Author: AskMyFinance Editorial Team

Medical debt is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, and many people don’t know they have options beyond simply paying the full bill. Hospitals, clinics, and collection agencies negotiate medical debt more often than you’d think — and recent rule changes have removed medical debt from credit reports in many cases.

Here’s how to navigate, negotiate, and reduce medical debt in 2026.

What Changed for Medical Debt in 2026

In 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finalized a rule removing medical debt from credit reports. As of 2026:

• Medical debt no longer appears on Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion reports
• Unpaid medical debt cannot be used as a factor in credit scoring models
• This affects an estimated 15 million Americans who had medical debt on their credit reports

This is significant: your credit score is now shielded from medical debt, but the debt itself is still owed. Hospitals and collections agencies can still pursue payment — they just can’t damage your credit score in the process.

Step 1: Verify the Bill Before You Pay Anything

Medical billing errors are common — estimates suggest 80% of medical bills contain some error. Before paying or negotiating, do this:

• Request an itemized bill (not a summary). You’re legally entitled to this.
• Cross-reference with your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company.
• Look for duplicate charges, unbundling (splitting a procedure into multiple charges), or charges for services you didn’t receive.
• Call your insurer to confirm what they paid and what you actually owe.

Step 2: Apply for Financial Assistance

Under the Affordable Care Act, nonprofit hospitals must have charity care programs. These are income-based discounts that can reduce your bill by 25%–100%.

Apply for financial assistance at the hospital’s billing office. You’ll typically need:

• Recent pay stubs or tax returns
• Bank statements
• Documentation of other expenses or household size

Eligibility thresholds vary by hospital, but many cover patients up to 200–400% of the federal poverty level. For a single person in 2026, 400% FPL is approximately $58,000/year.

Step 3: Negotiate a Lower Total Balance

If you don’t qualify for charity care, you can still negotiate. Here’s how:

Ask for the Medicare Rate

Hospitals bill insurance companies at negotiated rates — often 30%–70% less than the chargemaster (rack rate) they bill uninsured patients. Ask the billing department to apply the Medicare rate or their insured rate to your bill. Many hospitals will accommodate this request for uninsured or underinsured patients.

Offer a Lump-Sum Settlement

If you can pay a portion immediately, many hospitals and collection agencies will accept a lump-sum settlement for significantly less than the full amount — sometimes 40–60 cents on the dollar. Lead with a written offer. Be prepared for back and forth.

Script for Negotiating:

“I want to pay this balance, but I can’t afford the full amount. I can make a one-time payment of $X today if we can settle this account. Can you approve that?”

Get any settlement in writing before you send payment.

Step 4: Set Up a Payment Plan with No Interest

If you can’t pay a lump sum, ask for a payment plan. Most hospitals will set up monthly payment plans — often interest-free. Some have automatic plans at very low thresholds ($25–$50/month) for patients who demonstrate limited income.

Under the No Surprises Act (2022), certain healthcare providers are required to offer payment plans and cannot charge interest on medical bills in specific circumstances. Ask about your rights.

Step 5: If Sent to Collections

If your debt has been sold to a collections agency:

• Verify the debt. Send a written debt validation request within 30 days of first contact. The collector must prove you owe the amount they’re claiming.
• Negotiate a settlement. Collection agencies buy debt for pennies on the dollar. Settling for 30–50% of the stated balance is often achievable.
• Check the statute of limitations. Each state has a time limit on how long a collector can sue you for debt. After that period, the debt is “time-barred” and you have additional protections.
• Know medical debt is off your credit report. This removes leverage the collector had to pressure you into paying. You’re still obligated to pay legitimate debts, but your credit score isn’t at stake.

