Editor's choice: SoFi personal loans
- Low starting APR at 5.99%
- No fees
- Unemployment protection available
You can get a loan for dental work from your dentist’s office, an online lender or even a bank. But since loans tend to start at around $1,000, it’s best to save this option for larger procedures that you don’t have time to save up for.
We reviewed over 120 personal loan providers before selecting our best picks for dental loans. We focused on lenders that offer lower loan amounts and could get you the funds within a day or two. And we included different options for good, fair and bad credit.
Best Egg is an online lender with some of the lowest starting rates available — especially on loans as low as $2,000 to cover larger dental procedures, like wisdom tooth removal. It has stellar customer reviews and can get your funds within one business day. While it accepts credit scores as low as 640, you generally need to have a 700 credit score or higher to get the lowest rates. And you might have a hard time qualifying if you’re self-employed.
Loan Amount | $2,000 – $50,000 |
---|---|
APR | 5.99% to 29.99% |
Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
Min. Credit Score | 600 |
Min term | 36 months |
Max term | 60 months |
*Trustpilot TrustScore as of November 2019. Best Egg loans are unsecured personal loans made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC. “Best Egg” is a trademark of Marlette Funding, LLC. All uses of “Best Egg” refer to “the Best Egg personal loan” and/or “Best Egg on behalf of Cross River Bank, as originator of the Best Egg personal loan,” as applicable. The term, amount and APR of any loan we offer to you will depend on your credit score, income, debt payment obligations, loan amount, credit history and other factors. Your loan agreement will contain specific terms and conditions. The timing of available funds upon loan approval may vary depending upon your bank’s policies. Loan amounts range from $2,000–$35,000. Residents of Massachusetts have a minimum loan amount of $6,500 ; New Mexico and Ohio, $5,000; and Georgia, $3,000. For a second Best Egg loan, your total existing Best Egg loan balances cannot exceed $50,000. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) range from 5.99%–29.99%. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 0.99%–5.99% of your loan amount, which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive. The origination fee on a loan term 4-years or longer will be at least 4.99%. Your loan term will impact your APR, which may be higher than our lowest advertised rate. You need a minimum 700 FICO® score and a minimum individual annual income of $100,000 to qualify for our lowest APR. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you.
Your credit score matters less than monthly cash flow with this fast online lender. Its mobile application is simple enough that you can get approved while you’re waiting for your appointment. And if you’re not sure how much your procedure will cost, you can also apply for Upgrade’s line of credit from $500 to $25,000. It also has a hardship program that lets you defer two payments.
Loan Amount | $1,000 – $50,000 |
---|---|
APR | 6.94% to 35.97% |
Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
Min. Credit Score | 600 |
Min term | 36 months |
Max term | 60 months |
Turnaround Time | 1 to 4 business days |
Personal loans made through Upgrade feature APRs of 6.98%-35.89%. All personal loans have a 1.5% to 6% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.98% APR (which includes a 14.32% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $343.33. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,359.97. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by WebBank, Member FDIC.
OneMain Financial is one of the few personal loan providers that specializes in bad credit. It offers loans as low as $1,500 to all credit types. And you can back your loan with collateral to get a lower rate. But save OneMain for when you have no other personal loan options. Even its lowest APRs are close to the maximum rates good credit lenders tend to charge.
Loan Amount | $1,500 – $20,000 |
---|---|
APR | 18% to 35.99% |
Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
Min. Credit Score | 300 |
Min term | 24 months |
Max term | 60 months |
Turnaround Time | As soon as the same day |
Not all applicants will qualify for larger loan amounts or most favorable loan terms. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral). Larger loan amounts require a first lien on a motor vehicle no more than ten years old, that meets our value requirements, titled in your name with valid insurance. Maximum annual percentage rate (APR) is 35.99%, subject to state restrictions. APRs are generally higher on loans not secured by a vehicle. Depending on the state where you open your loan, the origination fee may be either a flat amount or a percentage of your loan amount. Flat fee amounts vary by state, ranging from $25 to $400. Percentage-based fees vary by state ranging from 1% to 10% of your loan amount subject to certain state limits on the fee amount. Active duty military, their spouse or dependents covered under the Military Lending Act may not pledge any vehicle as collateral for a loan. OneMain loan proceeds cannot be used for postsecondary educational expenses as defined by the CFPB’s Regulation Z, such as college, university or vocational expenses; for any business or commercial purpose; to purchase securities; or for gambling or illegal purposes.
