Personal Loans: Compare Top Lenders, Rates for February 2023

Last updated on February 1, 2023

See if you pre-qualify for a personal loan – without affecting your credit score

Just answer a few questions to get personalized rate estimates from multiple lenders.
Learn more about pre-qualifying

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Featured partners
SoFi
SoFi

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
SoFi offers online personal loans with consumer-friendly features for good- and excellent-credit borrowers.

SoFi offers online personal loans with consumer-friendly features for good- and excellent-credit borrowers.

Here are 14 lenders for you

LightStream
on LightStream 
on Nerdwallet 

LightStream

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
LightStream

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
2 to 7 years 

Loan amount 
$5,000 - $100,000 

APR 
6.99-23.99% 

on LightStream 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

660

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.

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.

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.

Discover
on Discover 
on Nerdwallet 

Discover

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Discover

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
3 to 7 years 

Loan amount 
$2,500 - $40,000 

APR 
6.99-24.99% 

on Discover 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

660

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 660.

  • Must be at least 18 years old.

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

  • Must have a minimum household income of $25,000.

Pros

  • No origination fee.

  • Option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.

  • Fast funding.

  • Mobile app to manage loan.

Cons

  • May charge late fee.

  • No co-sign or joint loan option.

  • No rate discount.

Disclaimer

This is not a commitment to lend from Discover Personal Loans. Your approval for a loan is determined once you apply and is based on your application information and credit history. Your APR will be between 6.99%-24.99% based upon creditworthiness at time of application for loan terms of 36-84 months. For example, if you get approved for a $15,000 loan at 12.99% APR for a term of 72 months, you'll pay just $301 per month. Our lowest rates are available to consumers with the best credit. Many factors are used to determine your rate, such as your credit history, application information and the term you select. Not all applications will be approved.

Achieve Personal Loan
on Achieve Personal Loan 
on Nerdwallet 

Achieve Personal Loan

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Achieve Personal Loan

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
2 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$5,000 - $50,000 

APR 
7.99-29.99% 

on Achieve Personal Loan 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

620

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 620; borrower average is 700.

  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 45% excluding mortgage.

  • Minimum income: None; borrowers' average household income is $115,000.

  • Minimum credit history: 3 years and 2 accounts.

  • Not actively delinquent on debt and no bankruptcy in the last 24 months.

  • Must be a US citizen, permanent resident or visa holder.

Pros

  • Option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.

  • Multiple rate discounts.

  • Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

  • Joint loan options.

Cons

  • May charge origination fee.

  • Not available in all states.

  • No mobile app to manage loan.

Disclaimer

All loans available through Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977) are originated by Cross River Bank (a New Jersey state chartered commercial bank) or Pathward, N.A. (Equal Housing Lenders) and may not be available in all states. All loan and rate terms are subject to eligibility restrictions, application review, credit score, loan amount, loan term, lender approval, and credit usage and history. Minimum loan amounts vary due to state-specific legal restrictions – please call an Achieve Personal Loans consultant for further details. Loan amounts generally range from $5,000 to $50,000 including origination fees, and are offered based on loan purpose and underwriting conditions. Repayment periods range from 24 to 60 months. APRs range from 7.99% to 29.99% APR and include applicable origination fees. Example loan: four-year $20,000 loan with a rate of 15.49% and corresponding APR of 18.34%, would have an estimated monthly payment of $561.60 and a total cost of $26,956.80. To qualify for a 7.99% APR loan, a borrower will need excellent credit, a loan amount for $12,000.00 or less, and a term of 24 months. Loan origination fees vary from 1.99% to 6.99%. Adding a co-borrower with sufficient income; using at least 85% of the loan proceeds to directly pay off qualifying existing debt; or showing proof of sufficient retirement savings, could also help you qualify for lower rates. Average interest savings for personal loans range from 0% - 6% based on closed loans that qualified for one or more of our rate discounts in July 2022.  †Times noted are estimates and can vary for a loan request from Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS #227977). Same day approvals assume that a fully completed application with all required supporting documentation is provided early enough on a day that our offices are open. Achieve Personal Loans consultants are available Monday–Friday 6AM to 8PM MST and Saturday–Sunday 7AM to 4PM MST.

