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Best Personal Loan Lenders for March 2026

Compare lender's rates & loan amounts to find the lender for you. You might be asked to enter personal information such as your SSN to pre-qualify. There will be no impact to your credit score.

Stellar customer reviews: Best Egg personal loans

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FINDER'S PICK

8.5 Great

  • Borrow up to $50,000
  • Fast turnaround
  • Checking your rate won't affect your credit score
  • Available to residents of 47 states
  • Min. credit score: 640
*Trustpilot TrustScore as of April 2025. Best Egg loans are personal loans made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, Column N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, or Blue Ridge Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. 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 ; Ohio, $5,001; and Georgia, $3,001. For a second Best Egg loan, your total existing Best Egg loan balances cannot exceed $100,000. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) range from 6.99%–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%– 9.99% 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. TO REPORT A PROBLEM OR COMPLAINT WITH THIS LENDER, YOU MAY WRITE OR CALL– Operations Manager, Email: crt-resolutions@bestegg.com, Address: P.O. Box 42912, Philadelphia, PA 19101, Phone: 1-855-282-6353. This lender is licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Financial Institutions Division, P.O. Box 25101, 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504. To report any unresolved problems or complaints, contact the division by telephone at (505) 476-4885 or visit the website https://www.rld.nm.gov/financial-institutions/

No fees required: SoFi personal loans

9 Excellent

  • Competitive APRs from 8.74% to 35.49%
  • Loans up to $100,000
  • No required fees
  • Career training and networking events available
  • Min. credit score: 680
Fixed rates from 8.74% APR to 35.49% APR. APR reflects the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or, Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 04/24/25 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/#eligibility-personal. 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. Loan amounts range from $5,000– $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive. Autopay: 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. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi. Direct Deposit Discount: To be eligible to receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction on your Personal Loan (your “Loan”), you must set up Direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., or enroll in SoFi Plusby paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee, all within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled Direct Deposit to an eligible Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion, or during periods in which SoFi successfully receives payment of the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off Direct Deposit to your Checking and Savings account or in which you have not paid for the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. You are not required to enroll in Direct Deposit or to pay the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee to receive a Loan.

Good for fair credit: Upstart personal loans

9.3 Excellent

  • Work and education get you better rates
  • Hardship program
  • Funding as fast as next business day
  • Min. credit score: 300
  • Not available in: Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, West Virginia

For excellent credit: LightStream personal loans

9.5 Excellent

  • Borrow up to $100,000
  • Get funds as fast as same day
  • Competitive rates
  • No origination fees
  • Min. credit score: 660
Your loan terms, including APR, may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term length, and your credit profile. Lowest rates require excellent credit. At least 27% of approved applicants applying for the lowest rate qualified for the lowest rate available based on data from 10/01/2024 to 12/31/2024. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount. AutoPay discount is only available prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice.

Payment example: Monthly payments for a $25,000 loan at 6.49% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $766.11.

Maximum APR for a LightStream loan is 25.79%. Loan terms range from 24 - 240 months depending on the loan type.

A personal loan is money you borrow to cover a large, one-time expense and repay with interest in equal monthly installments. Compared to credit cards, it can be a cheaper way to finance a big project, like making a home improvement or consolidating debt.

While personal loan rates typically range from 5.99% to 35.99%, the average interest rate for a 24-month personal loan is 11.65% as of November 2025, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. Some lenders also charge origination fees, which can push up the APR, but if you have very good to excellent credit, you shouldn’t have to pay these.

The lenders in this list offer some of the most competitive rates and terms available today, with options for all credit types.

8 best personal loans

Finder Score Loan amount Loan term APR

Best overall

Lightstream logo
Finder score
Finder score
$5,000 to $100,000
24 to 240 months
6.49% to 24.89%
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Why we like it

LightStream offers some of the lowest rates out there, starting at 6.49%, and it doesn’t charge origination or other fees. Its Rate Beat program promises a rate 0.1% below any competitor's unsecured loan rate if you're approved for that lower rate. It also offers a $100 satisfaction guarantee and a generous 0.5% discount if you set up autopay before funding.

But you may struggle to qualify if you don't have good-to-excellent credit. You also can't check your rate without affecting your credit, as it doesn't offer prequalification.

