Dental care procedures can be expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance. Crowns, for example, tend to cost anywhere from $800 up to $2,000, according to Glen Burnie Dental Group.
So what should you do if the care you need costs more than you can or want to pay out of pocket? One potential solution is to turn to dental financing. Here’s a look at how it works and where you can find the best dental loans.
Advertiser DisclosureOverview
Discover Personal Loans offers low APRs, repayment terms up to seven years, no origination fees, nationwide availability, and doesn't require your Social Security number to prequalify on its site. You'll need to have an annual income of at least $40,000, and a FICO score 660 or higher, to be eligible. If your credit score is fair or poor, you'll need to go elsewhere, as Discover doesn't allow cosigners.
Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Time to get funds
Funds can be sent as soon as the next business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding
Overview
Upgrade has a suite of features that make it a very attractive lender: competitive interest rates, discounts for direct pay and autopay, as soon as same-day funding, up to seven-year repayment terms, and nationwide availability. Plus, loans are available to fair-credit borrowers, and you don't need to input your Social Security number to prequalify on the website. Upgrade even offers secured personal loans, which is not common among lenders.
However, Upgrade does charge an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%. You must have a FICO score of at least 600 and a minimum income of $25,000 annually to qualify.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000 ($3,005 minimum in GA; $6,600 minimum in MA)
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Overview
LendingClub is a solid lender for good credit borrowers and some fair credit borrowers that apply directly on its website. It's easy to prequalify with LendingClub, especially if you're uncomfortable providing your Social Security number, as the company doesn't require it at the prequalification stage. (You will need to provide it if you move forward with a full application.)
While prequalification is not a guarantee that you'll be approved for a loan, LendingClub does a better job than most other Credible partner lenders at approving applicants that have successfully prequalified. In other words, you're less likely to have your application declined once you apply (if you've already prequalified). LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Overview
SoFi stands out for offering no-fee personal loans with competitive rates, high loan amounts, long loan terms, discounts for autopay and direct pay, and funding as soon as the same day. Plus, SoFi prioritizes convenience for existing and potential customers with features like live chat and an easy prequalification process that doesn't require your Social Security number.
The main catch is that you need to qualify for a loan with SoFi, which can be hard to do if you don't have good credit. You also won't be able to apply with a cosigner, since SoFi doesn't accept cosigners; nor does it offer secured personal loans.
Fees
Option to pay an origination fee in exchange for a lower rate
Time to get funds
Typically within a few days, given approval and bank account verification, but sometimes within the same day
Loan uses
Solely for personal, family, or household uses
Overview
Best Egg is a solid lender for a wide range of borrowers and, notably, scored second for personal loan satisfaction in J.D. Power's Consumer Lending Study. It offers competitive rates, reasonable loan terms and amounts, and personal loans for fair credit. You'll need a FICO score of at least 600 to qualify, but the lower your score, the higher your APR may be. The APR includes the interest rate and origination fees, which range from 0.99% to 9.99% with Best Egg.
Note that if you successfully prequalify with Best Egg, you may be more likely to be approved for the loan relative to other lenders you prequalify with. Based on Credible data, borrowers who chose to apply for a loan with Best Egg were more than twice as likely to be approved (relative to most other Credible partners).
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, unsuccessful payment fee, check processing fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days after successful verification
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Overview
Avant personal loans are a good choice for borrowers with bad credit looking for small- to moderate-sized personal loans. Loans are available up to $35,000 and you could get the money as soon as the next business day after approval. Plus, Avant is more likely than some lenders to approve the applications of borrowers who've prequalified with Avant. However, the lender charges an origination fee up to 9.99%, and its top-range interest rates are among the highest of the lenders we reviewed.
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, dishonored payment fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, and WV
Time to get funds
As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
Overview
Universal Credit is one of a handful of lenders that offers personal loans for bad credit. If your FICO credit score is at least 560, you may be eligible for a Universal Credit personal loan. It offers loan amounts up to $50,000, repayment terms up to seven years, and discounts for direct pay and autopay. Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Note that rates and fees can be relatively high — you may pay an origination fee from 5.25% to 9.99%, and APRs start at 11.69%. If you get a loan with a high interest rate, consider refinancing your personal loan at a lower rate once you've improved your credit score.