SoFi Personal Loan
on SoFi Personal Loan 
on Nerdwallet 

SoFi Personal Loan

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
SoFi Personal Loan

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
2 to 7 years 

Loan amount 
$5,000 - $100,000 

APR 
7.99-23.43% 

on SoFi Personal Loan 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

None

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.

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.

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.

Upgrade
on Upgrade 
on Nerdwallet 

Upgrade

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Upgrade

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
2 to 7 years 

Loan amount 
$1,000 - $50,000 

APR 
8.24-35.97% 

on Upgrade 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

560

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.

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.

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 .

LendingClub
on LendingClub 
on Nerdwallet 

LendingClub

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
LendingClub

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
3 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$1,000 - $40,000 

APR 
8.30-36.00% 

on LendingClub 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

600

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 600.

  • Maximum DTI: 60%; 40% for joint applicants.

  • Minimum credit history: 37 months and two accounts.

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.

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.

Upstart
on Upstart 
on Nerdwallet 

Upstart

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Upstart

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
3 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$1,000 - $50,000 

APR 
5.42-35.99% 

on Upstart 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

None

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: None.

  • Minimum annual income: $12,000; this lender accepts income from employment, alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security, rentals, trusts, pensions, disability and scholarships.

  • Must have a full-time job or be starting a full-time job in six months.

Pros

  • Accepts borrowers new to credit.

  • Fast funding.

  • Option to change your payment date.

  • Option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.

  • Offers free financial education

Cons

  • May charge origination fee.

  • No joint, co-signed or secured loans.

  • No mobile app to manage loan.

  • Only two repayment term options.

Disclaimer

Your loan amount will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount. Minimum loan amounts vary by state: GA ($3,100), HI ($2,100), MA ($7,000), NM ($5,100), OH ($6,000). The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 5-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 25.05% and 60 monthly payments of $25.80 per $1,000 borrowed. For example, the total cost of a $10,000 loan would be $15,478 including a $804 origination fee. APR is calculated based on 5-year rates offered in June 2022. There is no down payment and no prepayment penalty. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will be approved. This offer is conditioned on final approval based on our consideration and verification of financial and non-financial information. Rate and loan amount are subject to change based upon information received in your full application. This offer may be accepted only by the person identified in this offer, who is old enough to legally enter into contract for the extension of credit, a US citizen or permanent resident, and a current resident of the US. Duplicate offers are void. Closing your loan is contingent on your meeting our eligibility requirements, our verification of your information, and your agreement to the terms and conditions on the Upstart.com website.

Prosper Borrowers
on Prosper Borrowers 
on Nerdwallet 

Prosper Borrowers

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Prosper Borrowers

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
2 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$2,000 - $50,000 

APR 
6.95-11.43% 

on Prosper Borrowers 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

560

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 560; borrower average is 685.

  • Minimum income: No minimum requirement; borrower average is $86,000.

  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50% (excluding mortgage); borrower average is 18.29%.

  • Must be at least 18 years old.

  • Must provide Social Security number and a U.S. bank account.

Pros

  • Option to change your payment date.

  • Offers joint loan.

  • Offers wide range of loan amounts. 


Cons

  • No rate discount.

  • Origination and late fees.

  • No direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

Disclaimer

APRs presented are estimated and were created based upon information entered by the consumer and through analysis of information publicly available at Prosper.com. The estimated APR presented does not bind Prosper. The range of APRs available through Prosper is 6.99% to 35.99%. Only borrowers with excellent credit qualify for the lowest rate available. Your actual APR depends upon credit score, Prosper Rating, loan amount, loan term, credit usage and history. All loans are subject to credit review and approval. All personal loans made by WebBank. For example, a two-year $10,000 personal loan would have an interest rate of 11.5% and a 4.00% origination fee for an annual percentage rate (APR) of 15.64% APR. You would receive $9,600 and make 24 scheduled monthly payments of $468.40. A three-year $10,000 personal loan would have an interest rate of 11.74% and a 5.00% origination fee for an annual percentage rate (APR) of 15.34% APR. You would receive $9,500 and make 36 scheduled monthly payments of $330.90. A four-year $10,000 personal loan would have an interest rate of 11.50% and a 5.00% origination fee for an annual percentage rate (APR) of 14.27% APR. You would receive $9,500 and make 48 scheduled monthly payments of $260.89. A five-year $10,000 personal loan would have an interest rate of 11.99% and a 5.00% origination fee with a 14.27% APR. You would receive $9,500 and make 60 scheduled monthly payments of $222.39. Origination fees vary between 1%-5%. Personal loan APRs through Prosper range from 6.99% to 35.99%, with the lowest rates for the most creditworthy borrowers. Eligibility for personal loans up to $50,000 depends on the information provided by the applicant in the application form. Eligibility for personal loans is not guaranteed, and requires that a sufficient number of investors commit funds to your account and that you meet credit and other conditions. Refer to Borrower Registration Agreement for details and all terms and conditions. **You may receive your funds one business day after your acceptance of the loan offer, completion of all necessary verification steps and final approval. One business day funding is also dependent on your bank’s ability to quickly process the transaction.

