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Smart personal loan decisions start here

Our Nerds studied lenders’ speediness, transparency, flexibility, and more to help you compare the best personal loans of 2023. While some winners may be partners, this didn't influence our decisions.

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Check out the winners

Best Personal Loan for Good and Excellent Credit

SoFi

on SoFi's website

on SoFi's website

Min. credit score

None

Est. APR

7.99-23.43%

Loan amount

$5,000-$100,000

Pros

  • No fees.
  • Joint loan option.
  • Rate discount for autopay.
  • Hardship program for borrowers in need.
  • Mobile app to manage loan.

Cons

  • No option to choose initial payment date.
  • High minimum loan amount.

Qualifications

  • Must legally be an adult in your state.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or visa holder.
  • Must be employed, have sufficient income or have an offer of employment to start within the next 90 days.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: None.

Disclaimer: Fixed rates from 7.99% APR to 23.43% APR reflect the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 8/22/22 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See Personal Loan eligibility details. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors. See APR examples and terms. The SoFi 0.25% AutoPay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account.

Read full review
Min. credit score

None

Est. APR

7.99-23.43%

Loan amount

$5,000-$100,000

Pros

  • No fees.
  • Joint loan option.
  • Rate discount for autopay.
  • Hardship program for borrowers in need.
  • Mobile app to manage loan.

Cons

  • No option to choose initial payment date.
  • High minimum loan amount.

Qualifications

  • Must legally be an adult in your state.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or visa holder.
  • Must be employed, have sufficient income or have an offer of employment to start within the next 90 days.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: None.

Disclaimer: Fixed rates from 7.99% APR to 23.43% APR reflect the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 8/22/22 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See Personal Loan eligibility details. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors. See APR examples and terms. The SoFi 0.25% AutoPay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account.

Read full review

Why our Nerds love it

SoFi offers prime borrowers competitive rates, no fees and rate discounts. Its perks include fast funding, a wide range of loan amounts, plus financial advice.

Read our methodology

Best Personal Loan for Debt Consolidation

Upgrade

on Upgrade's website

on Upgrade's website

Min. credit score

560

Est. APR

8.24-35.97%

Loan amount

$1,000-$50,000

Pros

  • Secured and joint loans.
  • Multiple rate discounts.
  • Mobile app to manage loan payments.
  • Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.
  • Long repayment terms on home improvement loans.

Cons

  • Origination fee.
  • No option to choose your payment date.

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 560.
  • Minimum number of accounts on credit history: One account.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including the loan you're applying for.
  • Minimum length of credit history: Two years.
  • Minimum income requirement: None. Lender accepts income from alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and other sources.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: 1.85% to 8.99%.
  • Late Fee: $10.
  • Failed payment fee: $10.

Disclaimer: Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 8.24%-35.97%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 8.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade's bank partners. Information on Upgrade's bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners .

Read full review
Min. credit score

560

Est. APR

8.24-35.97%

Loan amount

$1,000-$50,000

Pros

  • Secured and joint loans.
  • Multiple rate discounts.
  • Mobile app to manage loan payments.
  • Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.
  • Long repayment terms on home improvement loans.

Cons

  • Origination fee.
  • No option to choose your payment date.

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 560.
  • Minimum number of accounts on credit history: One account.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including the loan you're applying for.
  • Minimum length of credit history: Two years.
  • Minimum income requirement: None. Lender accepts income from alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and other sources.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: 1.85% to 8.99%.
  • Late Fee: $10.
  • Failed payment fee: $10.

Disclaimer: Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 8.24%-35.97%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 8.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade's bank partners. Information on Upgrade's bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners .

Read full review

Why our Nerds love it

Upgrade stands out for debt consolidation loans, offering direct payment to creditors and a rate discount if you choose that option.

Read our methodology

Best Personal Loan for Home Improvement

Lightstream

on LightStream's website

on LightStream's website

Min. credit score

660

Est. APR

6.99-23.99%

Loan amount

$5,000-$100,000

Pros

  • No fees.
  • Rate discount for autopay.
  • Long repayment terms on home improvement loans.
  • Rate Beat program and Experience Guarantee.

Cons

  • No option to pre-qualify on its website.
  • Requires several years of credit history.
  • No direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 660.
  • Several years of credit history.
  • Multiple account types within your credit history, like credit cards, a car loan or other installment loan and a mortgage.
  • Strong payment history with few or no delinquencies.
  • Investments, retirement savings or other evidence of an ability to save money.
  • Enough income to pay existing debts and a new LightStream loan.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: None.

Disclaimer: Rates quoted are with AutoPay. Your loan terms are not guaranteed and may vary based on loan purpose, length of loan, loan amount, credit history and payment method (AutoPay or Invoice). AutoPay discount is only available when selected prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. To obtain a loan, you must complete an application on LightStream.com which may affect your credit score. You may be required to verify income, identity and other stated application information. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $25,000 loan at 4.98% APR with a term of 20 years would result in 240 monthly payments of $164.71. Some additional conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Truist Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. © 2022 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, LightStream, and the LightStream logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Lending services provided by Truist Bank.

