There are times when a bad credit lender comes in handy. In hard times, they serve a useful purpose. And what’s called “bad credit lending” can vary. Also, so do the standards for what truly is bad credit. Most of the time anybody with a credit score below 500 is thought to have bad credit. This is according to the Fair Isaac Credit Organization (FICO).

How Credit is Determined: There are several credit scoring agencies out there that most lenders rely on. Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian are the top three. Somehow, even though all three have different standards for scoring a person’s credit, they all seem to be pretty close to each other. We do know that these agencies use a number of different factors when deciding scores.

Bad Credit Lenders: The preferred name for bad credit lenders is “sub-prime lenders.” Lenders of this sort are more willing to take a chance on an auto or other type of loan to somebody with so-called “challenged credit.” And because bad credit can sometimes happen to good people, they can do a booming business in tough economic times.

Varying Lending Rates: Because the risk to the lender is greater, the interest rates on these loans can be higher. Sometimes by a lot, as illustrated by loans that go right to the interest limits set by law. You should check around, though, to see if one of these sub-prime lenders will offer a better rate before signing any loans.

Lavish Service Fees and Rates: Watch that a sub-prime lender isn’t tacking on phony or excessive late fees or other charges. Also, watch for increases in interest rates with little or no notification from the lender. Still, honest sub-prime lending will always have a place in good times and bad.