LendingPoint
on LendingPoint 
on Nerdwallet 

LendingPoint

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
LendingPoint

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
2 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$2,000 - $36,500 

APR 
7.99-35.99% 

on LendingPoint 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

600

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 600. LendingPoint uses FICO score version 9 and VantageScore version 3.

  • Minimum credit history: 6 months.

  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%, not including mortgage.

Pros

  • Soft credit check to pre-qualify.

  • Fast funding.

  • Offers mobile app to manage loan payments.

  • Option to change your payment date.

Cons

  • Reports payments to only two of the three major credit bureaus.

  • No joint, co-signed or secured loans.

  • No large loan amounts.

  • Does not directly pay creditors with debt consolidation loans.

Disclaimer

Applications submitted on this website may be funded by one of several lenders, including: FinWise Bank, a Utah-chartered bank, Member FDIC; Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC; Midland States Bank, Member FDIC; and LendingPoint, a licensed lender in certain states. Loan approval is not guaranteed. Actual loan offers and loan amounts, terms and annual percentage rates ("APR") may vary based upon LendingPoint's proprietary scoring and underwriting system's review of your credit, financial condition, other factors, and supporting documents or information you provide. Origination or other fees from 0% to 8% may apply depending upon your state of residence. Upon final underwriting approval to fund a loan, said funds are often sent via ACH the next non-holiday business day. Loans are offered from $2,000 to $36,500, at rates ranging from 7.99% to 35.99% APR, with terms from 24 to 72 months. Minimum loan amounts apply in Georgia, $3,500; Colorado, $3,001; and Hawaii, $2,000. For a well-qualified customer, a $10,000 loan for a period of 48 months with an APR of 24.90% and origination fee of 8% will have a payment of $331.01 per month. (Actual terms and rate depend on credit history, income, and other factors.) Customers may have the option to deduct the origination fee from the disbursed loan amount if desired. If the origination fee is added to the financed amount, interest is charged on the full principal amount. The total amount due is the total amount of the loan you will have paid after you have made all payments as scheduled.

Best Egg
on Best Egg 
on Nerdwallet 

Best Egg

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Best Egg

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
3 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$2,000 - $50,000 

APR 
8.99-35.99% 

on Best Egg 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

600

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 600; borrower average is 700.

  • Minimum credit history: Three years and three accounts.

  • Minimum income requirement is $3,500; borrower average is $80,000. Borrower must have enough cash flow to cover current financial obligations.

  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 40% or 65% including a mortgage; borrower average is 40%.

  • Employment: Must provide proof of income; part-time employees are eligible.

  • Must provide valid U.S. address and Social Security number.

Pros

  • Offers wide range of loan amounts.

  • Provides secured loan option for homeowners.

  • Offers direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

Cons

  • Origination fee.

  • No rate discounts.

  • No option to choose initial payment date.