Organizations That Can Help

• Patient Advocate Foundation: Free case management for patients navigating billing disputes
• Dollar For: Nonprofit that helps patients apply for hospital charity care programs
• RIP Medical Debt: Acquires and forgives medical debt for people in financial hardship
• State insurance commissioners: If your insurer wrongly denied a claim, file a complaint

Bottom Line

Medical bills are negotiable, and in 2026 they’re no longer a credit score threat. Start by verifying the bill for errors, apply for charity care if you’re eligible, and negotiate directly with the hospital before paying anything. If it’s in collections, validate the debt and consider a settlement. The worst thing you can do is ignore medical debt or pay the full listed amount without exploring your options first.

A credit score below 580 doesn’t mean you can’t get a personal loan — it means you need to find the right lender. Some lenders specialize in borrowers with bad credit or thin credit files, and while rates will be higher than what prime borrowers get, these loans can help you cover urgent expenses or consolidate debt.

Here are the best personal loans for bad credit in 2026, what to watch out for, and how to improve your odds of approval.

What Qualifies as Bad Credit?

FICO score ranges:

• 800–850: Exceptional
• 740–799: Very good
• 670–739: Good
• 580–669: Fair
• 300–579: Poor (bad credit)

Most mainstream lenders require at least a 620–640 score. If you’re below that, you’ll need lenders who work with poor or fair credit borrowers.

Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit in 2026

1. Upstart — Best for No Credit History

• Minimum credit score: 300
• APR range: 7.80%–35.99%
• Loan amounts: $1,000–$50,000
• Terms: 3 or 5 years

Upstart uses AI to assess more than just your credit score — they factor in education, employment history, and income. This makes them especially good for recent graduates or people with limited credit history.

2. Avant — Best for Fair to Poor Credit

• Minimum credit score: 580
• APR range: 9.95%–35.99%
• Loan amounts: $2,000–$35,000
• Terms: 2–5 years

Avant targets the middle of the bad-to-fair credit range. They offer a mobile app and fast funding (often next business day), which matters if you need money quickly.

For a deeper look, read our full Avant personal loan review.

3. LendingPoint — Best for Quick Funding

• Minimum credit score: 600
• APR range: 7.99%–35.99%
• Loan amounts: $2,000–$36,500
• Terms: 2–6 years

LendingPoint considers your overall financial picture, not just your credit score. They fund as quickly as the same day, and their customer service is consistently rated highly.

4. OneMain Financial — Best for In-Person Support

• Minimum credit score: None specified (accepts very low scores)
• APR range: 18.00%–35.99%
• Loan amounts: $1,500–$20,000
• Terms: 2–5 years

OneMain has physical branches nationwide and accepts borrowers with poor credit. They may require collateral (a secured personal loan) if your credit is very low. Higher rates but very accessible for people other lenders turn away.

5. OppFi — Best for Very Bad Credit

• Minimum credit score: No minimum
• APR range: Up to 160% (state dependent)
• Loan amounts: $500–$4,000
• Terms: 9–18 months

OppFi is a last resort — rates are extremely high. But it’s a safer alternative to payday loans, reports to the credit bureaus, and can help build credit if you pay on time. Only use for small, short-term needs you can’t cover any other way.

What to Watch Out For

APR vs. Interest Rate

APR includes origination fees. A loan with a 25% interest rate and a 5% origination fee has a higher true cost than it appears. Always compare APRs, not just rates.

Predatory Lenders

Avoid lenders that:

• Guarantee approval without checking your credit
• Ask for payment upfront to “secure” the loan
• Don’t have a physical address or verifiable contact information
• Aren’t registered in your state

Origination Fees

Many bad-credit lenders charge 1%–8% origination fees deducted from your loan amount. If you borrow $5,000 with a 5% fee, you receive $4,750 but owe $5,000.

How to Improve Your Approval Odds

• Add a co-signer. A co-signer with good credit can get you a lower rate and higher chance of approval.
• Apply for a secured loan. Offering collateral (car, savings account) reduces lender risk and may get you better terms.
• Check pre-qualification first. Most lenders let you check rates with a soft pull (no credit score impact). Do this before formally applying.
• Borrow less. Smaller loan amounts are easier to approve.
• Show stable income. Lenders care as much about your ability to repay as your credit score. Document all income sources.

