A personal loan allows you to borrow money to consolidate high-interest debt, finance a large purchase or cover emergency expenses. If you have strong credit and a steady income, finding the best personal loan for your needs, especially if you can secure a low interest rate, could save you thousands. Here’s what you need to know about choosing a personal lender and getting approved.
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Lender |
Learn More |
APR |
Max. Loan Amount |
Min. Credit Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
4.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} to 17.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} | $50,000 | 650 | |
 |
6.24{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} to 10.24{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} | $50,000 | Not disclosed | |
 |
4.74{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} to 20.28{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} | $100,000 | Not disclosed | |
 |
2.49{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} to 19.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} | $100,000 | 670 | |
 |
5.99 to 24.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} | $35,000 | 660 | |
 |
5.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} to 24.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} | $40,000 | 550 | |
 |
Not disclosed | $50,000 | 300 (or insufficient history) | |
|
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5.74{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} to 19.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} | $100,000 | Not disclosed | |
 |
6.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} to 19.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} | $40,000 | 670 | |
 |
5.99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} to 19.49{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} | $50,000 | 660 |
U.S. News selects the Best Loan Companies by evaluating affordability, borrower eligibility criteria and customer service. Those with the highest overall scores are considered the best lenders.
To calculate each score, we use data about the lender and its loan offerings, giving greater weight to factors that matter most to borrowers. Personal loan companies are evaluated based on customer service ratings, interest rates, maximum loan term, minimum and maximum loan amounts, minimum FICO score, online features, and origination fees.
The weight each scoring factor receives is based on a nationwide survey on what borrowers look for in a lender.
To receive a rating, lenders must offer qualifying loans nationwide and have a good reputation within the industry. Read more about our methodology.
Best for low minimum loan amounts
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 650
- Loan amounts: $600 to $50,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
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Terms extend up to 60 months.
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There are no origination fees.
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Borrowers get funds in one or two days upon approval.
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Best for same-day loans online
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
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Loans range from $1,000 to $50,000.
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Funds are often deposited the same day.
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No prepayment penalties apply if you pay off all or part of a loan early.
See full profile
Best for loans of up to $100,000 with no fees
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
- Repayment terms: up to 84 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
-
SoFi doesn’t charge late fees.
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You can borrow up to $100,000.
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Co-borrowers are accepted.
See full profile
Best for low interest
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 670
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
- Repayment terms: up to 144 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
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Borrowers can use loans for a range of purposes, from buying a car to financing a horse.
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Loans are available from $5,000 to $100,000.
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LightStream doesn’t charge origination, prepayment or late fees.
See full profile
Best for low costs
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 660
- Loan amounts: $2,500 to $35,000
- Repayment terms: up to 84 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
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Discover has no closing costs or origination fees.
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The lender offers loan terms from 36 to 84 months.
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Borrowers get free access to a credit scorecard that includes their FICO credit score.
See full profile
Best for debt consolidation
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 550
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $40,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
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Borrowers are not charged late or returned payment fees.
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Applicants can get preapproved with no hard credit check.
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Poor-credit borrowers may be eligible.
See full profile
Best for borrowers with no credit or poor credit
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 300 (or insufficient history)
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A-
Best Features
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Upstart says 99{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} of applicants who accept their loans by 5 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday will get their money in one business day.
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Upstart offers loans to borrowers with no credit scores, which traditional lenders may not do.
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You can repay all or part of your loan anytime without being charged a fee.
See full profile
Best for Wells Fargo customers
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
- Loan amounts: $3,000 to $100,000
- Repayment terms: up to 84 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: NR
Best Features
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Wells Fargo offers annual percentage rates starting at 5.74{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b}, which includes a relationship discount.
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Borrowers pay no origination or closing fees.
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Relationship discounts of 0.25 to 0.5 of a percentage point are available if you have a qualifying Wells Fargo checking account and make automatic payments from a Wells Fargo deposit account.
See full profile
Best for no origination fee
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 670
- Loan amounts: $3,500 to $40,000
- Repayment terms: up to 72 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
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Borrowers pay no fees for personal loans.
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Payment due dates are adjustable.
See full profile
Best for short-term loans
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 660
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
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U.S. Bank pays out loan funds relatively quickly following approval.
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U.S. Bank offers a simple loan option for as little as $100.
See full profile
When you shop around for the best personal loan rate, you can save. Compare personal loan offers with national average personal loan trends to know whether you’ve found a competitive interest rate.
You could pay a higher interest rate or a lower one, depending on your credit score.
*Rate as of Mar. 16, 2022
Select your desired loan amount and loan purpose, your credit score range, and your state to see estimated annual percentage rates and loan terms.
A personal loan is a lump sum you can borrow from a bank, a credit union or an online lender and repay over a fixed amount of time, unlike a credit card or line of credit.
Personal loans are typically unsecured, which means they are supported by your creditworthiness rather than collateral. Collateral is an asset, such as a car or house, a lender may use to recoup its losses if you default on a secured loan.
You can get a personal loan from different types of lenders, including traditional brick-and-mortar banks and online lenders. They serve borrowers with varying credit scores, income levels and other requirements.