Disclaimer

*Trustpilot TrustScore as of June 2020. Best Egg personal loans, including the Best Egg Secured Loan, are made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender or Blue Ridge Bank, a Nationally Chartered Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. “Best Egg” is a trademark of Marlette Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation. All uses of “Best Egg” refer to “the Best Egg personal loan”, “the Best Egg Secured Loan”, and/or “Best Egg on behalf of Cross River Bank or Blue Ridge Bank, as originator of the Best Egg personal loan,” as applicable. The term, amount, and APR of any loan we offer to you will depend on your credit score, income, debt payment obligations, loan amount, credit history and other factors. Your loan agreement will contain specific terms and conditions. About half of our customers get their money the next day. After successful verification, your money can be deposited in your bank account within 1-3 business days. The timing of available funds upon loan approval may vary depending upon your bank’s policies. Loan amounts range from $2,000– $50,000. Residents of Massachusetts have a minimum loan amount of $6,500 ; New Mexico and Ohio, $5,000; and Georgia, $3,000. For a second Best Egg loan, your total existing Best Egg loan balances cannot exceed $100,000. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) range from 8.99%–35.99%. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 0.99%–8.99% of your loan amount, which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive. The origination fee on a loan term 4-years or longer will be at least 4.99%. Your loan term will impact your APR, which may be higher than our lowest advertised rate. You need a minimum 700 FICO® score and a minimum individual annual income of $100,000 to qualify for our lowest APR. For example: a 5‐year $10,000 loan with 9.99% APR has 60 scheduled monthly payments of $201.81, and a 3‐year $5,000 loan with 7.99% APR has 36 scheduled monthly payments of $155.12. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents. Best Egg products are not available if you live in Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories.

Happy Money
on Happy Money 
on Nerdwallet 

Happy Money

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Happy Money

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
2 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$5,000 - $40,000 

APR 
10.50-29.99% 

on Happy Money 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

640

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 640.

  • Minimum credit history: 3 years and 2 accounts.

  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 55%.

  • Minimum income: None; lender will assess cash flow.

  • No bankruptcies filed in past two years.

Pros

  • Pre-qualify with soft credit check.

  • Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

  • Fast funding.

  • Hardship program.

Cons

  • Origination fee.

  • No rate discount.

  • No joint, co-sign or secured loan options.

  • No option to choose initial payment date.

Disclaimer

This does not constitute an actual commitment to lend or an offer to extend credit. Upon submitting a loan application, you may be asked to provide additional documents to enable us to verify your income, assets, and financial condition. Your interest rate and terms for which you are approved will be shown to you as part of the online application process. Most applicants will receive a variety of loan offerings to choose from, with varying loan amounts and interest rates. Borrower subject to a loan origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Refer to full borrower agreement for all terms, conditions and requirements.

Universal Credit
on Universal Credit 
on Nerdwallet 

Universal Credit

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Universal Credit

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
3 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$1,000 - $50,000 

APR 
11.69-35.93% 

on Universal Credit 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

560

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 560.

  • Minimum number of accounts on credit history: 1 account.

  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including mortgage and the loan you’re applying for.

  • Minimum length of credit history: 2 years.

  • Minimum income requirement: None. Lender accepts income from alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and other sources.

Pros

  • Offers direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

  • Fast funding.

  • Offers multiple rate discounts.

  • Offers free credit score access.

Cons

  • Charges origination fee.

  • Borrowers can choose from only two repayment term options.

Disclaimer

Personal loans made through Universal Credit feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 11.69%-35.93%. All personal loans have a 5.25% 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 36 to 60 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 28.47% APR (which includes a 22.99% yearly interest rate and a 7% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,300 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $387.05. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $13,933.62. 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.

Avant
on Avant 
on Nerdwallet 

Avant

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Avant

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
1 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$2,000 - $35,000 

APR 
9.95-35.99% 

on Avant 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

550

Qualifications

  • Minimum credit score: 550.

  • Cannot be in active bankruptcy.

  • Minimum number of accounts on credit report: 1.

  • Minimum monthly income: $1,000.

Pros

  • Fast funding.

  • Option to change your payment date.

  • Option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.

  • Mobile app to manage loan.

Cons

  • May charge an origination fee.

  • No co-signed, joint or secured loans.

  • No rate discounts.

Disclaimer

A $5,700 loan with an administration fee of 4.75% and an amount financed of $5,429.25, repayable in 36 monthly installments, would have an APR of 29.95% and monthly payments of $230.33. Minimum loan amounts may vary by state. If approved, the actual rate and loan amount that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination and other factors. An administration fee of up to 4.75% will be deducted from the loan proceeds. Avant branded credit products are issued by Webbank, member FDIC

OneMain
on OneMain 
on Nerdwallet 

OneMain

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
OneMain

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Loan term 
2 to 5 years 

Loan amount 
$1,500 - $20,000 

APR 
18.00-35.99% 

on OneMain 
on Nerdwallet 

Min. credit

None

Qualifications

  • Must have a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number.

