Can I get a loan for CPL training with bad credit?

While a higher credit score yields better loan terms, options may still be available for applicants with fair or poor credit (typically scores below 640). Some lenders specialize in working with borrowers who are building their credit. Be prepared for a higher APR. Applying with a co-signer who has a strong credit profile can also be a strategic way to improve your approval odds.

How much can I borrow for my commercial pilot license?

Loan amounts typically range from $5,000 to $50,000. The amount you can borrow depends on the total cost of your CPL training and your creditworthiness. It's essential to create a detailed budget, including flight hours, ground instruction, books, exam fees, and a buffer for unexpected costs, to determine the precise amount you need to apply for.

Does this loan cover time-building hours required for an ATP license?

Yes. A key advantage of a personal loan is its flexibility. If you plan to continue training towards your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires 1,500 hours, you can factor the cost of time-building into your loan amount. This allows you to secure the necessary funding upfront to efficiently progress from CPL to a position as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or another time-building role.

Can I use a personal loan for both Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools?

Absolutely. Because the funds are disbursed directly to you, a personal loan is not tied to any specific school or training program. This gives you the freedom to choose the training environment that best suits your learning style and schedule, whether it's a structured, FAA-approved Part 141 curriculum or a more flexible Part 61 program.

How quickly can I get funds for my flight school deposit?

The funding process is generally very fast. After you select a loan offer and complete the final verification steps with the lender, funds are often deposited directly into your bank account in as little as one to three business days. This speed is ideal for securing your spot in a training class or making a required deposit on an aircraft rental block.

Are there prepayment penalties if I pay the loan off early?

Most personal loans offered through our lending partners do not have prepayment penalties. This means if you land a job as a commercial pilot and receive a signing bonus, or simply want to pay off your debt ahead of schedule, you can do so without incurring extra fees. Always confirm this detail in your loan agreement.

Commercial Pilot License Loans

Finance your CPL training and take the next step toward becoming a professional pilot with a straightforward, unsecured personal loan.

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Financing Your CPL Shouldn't Be Harder Than the Checkride

Traditional banks don't understand the high, upfront costs of professional flight training.
We connect you with lenders who specialize in financing vocational training and career-focused education.
You need funds for more than just tuition, like checkride fees, equipment, and time-building.
A personal loan provides a lump sum of cash you can use for all CPL-related expenses, giving you total flexibility.
Pausing your current job to train full-time creates an income gap that makes lenders nervous.
Our lending partners can consider your future earning potential as a commercial pilot when evaluating your application.
Flight school financing often comes with rigid terms and is tied to a specific institution.
A personal loan is independent of your school, giving you the freedom to choose the best Part 61 or Part 141 program for you.

How a Personal Loan Can Fund Your Commercial Pilot Career

Earning your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a significant investment in your future, but the path from private pilot to professional aviator comes with substantial costs. A personal loan for CPL training is designed to bridge this financial gap. Unlike a traditional student loan, which is often restricted to accredited universities, a personal loan offers the flexibility needed for vocational programs like flight school. It provides a single lump-sum payment directly to you, empowering you to manage your training expenses as they arise.

This type of financing is unsecured, meaning you don't need to put up any collateral like a house or car. Lenders evaluate your eligibility based on factors like your credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio. The funds can be used for every aspect of your CPL journey, from covering the block of flight hours in a complex aircraft to paying for FAA written exams, examiner fees for your checkride, and even necessary equipment like a high-quality headset or EFB subscription. This comprehensive funding solution allows you to focus on what matters most: mastering the skills to become a commercial pilot.

Get Your CPL Financing in 3 Steps

1
Complete a Short Form
Tell us about your training needs and financial profile. This initial check won't impact your credit score.
2
Compare Loan Offers
If you pre-qualify, you'll see potential offers from our network of lenders, including rates and terms.
3
Receive Your Funds
After selecting an offer and completing the final application, funds are typically deposited into your account within a few business days.

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Breaking Down the Cost of a Commercial Pilot License

Flight Time (Complex Aircraft) 10-20 hours × $250/hr	$2,500 - $5,000
Flight Time (Time Building) 100-150 hours × $180/hr	$18,000 - $27,000
Instructor Time 40-60 hours × $75/hr	$3,000 - $4,500
Ground School & Materials Part 141 or Home Study	$500 - $1,500
FAA Exams & Checkride Fee Written tests + Examiner	$1,000 - $1,500

Estimated monthly

$667/mo

Based on a $30,000 loan with a 5-year term at 12% APR. Your actual payment will vary.

