State guide

Illinois: Loans and Free Help for Bad Credit

Since 2021, Illinois' Predatory Loan Prevention Act has capped virtually all consumer loans — payday and title loans included — at 36% APR, which pushed traditional high-cost payday lenders out. An Illinoisan with bad credit now relies on credit unions, rate-capped installment lenders and other lower-cost options instead of payday loans.

By REPLACE WITH REAL NAME, REPLACE — e.g. 8 years covering consumer credit · Reviewed by REPLACE WITH REAL NAME · Updated September 24, 2026

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Advertiser disclosure: we're paid when you apply through some links on this site, and some lenders here are operated by our parent company. Compensation does not change our scores or the order of the cost ladder. How we make money →

What's legal here

Prohibited

Illinois' Predatory Loan Prevention Act (815 ILCS 123, effective March 2021) caps the all-in APR on virtually all consumer loans — including payday and title loans — at 36%, which ended traditional high-cost payday lending in the state (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation).

Extended payment plan: not required

Where this comes from

Figures were checked against these sources on September 24, 2026.

Woodstock Institute — Predatory Loan Prevention Act fact sheet ↗ woodstockinst.org
IDFPR — initiatives ↗ idfpr.illinois.gov

Before you borrow

Cheapest first. Work down only if you have to.

Available in Illinois, cheapest first

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

EarnIn

Access pay you've already earned, with no mandatory fees.

Score 8.0

Still an option for

Steady paycheck with a consistent schedule and a linked checking account. Not available in Connecticut.

Amount

$0–$150

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–2 business days; about 30 minutes with Lightning Speed ($3.99–$5.99).

One honest con

Tips and speed fees add up if you use it every pay period; limits vary by user.

See rates at EarnIn →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

Best for

W-2 and hourly workers who need up to $150/day, $1,000+/pay period, and can wait a day or two.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Cash Out

$0–$150

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

What you need: Linked checking account, verifiable work/pay schedule, direct-deposit history.

Not for: Gig workers with irregular pay; anyone who needs more than their earned wages so far.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

MoneyLion Instacash

Advances up to $500 — or $1,000 with a RoarMoney direct deposit — with no mandatory fees.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

Checking account 60+ days old with three recurring direct deposits from the same employer.

Amount

$25–$1,000

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–5 business days; instant (Turbo) for $0.49–$8.99.

One honest con

Turbo fees and tip prompts; standard delivery can take up to 5 business days to an outside bank.

See rates at MoneyLion Instacash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

Best for

Salaried workers who can move direct deposit to RoarMoney for a higher limit.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Instacash

$25–$1,000

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday (defer up to 2 weeks once per cycle)

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

What you need: 18+, US resident, photo ID, checking account 60+ days old, 3+ recurring direct deposits from one employer.

Not for: People with irregular deposits; anyone who needs money today without paying a Turbo fee.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Dave ExtraCash

Up to $500 before payday with a flat percentage fee.

Score 6.8

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days with recurring deposits.

Amount

$5–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; instant with a fee.

One honest con

Membership of up to $5/month plus a 5% fee per advance ($5 min, $15 max), plus 1.5% for express to an outside bank.

See rates at Dave ExtraCash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

Best for

People who need a predictable, one-time fee and up to $500.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

ExtraCash

$5–$500

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

What you need: Linked account active 60+ days, recurring deposits, 18+, US address, SSN.

Not for: Anyone who will use it every month — the 5% fee compounds quickly.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Brigit

Cash advances up to $500 bundled with budgeting and credit-builder tools.

Score 6.7

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days, positive balance, three recurring deposits from one source.

Amount

$50–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; within 20 minutes for $0.99–$5.99.

One honest con

Requires a paid plan ($8.99 Plus or $15.99 Premium per month); Maine residents capped at $250.

See rates at Brigit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

Best for

People who will actually use the budgeting tools and want advances without tips.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Instant Cash

$50–$500

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

What you need: Account active 60+ days, balance above $0, 3+ recurring deposits from the same source, Brigit score 40+.

Not for: Anyone who just needs a one-off advance — the subscription makes a single $75 advance expensive.

Step 4 · Secured & bad-credit cards

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa

A secured card with no annual fee, no interest and no credit pull — if you bank with Chime.

Score 7.9

Still an option for

No credit pull. Needs a Chime Checking Account; no direct deposit is required to open the card.

Amount

from $0

Term

Revolving

Speed

Card arrives in about a week. Not a source of cash.

One honest con

Your limit is only what you move into the Credit Builder account, so it does nothing for cash flow.