Eligibility
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; not available in DC, IA, SC, WV
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
Overview
BHG Financial stands out for offering the largest loan amounts — up to $200,000 — of any Credible partner lenders. Simply put, if you need an unsecured personal loan over $100,000, there are very few places to look, but BHG is one. You'll have up to 10 years to repay the loan, but you'll need an annual income of at least $100,000 to qualify and a FICO score that's 660 or higher. However, if you have a cosigner that meets these requirements, BHG will consider your application.
Loan amounts start at $20,000, so look elsewhere for small loans. And BHG charges a modest origination fee between 2% and 4%, depending on your financial profile. Loan funds are available within three to 14 days of loan approval. Note that you can't prequalify with BHG.
Fees
Origination fees, late fees
Eligibility
Available in all states except Maryland and Illinois
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, baby (adoption), engagement ring financing, moving (relocation), business, home improvement, special occasion, cosmetic procedures, major purchase, taxes, credit card refinancing, medical expenses, vacation, wedding, other
Overview
OneMain Financial has multiple options for bad-credit personal loans. There is no minimum credit score required (if you apply directly with OneMain), which means you could get a loan with bad credit (FICO below 580). Plus, cosigners are allowed — a cosigner is someone (ideally, with good credit) who promises to repay the loan if you can't, which can make it easier to qualify or lower your rate. And, secured personal loans are available. You secure a loan with collateral, which may also help you qualify or lower your rate.
Rates are higher than competitors and OneMain charges origination fees as either a flat fee up to $500, or a percentage from 1% to 10% (depending on your state of residence). Note that even if you prequalify for a personal loan with OneMain, getting approved isn't a given.
Fees
Origination fee, unsuccessful payment fee, late fee
Eligibility
Must have photo I.D. issued by U.S. federal, state or local government
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 2 days after acceptance
Loan use
All except business, and education
Fox Business does not make or arrange loans.
The best personal loans for dental financing offer better rates or longer terms than your dentist or credit card. Before applying for a personal loan for dental work, prequalify with several lenders to compare estimates for loan rates and terms. Prequalification won't hurt your credit, but it's not a guarantee of a loan offer.
Compare rates between lenders and against other types of dental loans, like your credit card and provider financing. Note that once you choose a lender and complete an application, your credit score may temporarily drop by a few points because the lender will conduct a hard credit check.
Loan Amount
$5000 to $100000
Min. Credit Score
Does not disclose
No fees required
Large loan amounts available
Autopay and direct pay discounts
Same day funding
Long loan terms available
Good credit required
5,000 minimum loan amount
Overview
SoFi stands out for offering no-fee personal loans with competitive rates, high loan amounts, long loan terms, discounts for autopay and direct pay, and funding as soon as the same day. Plus, SoFi prioritizes convenience for existing and potential customers with features like live chat and an easy prequalification process that doesn't require your Social Security number.
The main catch is that you need to qualify for a loan with SoFi, which can be hard to do if you don't have good credit. You also won't be able to apply with a cosigner, since SoFi doesn't accept cosigners; nor does it offer secured personal loans.
Fees
Option to pay an origination fee in exchange for a lower rate
Time to get funds
Typically within a few days, given approval and bank account verification, but sometimes within the same day
Loan uses
Solely for personal, family, or household uses
Loan Amount
$1000 to $50000
Fair credit borrowers eligible
Autopay and direct pay discounts
Can fund in as little as 1 business day
Mobile app
Secured loans available
High maximum origination fee
Cosigners not accepted on home improvement loans
Low J.D. Power ranking
Overview
Upgrade has a suite of features that make it a very attractive lender: competitive interest rates, discounts for direct pay and autopay, as soon as same-day funding, up to seven-year repayment terms, and nationwide availability. Plus, loans are available to fair-credit borrowers, and you don't need to input your Social Security number to prequalify on the website. Upgrade even offers secured personal loans, which is not common among lenders.
However, Upgrade does charge an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%. You must have a FICO score of at least 600 and a minimum income of $25,000 annually to qualify.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000 ($3,005 minimum in GA; $6,600 minimum in MA)
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Best for no origination fees (and low rates)
Loan Amount
$2500 to $40000
Low minimum APR
May fund the next business day
Long loan terms available
Direct pay to creditors
No origination fee
No discounts offered
Secured loans not available
Overview
Discover Personal Loans offers low APRs, repayment terms up to seven years, no origination fees, nationwide availability, and doesn't require your Social Security number to prequalify on its site. You'll need to have an annual income of at least $40,000, and a FICO score 660 or higher, to be eligible. If your credit score is fair or poor, you'll need to go elsewhere, as Discover doesn't allow cosigners.
Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Time to get funds
Funds can be sent as soon as the next business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding
Best debt consolidation loans for bad credit
Loan Amount
$1000 to $50000
Borrowers with bad credit considered
No minimum income requirement
Autopay and direct pay discounts available
Can fund in one business day
High APRs
Potentially high origination fees
Not available in Iowa
Overview
Universal Credit is one of a handful of lenders that offers personal loans for bad credit. If your FICO credit score is at least 560, you may be eligible for a Universal Credit personal loan. It offers loan amounts up to $50,000, repayment terms up to seven years, and discounts for direct pay and autopay. Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Note that rates and fees can be relatively high — you may pay an origination fee from 5.25% to 9.99%, and APRs start at 11.69%. If you get a loan with a high interest rate, consider refinancing your personal loan at a lower rate once you've improved your credit score.
Eligibility
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; not available in DC, IA, SC, WV
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
Best for High Close Rates if Pre-approved
Loan Amount
$2000 to $50000
Secured loans available
Low minimum income requirement
Scored second in J.D. Power's Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study
Funds in 1-3 business days
High close rate on loans through Credible platform
Origination fees
No discounts
Not available in DC, IA, VT, or WV
Overview
Best Egg is a solid lender for a wide range of borrowers and, notably, scored second for personal loan satisfaction in J.D. Power's Consumer Lending Study. It offers competitive rates, reasonable loan terms and amounts, and personal loans for fair credit. You'll need a FICO score of at least 600 to qualify, but the lower your score, the higher your APR may be. The APR includes the interest rate and origination fees, which range from 0.99% to 9.99% with Best Egg.
Note that if you successfully prequalify with Best Egg, you may be more likely to be approved for the loan relative to other lenders you prequalify with. Based on Credible data, borrowers who chose to apply for a loan with Best Egg were more than twice as likely to be approved (relative to most other Credible partners).
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, unsuccessful payment fee, check processing fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days after successful verification
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Best for large personal loans
Loan Amount
$20000 to $200000
Eligible applicants can borrow up to $200,000
Considers borrowers with fair credit
Long repayment terms
Cosigners allowed
Not available in MD or IL
No discounts
Minimum annual income requirement of $100,000
Funding takes at least five days
Overview
BHG Financial stands out for offering the largest loan amounts — up to $200,000 — of any Credible partner lenders. Simply put, if you need an unsecured personal loan over $100,000, there are very few places to look, but BHG is one. You'll have up to 10 years to repay the loan, but you'll need an annual income of at least $100,000 to qualify and a FICO score that's 660 or higher. However, if you have a cosigner that meets these requirements, BHG will consider your application.
Loan amounts start at $20,000, so look elsewhere for small loans. And BHG charges a modest origination fee between 2% and 4%, depending on your financial profile. Loan funds are available within three to 14 days of loan approval. Note that you can't prequalify with BHG.
Fees
Origination fees, late fees
Eligibility
Available in all states except Maryland and Illinois
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, baby (adoption), engagement ring financing, moving (relocation), business, home improvement, special occasion, cosmetic procedures, major purchase, taxes, credit card refinancing, medical expenses, vacation, wedding, other
Loan Amount
$1000 to $40000
Mobile app
Low minimum income requirement
High close rate on loans made through Credible
Available in all states
Origination fee
No discounts
Funding not as fast as some competitors
Overview
LendingClub is a solid lender for good credit borrowers and some fair credit borrowers that apply directly on its website. It's easy to prequalify with LendingClub, especially if you're uncomfortable providing your Social Security number, as the company doesn't require it at the prequalification stage. (You will need to provide it if you move forward with a full application.)
While prequalification is not a guarantee that you'll be approved for a loan, LendingClub does a better job than most other Credible partner lenders at approving applicants that have successfully prequalified. In other words, you're less likely to have your application declined once you apply (if you've already prequalified). LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Best for all credit types
Loan Amount
$2000 to $35000
Borrowers with bad credit considered
Funds as soon as the next business day
2-year loan terms available
No discounts offered
Origination fee
Not available in HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, or WV
Overview
Avant personal loans are a good choice for borrowers with bad credit looking for small- to moderate-sized personal loans. Loans are available up to $35,000 and you could get the money as soon as the next business day after approval. Plus, Avant is more likely than some lenders to approve the applications of borrowers who've prequalified with Avant. However, the lender charges an origination fee up to 9.99%, and its top-range interest rates are among the highest of the lenders we reviewed.