Borrowers in these states are subject to these minimum loan sizes: Alabama: $2,100. California: $3,000. Georgia: Unless you are a present customer, $3,100 minimum loan amount. Ohio: $2,000. Virginia: $2,600.
Borrowers (other than present customers) in these states are subject to these maximum unsecured loan sizes: Iowa: $8,500. Maine: $7,000. Mississippi: $7,500. North Carolina: $7,500. New York: $20,000. West Virginia: $14,000. An unsecured loan is a loan which does not require you to provide collateral (such as a motor vehicle) to the lender.
This online connection service lets you compare personalized offers from multiple lenders by filling out a single form. It also works with lenders that offer loans as low as $500 to cover less-expensive procedures, like getting a few cavities filled. It works with all credit types — though bad credit borrowers can expect rates closer to 36% APR.
Loan Amount | $500 – $100,000 |
---|---|
APR | 1.99% to 35.99% |
Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
Min term | 3 months |
Max term | 144 months |
Turnaround Time | Varies by lender |
Stilt specializes in funding DACA recipients and nonresidents who don’t have a solid US credit profile yet. Instead of your credit score, Stilt looks at your spending, savings and other financial habits. You can borrow as little $1,000 with relatively low rates from 7.99% to 15.99% APR. But it’s only available in 16 states and terms can be short as six months.
Loan Amount | $1,000 – $25,000 |
---|---|
Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
Min term | 6 months |
Max term | 36 months |
Turnaround Time | 2 to 3 business days |
Personal loans aren't your only option when it comes to paying for dental work. These are the most common ways to finance a dental procedure.
The cost of a procedure or surgery will depend on if you have dental insurance and what your policy covers. If you have insurance, common procedures like cleaning and fillings will generally only cost a small amount — especially if you’ve already met your deductible. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for the entire cost of the procedure.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for some dental procedures without insurance:
You can get a dental loan with most providers if you're over 18, a US citizen or permanent resident these steps to apply for a dental loan.
It usually takes about one business day to receive the funds in your account — though some lenders offer same-day funding if you get approved in the morning or early afternoon.
Compare more loans
Generally you need a credit score of 670 or higher for most dental loans — what most lenders consider to be good credit. But there are options if your credit score is 679 or lower. Lenders like Stilt even offer financing to people with no credit history, provided that other aspects of their finances are in good shape.
If you don't have good credit, other types of dental financing are likely a better choice. Bad credit personal loans tend to have high interest rates, which can spell higher monthly payments.
There are still ways to pay for dental work if your budget doesn't have room for another bill.
Dental procedures may be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. By comparing your rates and choosing the right loan, you can keep your costs down and keep your smile looking beautiful. You can browse your personal loan options to start on the process of paying for your next dentist visit.
Answers to common questions about dental loans.
You can get a dental loan with bad credit by comparing lenders that accept credit scores in your range. But consider other options first. Bad credit dental loans tend to come with high interest rates. If possible, try to find a dentist that offers payment plans instead to avoid high monthly payments.
Visit our guide to bad credit personal loans to read about more of your options.
Unlike credit cards for medical expenses, dental loans typically don’t have a network of preferred providers. You’re usually free to see whichever licensed dentist you choose.
Most likely, yes. Lenders don’t usually exclude certain procedures, as long as the procedure was performed by a reputable medical professional. You can check the lender’s website before applying or call their customer service line to be sure.
You probably won't qualify for a loan if your dental bill is already in collections. But you might be able to negotiate with your collections agency into giving you a payment plan.
If you're not sure, you can hire a professional to negotiate on your behalf. But this can be costly. Thoroughly vet any company you hire before you sign up.
Select your credit score and state to see more personal loans that can help you pay for dental work.
Check out our guide on the differences between mortgage brokers and bank loan officers. See which one will suit your needs.
Some lenders will approve a home loan even though you’re not receiving a permanent income. However, you’ll need to undergo some assessments.
Learn about the main types of teeth whitening procedures, including how to find the right one for your needs.
A 101 guide covering the types of mortgage loans every homebuyer should know.
Low interest rates set this connection service apart.
A business line of credit is a useful tool. But as a startup, you may not qualify for the best interest rates with most lenders. Explore your options — and alternatives — for flexible funding as a new business.
This insurer has four dental plans to choose from — compare costs and features now.
Here’s where to get financial help for yourself and your business if you’ve been affected by the storm in February 2021.
The White House announced new changes to PPP loans, helping the smallest businesses and opening access to people with student loan defaults or nonfraudulent felony convictions.
Find out how to apply — plus explore alternatives to deferring your payments.