Read full review
Min. credit score

660

Est. APR

6.99-23.99%

Loan amount

$5,000-$100,000

Pros

  • No fees.
  • Rate discount for autopay.
  • Long repayment terms on home improvement loans.
  • Rate Beat program and Experience Guarantee.

Cons

  • No option to pre-qualify on its website.
  • Requires several years of credit history.
  • No direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 660.
  • Several years of credit history.
  • Multiple account types within your credit history, like credit cards, a car loan or other installment loan and a mortgage.
  • Strong payment history with few or no delinquencies.
  • Investments, retirement savings or other evidence of an ability to save money.
  • Enough income to pay existing debts and a new LightStream loan.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: None.

Disclaimer: Rates quoted are with AutoPay. Your loan terms are not guaranteed and may vary based on loan purpose, length of loan, loan amount, credit history and payment method (AutoPay or Invoice). AutoPay discount is only available when selected prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. To obtain a loan, you must complete an application on LightStream.com which may affect your credit score. You may be required to verify income, identity and other stated application information. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $25,000 loan at 4.98% APR with a term of 20 years would result in 240 monthly payments of $164.71. Some additional conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Truist Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. © 2022 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, LightStream, and the LightStream logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Lending services provided by Truist Bank.

Read full review

Why our Nerds love it

LightStream is best for home improvement loans with its low rates, no fees, large loan amounts and extended loan terms.

Read our methodology

Best Online Personal Loan

SoFi

on SoFi's website

on SoFi's website

Min. credit score

None

Est. APR

7.99-23.43%

Loan amount

$5,000-$100,000

Pros

  • No fees.
  • Joint loan option.
  • Rate discount for autopay.
  • Hardship program for borrowers in need.
  • Mobile app to manage loan.

Cons

  • No option to choose initial payment date.
  • High minimum loan amount.

Qualifications

  • Must legally be an adult in your state.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or visa holder.
  • Must be employed, have sufficient income or have an offer of employment to start within the next 90 days.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: None.

Disclaimer: Fixed rates from 7.99% APR to 23.43% APR reflect the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 8/22/22 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See Personal Loan eligibility details. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors. See APR examples and terms. The SoFi 0.25% AutoPay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account.

Read full review
Min. credit score

None

Est. APR

7.99-23.43%

Loan amount

$5,000-$100,000

Pros

  • No fees.
  • Joint loan option.
  • Rate discount for autopay.
  • Hardship program for borrowers in need.
  • Mobile app to manage loan.

Cons

  • No option to choose initial payment date.
  • High minimum loan amount.

Qualifications

  • Must legally be an adult in your state.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or visa holder.
  • Must be employed, have sufficient income or have an offer of employment to start within the next 90 days.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: None.

Disclaimer: Fixed rates from 7.99% APR to 23.43% APR reflect the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 8/22/22 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See Personal Loan eligibility details. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors. See APR examples and terms. The SoFi 0.25% AutoPay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account.

Read full review

Why our Nerds love it

Among online lenders, SoFi stands out for same-day approval and fast funding, a mobile app to manage loan payments, plus online financial tools and calculators.

Read our methodology

Best Personal Loan for Fair Credit

Lending Club

on LendingClub's website

on LendingClub's website

Min. credit score

600

Est. APR

8.30-36.00%

Loan amount

$1,000-$40,000

Pros

  • Joint loan option.
  • Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.
  • Option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.
  • Option to change your payment date.

Cons

  • Origination fee.
  • Late fee.
  • No mobile app to manage loan.

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 600.
  • Maximum DTI: 60%; 40% for joint applicants.
  • Minimum credit history: 37 months and two accounts.

Available Term Lengths

  • 3 to 5 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: 3% to 6%.
  • Late fee: 5% of payment or $15 after 15-day grace period.

Disclaimer: Between April 2022 and June 2022, Personal Loans issued by LendingClub Bank were funded within 44 hours after loan approval, on average. The time it takes for a loan to be funded is not guaranteed and individual results vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to investor demand. A representative example of payment terms for a Personal Loan is as follows: a borrower receives a loan of $16,980 for a term of 36 months, with an interest rate of 13.49% and a 6.00% origination fee of $1,019, for an APR of 17.89%. In this example, the borrower will receive $15,961 and will make 36 monthly payments of $576. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $40,000 and loan term lengths range from 24 months to 60 months. Some amounts, rates, and term lengths may be unavailable in certain states. For Personal Loans, APR ranges from 8.30% to 36.00% and origination fee ranges from 3.00% to 6.00% of the loan amount. APRs and origination fees are determined at the time of application. Lowest APR is available to borrowers with excellent credit. Advertised rates and fees are valid as of July 11, 2022 and are subject to change without notice. Loans are made by LendingClub Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender (“LendingClub Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of LendingClub Corporation, NMLS ID 167439. LendingClub Bank is not an affiliate of NerdWallet Compare, Inc. which is an unrelated third party (“third party”). LendingClub Bank is not responsible for any products and services provided by this third party and may receive compensation if you visit the third party’s websites or use any of its products or services. Credit eligibility is not guaranteed. Loans are subject to credit approval and may be subject to sufficient investor commitment before they can be funded or issued. Certain information that LendingClub Bank subsequently obtains as part of the application process (including but not limited to information in your consumer report, your income, the loan amount that your request, the purpose of your loan, and qualifying debt) will be considered and could affect your ability to obtain a loan. Loan closing is contingent on accepting all required agreements and disclosures at Lendingclub.com. “LendingClub” is a trademark of LendingClub Bank.

