Can You Get a Title Loan for a Funeral With Bad Credit?

Yes, you can get a loan for a funeral even with bad credit. One of the most accessible options is a car title loan, which is approved based primarily on your vehicle’s value and ability to repay the loan rather than your credit score. 

We offer title loans from $100 to $50,000 with no minimum credit score required.⁴ That said, other options, including a life insurance payout or free nonprofit financial counseling, are worth comparing before you borrow.

When you lose someone, the last thing you want to think about is how to pay for the funeral. But funeral homes typically require payment before services proceed, and most families don’t have $8,000 or more sitting in savings. 

If your credit isn’t great, a funeral loan can still be within reach. This guide covers which loan types actually work with bad credit, how a title loan specifically works, what it costs, and when a different option might make more sense.

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Funeral Loan?

There is no universal minimum credit score for a funeral loan, because “funeral loan” is not a regulated product. It is an umbrella term for whichever type of loan you use to cover the cost. The credit requirement depends entirely on which option you choose.

• A personal loan for a funeral typically requires fair-to-good credit, typically 550 to 660.   
• A title loan works differently. We do not set a minimum credit score, and it is not the deciding factor. What matters most is your car’s equity and your ability to repay. 
• Payday loans generally skip a credit check entirely, which makes them accessible to almost anyone with a bank account and verifiable proof of income, such as a recent pay stub.  
• Peer-to-peer platforms rank borrowers by risk, factoring in credit score, total debt, and income, then price the interest rate accordingly.  

How Much Does the Average Funeral Cost?

The median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial in the US was $8,300, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. A cremation with a memorial service runs somewhat less, with the NFDA reporting a median cost of $6,280 for that option.

Unfortunately, these figures reflect funeral home charges only. Cemetery fees, a headstone, flowers, a printed obituary, and a reception incur additional expenses that add to the total. The final out-of-pocket cost for many families can be meaningfully higher than what the funeral home invoice alone reflects.

According to Funeralocity, the average national prices for additional items may be: 

For most borrowers we work with in this situation, the gap between what they have on hand and what the funeral home is asking for is real and significant. A title loan can provide access to funds that may help cover these expenses, subject to approval.

How Does a Title Loan Work for Funeral Expenses?

A title loan lets you borrow against your car’s equity while keeping the car to drive. We can lend up to 70% of your vehicle’s current market value, with loan amounts ranging from $100 to $50,000.⁴

In short, the car stays in your possession throughout the loan. When the final payment is made, the title returns to you. 

A few additional things to know: 

You Can Use the Funds for Any Funeral-Related Expense

Once approved, you can use the funds however you need. Common expenses include funeral home services, cemetery fees, travel for out-of-town family members, flowers, obituaries, memorial receptions, or any other costs associated with the funeral.

That said, title loans are intended for short-term emergency expenses, particularly when you don’t have access to lower-cost borrowing options. They can be expensive, and we encourage you to consider whether a title loan is the right fit for your financial situation before applying. 

Online Vehicle Inspections May Be Available

Depending on your vehicle’s condition, history, and eligibility, the inspection may be completed online, meaning you may not need to visit a store. However, some applicants may still be required to complete an in-person inspection based on their state and individual circumstances.

What You Will Need to Qualify

To qualify for title loans for funeral expenses, you need: 

1. A vehicle title in your name. If there is already a loan against the title, the remaining equity still needs to be sufficient to support the amount you are requesting.
2. Proof of income of any kind. This does not have to be a traditional paycheck. Benefits, retirement income, self-employment income, and other verifiable sources are all considered.
3. A government-issued ID and basic personal information to complete your application and satisfy federal identification requirements.

Get Started Online or Call Us at 1 888 508-5366 

What Other Ways Can You Pay for a Funeral?

Before taking out a loan, it may be worth exploring other ways to cover funeral expenses. Depending on your situation, one or more of these options may be available.

• Life insurance proceeds: If the deceased had life insurance, beneficiaries may be able to use the payout to cover funeral costs.
• Funeral home payment plans: Some funeral homes offer installment plans or in-house financing.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms such as GoFundMe allow family and friends to contribute toward funeral expenses.
• Veterans benefits: If the deceased was an eligible veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may provide burial allowances or other funeral benefits.
• State or county assistance: Some local governments offer limited financial assistance for qualifying low-income families.
• Nonprofit organizations or charities: Certain religious organizations, community groups, or charities may provide financial assistance or grants for funeral expenses.
• Free financial counseling: Organizations such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) can help you review your options before taking on debt.

Is a Title Loan the Right Choice for You?

A title loan may be worth considering if you own your vehicle or have sufficient equity in it, need access to funds quickly, and do not qualify for a lower-cost borrowing option. 

Before applying, make sure you understand both the benefits and the risks.

Things to Consider Before You Apply

• Your vehicle secures the loan. If you miss payments, we may repossess the vehicle, and additional repossession-related fees may apply. ⁵
• Proof of income is required. Any verifiable source of income may qualify, provided it supports the proposed repayment schedule.
• Interest rates vary by state. Title loans can carry rates up to 175% APR, depending on your state. Some states cap rates considerably lower. Title loans are intended for short-term financial needs and are not a long-term financial solution.⁶
• A GPS tracking device may be required. Some title loans include the installation of a GPS tracking device on the vehicle as a condition of the loan.⁸
• Availability varies by state. Loans are not available in all states.¹

The Bottom Line

When funeral costs arrive before you are financially ready, a title loan is worth considering. It does not require a minimum credit score, the application can be started online, and same-day funding⁷ is possible when time matters most. 

But it is not the only option, and the right choice depends on your vehicle, your income, your state, and how quickly you need the funds.

Ready to move forward? Check your eligibility online or call us at 1 888 508-5366.

Frequently Asked Questions