- Depending on the lender, borrowers can potentially receive funds for personal loans in as little as one business day.
- Personal loans can help borrowers consolidate high-interest credit card debt and pay it off faster at a lower interest rate.
- Personal loans are delivered as a lump sum.
- Personal loans are typically unsecured, so the borrower doesn’t have to use collateral.
- Depending on the lender, borrowers may have to pay origination fees, or even prepayment fees.
- A personal loan may have a higher APR than other options, such as a 0{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} credit card or a home equity loan, depending on creditworthiness and other factors.
- Personal loans may be difficult for consumers with fair credit or below to obtain.
Lenders often set minimum requirements and will likely look at your credit score, payment history, income and debt-to-income ratio.
If you’re furloughed or unemployed, the lender may ask you for documentation that indicates when you’ll return to work, such as your furlough letter or a job offer.
Age eligibility requirements can vary by lender or by state and territory laws. Generally, consumers must be 18 to apply, but some states may require borrowers to be 19 or 21.
If you’re applying for a secured loan, the lender will also consider your collateral.
Although they won’t work for everyone, personal loan might make sense in certain situations. You may consider applying for a personal loan if you have an emergency expense, need to make a large purchase or want to consolidate some of your high-interest debts.
There are times when a personal loan might not be the best option, though. While personal loans can be used as home improvement loans, for example, you may want to consider a home equity loan instead if you don’t mind using your home as collateral. And for some types of special purchases, such as a wedding or a vacation, it’s best to plan and save so you can pay cash rather than take out a personal loan.
Follow these steps to apply for a personal loan:
1. Get preapproved rates. Make sure the lenders you’re requesting rates from will obtain them using a soft credit inquiry. When you request a rate quote, you’ll provide your personal information, such as your address, income and Social Security number, on the lender’s secure website. You’ll indicate the amount you want to borrow, the reason for borrowing and the repayment term length you prefer.
Once you give these details, you’ll be informed of rates and how to formally apply for a loan.
2. Compare offers. Research different lenders to find the best personal loan interest rate.
3. Choose your top one or two lenders. Then formally complete your loan application, which will trigger a hard credit inquiry on your credit report. Keep in mind that even with good credit, you won’t be guaranteed approval or a particular interest rate.
Personal loans are available from:
- Brick-and-mortar banks.
- Credit unions.
- Online lenders.
- P2P lenders.
A bank or credit union could offer personal service, especially if a location is nearby. But online lenders sometimes offer more convenience, especially for consumers who prefer to apply, manage and close personal loans online. Online peer-to-peer lending platforms allow users to borrow funds from an investor, rather than from a traditional bank. These platforms may have more flexible credit requirements than traditional banks and could be a good option if you might not otherwise qualify for a personal loan.
You can prequalify for loan offers by providing some basic information so the lender can run a soft credit check. After you’ve compared loan terms, amounts, fees, interest rates and other factors from multiple lenders, you can formally apply for a loan, which requires a hard credit check. If you’re approved, you may receive your personal loan quickly from an online lender – in some cases, as soon as the following business day after approval.
Strive to obtain preapprovals from a variety of lenders so you can compare rates, terms and other factors for different types of personal loans.
The best personal loan companies offer low interest rates, favorable loan terms and flexible payment options. Because each lender has distinct terms and conditions, you should know what you want in a personal loan before you start comparison shopping.
“Consumers can choose the best personal loan by doing their research, shopping around between multiple lenders, reading the fine print and only selecting a loan that they know they can afford to repay,” says Jared Kaplan, former CEO of OppFi, a financial technology company that offers bad credit loans.
An easy place to begin is to check that a lender is licensed in your state. Make sure each lender can offer personal loans where you live. Then, you can compare these other key factors to help you choose the right lender.
Each lender sets its own terms, such as:
- Minimum and maximum loan amounts. Every lender has a minimum and maximum loan amount. If you’re looking for a small personal loan of less than $2,000, for example, you’ll need to find a lender offering loans at that amount.
- Minimum and maximum term lengths. Lenders also have minimum and maximum term lengths, which vary among lenders. It’s not uncommon for borrowers to have 60 months to pay off their personal loans, but some lenders offer term lengths of up to 144 months. The longer your loan period is, the lower your payments will be, but you might pay more in interest. If you can afford a higher monthly payment, go with the shorter loan period to save on interest.
- Loan use restrictions. Some lenders have restrictions on how you can use your loan. These vary by lender. Don’t lie about how you’re going to use the money. Lying on your loan application can be deemed loan fraud and result in extra charges.
- Disbursement times. Lenders also have their own time frames for how quickly you’ll receive your personal loan funds. Some lenders offer funding as soon as the next business day after approval. Usually, funds are distributed within a few business days, and most lenders will disburse them electronically.
Lender Loan Fees and Penalties
One of the most important aspects to compare before choosing the best personal loan is what each lender charges in fees. Fees can significantly increase the cost of a personal loan.
Lenders commonly charge origination fees to cover the costs of processing your loan, though not always. These fees are typically between 1{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} and 8{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} of the loan amount.