Pros

  • High maximum loan amount
  • Multiple rate discounts
  • Same-day turnaround possible

Cons

  • High minimum loan
  • No preapproval process
  • Requires good to excellent credit

Best for young professionals

Bankrate logo
Finder score
Finder score
$5,000 to $100,000
2 to 7 years
8.74% to 35.49%
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Why we like it

SoFi® is one of the truly no-fee lenders out there, and doesn't charge a mandatory origination fee or late fees. It offers competitive rates and loans up to $100,000 as soon as the same day you're approved. On top of this, SoFi® borrowers can access perks like financial planning and networking events. These benefits make it great for young professionals who want help establishing their career and building wealth. SoFi® can also send money to your creditors directly if you want to consolidate debt, and it offers a 0.25% rate discount for choosing this option.

Pros

  • 0.25% autopay discount available
  • Same-day funding available
  • No fees or prepayment penalties

Cons

  • High $5,000 minimum loan
  • 0.25% autopay discount requires SoFi checking account and direct deposit

Best for fair credit

Upstart Personal Loans logo
Finder score
Finder score
$1,000 to $75,000
36 or 60 months
6.20% to 35.99%
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Why we like it

Unlike most personal loan lenders, Upstart accepts credit scores as low as 300, making it ideal for people who haven't built a credit history yet. That's because it uses more than just your credit to make a decision — your employment history and education also play a role.

However, Upstart's application asks for more information than typical, like your transcripts and SAT scores, in some cases. Plus, while its rates start as low as 6.5%, it charges origination fees up to 12%.

Pros

  • Low starting rates
  • Nontraditional underwriting process
  • Prequalification available

Cons

  • Up to 12% origination fee
  • No joint loans or cosigners allowed
  • Only two loan term options

Best for bad credit

MoneyLion logo
Finder score
Finder score
$1,500 to $20,000
24, 36, 48 or 60 months
11.99% to 35.99%
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Why we like it

OneMain Financial is a highly rated lender that doesn't have a minimum credit score requirement, making it ideal for borrowers with bad credit. While its interest rates start higher than some competitors, it caps rates at 35.99%. While still high, it may not be a bad deal for borrowers with poor credit, as its rates are much lower than those of payday and installment loans. You may also be able to secure your loan with collateral to qualify for a lower interest rate. But it's still expensive compared to some lenders, especially if you have good credit.

Pros

  • Same-day debit card funding
  • All credit scores considered
  • Offers secured loans
  • Low rates compared to bad-credit alternatives

Cons

  • High starting APR
  • Low $20,000 maximum loan amount
  • Some loans may require collateral

Best for self-employed borrowers

Best Egg logo
Finder score
Finder score
$2,000 to $100,000
3 to 5 years
6.99% to 35.99%
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Why we like it

Unlike some lenders, Best Egg welcomes self-employed applicants, although you will need to provide your last two years of tax returns. It also offers competitive rates starting at just 6.99%. You can check your rate in just a few minutes, and funding is possible in as little as 24 hours. But it charges origination fees of 0.99% to 9.99%, and it’s not available in a few states.

Pros

  • Accepts self-employed income
  • Rates as low as 6.99%
  • Funding possible within 24 hours

Cons

  • Origination fees as high as 9.99%
  • Rates up to 35.99%
  • Not available in a few states

Best for comparing lenders

MoneyLion logo
Finder score
MoneyLion personal loans
Finder score
$500 to $250,000
Varies by lender
Varies by lender
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Why we like it

MoneyLion is a free service that connects you with top lenders to find a personal loan tailored to your needs, whether it's for home improvements, debt consolidation, or unexpected expenses. Loans range from $500 to $100,000, and how much you can borrow depends on your credit score, income, and other factors. It also claims it can help borrowers with less-than-stellar credit gain access to a loan.

However, reviews of the company are mixed, and it’s not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Plus, loan marketplaces like this often share your information, which can lead to extra sales calls.

Pros

  • Compare multiple lenders with one application
  • Simple and quick application
  • Low minimum loan amount available

Cons

  • Shares your information with third parties
  • Mixed reviews online
  • May not be available in all states

Best credit union loan

PenFed Credit Union logo
Finder score
Finder score
$600 to $50,000
1 to 5 years
6.74% to 17.99%
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Why we like it

Compared to other lenders, PenFed offers flexible loan amounts and competitive rates. You can apply for a loan starting at just $600 all the way up to $50,000. PenFed Credit Union accepts borrowers with credit scores as low as 580 and caps interest rates at 17.99% — instead of 35.99% like many personal loan lenders. To apply for a loan, you need to become a member, but it only requires that you open a savings account with a $5 deposit.