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, dishonored payment fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, and WV
Time to get funds
As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
Best bad credit personal loans
Loan Amount
$1500 to $20000
Flexible eligibility requirements
Offers secured options
Competitive bad-credit loans
Physical presence
Availability
Origination fees
High starting APR
Overview
OneMain Financial has multiple options for bad-credit personal loans. There is no minimum credit score required (if you apply directly with OneMain), which means you could get a loan with bad credit (FICO below 580). Plus, cosigners are allowed — a cosigner is someone (ideally, with good credit) who promises to repay the loan if you can't, which can make it easier to qualify or lower your rate. And, secured personal loans are available. You secure a loan with collateral, which may also help you qualify or lower your rate.
Rates are higher than competitors and OneMain charges origination fees as either a flat fee up to $500, or a percentage from 1% to 10% (depending on your state of residence). Note that even if you prequalify for a personal loan with OneMain, getting approved isn't a given.
Fees
Origination fee, unsuccessful payment fee, late fee
Eligibility
Must have photo I.D. issued by U.S. federal, state or local government
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 2 days after acceptance
Loan use
All except business, and education
We evaluated the best personal loan lenders for dental financing based on factors such as customer experience, minimum fixed rate, maximum loan amount, funding time, loan terms, fees, discounts, and whether cosigners are accepted. Our team of experts gathered information from each lender’s website, customer service department, directly from our partners, and via email support. Each data point was verified by a third party to make sure it was accurate and up to date.
Read our full lender rating methodology for more information.
- Loan amount: Lenders vary in the loan amounts they offer. Some lenders can lend from $500 to over $100,000. Look for loans large enough to cover your dental expenses, but don’t take on more funds than needed. This will prevent paying off more debt than necessary.
- Annual percentage rate (APR): The APR represents the percentage of the loan amount that you'd pay in interest and upfront fees spread over each year of the repayment term. Your APR is determined by the lender based on your financial profile, which includes your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, income, and overall debt amount. Generally, the higher your credit score, the lower your personal loan interest rate.
- Loan fees: Lenders may charge fees on top of interest, such as an origination fee, which could range up to 12% of the loan amount, depending on the lender. Fees can increase your borrowing costs or reduce your loan amount, so look for low- or no-fee offers.
- Loan term and monthly payment: The right loan term and payment amount for you will depend on your total loan amount, APR, and fees. If you need more time to pay or a lower monthly payment, look for a lender with longer terms.
Tip:
Consider a loan with a longer repayment period if you want lower monthly payments. This may help you avoid missing any payments and potentially impacting your credit score.
- Funding time: Some lenders can provide funds as soon as the same day, while others provide funds in up to 5 business days. If time is of the essence, look for a lender with fast funding times.
- Customer ratings: Check how past borrowers rate their experience with lenders to gain insight into their customer service quality. You can use sites like Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau (BBB) to look at credible reviews for each lender.
Good to know:
When reading customer reviews, it's important to look for patterns and trends rather than focusing solely on individual experiences.
- Discounts: Some lenders offer rate reductions in certain situations, such as if you enroll in autopay or have another financial account with them.
- Cosigner option: If you’re having trouble qualifying on your own, you may be able to get approved with the help of a cosigner — often, someone with strong credit who agrees to repay the loan if you can’t. Not all lenders allow cosigners, so you may need to shop around to find those that do.
Tip:
Cosigners can be helpful to qualify for a loan, but opt for someone who trusts you and understands the implications of cosigning a loan.
Dental loans are any type of loan you can use to pay for dental work, as opposed to using a credit card. A personal loan is a type of installment loan that is commonly used to finance dental expenses. It provides the full loan amount upfront, which you can use to pay your provider. Then, you repay the loan in monthly installments, with interest, over a period of years.
Best for in-network care, routine maintenance, and preventive care
Dental insurance exists to make dental care more affordable, and preventive care is often covered. To get coverage, you typically enroll in a policy and pay a premium each month. If you need to see the dentist, you pay any applicable deductibles or copays and, typically, the dentist bills your insurance for the rest. If any amount is left uncovered, you’ll be responsible for the difference.
Dental insurance is offered through employee benefit plans, private insurers, Medicaid (for children, as well as adults in certain states), and the health insurance marketplace.
Important:
If you’re using an out-of-network provider, find out how the provider’s cash prices compare to your insurance coverage.
