The average divorce in the United States costs between $15,000 and $30,000 when accounting for legal fees, court costs, mediation, and the financial disruption of separating two lives. A personal loan can help cover these costs and provide a financial bridge while you rebuild.
The challenge: divorce often damages credit scores through joint account mismanagement, and lenders may see a recently divorced borrower as higher risk. The key is finding lenders that look beyond your credit score to your current income and financial stability.
Common Post-Divorce Loan Uses
Best Lenders for Post-Divorce Borrowers
| Lender | Min. Credit Score | Max Loan | APR Range | Why It Works Post-Divorce |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avant | 580 | $35,000 | 9.95%–35.99% | Accepts lower scores, fast funding |
| Upgrade | 580 | $50,000 | 9.99%–35.99% | Flexible terms, accepts fair credit |
| LendingClub | 600 | $40,000 | 9.57%–35.99% | Joint loan option if needed |
| Upstart | No minimum | $75,000 | 6.20%–35.99% | AI underwriting, considers income |
| OneMain Financial | No minimum | $20,000 | 18%–35.99% | Accepts poor credit, secured option |
ALSO CONSIDER
A personal loan is not the right tool for every situation. Consider alternatives if any of the following apply to you:
- You have home equity: A HELOC typically offers rates 5–10% lower than personal loans. If you own your home, compare HELOC rates before taking a personal loan.
- Your debt is primarily credit card debt: A balance transfer card with a 0% intro APR (typically 12–21 months) will cost less than a personal loan if you can pay off the balance within the intro period.
- You need less than $1,000: Most personal loan lenders have minimum amounts of $1,000–$2,000. For smaller needs, a credit union payday alternative loan (PAL) or a 0% APR credit card may be more appropriate.
- Your credit score is below 500: Most personal loan lenders — including those that accept "bad credit" — have practical minimums around 500–560. Below this, secured loans, credit-builder loans, or co-signer arrangements are more realistic options.
- You are in active bankruptcy: Personal loan lenders will decline applicants in active Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 proceedings. Resolve your bankruptcy first.
Answer 3 quick questions and get a personalized recommendation in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advertiser Disclosure: WiseIQ may earn a referral fee from some lenders and financial products on this page. This does not influence our editorial ratings or recommendations. Our reviews are independently researched and editorially independent.
Sources & Methodology: WiseIQ's editorial team researches and fact-checks all content using primary sources including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Reserve G.19 Consumer Credit Report, myFICO Credit Education, and lender websites for current rates and terms. Last reviewed: April 2026. How we rank products.