Pros

  • No origination fee
  • Online application
  • Accepts fair credit
  • Interest rates capped at 17.99%

Cons

  • ACH transfers may not be available in every state
  • Funding could take longer than some online lenders
  • Must be a PenFed member to qualify

Best for debt consolidation

Discover logo
Finder score
Finder score
$2,500 to $40,000
36 to 84 months
7.99% to 24.99%
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Why we like it

Discover can send funds directly to your creditors, making it easy to pay off high-interest debts. It also doesn't charge origination fees and can disburse your loan as soon as the next business day.

But the maximum loan amount is lower compared to some lenders on our list. And you’ll need a credit score of 660 or higher and at least $25,000 in annual income.

Pros

  • Sends funds directly to creditors
  • No origination fee
  • Next-day turnaround possible

Cons

  • Requires at least 660 credit score
  • Relatively low max loan amount
  • Must have minimum annual income of $25,000
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Methodology: How we choose the best providers

Finder’s lending experts review more than 120 lenders against 16 key metrics to narrow down the best personal loans:

  • Minimum APR
  • Maximum APR
  • Origination fees
  • Minimum loan amount
  • Maximum loan amount
  • Minimum loan term
  • Maximum loan term
  • Number of states served
  • Minimum credit score
  • Joint application availability
  • Turnaround time
  • Online application availability
  • Prequalification process
  • BBB ratings
  • Trustpilot ratings
  • Other features, such as rate discounts

We weigh the lender’s minimum and maximum APR to focus on the best low-interest personal loans. And we regularly review our top selections as lenders enter and leave the market or change their terms.

What goes into a personal loan APR?

The APR tells you how much you’ll pay in interest and fees on your personal loan over one year. This makes it the easiest way to compare the cost of loans with the same term.

It often includes an origination fee, which lenders charge after you sign your loan contract. But it doesn’t include penalties like late fees, nonsufficient funds (NSF) fees or prepayment penalties.

How to apply for a personal loan

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1. Determine the amount

Crunch some numbers to figure out how much you need to borrow and how much you can afford to pay back each month. Also, compare different types of loans to find the one that suits your needs best.

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2. Shop around

Look for lenders that offer the type of loan you need and eligibility requirements you can meet. Then compare factors like rates, fees and terms.

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3. Prequalify

After you narrow down your choices, fill out a quick application with a few different lenders to learn which rates and terms you might get. This usually doesn’t affect your credit score.

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4. Finish the application

After you decide on a lender, follow the steps to complete the full application and submit documents like pay stubs to verify your income.

Where can I get a personal loan?

You have a variety of personal loan providers to pick from. However, you’ll typically have more loan options if you have a stronger credit score. Depending on the type of provider you choose, you can apply for a personal loan in person, online or over the phone.

  • Direct online lenders. Online lenders have more flexible lending criteria and offer a straightforward application process. If approved, your personal loan can be deposited into your bank account as soon as the next business day — but it may take up to a week.
  • Banks. Personal loans from a bank are often the least expensive option out there — many also offer interest rate or origination fee discounts to current customers. But it can be harder to get approved at a bank, and new customers can expect to wait weeks to get approved.
  • Credit unions. Personal loans from a credit union are usually easier to qualify for than a bank, but often have higher interest rates and fees. You also must become a member to apply — which is often limited based on where you live or your profession.
  • Peer-to-peer platforms. Peer-to-peer platforms connect borrowers with investors who fund the loan. They usually offer loans that are be easier to qualify for than a bank or credit union, but tend to charge high origination fees — even compared to direct online lenders. And it can take weeks to get your funds.
  • Brokers and connection services. Brokers and connection services take your personal information to help you compare providers. Brokers often charge a fee for their service but offer assistance with the application. Connection services are automated and don’t make lending decisions themselves.

What are the requirements for a personal loan?