The total cost to obtain your CPL can vary significantly based on the flight school (Part 61 vs. Part 141), geographic location, and the type of aircraft used for training. Many pilots need to build significant flight time to meet the 250-hour requirement for the CPL, which constitutes the largest portion of the expense. The breakdown above provides a realistic estimate, but it's crucial to get a detailed cost sheet from your chosen flight school to determine the exact loan amount you'll need.

Loan amount: $5,000 – $50,000
APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
Term: 24 mo – 84 mo

Your actual APR depends on credit score, loan amount, term, and credit usage and history. The rates listed are for illustrative purposes and are not guaranteed.

Comparing Your CPL Financing Options

While a personal loan is a popular choice for CPL training, it's wise to understand the alternatives. Each financing method has its own set of pros and cons, and the best option depends on your financial situation, credit profile, and the specific requirements of your flight school. Below is a comparison of common ways aspiring pilots fund their commercial license.

Personal Loan vs. Other Financing

	Personal Loan	Flight School Financing	Federal Student Loans
Eligibility	Based on credit & income	Often school-specific criteria	Not available for most non-university flight schools
Use of Funds	Highly flexible; for tuition, gear, living expenses	Usually restricted to tuition and fees at that school	Strictly for accredited educational costs
Interest Rates	Fixed rates, 8-35.99% APR	Can be high; variable rates possible	Generally lower, but unavailable for this purpose
Best For	Part 61 or 141 students needing flexibility	Students committed to a single school with a partnership	University-based aviation degree programs

Find out what you qualify for.

A quick check won't affect your credit score.

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What Lenders Look for in CPL Loan Applicants

Minimum Credit Score: Most lenders look for a score of 600 or higher. A score above 680 will generally unlock more favorable rates and terms.
Verifiable Income: You'll need to show proof of a steady income source to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan. Some lenders may consider a co-signer.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders prefer a DTI ratio below 40%, meaning your monthly debt payments are less than 40% of your gross monthly income.
U.S. Citizenship or Residency: Applicants must typically be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder to qualify for a loan from our partners.

If you are a younger applicant without a long credit history or are training full-time without current income, consider applying with a creditworthy co-signer. This can significantly improve your chances of approval and may help you secure a lower interest rate.

Example scenario

Getting a personal loan was the final piece of the puzzle. It covered my time-building and the checkride fee without the hassle of dealing with school-specific financing. I was funded in three days and finished my CPL a month later.

Alex R.·Recently Certified Commercial Pilot, Florida

Frequently Asked Questions About CPL Loans

Common Questions

Can I get a loan for CPL training with bad credit?
While a higher credit score yields better loan terms, options may still be available for applicants with fair or poor credit (typically scores below 640). Some lenders specialize in working with borrowers who are building their credit. Be prepared for a higher APR. Applying with a co-signer who has a strong credit profile can also be a strategic way to improve your approval odds.
How much can I borrow for my commercial pilot license?
Loan amounts typically range from $5,000 to $50,000. The amount you can borrow depends on the total cost of your CPL training and your creditworthiness. It's essential to create a detailed budget, including flight hours, ground instruction, books, exam fees, and a buffer for unexpected costs, to determine the precise amount you need to apply for.
Does this loan cover time-building hours required for an ATP license?
Yes. A key advantage of a personal loan is its flexibility. If you plan to continue training towards your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires 1,500 hours, you can factor the cost of time-building into your loan amount. This allows you to secure the necessary funding upfront to efficiently progress from CPL to a position as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or another time-building role.
Can I use a personal loan for both Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools?
Absolutely. Because the funds are disbursed directly to you, a personal loan is not tied to any specific school or training program. This gives you the freedom to choose the training environment that best suits your learning style and schedule, whether it's a structured, FAA-approved Part 141 curriculum or a more flexible Part 61 program.
How quickly can I get funds for my flight school deposit?
The funding process is generally very fast. After you select a loan offer and complete the final verification steps with the lender, funds are often deposited directly into your bank account in as little as one to three business days. This speed is ideal for securing your spot in a training class or making a required deposit on an aircraft rental block.
Are there prepayment penalties if I pay the loan off early?
Most personal loans offered through our lending partners do not have prepayment penalties. This means if you land a job as a commercial pilot and receive a signing bonus, or simply want to pay off your debt ahead of schedule, you can do so without incurring extra fees. Always confirm this detail in your loan agreement.

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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.

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