Can I get an unsecured dental loan with bad credit?

Yes, it is possible to get an unsecured dental loan even with a less-than-perfect credit score. While borrowers with good to excellent credit (typically 670 and above) receive the best rates, some lenders in our network specialize in working with individuals who have fair or poor credit. These lenders may place more weight on other factors like your income and debt-to-income ratio. However, be prepared for a higher APR to offset the lender's increased risk. Applying with a co-signer who has strong credit can also improve your chances of approval and help you secure a lower rate.

What is the difference between a secured and an unsecured dental loan?

The primary difference is collateral. A secured loan requires you to pledge an asset, such as your car (auto title loan) or home (home equity loan), as security for the loan. If you default, the lender can seize that asset. An unsecured dental loan, which is a type of personal loan, does not require any collateral. Approval is based entirely on your financial profile—your credit score, income, and history of repaying debt. For many, this is a much safer and more appealing option for financing medical procedures.

How quickly can I get funds for my dental procedure?

The funding speed is one of the major advantages of online personal loans. After you submit your initial information, you can receive pre-qualified offers within minutes. Once you select an offer and complete the final application with the lender (which may involve submitting documents like proof of income), funds can be deposited directly into your bank account. Many lenders are able to provide funds as quickly as the next business day after approval, allowing you to schedule your dental procedure without delay.

Can I use an unsecured personal loan for cosmetic dentistry?

Absolutely. Unsecured personal loans are extremely flexible. Unlike some financing options that are restricted to medically necessary procedures, a personal loan can be used for any type of dental work, including cosmetic treatments that insurance rarely covers. This includes procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and adult braces. The funds are sent to you directly, so you have full control over how you use them to pay your dentist for the agreed-upon treatment plan.

Will checking my rate for a dental loan affect my credit score?

No, checking your rate through our platform will not affect your credit score. We and our lending partners use a 'soft' credit inquiry to determine your eligibility for pre-qualified offers. A soft inquiry does not impact your credit scores. A 'hard' credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points, is only performed by the lender you choose to move forward with when you complete a full, formal application.

Are there dental loans with 'no credit check'?

You should be very cautious of any service promising 'guaranteed approval' or 'no credit check' loans. Reputable lenders will always perform some kind of credit review to assess your ability to repay the loan, which is a responsible lending practice. While the initial rate check is a soft pull that doesn't harm your score, a final application will involve a credit check. Options like payday loans or title loans may advertise this way, but they come with extremely high fees and APRs and are not recommended for financing significant dental work.

Unsecured Dental Loans

Finance major dental work like implants, crowns, or cosmetic procedures without offering your car or home as collateral.

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Your Smile Shouldn't Wait for Your Savings

Your dentist just quoted a price that's far more than your insurance will cover.
We provide access to financing that can bridge the gap between insurance coverage and the total cost of your procedure.
You need urgent dental work but don't have assets like a house or car to use as collateral.
Our lending partners specialize in unsecured personal loans, which require no collateral—just your signature.
In-office payment plans are too rigid or don't offer enough funding for the full treatment plan.
A personal loan offers a single lump sum, giving you the flexibility to pay your dentist upfront and manage one predictable monthly payment.
You're considering putting it all on a credit card, but worry about high, variable interest rates.
Unsecured dental loans typically come with fixed interest rates, so your payment never changes, making budgeting simple and predictable.

Financing Major Dental Care On Your Terms

When facing significant dental expenses, the last thing you need is more stress about how to pay for it. An unsecured dental loan is a type of personal loan specifically used to cover the costs of dental procedures. The key feature is that it's 'unsecured,' meaning you don't have to put up any collateral like your home or vehicle to qualify. Lenders approve you based on your creditworthiness, income, and ability to repay, making it an accessible option for many people who need immediate funds for their oral health. This is often called a 'signature loan' because your promise to repay is all that's required.