There’s a personal loan for almost any type of borrower. But you have to meet the following criteria to qualify with most lenders:

  • Good credit. The credit score cutoff is often around 670 — and usually higher if you want a low rate.
  • Steady income. You typically need to bring in at least $24,000 a year.
  • Employment. Some lenders will only work with borrowers who are employed full time.
  • Low debt-to-income ratio. Most lenders require your monthly expenses to be no more than 43% of your monthly income, though the lower the better.
  • US citizen or resident. If you don’t have a green card or citizenship, your options are limited to the few lenders that work with nonresidents.
  • Age of majority. In most states, you must be 18 to borrow. But the age of majority is 19 in Alabama and Nebraska, and 21 in Mississippi.

Frequently asked questions about personal loans

Read more about personal loans with these answers to common questions.

What is the best place to get a personal loan?

The best place to borrow depends on your priorities. If you need money fast, an online lender can get you funds as soon as the next business day. But if you’re looking for a low interest rate or origination fee, banks tend to offer the least expensive option.

Can I get a personal loan with a credit score of 550?

You can qualify for personal loan with a credit score of 550. But your options are limited if you have bad credit — or a credit score under 580. If you need money quickly, you might consider a bad-credit lender, which often offers funding as soon as the next business day.

But you could end up paying a higher interest rate and origination fee than you would with a bank or online lender that offers personal loans to those with good credit scores. If you have the time, you might be eligible for personal loans from a credit union or local bank. These which often have lower credit requirements than big national banks and offer relatively low interest rates.

Can I get a personal loan for $100,000?

While most lenders offer funding between $2,000 and $50,000, it’s possible to find a $100,000 personal loan. But not everybody can qualify. Generally, you’ll need to have a credit score of at least 760, a debt-to-income ratio under 20% and enough income to support monthly payments for the loan term you choose.

What is the easiest loan to get approved for?

Online lenders tend to have higher approval rates than other providers and often offer some of the easiest personal loans to get approved for. But going for a lender with a high approval rate often means you’ll land a higher interest rate and origination fee than you might pay with another provider. Consider prequalifying with a few lenders with minimum credit score, debt-to-income ratio and other requirements that you meet.

When should I use a credit card instead?

Credit cards can be a better choice if you can repay the amount you need to borrow within a month or two. While your credit card likely has a higher interest rate than a personal loan, you could end up paying no interest at all if you can pay it back over a short period of time. A personal loan is helpful when you want to pay off a large purchase or refinance credit card debt with a low monthly payment.

How long can I take out a personal loan for?

Most lenders offer personal loan terms that range from three to seven years. However, it’s possible to find a loan term as short as one year. Your loan term determines your monthly payment and total loan cost. To strike a balance between monthly payments and total loan cost, go for the shortest term you can afford.

How do personal loans affect my credit score?

Personal loans can improve your credit score by adding to your history of on-time payments and diversifying the types of credit in your name.

When you apply, it can temporarily hurt your credit, however, since lenders run a hard credit check which dings your score. And if you miss a payment or default, it can damage your credit.

Can I take out a personal loan to invest?

You can, but it might not end well. Investing itself is incredibly risky and taking out a personal loan increases that risk even more.

Some experienced investors take out personal loans after they’ve gotten the hang of weighing the risks, but it takes a while to get to their level. And even they don’t always win.

What is a prime borrower?

Prime borrowers typically have credit scores above 720, no delinquencies on their credit report and a minimum six-year credit history.

Can I get a loan with no origination fee?

Yes, many lenders offer loans with no origination fee — and several offer loans with no fees at all. Compare no-fee personal loans and find the best option for your needs.

How do I get an unsecured loan?

Unsecured loans, or otherwise known as signature loans, are loans that don’t require any collateral. They are based on your creditworthiness. Keeping your credit score at good or excellent and a clean credit history will get you a better rate. Usually you need to have proof of income, be a resident of the US and have a Social Security number to apply for an unsecured loan.

What happens if I use my loan for a different purpose than I applied for?

Often, nothing will happen — unless the lender finds out. But if you violate the contract of your loan, your loan goes into default.

Your lender could also take legal action if it finds out that you used the money for something other than what you agreed to. This would be on the grounds that you falsified information on your application.

Can I buy a house with a personal loan?

No. To purchase a home you’ll need a mortgage. Mortgages work differently than personal loans and are a bit complicated. To learn more about how home loans work, read our guide to mortgages.

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