Alternatives to Personal Loans for Bad Credit

• Credit union loans: Credit unions often have more flexible underwriting than banks. Join one and build a relationship.
• Credit-builder loans: Designed to help you build credit rather than fund immediate needs.
• 401(k) loans: Borrow against your retirement savings with no credit check. Repay yourself, not a lender.
• Family or friend loans: Zero interest if you negotiate it, but be clear about repayment terms.

Bottom Line

Bad credit doesn’t close the door on personal loans — it narrows your options and raises your rates. Upstart, Avant, and LendingPoint are the most accessible legitimate lenders in 2026 for fair-to-poor credit borrowers. Compare APRs using pre-qualification tools, watch for origination fees, and avoid any lender promising guaranteed approval. And while you borrow, work on building your credit so your next loan costs you less.

What to Look for in a Bad Credit Personal Loan

Not all bad credit loans are created equal. When comparing lenders, focus on a few key factors beyond just the interest rate. First, look at the annual percentage rate, not just the stated interest rate. The APR includes fees and gives you a true picture of the loan cost. Some lenders targeting bad credit borrowers charge origination fees of 5 to 10 percent, which can significantly raise the effective cost of borrowing.

Repayment terms matter too. A longer term lowers your monthly payment but increases total interest paid over the life of the loan. A shorter term costs more per month but saves you money overall. Choose the term that fits your budget without extending the loan longer than necessary.

Also check whether the lender reports to all three major credit bureaus. If they do, on-time payments can actually help rebuild your credit score over time. Some lenders that specialize in bad credit borrowers do not report activity, which means you miss the opportunity to improve your credit profile while repaying the loan.

Alternatives to Personal Loans for Bad Credit Borrowers

If you are struggling to qualify for a traditional personal loan, a few alternatives may be worth exploring. A secured personal loan requires collateral such as a savings account or certificate of deposit, which lowers the lender risk and often results in a lower interest rate even for borrowers with poor credit.

Credit unions are another option. They operate as nonprofits and tend to have more flexible underwriting criteria than traditional banks. If you are already a member of a credit union, ask about their personal loan products before applying elsewhere.

Payday alternative loans, offered by many federally insured credit unions, are small short-term loans with regulated interest rates. They are designed specifically to serve borrowers who might otherwise turn to high-cost payday lenders. If you need a smaller amount quickly, this may be a lower-cost option than many online bad credit loan products.

Social Security retirement benefits are one of the most important parts of retirement planning in the United States — and one of the most misunderstood. When you claim, how much you’ve earned, and whether you’re still working all affect what you’ll receive. Here’s what you need to know in 2026.

How Social Security Works

You earn Social Security credits by working and paying Social Security taxes (FICA). In 2026, you earn one credit for every $1,730 in earned income, up to four credits per year. You need 40 credits (roughly 10 years of work) to be eligible for retirement benefits.

Your benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you worked fewer than 35 years, zeros are averaged in for the missing years — which lowers your benefit.

When Can You Start Collecting?

Early Retirement: Age 62

You can claim as early as 62, but your benefit will be permanently reduced by up to 30% compared to what you’d receive at full retirement age. For 2026, claiming at 62 with a full retirement age of 67 reduces monthly benefits by roughly 30%.

Full Retirement Age (FRA)

For everyone born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. At FRA, you receive 100% of your calculated benefit.

Delayed Retirement Credits: Age 70

For every year you delay past FRA (up to age 70), your benefit grows by 8% per year. Waiting from 67 to 70 increases your monthly check by 24%. This is one of the safest ways to “invest” in retirement income — a guaranteed 8% annual increase from the federal government.

How Much Will You Receive?

The average Social Security retirement benefit in 2026 is approximately $1,907/month. The maximum benefit for someone retiring at FRA in 2026 is around $3,822/month.

To see your estimated benefit, create an account at SSA.gov and view your Social Security Statement. It shows your estimated benefit at 62, FRA, and 70 based on your earnings record.