Whether you're looking at dental implants, adult orthodontics, a full-mouth reconstruction, or cosmetic procedures not covered by insurance, an unsecured loan provides the flexibility you need. You receive the funds as a lump sum, pay your dentist directly, and then repay the loan in fixed monthly installments over a set period. This streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on your recovery and enjoy your new smile without the complication of juggling multiple bills or high-interest credit cards.

Get Your Dental Financing in 3 Simple Steps

1
Check Your Rate Online
Fill out our secure online form in about two minutes. This is a soft credit pull, so it won't impact your credit score.
2
Review Your Loan Offers
If you pre-qualify, you'll see potential offers from our network of lenders, including loan amounts, terms, and estimated APRs.
3
Receive Your Funds
Select the best offer for your needs, complete the final application with the lender, and get the money deposited directly into your bank account, often as soon as the next business day.

Ready to See Your Options?

Our simple form takes two minutes and won't affect your credit score.

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Understanding the Costs of Dental Work Financing

The total cost of your dental financing depends on three main factors: the amount you borrow (the principal), the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and the repayment term. The APR includes the interest rate plus any lender fees, such as an origination fee. Longer terms might offer lower monthly payments but can result in paying more interest over the life of the loan. It's crucial to balance a manageable monthly payment with the lowest possible total cost. We provide transparency so you can see how these factors interact before you commit to a loan.

Example: Financing a $15,000 Dental Implant Procedure

Total Loan Amount (Principal) Covers implants, abutments, and crowns	$15,000
Example APR Based on a good credit profile	11.99%
Repayment Term 60 months (5 years)	60 Months
Total Interest Paid Approximate total over 5 years	$4,995

Estimated monthly

$333/mo

Estimated payment for a 60-month term at 11.99% APR. Your actual rate and payment will vary.

This example illustrates how a fixed-rate unsecured loan creates a predictable payment schedule. Unlike a credit card where interest can compound and rates can change, you'll know exactly how much you owe each month and when your loan will be fully paid off. This clarity is essential when managing the costs of major dental work.

Loan amount: $1,000 – $40,000
APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
Term: 24 mo – 84 mo

Your actual APR will depend on factors like credit score, requested loan amount, loan term, and credit history. The lowest rates are typically reserved for borrowers with excellent credit. All loans are subject to lender approval.

Unsecured Loans vs. Other Dental Financing Options

When you need to finance dental work, you have several choices. Understanding the differences is key to picking the right one for your financial situation. Besides an unsecured personal loan, many people consider specialized medical credit cards or payment plans offered directly by their dentist's office. Each has its own set of pros and cons related to interest rates, flexibility, and application process. Evaluating these options helps ensure you're not just getting the dental care you need, but also managing the cost in the most effective way possible.

Comparing Your Financing Choices

	Unsecured Personal Loan	Medical Credit Card	In-House Payment Plan
Interest Rate	Fixed APR (e.g., 8-35.99%)	Often 0% intro, then high variable APR (25%+)	Varies; can be interest-free or carry a fee
Loan Amount	Flexible ($1k - $40k+)	Depends on credit limit	Limited to treatment cost
Collateral Required	None	None	None
Use of Funds	Can cover any related cost	Only at participating providers	Only for that specific dentist
Repayment Term	Fixed term (2-7 years)	Revolving balance	Short-term (6-24 months)

Compare Your Loan Offers Now

Find the best unsecured loan for your dental needs from our network of lenders.

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Do You Qualify for an Unsecured Dental Loan?

Lenders look at several key factors to determine your eligibility for an unsecured loan. While each lender has its own criteria, they generally focus on your financial health and history to assess the risk of lending to you without collateral. Meeting these baseline requirements increases your chances of approval and helps you secure a more favorable interest rate. If your application isn't as strong as you'd like, there are often simple steps you can take to improve your profile before applying.