See rates at Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

$0 annual fee, no interest, no minimum deposit. Your limit equals what you move into the Credit Builder account. Requires a Chime Checking Account.

Best for

Existing Chime users, or people willing to move their direct deposit, who want to build credit with zero fees and zero interest.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Secured card

from $0

Term: Revolving
Payments: Monthly (auto-pay from the secured balance)

$0 annual fee, no interest, no minimum deposit. Your limit equals what you move into the Credit Builder account. Requires a Chime Checking Account.

What you need: Chime Checking Account in good standing. No credit check and no minimum deposit. A $200+ qualifying direct deposit unlocks Chime Plus perks but is not required for the card.

Not for: Anyone who doesn't want to open a Chime account; anyone who needs a credit line larger than what they can pre-load.

Step 4 · Secured & bad-credit cards

Self Credit Builder

A savings-style loan that reports 24 months of on-time payments, then unlocks a secured card.

Score 7.9

Still an option for

No minimum credit score and no hard credit pull to open. Needs a bank account or debit card and a clean ChexSystems record.

Amount

$520–$3,076

Term

24 months

Cost

$25 a time

Speed

Not for cash today: you receive the money at the end of the term.

One honest con

You pay ~15.5%–15.9% APR plus a $9 admin fee to save your own money; late payments hurt the credit you're building.

See rates at Self Credit Builder →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 15.51%–15.92%

Representative example: borrow $520 → 24 payments of about $25 → $600 total repaid (15.92% APR)

Best for

People who don't need cash now but want a thin or damaged file to look better in 6–12 months.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Credit Builder Account

$520–$3,076

Term: 24 months
APR: 15.51%–15.92% APR
Payments: Monthly

What it costs: borrow $520 → 24 payments of about $25 → $600 total repaid (15.92% APR)$25/month plan: pay $600 over 24 months, receive $520 at the end.

$9 one-time admin fee. Plans: $25/mo → $520 unlocked; $35 → $724; $48 → $992; $150 → $3,076.

What you need: 18+, SSN, US address, bank account/debit card/prepaid card, no recent unpaid bank fees.

Not for: Anyone in an emergency — this doesn't pay a bill today.

Step 4 · Secured & bad-credit cards

Discover it Secured

A no-annual-fee secured card with cash back and a path to getting your deposit back.

Score 7.7

Still an option for

No minimum credit score to apply, but Discover does run a credit check. Needs a bank account for the deposit.

Amount

$200–$2,500

Term

Revolving

Speed

Card arrives in about a week. Not a source of cash.

One honest con

It is a hard credit pull, and 26.49% variable APR is expensive if you carry a balance.

See rates at Discover it Secured →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Purchase APR: 26.49%

Best for

People who can set aside $200 and want a card that pays 1%–2% back and reviews the account for an upgrade after about seven months.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Secured card

$200–$2,500

Term: Revolving
Purchase APR: 26.49% Purchase APR
Payments: Monthly statement

$0 annual fee. Refundable deposit $200–$2,500 sets your limit. 2% back at gas stations and restaurants (to $1,000/quarter), 1% elsewhere.

What you need: 18+, SSN, US address, bank account to fund a $200–$2,500 refundable deposit. Credit check is performed.

Not for: Anyone who needs cash this week; anyone with a recent bankruptcy that a credit check would surface.

Step 4 · Secured & bad-credit cards

OpenSky Secured Visa

The most accessible secured card: no credit pull and no bank account required.

Score 7.6

Still an option for

No credit pull and no bank account needed — the $200 deposit can be paid by money order or debit card.

Amount

from $200

Term

Revolving

Speed

Card arrives in about two weeks. Not a source of cash.

One honest con

$35 annual fee. OpenSky's no-fee "Plus" version needs a $300 deposit and charges 28.24% APR.

See rates at OpenSky Secured Visa →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Purchase APR: 23.89%

Best for

People with a recent bankruptcy, a ChexSystems record or no bank account who still want three-bureau reporting.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Secured card

from $200

Term: Revolving
Purchase APR: 23.89% Purchase APR
Payments: Monthly statement

$35 annual fee. Refundable deposit from $200. No credit pull, no bank account required. Upgrade review after 6 months.

What you need: 18+, SSN or ITIN, US address, $200 minimum refundable deposit. No credit pull, no bank account requirement.

Not for: Anyone who can qualify for a no-annual-fee card; anyone likely to carry a balance at 23.89% APR.

Step 5 · Subprime installment loans

OppLoans

Larger installment loans with monthly payments and credit-bureau reporting.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

No minimum credit score, but you need $1,500/month income with direct deposit and 30+ days on a W-2 job.