  • Must be 18 or older in most states.

  • Minimum credit score: None.

  • Minimum number of accounts on credit report: None, but applicants with no credit history may not qualify.

  • Minimum income: None; this lender accepts income from employment, alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security payments, investments and public assistance.

Pros

  • Option to choose and change your payment date.

  • Joint and secured loans.

  • Fast funding.

  • Direct payment to creditors on debt consolidation loans.

Cons

  • Rates are high compared to other lenders.

  • Charges origination fee.

  • No rate discounts.

  • Pre-qualification does not allow borrowers to preview potential rates.

Disclaimer

Not all applicants will be approved. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral). If approved, not all applicants will qualify for larger loan amounts or most favorable loan terms. Larger loan amounts require a first lien on a motor vehicle no more than ten years old, that meets our value requirements, titled in your name with valid insurance. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your state of residence and your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral). APRs are generally higher on loans not secured by a vehicle. Highly-qualified applicants may be offered higher loan amounts and/or lower APRs than those shown above. OneMain charges origination fees where allowed by law. Depending on the state where you open your loan, the origination fee may be either a flat amount or a percentage of your loan amount. Flat fee amounts vary by state, ranging from $25 to $500. Percentage-based fees vary by state ranging from 1% to 10% of your loan amount subject to certain state limits on the fee amount. Visit omf.com/loan-fees for more information. Loan proceeds cannot be used for postsecondary educational expenses as defined by the CFPB’s Regulation Z such as college, university or vocational expense; for any business or commercial purpose; to purchase cryptocurrency assets, securities, derivatives or other speculative investments; or for gambling or illegal purposes. Borrowers in these states are subject to these minimum loan sizes: Alabama: $2,100. California: $3,000. Georgia: Unless you are a present customer, $3,100 minimum loan amount. North Dakota: $2,000. Ohio: $2,000. Virginia: $2,600. Borrowers (other than present customers) in these states are subject to these maximum unsecured loan sizes: North Carolina: $7,500. An unsecured loan is a loan which does not require you to provide collateral (such as a motor vehicle) to the lender. Example Loan: A $6,000 loan with a 24.99% APR that is repayable in 60 monthly installments would have monthly payments of $176.07. Time to Fund Loans: Funding within one hour after closing through SpeedFunds must be disbursed to a bank-issued debit card. Disbursement by check or ACH may take up to 1-2 business days after loan closing.


NerdWallet's guide to choosing the best personal loan

An unsecured personal loan can help you cover a large expense, pay for an emergency or consolidate your debt. You can use the funds for almost any purpose.

Each lender offers unique features and benefits, and some work better for certain borrowers and expenses than others. NerdWallet’s personal loan guide will help you compare different lenders and determine which fits your goals.

Why trust NerdWallet? NerdWallet has rated and reviewed personal loans from more than 35 financial institutions. We collect over 45 data points from each lender, interview company representatives, go through lenders’ pre-qualification processes and compare the lenders with each other as well as other financial products. We do not receive compensation for our ratings. Read more about our personal loan star ratings methodology and our editorial guidelines.

What is a personal loan?

A personal loan is money you borrow in a lump sum and repay in fixed monthly payments. This type of loan is usually unsecured, meaning you don’t have to put up property like a house or car as collateral for the loan. You can get a personal loan from a bank, credit union or online lender.

Personal loan amounts are from $1,000 to $100,000, and they’re typically repaid over a term of two to seven years. To qualify you, lenders look at factors including your credit score, credit report and debt-to-income ratio.

What are personal loan rates?

Personal loan rates are from about 6% to 36%. Lenders primarily use your financial and credit information to determine your rate, but may consider additional information like whether you own your home, your education level and your employer. Consumer advocates say 36% is the highest annual percentage rate a loan can have and still be considered affordable.

Borrowers with good to excellent credit scores (690 and higher) typically get the lowest interest rates and can borrow larger amounts. They also have the most options when it comes to shopping for a loan.

Those with fair to bad credit (scores below 690) may have to look a little harder and pay a higher rate for a personal loan. Having steady income, low debt, a long credit history and a record of on-time payments will improve your chances of being approved.

