have to pay on top of your loan.
  • Available loan amounts. Choose a lender that will offer you the amount you need.
  • Length of loan. A shorter loan term means higher monthly payments but a lower overall overpayment.
  • Credit check. Find out whether the lender performs a hard check which can temporarily lower your score.

4. Collect The Necessary Documents

Once you have chosen a lender, collect all the required documents. Lenders usually ask for:

  • Proof of identity.
  • Proof of income (pay stubs or bank statements).
  • Letter from your employer.
  • Bank account number for transferring funds.
  • Proof of address.
  • Active email.

5. Apply And Receive Funds

Some lenders make decisions based on income alone, while others thoroughly check your credit history. Make sure you know the lender’s requirements. A decision is usually made quickly, within a few hours to a few days. If approved, the money can reach your account within 1-5 business days, depending on the lender’s funding times.

How To Borrow Money Responsibly? 

When handled sensibly, a loan can be a good way to pay for a vacation. Here are some tips on responsible borrowing:

  1. Identify your needs. You should only borrow the amount you need to cover your expenses and can repay without any problems.
  2. Understand the terms. Examine your loan’s interest rates, payment timeline, and any additional costs carefully.
  3. Plan. Create a repayment plan before you take out a loan. Then, set up automatic payments to prevent missed payment deadlines.
  4. Review your credit. Check your credit score regularly to ensure there are no mistakes in your payments.

A vacation loan can greatly assist if you want to go on vacation but need more money to finance your trip. Just remember that any loan is a commitment, and how well you manage it will affect your future financial situation.

Experts advise against taking out loans for pointless travel. But if the trip is essential, and a loan is the most economical choice, you can still consider it. Just make sure that the monthly payments are within your budget.

Bottom Line

While it may be tempting to go on a dream vacation, taking out an expensive loan with bad credit may not be smart. If you can’t qualify for a loan at favorable terms or have unstable income, consider saving money in advance or find a more budget-friendly option.

However, it may work if you are confident in your financial stability and the ability to repay the loan. A loan may be a good opportunity to improve your credit score and make your dream vacation a reality.

Why Choose Us

BadCredify makes it easier to find a suitable loan offer that will fit your goals, credit, and financial shape. We carry out a comprehensive review of over 30 loan offers to select the most favorable options. Our experts make a detailed check and evaluate the lender’s interest rates, fees, repayment terms, funding times, application process, and overall reliability to provide borrowers with clear and comprehensive information about their products. 

Our reviews are always unbiased and we don’t receive compensation from the companies observed. Our main goal is to help people navigate the borrowing process and compare loan offers in a few clicks. Fill out our simple form and access multiple personalized offers from legitimate loan providers willing to work with you.

FAQ

How does a low credit score affect my chances of getting a vacation loan?

Getting a vacation loan with a low credit rating from a bank or credit union will be very difficult, and if approved, you will face high interest rates due to the risk a lender takes on. However most online lenders don’t consider a low credit rating to be an obstacle, as past credit mistakes are not a fundamental factor for them. The main thing is to have a stable income.

What is the average interest rate for vacation loans with poor credit?

The average interest rate for vacation loans ranges from 7,49% to 9.24%, depending on the loan amount and the repayment period. However, bad credit borrowers are likely to face APRs of up to 35.99% or even higher.

What are the common fees included in bad credit vacation loans?

Common fees in bad credit loans include origination fees, late fees for missed payments, prepayment penalties, and sometimes annual servicing fees.

What other financing options are available for people with bad credit?

Alternative options include saving upfront, borrowing from family or friends, using buy now, pay later options, or requesting a P2P loan.

What steps can I take to enhance my approval chances for a vacation loan with poor credit?

To enhance your chances of approval, start by checking and improving your credit score. Save money in advance so that you will need a lower loan amount, reduce your existing debt, and consider applying with a co-signer with good credit.

Larry Henderson

FINANCE EXPERT AT BADCREDIFY

Larry brings over 20 years of experience to the field. Prior to joining our team, he worked as a journalist for CNBC, Money, USA Today, and others

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