Best Personal Loans
SoFi
Best OverallBorrowers with excellent credit
Pros
- No origination fees or prepayment penalties
- Rate discount with autopay
Cons
- Higher credit score requirements
- Limited term options
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Best for No FeesFee-conscious borrowers
Pros
- No fees whatsoever
- Flexible payment date
Cons
- Lower maximum loan amounts
- Limited term options
LightStream
Best for Fast FundingQuick funding needs
Pros
- Same-day funding available
- Long repayment terms up to 12 years
Cons
- No pre-qualification
- Excellent credit required for best rates
Discover Personal Loans
Best for Debt ConsolidationDebt consolidation
Pros
- No origination fees
- 30-day return policy
Cons
- Lower maximum loan amounts
- Limited availability in some states
Upstart
Best for Fair CreditFair credit borrowers
Pros
- Accepts lower credit scores
- AI-powered underwriting
Cons
- Higher APRs for some borrowers
- Origination fees apply
Rocket Loans
Best Online ExperienceQuick online process
Pros
- Same-day funding possible
- Simple online application
Cons
- Origination fees may apply
- Higher APRs for some
Personal loan rates today
Personal loan rates vary based on your credit score, income, and other factors. Here's what you can expect:
How to get a personal loan
Check your credit score
Your credit score affects your interest rate and loan approval odds. Check your score for free before applying.
Shop around and compare
Compare rates, terms, and fees from multiple lenders. Many offer pre-qualification with no credit impact.
Get pre-qualified
See potential rates and terms without affecting your credit score. This helps you understand your options.
Choose a lender and apply
Select the best offer and complete your full application. Have your financial documents ready.
Review and accept terms
Carefully review the loan terms, including the APR, monthly payment, and total cost before accepting.
Receive your funds
Once approved, funds are typically deposited into your bank account within 1-7 business days.
Types of personal loans
Unsecured personal loans
Don't require collateral. Approval based on creditworthiness and income. Higher rates than secured loans but no risk of losing assets.
- No collateral required
- Faster approval process
Secured personal loans
Backed by collateral like savings or a car. Lower rates than unsecured loans but risk losing collateral if you default.
- Lower interest rates
- Easier to qualify
Personal loan alternatives
Option | Personal loan pros | HELOC pros | Credit card pros | Credit card cons |
---|---|---|---|---|
Interest Rate | Fixed rate and payment | Minimum payment option | No minimum payment option | High interest rates |
Qualification | Based on credit and income | Based on home equity | Easier qualification | Can hurt credit if overused |
Frequently asked questions
What credit score do I need for a personal loan?
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 600-650, but you'll get better rates with scores above 700. Some lenders work with borrowers who have fair credit (580-669).
How much can I borrow with a personal loan?
Personal loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on the lender and your qualifications. Your income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio will determine your loan amount.
How quickly can I get a personal loan?
Some lenders offer same-day funding, while others take 1-7 business days. Online lenders are typically faster than traditional banks. Pre-qualification can be instant.
Can I pay off a personal loan early?
Most personal loans allow early repayment without penalties, but some lenders charge prepayment fees. Check your loan terms before signing.
How we choose our best personal loan lenders
We evaluate personal loan lenders based on several key factors to help you find the best option for your needs:
- Interest rates and fees: We compare APRs, origination fees, and other costs across lenders.
- Loan terms and amounts: We look at repayment terms, minimum and maximum loan amounts.
- Customer experience: We consider application process, customer service, and user reviews.
- Funding speed: We evaluate how quickly you can receive funds after approval.