Should You Claim Early or Late?

This is the most common Social Security question — and there’s no universal answer. It depends on:

Claim Early (62–66) If:

• You have a serious health condition and don’t expect to live past your mid-70s
• You need the income and have no other resources
• You’re the lower-earning spouse and your partner will claim their own full benefit later

Delay to FRA or 70 If:

• You’re in good health and expect to live into your 80s or beyond
• You can fund expenses from other savings until you claim
• You’re the higher-earning spouse (your benefit becomes the survivor benefit)

Break-even analysis: If you claim at 70 instead of 62, you give up 8 years of payments but receive a much higher monthly check. The break-even point is typically around age 80–82. If you expect to live past that, delay pays off.

Spousal and Survivor Benefits

Spousal Benefits

If your spouse has a higher earnings record, you may be entitled to up to 50% of their FRA benefit — whichever is larger between that and your own. You must be at least 62 and your spouse must have already filed.

Survivor Benefits

If your spouse dies, you can claim their full benefit as a survivor benefit starting at age 60 (or 50 if disabled). This is why the higher-earning spouse delaying to 70 matters — it maximizes the lifetime survivor benefit for the surviving spouse.

Working While Collecting Social Security

Before FRA: If you collect benefits and earn more than $22,320/year (2026 limit), Social Security withholds $1 for every $2 you earn over the limit. You get those withheld dollars back in the form of a higher benefit once you hit FRA.

At and after FRA: You can earn any amount with no benefit reduction. The earnings test no longer applies.

Social Security and Taxes

Up to 85% of your Social Security benefit may be taxable depending on your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of Social Security). In 2026:

• Combined income under $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (married): 0% taxable
• $25,000–$34,000 (single) or $32,000–$44,000 (married): up to 50% taxable
• Over $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (married): up to 85% taxable

Social Security and Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

Benefits increase annually with a cost-of-living adjustment tied to inflation (measured by CPI-W). In 2026, the COLA is 2.5%, following a larger 3.2% adjustment in 2024.

Bottom Line

Social Security is a guaranteed income stream for life — the size of your check depends on when you claim and what you earned. Higher earners in good health should seriously consider delaying to 70. The break-even math usually favors it, and the survivor benefit protection for spouses is often the deciding factor. Create an account at SSA.gov today to see your earnings record and estimated benefits.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve are two of the most popular travel credit cards in the country. Choosing between them comes down to how much you spend on travel and dining and whether you can justify a higher annual fee. Here’s a side-by-side comparison for 2026.

At a Glance

• Sapphire Preferred annual fee: $95 | Sapphire Reserve annual fee: $550
• Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points (both)
• Travel credit: None (Preferred) | $300/year (Reserve)
• Travel rewards: 2x points (Preferred) | 3x points (Reserve)
• Dining rewards: 3x points (both)
• Point value on travel portal: 1.25 cents (Preferred) | 1.5 cents (Reserve)
• Airport lounge access: No (Preferred) | Yes, Priority Pass (Reserve)

Annual Fee: The Real Cost After Credits

The Reserve’s $550 annual fee sounds steep, but the $300 annual travel credit — automatically applied to almost any travel purchase — effectively reduces it to $250. Still, that’s a $155 premium over the Preferred’s $95 fee. You need to get value from the additional benefits to justify the difference.

Sign-Up Bonus: Tied at 60,000 Points

Both cards offer 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first three months. At the Preferred’s 1.25 cent redemption rate, that’s $750 in travel value. At the Reserve’s 1.5 cent rate, it’s $900.

Earning Rates: Where Each Card Wins

The Sapphire Preferred earns 3x on dining, 3x on select streaming, 3x on online groceries, and 2x on travel. The Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on dining, 3x on travel (after the $300 credit is used), and 10x on Chase Travel portal bookings. The Reserve’s 3x on all travel (vs. 2x on the Preferred) is the biggest structural advantage for frequent travelers.