Best for 0% financing options, but watch out for deferred interest
CareCredit is a health care credit card that finances out-of-pocket health and dental expenses from over 260,000 enrolled health care providers in the U.S. It stands out from other financing options because, upon approval, you can finance expenses of $200 or more over terms of up to 24 months with no interest if you pay them in full. Instead, you can choose a term up to 60 months for an APR on par with personal loan interest rates.
Warning:
If you can’t pay your balance in full within the promotional period, you’ll owe deferred interest on the original balance at the card’s standard APR (which is 29.99%, as of March 1, 2024).
Best for discounted services and procedures
A dental savings plan is a type of membership plan offered by some insurance providers. You typically pay an annual fee to join the program and then get a discount on some of the provider’s dental services. Going this route, you don’t have to worry about claims, copays, or deductibles. You pay your annual fee, get a discounted price list of the office’s dental services, and then pay the reduced rate at the time of your visit.
Best for longer repayment terms and large loan amounts
Many lenders offer loans from $2,000 to $50,000, but the loan amount you’ll qualify for is based on your credit score and income. Repayment terms typically range from two to seven years, depending on the lender. Dental loans may be used to cover various procedures such as dental implants, veneers, teeth aligners, braces, dental crowns, and emergency treatments.
Personal loans for dental work are available from online lenders, banks, and credit unions. Typically, personal loan interest rates range from around 7% to almost 36%.
Tip:
Some lenders can send funds as soon as the same day, while others may take up to five business days.
Lenders will evaluate your credit score, income, and existing debts to determine your eligibility for a dental loan, your rate, and how much you can borrow.
If available, look at prequalifying with multiple lenders to explore potential loan amounts and payment terms. Prequalification requires a soft credit check that won’t impact your score, and the terms presented to you are not an official offer. Once you apply for a loan, the lender will run a hard credit check that could ding your credit score temporarily.
Check Out: Best personal loans
Best for 0% financing without deferred interest
Many credit card providers offer cards with promotional 0% APR introductory periods that can last up to 21 months or longer. If you can get approved for one with a credit limit high enough to cover your dental expenses, you can use it to finance the care you need. As long as you pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, you won’t have to pay any interest. If you can’t pay the balance off in time, it’ll be subject to the normal APR on your credit card agreement.
Best for nontraditional financing and convenience
Dentists may also offer in-house dental financing. In this case, the dentist becomes your lender and allows you to pay off your balance, typically with interest, over time through installment payments. Availability, rates, and terms vary from one provider to the next.
If you want to apply for a personal loan to finance dental care, you can usually start the process online or over the phone.
- Gather information: Lenders often ask for personal identifying information like your name, address, birth date, and Social Security number. They’ll also need to know about your income and employment through pay stubs and your employer’s address.
- Get prequalified: Most will perform a soft credit check (which won’t affect your score), review the information you provide, and let you know if you’re prequalified. Upon prequalification, lenders typically provide you with a loan quote that includes your potential loan amount, term, APR, and fee options. Prequalifying is not a guarantee of credit, however, and your final rate may be higher.
- Shop around: Compare a few quotes to see which lender may offer you the best deal.
- Apply for the loan: Once you decide on a dental loan, move forward with the full application process. In this step, the lender will likely ask for proof of the information you provided previously, such as a pay stub to prove income. You’ll also have to undergo a hard credit check, which may temporarily ding your score.
- Finalize the loan: If all goes well, you’ll receive final loan approval. If you agree to the loan terms and fees, you’ll need to sign your loan contract.
Learn More: How to get a personal loan
If you don't have insurance, you can likely find the best deals on dental financing through a 0% APR credit card, in-house dental financing, or a personal loan. The right fit for you will depend on factors like your dentist, your credit score, and the rates and terms you can get.
If you have bad credit, you can try getting a dental loan through personal loan lenders that cater to those with poor credit, like Upstart or Avant. You may also have luck getting approved with CareCredit or in-house dental financing. If all else fails, consider enlisting the help of a cosigner that has good credit, or asking a loved one for a loan.
You can find the specific procedures covered under your dental insurance plan by reviewing your policy. It should be available online via your insurer’s portal. If you can’t find it, you can ask your insurer to send it to you via mail, email, or secure message. You can also directly ask your agent.
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Meet the contributor:
Jessica Walrack
Jessica Walrack is a freelance finance writer and journalist with over a decade of experience. During that time, she’s written hundreds of articles about loans, insurance, banking, mortgages, credit cards, budgeting, and taxes for well-known publications including CBS News MoneyWatch, USA Today, US News and World, Investopedia, and The Balance Money.
