Does anyone know of a bank that gives loans to people with not so hot credit

ScottGem

There are other sources of loans besides banks (legal sources). Lenders will lend money to someone with a lower credit score but they will charge a higher interest rate.

Emland

Orchard Bank (division of HSBC Bank) caters to those with less than stellar credit rating. They do charge more for it, like ScottGem said. The higher the risk you are to the lender, the higher the rate.

Dr D

Generaly, Finance companies cater to people with low credit scores. Companies such as Associates, Beneficial and Household Finance. They will charge more than a bank or credit union. One thing that most consumers are not aware of is that when you borrow money from a Finance company, it will have an advers affect on your credit score. That ding is shown as factor #6 on all the bureaus: "Consumer finance accounts". I have seen where people have made a purchase through a department store with a "90 days same as cash" feature, only to discover that the paper has been sold to a Finance company, thereby lowering their score.