Travel Credits and Perks (Reserve Only)

• $300 annual travel credit — applied automatically to travel purchases
• Priority Pass Select membership: access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide
• $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years
• DoorDash DashPass membership
• Lyft Pink membership

Travel Insurance Comparison

Both cards offer trip cancellation/interruption coverage ($10,000 per person), primary car rental insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement ($3,000 per passenger). The Reserve adds emergency medical and evacuation coverage up to $100,000.

Who Should Get the Sapphire Preferred?

• You travel a few times per year but aren’t a frequent flyer
• You want strong travel and dining rewards without a high annual fee
• You spend more on groceries and streaming than on flights and hotels
• You’re newer to travel credit cards and want a lower-commitment entry point

Who Should Get the Sapphire Reserve?

• You travel frequently and will use the $300 travel credit every year
• You fly through major airports and will use lounge access regularly (worth $25 to $40 per visit)
• You spend $5,000+ per year on travel and want to maximize earning rate
• You value premium travel insurance and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits

The Break-Even Math

After subtracting the $300 travel credit, the Reserve’s net fee is $250. The Preferred’s is $95. The gap is $155. The Reserve earns 1 extra point per dollar on travel purchases. At 1.5 cents per point, you’d need to spend about $10,333 on travel annually for the extra points alone to cover the fee difference — not counting lounge access or TSA PreCheck credits.

Bottom Line

The Sapphire Preferred is the better choice for most people — exceptional value at $95 per year with strong rewards on everyday categories. The Reserve makes sense if you’re a frequent traveler who will use the lounge access and travel credit every year. Both cards are top-tier options in the travel rewards space.

Business credit cards keep personal and business expenses separate, build your business credit history, and earn rewards on purchases you’re already making. The right card depends on your spending patterns, whether you want cash back or travel points, and how important a low annual fee is to you. Here are the best options for small businesses in 2026.

Why Use a Business Credit Card?

• Separates business and personal expenses for cleaner accounting
• Builds business credit history independently of your personal credit
• Earns rewards on everyday business spending
• Higher credit limits than most personal cards
• Employee cards with spending controls at no extra cost
• Year-end spending summaries for tax preparation

Chase Ink Business Cash: Best No-Annual-Fee Cash Back Card

The Ink Business Cash earns elevated cash back on office supplies, internet, cable, phone services, and gas stations — categories where most small businesses spend heavily.

• Annual fee: $0
• Sign-up bonus: $750 cash back after $6,000 spend in first 3 months
• Rewards: 5% on office supply stores and internet/cable/phone (first $25,000/year); 2% at gas stations and restaurants; 1% everything else
• 0% intro APR: 12 months on purchases

American Express Blue Business Cash: Best Flat-Rate Cash Back

If you want simple, flat-rate cash back without tracking bonus categories, the Blue Business Cash delivers 2% on all eligible purchases (up to $50,000/year, then 1%). No annual fee.

• Annual fee: $0
• Sign-up bonus: $250 statement credit after $3,000 spend in first 3 months
• Rewards: 2% cash back on all eligible purchases (up to $50,000/year)

Chase Ink Business Preferred: Best for Travel Rewards

The Ink Business Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points — transferable to airline and hotel partners — with strong coverage for businesses that ship packages or advertise online.

• Annual fee: $95
• Sign-up bonus: 90,000 points after $8,000 spend in first 3 months
• Rewards: 3x on shipping, travel, advertising, internet/cable/phone (first $150,000/year); 1x elsewhere
• Cell phone protection: Up to $600 per claim

American Express Business Gold: Best for High Spenders

The Business Gold earns 4x points in the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle, automatically. Ideal for businesses with variable spending patterns.

• Annual fee: $375
• Sign-up bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards points after $15,000 spend in first 3 months
• Rewards: 4x on top two categories from: U.S. advertising, U.S. gas, U.S. restaurants, U.S. shipping, select tech providers; 1x everywhere else

Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Best for High-Volume Cash Back

The Spark Cash Plus is a charge card (no preset spending limit) that earns unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. No category tracking required.