What Lenders Typically Look For

Credit Score: Most lenders prefer a score of 600 or higher. A score above 670 will generally qualify you for better rates and terms.
Verifiable Income: You'll need to show a steady source of income through pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements to prove you can handle payments.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders look for a DTI below 43%, meaning your total monthly debt payments are less than 43% of your gross monthly income.
Credit History: A history of on-time payments and responsible credit use demonstrates reliability to potential lenders.
U.S. Citizenship or Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder of legal age in your state to apply.

To strengthen a borderline application, consider checking your credit report for errors, paying down existing credit card balances to lower your DTI, or waiting until you have a more consistent income history.

Still have questions? Let's get started.

Begin your application and our team can help guide you through the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Unsecured Dental Loans

Can I get an unsecured dental loan with bad credit?
Yes, it is possible to get an unsecured dental loan even with a less-than-perfect credit score. While borrowers with good to excellent credit (typically 670 and above) receive the best rates, some lenders in our network specialize in working with individuals who have fair or poor credit. These lenders may place more weight on other factors like your income and debt-to-income ratio. However, be prepared for a higher APR to offset the lender's increased risk. Applying with a co-signer who has strong credit can also improve your chances of approval and help you secure a lower rate.
What is the difference between a secured and an unsecured dental loan?
The primary difference is collateral. A secured loan requires you to pledge an asset, such as your car (auto title loan) or home (home equity loan), as security for the loan. If you default, the lender can seize that asset. An unsecured dental loan, which is a type of personal loan, does not require any collateral. Approval is based entirely on your financial profile—your credit score, income, and history of repaying debt. For many, this is a much safer and more appealing option for financing medical procedures.
How quickly can I get funds for my dental procedure?
The funding speed is one of the major advantages of online personal loans. After you submit your initial information, you can receive pre-qualified offers within minutes. Once you select an offer and complete the final application with the lender (which may involve submitting documents like proof of income), funds can be deposited directly into your bank account. Many lenders are able to provide funds as quickly as the next business day after approval, allowing you to schedule your dental procedure without delay.
Can I use an unsecured personal loan for cosmetic dentistry?
Absolutely. Unsecured personal loans are extremely flexible. Unlike some financing options that are restricted to medically necessary procedures, a personal loan can be used for any type of dental work, including cosmetic treatments that insurance rarely covers. This includes procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and adult braces. The funds are sent to you directly, so you have full control over how you use them to pay your dentist for the agreed-upon treatment plan.
Will checking my rate for a dental loan affect my credit score?
No, checking your rate through our platform will not affect your credit score. We and our lending partners use a 'soft' credit inquiry to determine your eligibility for pre-qualified offers. A soft inquiry does not impact your credit scores. A 'hard' credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points, is only performed by the lender you choose to move forward with when you complete a full, formal application.
Are there dental loans with 'no credit check'?
You should be very cautious of any service promising 'guaranteed approval' or 'no credit check' loans. Reputable lenders will always perform some kind of credit review to assess your ability to repay the loan, which is a responsible lending practice. While the initial rate check is a soft pull that doesn't harm your score, a final application will involve a credit check. Options like payday loans or title loans may advertise this way, but they come with extremely high fees and APRs and are not recommended for financing significant dental work.

Ready to move forward with your dental care?

Personal loan disclosure

Money Savvy is not a lender. We are a marketing service that connects consumers with participating lenders. Rates, amounts, and terms vary by lender, your credit history, and other factors.

Loan amounts: $1,000 – $100,000
Repayment terms: 3 – 84 months
Min APR: 5.99%
Max APR: 35.99%
Origination fees: 0% – 10% of the loan amount
Late fees: May apply; vary by lender

Representative example: A $10,000 loan with a 36-month term at an 18.99% APR would have an approximate monthly payment of $366.39 and a total cost of $13,190.04, including interest and a $500 origination fee.

Your actual APR depends on your credit score, income, and other factors. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

California residents: California Financing Law disclosures available upon request.