Because most lenders enforce late fees, you should always pay your loan on time. Some lenders waive late fees, including Marcus by Goldman Sachs and SoFi, but you should still expect interest to accrue if you pay late.
If you don’t have enough money in your account, most lenders will charge a minimal fee for returned payments.
Though rare, prepayment penalties may apply when you repay your loan ahead of schedule.
Choices vary by lender, so make sure your lender has options that work best for you.
Most lenders offer flexible payment options, including autopay, check by mail or online, and even a chance to change your payment date.
Some lenders, such as Upgrade and U.S. Bank, provide an autopay discount, which can reduce your rate if you enroll.
Researching Personal Loan Companies
Before you move forward with a lender, be sure to read personal loan reviews so you know what to expect – or when to avoid a lender.
Kaplan recommends researching lenders on the Better Business Bureau website to check for negative marks or complaints.
Some lenders offer loans with additional features that make them a better fit for certain borrowers.
Personal loan interest ranges are typically from about 6{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b} to 36{797b2db22838fb4c5c6528cb4bf0d5060811ff68c73c9b00453f5f3f4ad9306b}, depending on creditworthiness and other factors. Generally, the higher your credit score, the better your personal loan interest rate.
Also, the higher your credit score, the greater choice of personal loans you’ll have with favorable terms. Companies want to work with people who have good or excellent credit scores and are more likely to offer personal loans with better terms to these consumers.
“Realistically, you probably need a credit score of 680 to 700 or higher” to qualify for a personal loan, says Joseph A. Carbone Jr., certified financial planner and founder of financial planning firm Focus Planning Group. “If you are in a range of 620 to 680, you might need a co-signer to secure the line.”
But your credit score is not the only factor lenders consider when determining whether to approve you or what interest rate to offer. Companies will request information about your job, your minimum annual income, how stable your income is, your savings and more. Your answers can determine your eligibility.
- Personal loans for medical expenses: If you are struggling to come up with the cash to pay for your medical bills, you might consider taking out a personal loan.
- Personal loans for debt consolidation: This type of personal loan allows the borrower to consolidate some high-interest debts, such as from credit cards, medical bills or other loans, and make one low-interest payment each month.
- Personal loans for pet expenses: If you don’t have pet insurance and are faced with a large emergency vet bill, a pet loan can help finance major expenses such as surgery or cancer treatment for an animal in your family.
Best for fast funding
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 640
- Loan amounts: $2,000 to $50,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
-
Loan funding typically takes one to three business days.
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The minimum loan amount is $2,000 in most states.
-
Borrowers incur no prepayment penalty.
See full profile
Best for digital customer care
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
- Loan amounts: $2,000 to $45,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
-
Same-day loan funding is available for up to $25,000.
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No prepayment penalties apply.
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An online application process is available.
See full profile
Best for flexible loan terms
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 700
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $50,000
- Repayment terms: up to 72 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
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Customers can expect an entirely digital borrowing experience.
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Flexible loan terms are three to six years.
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Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000.
See full profile
Best for low interest
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $47,500
- Repayment terms: undisclosed
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
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Find loans to help you pay for cosmetic procedures, dental implants, funeral expenses and more.
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Borrow from $1,000 to $47,500.
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Pay no interest on principal if repaid within six months.
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Best for loan amounts of up to $50,000
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
- Repayment terms: up to 84 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A-
Best Features
-
Loans and lines of credit are available up to $50,000.
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Borrowers can complete the entire loan process online.
See full profile
Best for low fees and discounts
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $35,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
-
No prepayment penalty and no origination or application fee.
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Get a 0.25-percentage-point discount if you set up autopay using a PNC checking account.
See full profile
Best for flexible credit requirements
Before You Apply:
- Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
- Loan amounts: $300 to $10,000
- Repayment terms: up to 48 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
-
No credit history requirement.
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In some states, there is an in-person application option in addition to the online application.
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Secured and unsecured loan options available in some states.
See full profile
Best for fair credit
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: undisclosed
- Loan amounts: $2,000 to $35,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A
Best Features
-
Borrowers with fair credit scores can qualify.
-
Funds for unsecured personal loans can be generally deposited the next business day after approval.
-
Secured and unsecured loans are available.
See full profile
Best for FICO scores between 580 and 669
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 580
- Loan amounts: $2,000 to $36,500
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
-
Receive loan funds as soon as the next business day after approval.
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Qualify for a personal loan with fair credit.
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Prequalify with a soft credit inquiry that won’t harm credit.
See full profile
Best for below-average credit
Before You Apply
- Minimum FICO credit score: 600
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $50,000
- Repayment terms: up to 60 months
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Best Features
-
Qualify with a fair credit score of 600.
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Access personal loans up to $50,000.
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Prepay loans without fees.
See full profile
Advertising Disclosure: Some of the loan offers on this site are from companies
who are advertising clients of U.S. News. Advertising considerations may impact
where offers appear on the site but do not affect any editorial decisions,
such as which loan products we write about and how we evaluate them. This site
does not include all loan companies or all loan offers available in the marketplace.