• Annual fee: $150 (rebated when you spend $150,000+/year)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,000 cash bonus
• Rewards: 2% on everything; 5% on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel

How Business Credit Cards Affect Your Personal Credit

Most major business credit cards pull your personal credit during the application. However, many business cards report payment history only to business credit bureaus — not to your personal credit report. Check the card’s reporting policy before applying.

Choosing the Right Card for Your Business

• Startups and low spend: Ink Business Cash (no fee, solid bonuses on common categories)
• Simple flat-rate rewards: Blue Business Cash or Spark Cash Plus
• Travel-focused businesses: Ink Business Preferred
• Variable spending patterns: Business Gold (automatic top-category bonus)

Bottom Line

For most small businesses, the Ink Business Cash or Blue Business Cash offers the best combination of no annual fee and strong rewards. If you spend heavily on travel and advertising, the Ink Business Preferred at $95/year earns exceptional value. Premium cards only make sense if you’ll maximize the travel credits and lounge access.

Buying your first home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll ever make. The good news is that first-time homebuyers have access to a wide range of loan programs with low down payments, reduced rates, and down payment assistance. Here’s what you need to know about your options in 2026.

Who Qualifies as a First-Time Homebuyer?

Most programs define a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned a primary residence in the past three years. This means you can qualify even if you owned a home years ago. Each loan program has its own specific eligibility requirements, income limits, and geographic restrictions.

FHA Loans: Low Down Payment, Flexible Credit

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and remain one of the most popular options for first-time buyers. You can put down as little as 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher, or 10% down if your score is 500 to 579. Mortgage insurance is required for the life of the loan if you put less than 10% down. FHA loans are ideal if you have a lower credit score or limited savings for a down payment.

Conventional 97 Loan: 3% Down for Qualified Buyers

Fannie Mae’s HomeReady and Freddie Mac’s Home Possible programs offer conventional loans with just 3% down. PMI is required but can be cancelled once you reach 20% equity. You typically need a credit score of 620 or higher. Conventional loans offer more flexibility than FHA, including no ongoing mortgage insurance once you hit 20% equity.

VA Loans: Zero Down for Veterans and Service Members

VA loans, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. No down payment required, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. The VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, but lenders typically require 580 to 620. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be exempt from the VA funding fee.

USDA Loans: Zero Down in Rural and Suburban Areas

USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and target low-to-moderate income buyers purchasing in eligible rural and suburban areas. No down payment required, below-market interest rates, and an annual mortgage insurance fee lower than FHA’s. More areas qualify than most people expect — check the USDA eligibility map before ruling out this option.

State and Local First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Most states have housing finance agencies (HFAs) that offer below-market mortgage rates, down payment assistance grants, and deferred-payment second mortgages. Down payment assistance programs can provide grants or loans of 3% to 5% of the purchase price, sometimes forgivable if you stay in the home for a set number of years.

What Credit Score Do You Need?

Minimum credit scores by loan type: FHA — 500 (10% down) or 580 (3.5% down); Conventional — 620; VA — no official minimum, lenders typically require 580 to 620; USDA — 640 preferred. Even if you meet the minimum, a higher score gets you a better rate.

How Much House Can You Afford?

Keep your total monthly housing costs at or below 28% of your gross monthly income. Your total debt-to-income ratio (including all debts) should stay below 43%. On a $75,000 annual salary, your maximum monthly housing payment would be around $1,750.

Steps to Prepare for Your First Home Purchase

1. Check and improve your credit score
2. Save for a down payment and closing costs (typically 2% to 5% of purchase price)
3. Get pre-approved before you start house hunting
4. Research state and local assistance programs
5. Work with a HUD-approved housing counselor (free service)

Bottom Line

First-time homebuyers have more options than ever, including zero-down programs, low-down-payment loans, and grants that don’t need to be repaid. Start with your state’s HFA website and get pre-approved with at least two to three lenders before making an offer.