Current average personal loan rates

Here’s what annual percentage rates on personal loans look like, on average:

How's your credit?

Score range

Estimated APR

Excellent

720-850.

11.3%.

Good

690-719.

15.6%

Fair

630-689.

22.3%.

Bad

300-629.

25.2%.

Source: Average rates are based on aggregate, anonymized offer data from users who pre-qualified in NerdWallet’s lender marketplace from July 1, 2022, to Oct. 31, 2022. Rates are estimates only and not specific to any lender. The lowest credit scores — usually below a 500 credit score — are unlikely to qualify. Information in this table applies only to lenders with APRs below 36%.

Personal loan uses

One benefit of getting a personal loan is you can use the money for nearly any purpose. Ideally, getting one positively impacts your overall financial health, by helping you pay off debt faster, for example, or adding to the value of your home. Here are some top reasons consumers get personal loans:

  • Debt consolidation: Roll your debts into one monthly payment, potentially reducing the interest you pay toward the debt and helping you pay it off faster.

  • Home improvement: Need to add on a home office or install a swimming pool? Use a personal loan to cover the costs.

  • Large expenses: You can use a personal loan to buy a boat, RV or other items with large price tags.

  • Weddings: Using a personal loan to pay for your wedding can help you stick to a budget.

  • Emergencies: Because personal loans are funded quickly, they can help cover an urgent home or car repair. Compare any loan with interest-free options.

How to compare personal loans

If you decide a personal loan is right for you, compare rates from multiple lenders. The loan with the lowest APR is the least expensive — and therefore, usually the best choice. Here are the most important features to compare on personal loans.

APR: A loan’s annual percentage rate represents the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. When comparing offers, APR tells you which is the least expensive overall. It also provides an apples-to-apples comparison across financial products, so you can compare the cost of a personal loan to a credit card, for example.

Monthly payment: Even if a loan has a low APR, you need room in your budget to repay it each month. Your monthly payment is determined by the loan amount, interest rate and repayment term. A shorter term may mean higher monthly payments, but you’ll pay less in interest over the life of the loan. Use a personal loan calculator to see how the rate and repayment term affect the monthly payment.

Fees: The most common fees on a personal loan are late and origination fees. An origination fee is often 1% to 10% of your loan amount, and lenders typically deduct the fee before sending you the funds. If your lender charges this fee, make sure the final loan amount will be enough to cover your expense.

Funding time: Many lenders can fund a loan the day after approval, but some take up to a week to send you the money. If you need cash fast, compare fast personal loans to find a lender that offers same- or next-day funding.

Payment flexibility: Some lenders let you choose your initial payment date and allow unlimited changes during repayment, while others require you to pay on the same date each month for the life of the loan. Since you could be repaying this loan for years, consider whether you’ll want the option to change your due date, skip a payment or pause payments during a hardship.

Other consumer-friendly features: If you have a couple of competitive offers, consider other common personal loan features to break the tie. Some lenders offer rate discounts, no fees, extra long repayment terms on home improvement loans or direct fund transfers to other creditors on debt consolidation loans.

Before you get a personal loan

  • Check your credit score. Learn about your personal loan options based on your credit score. This will give you an idea of what rate and payment to expect as you shop for loans. You might decide to postpone getting a loan and instead take steps to build your credit in order to get a lower rate or a larger loan.

  • Compare your options. Interest rates on personal loans for excellent credit start around 6% APR, but if you can qualify for a 0% interest credit card — and pay off the balance within the promotional period — then you may be better off with the credit card. Here's how to compare personal loans and credit cards.

  • Find a co-borrower. If you have bad credit, having a co-signer with good credit allows you to piggyback on his or her creditworthiness and potentially get a better rate. With a co-signed personal loan, your co-signer has to make payments if you fail to.

  • Consider a secured personal loan. Using a car, savings account or other asset as collateral may get you a lower rate. The risk is losing your asset if you default on the loan.

  • Assess your overall financial well-being. Personal loans work best as part of a balanced financial plan. Borrow money to consolidate debt if it means you’ll get out of debt more quickly. But don’t borrow if it only adds financial strain. If your current debt is overwhelming, investigate your debt-relief options.