Amount

$500–$5,000

Term

9–18 months

Cost

$3,551

Speed

Same or next business day if approved by 12 p.m. CT.

One honest con

Still very expensive — 129%–195% APR — and not available in 11 states/DC.

See rates at OppLoans →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 129%–195%

Representative example: borrow $2,000 → $3,551 total repaid (160% APR)

Expensive credit — 195% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

People who need $1,000–$5,000 over 9–18 months and want on-time payments reported to the bureaus.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Installment loan

$500–$5,000

Term: 9–18 months
APR: 129%–195% APR
Payments: Monthly (due date adjustable)

What it costs: borrow $2,000 → $3,551 total repaid (160% APR)Lender's published example: $2,000 at 160% APR over 18 months costs $1,551 in interest.

No origination fee. In some states the loan is made by a partner bank (FinWise Bank, First Electronic Bank or Quill Bank, formerly Capital Community Bank). Comparison math uses a representative 12-month term; actual terms are 9–18 months.

What you need: 18+, US citizen with SSN, $18,000/yr gross income (can include SS, disability, child support), bank account with direct deposit, W-2 employment 30+ days.

Not for: Gig workers without W-2 income; anyone needing under $500.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

Step 5 · Subprime installment loans

NetCredit

Larger, longer installment loans with the lowest APR floor in this group.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

No minimum credit score. Needs a personal checking account and verifiable income.

Amount

$1,000–$10,000

Term

6–60 months

Cost

≈ $1,639 over 6–60 months

Speed

1–3 business days after signing; same-day possible before 7 a.m. CT weekdays.

One honest con

Origination fees in some states; the $1,000 minimum is high for an emergency shortfall.

See rates at NetCredit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Illinois.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 34%–155%

Representative estimate: ≈ $1,639 over 6–60 months

Expensive credit — 155% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

People who need $1,000+ and can qualify for the lower end of 34%–155% APR over 6–60 months.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Installment loan

$1,000–$10,000

Term: 6–60 months
APR: 34%–155% APR
Payments: Monthly

Origination fee in some states, deducted from proceeds; no prepayment fee Comparison math uses a representative 24-month term; actual terms are 6–60 months.

What you need: 18+ (19 in AL/DE, 21 in MS), personal checking account, email, verifiable income.

Not for: Anyone needing less than $1,000; residents of the 13 states NetCredit doesn't serve.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

Check availability in Illinois

Big Picture LoansStep 5 · Subprime installment loans · $200–$3,000

Not available in Illinois

Possible Finance — not available in Illinois.
Rise Credit — not available in Illinois.
CashOtter — not available in Illinois.
MeteorLoans — not available in Illinois.
CashLantern — not available in Illinois.
CreditCube — not available in Illinois.

Free help in Illinois

211 Illinois
Statewide referrals for housing, food and utility assistance
211
Visit website →
Help Illinois Families (LIHEAP)
Help paying home energy bills
833-711-0374
Visit website →
Illinois Attorney General — Consumer Fraud Hotline
Consumer complaints, including about lenders
800-386-5438
Visit website →
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Directory of free civil legal aid
Visit website →

Questions people ask

Plain answers to the questions readers ask most often.

Can I get a payday loan in Illinois?

prohibited Illinois' Predatory Loan Prevention Act (815 ILCS 123, effective March 2021) caps the all-in APR on virtually all consumer loans — including payday and title loans — at 36%, which ended traditional high-cost payday lending in the state (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation).

Which lenders on this site lend in Illinois?

10 verified options: EarnIn, MoneyLion Instacash, Dave ExtraCash, Brigit, Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa, Self Credit Builder, Discover it Secured, OpenSky Secured Visa, OppLoans, NetCredit.

Where can I get free help in Illinois?

Start with 211 Illinois, Help Illinois Families (LIHEAP), Illinois Attorney General — Consumer Fraud Hotline, Illinois Legal Aid Online. Calling 211 also connects you to local help.

Three useful next stops before you choose a lender.

GuideTribal loans explained Free help211 and emergency assistance CalculatorLoan-cost calculator

Last verified September 24, 2026

What's legal here

Before you borrow

Available in Illinois, cheapest first

EarnIn

MoneyLion Instacash

Dave ExtraCash

Brigit

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa

Self Credit Builder

Discover it Secured

OpenSky Secured Visa

OppLoans

NetCredit

Check availability in Illinois

Not available in Illinois

Free help in Illinois

Questions people ask

Related