Read full review
Min. credit score

600

Est. APR

8.30-36.00%

Loan amount

$1,000-$40,000

Pros

  • Joint loan option.
  • Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.
  • Option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.
  • Option to change your payment date.

Cons

  • Origination fee.
  • Late fee.
  • No mobile app to manage loan.

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 600.
  • Maximum DTI: 60%; 40% for joint applicants.
  • Minimum credit history: 37 months and two accounts.

Available Term Lengths

  • 3 to 5 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: 3% to 6%.
  • Late fee: 5% of payment or $15 after 15-day grace period.

Disclaimer: Between April 2022 and June 2022, Personal Loans issued by LendingClub Bank were funded within 44 hours after loan approval, on average. The time it takes for a loan to be funded is not guaranteed and individual results vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to investor demand. A representative example of payment terms for a Personal Loan is as follows: a borrower receives a loan of $16,980 for a term of 36 months, with an interest rate of 13.49% and a 6.00% origination fee of $1,019, for an APR of 17.89%. In this example, the borrower will receive $15,961 and will make 36 monthly payments of $576. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $40,000 and loan term lengths range from 24 months to 60 months. Some amounts, rates, and term lengths may be unavailable in certain states. For Personal Loans, APR ranges from 8.30% to 36.00% and origination fee ranges from 3.00% to 6.00% of the loan amount. APRs and origination fees are determined at the time of application. Lowest APR is available to borrowers with excellent credit. Advertised rates and fees are valid as of July 11, 2022 and are subject to change without notice. Loans are made by LendingClub Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender (“LendingClub Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of LendingClub Corporation, NMLS ID 167439. LendingClub Bank is not an affiliate of NerdWallet Compare, Inc. which is an unrelated third party (“third party”). LendingClub Bank is not responsible for any products and services provided by this third party and may receive compensation if you visit the third party’s websites or use any of its products or services. Credit eligibility is not guaranteed. Loans are subject to credit approval and may be subject to sufficient investor commitment before they can be funded or issued. Certain information that LendingClub Bank subsequently obtains as part of the application process (including but not limited to information in your consumer report, your income, the loan amount that your request, the purpose of your loan, and qualifying debt) will be considered and could affect your ability to obtain a loan. Loan closing is contingent on accepting all required agreements and disclosures at Lendingclub.com. “LendingClub” is a trademark of LendingClub Bank.

Read full review

Why our Nerds love it

Ideal for fair-credit borrowers, LendingClub offers fast approval, the option to add a co-borrower and a member center that helps customers track their credit.

Read our methodology

Best Personal Loan for Bad Credit

Upgrade

on Upgrade's website

on Upgrade's website

Min. credit score

560

Est. APR

8.24-35.97%

Loan amount

$1,000-$50,000

Pros

  • Secured and joint loans.
  • Multiple rate discounts.
  • Mobile app to manage loan payments.
  • Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.
  • Long repayment terms on home improvement loans.

Cons

  • Origination fee.
  • No option to choose your payment date.

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 560.
  • Minimum number of accounts on credit history: One account.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including the loan you're applying for.
  • Minimum length of credit history: Two years.
  • Minimum income requirement: None. Lender accepts income from alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and other sources.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: 1.85% to 8.99%.
  • Late Fee: $10.
  • Failed payment fee: $10.

Disclaimer: Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 8.24%-35.97%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 8.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade's bank partners. Information on Upgrade's bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners .

Read full review
Min. credit score

560

Est. APR

8.24-35.97%

Loan amount

$1,000-$50,000

Pros

  • Secured and joint loans.
  • Multiple rate discounts.
  • Mobile app to manage loan payments.
  • Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.
  • Long repayment terms on home improvement loans.

Cons

  • Origination fee.
  • No option to choose your payment date.

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 560.
  • Minimum number of accounts on credit history: One account.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including the loan you're applying for.
  • Minimum length of credit history: Two years.
  • Minimum income requirement: None. Lender accepts income from alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and other sources.

Available Term Lengths

  • 2 to 7 years

Fees

  • Origination fee: 1.85% to 8.99%.
  • Late Fee: $10.
  • Failed payment fee: $10.

Disclaimer: Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 8.24%-35.97%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 8.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade's bank partners. Information on Upgrade's bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners .

Read full review

Why our Nerds love it

Upgrade offers competitive rates plus rate discounts. Its joint loan option and credit-building tools are especially helpful for low-credit borrowers.

Read our methodology

Frequently asked questions

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