How to get a personal loan

  1. Review your credit report. Check your credit report to see what a lender will see and take steps to fix any errors or past-due accounts. You can get your free credit report with NerdWallet or at AnnualCreditReport.com.

  2. Calculate your payments. Review your budget to see how much room you have for monthly loan payments. Then, use a personal loan calculator to see what loan amount, rate and repayment term will get you affordable monthly payments.

  3. Pre-qualify and compare offers. Most online lenders allow you to pre-qualify without affecting your credit score. Check your rate with multiple lenders to find the best offer. If you have good credit and an existing banking relationship, take a pre-qualified loan offer to your bank and ask if they’ll beat it. Once you have multiple loan offers in hand, compare the loan features and fine print, including total costs and any penalties.

  4. Gather documents. Most personal loan applications require proof of income, which can be a W-2, pay stubs or bank statements. You’ll also need a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport and your Social Security number. Gather these documents before you apply to speed up the process.

  5. Apply. The final step is to submit your personal loan application. Applying involves a hard credit check that can temporarily lower your credit score. Depending on the lender, you should receive your funds within a few days.

How to manage a personal loan

Even before you receive your loan, make a plan to pay it off, ensuring you can manage on-time monthly payments for the life of the loan — whether that's two or seven years. Missing even one loan payment can hurt your credit score, and defaulting on the loan can mean late fees and collections calls.

If you face a financial setback while paying off your loan, reach out to your lender and ask about a hardship option. Some lenders may allow you to defer loan payments for a specified time.

Online personal loan companies reviewed by NerdWallet

Best lenders for excellent-credit borrowers

Lender

Best for

Min. credit score

Repayment terms

Pre-qualification

Time to fund after approval

Flexible payment options.

660.

3 to 7 years.

Yes.

Next day.

Low rates.

660.

2 to 7 years; up to 12 years for larger home improvement loans.

No.

Same- or next-day.

Free financial advising.

None.

2 to 7 years.

Yes.

Same day.

Best lenders for good-credit borrowers

Lender

Best for

Min. credit score

Repayment terms

Pre-qualification

Time to fund after approval

Joint loans.

620.

2 to 5 years.

Yes.

1 to 3 days.

Credit-building features.

600.

3 or 5 years.

Yes.

Next day.

Credit card consolidation.

640.

2 to 5 years.

Yes.

2 days.

Flexible payment options.

560.

2 to 5 years.

Yes.

3 to 5 days.

Fast approval and funding.

640.

3 or 5 years.

Yes.

Same day.

Best lenders for fair- and bad-credit borrowers

Lender

Best for

Min. credit score

Repayment terms

Pre-qualification

Time to fund after approval

Fast application and approval.

600.

2 to 5 years.

Yes.

Next day.

Secured loans.

None.

2 to 5 years.

Yes.

1 to 2 days.

Credit-building tools.

560.

3 or 5 years.

Yes.

Next day.

Debt consolidation.

560.

2 to 5 years; 7 years on larger home improvement loans.

Yes.

Next day.

AI-powered underwriting.

None.

3 or 5 years.

Yes.

Next day.

See more personal loan options on NerdWallet

Personal loans rating methodology

NerdWallet writers and editors conduct an annual comprehensive fact check and update of our lender reviews, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.

Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer consumer-friendly features, including: soft credit checks to pre-qualify, competitive interest rates and no fees, transparency of rates and terms, flexible payment options, fast funding times, accessible customer service, reporting of payments to credit bureaus and financial education. We also consider regulatory actions filed by agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to consumers and how meaningfully they impact consumers’ experiences.

This methodology applies only to lenders that cap interest rates at 36%, the maximum rate most financial experts and consumer advocates agree is the acceptable limit for a loan to be affordable.

Frequently asked questions


About the author: Annie Millerbernd is a personal loans writer. Her work has appeared in The Associated Press and USA Today.


Disclaimers

Annual Percentage Rates (APR), loan term and monthly payments are estimated based on analysis of information provided by you, data provided by lenders, and publicly available information. All loan information is presented without warranty, and the estimated APR and other terms are not binding in any way. Lenders provide loans with a range of APRs depending on borrowers' credit and other factors. Keep in mind that only borrowers with excellent credit will qualify for the lowest rate available. Your actual APR will depend on factors like credit score, requested loan amount, loan term, and credit history. All loans are subject to credit review and approval.