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Best personal loans in November 2019
Find the best choice for your personal needs starting at 3.84% APR.
When searching for the best personal loan, the most important factor is you. Even if you have great credit, compare your options carefully before settling on a lender. It could make the difference between a decent personal loan and the best one for you.
11 best personal loans
- SoFi: Best overall
- LightStream: Best for excellent credit
- Laurel Road: Best for good credit
- LendingPoint: Best for fair credit
- NetCredit: Best for bad credit
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Best for home improvement
- Discover: Best for debt consolidation
- LendingClub: Best for fast, peer-funded loans
- Best Egg: Best for loans with a fast turnaround
- Even Financial: Best for comparing lenders
- Upgrade: Best for applying with a cosigner
Our methodology
When choosing the best personal loans, we considered each lender’s rates, fees, terms, borrowing amounts, funding speed and borrower perks. We also looked at customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, as well as running user research with six borrowers to find out what was most important to them.
In September 2019, we added our picks for the best debt consolidation and home improvement loans — two popular uses for personal loans. We revised our list of top providers in November, 2019.
SoFi: Best overall
finder.com’s rating: 4.6 / 5.0
★★★★★
SoFi may be best known for its student loan refinancing option, but it also offers a wide range of personal loans — and qualified borrowers may be approved for up to $100,000. It offers competitive rates, accepts coapplicants and has no fees. But perks career coaching and personalized financial assistance are what really set SoFi apart from other lenders.
| Product Name | SoFi Personal Loan Fixed Rate (with Autopay) |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $5,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $100,000 |
| APR | 5.99% to 17.88% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | 680 |
| Late Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Loan Term | 2 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 7 years |
| Turnaround Time | Varies |
Pros
- Low rates
- No fees
Cons
- Can take a week to get your loan
LightStream: Best for excellent credit
finder.com’s rating: 4.6 / 5.0
★★★★★
LightStream offers one of the best deals around — if you have excellent credit. It has some of the most competitive rates to begin with. And if you get a better offer from another lender, it might beat that rate by 0.1%, as long as the APR meets certain terms and conditions.
| Product Name | LightStream Personal Loans |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $5,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $100,000 |
| APR | Competitive |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | Good to excellent credit |
| Minimum Loan Term | 2 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 7 years |
| Turnaround Time | Varies |
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Fast turnaround
Cons
- Higher rates for longer terms
Laurel Road: Best for good credit
finder.com’s rating: 4.4 / 5.0
★★★★★
Formerly known as DRB, Laurel Road lender offers no-fee personal loans at competitive rates. While its APRs might start higher than some other lenders, its low maximum rate is what makes it a great deal if you have good credit. Other perks, like its 0.25% discount for using autopay, $300 cash bonus for referring a friend and special terms for doctors, dentists and medical residents.
| Product Name | Laurel Road Personal Loans |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $1,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $45,000 |
| APR | 8.01% to 16.30% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | 680 |
| Minimum Loan Term | 3 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 5 years |
Pros
- No origination fee
- Special deals for doctors and dentists
Cons
- Higher APR for longer terms
LendingPoint: Best for fair credit
finder.com’s rating: 3.8 / 5.0
★★★★★
LendingPoint personal loans are available even if you have fair credit — though its rates might be higher than options available to good credit borrowers. It offers personal loans deposited on debit cards, which means you can get your money as fast as the same day, rather than the next day. You can also pay off your loan using a debit card, rather than having to wait for bank transfer.
| Product Name | LendingPoint Personal Loans |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $2,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $25,000 |
| APR | 15.49% to 35.99% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | 600 |
| Minimum Loan Term | 2 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 4 years |
| Turnaround Time | Next business day after approval and document verification |
Pros
- You can qualify with fair credit
Cons
- High rates
- Unpredictable due dates
NetCredit: Best for bad credit
finder.com’s rating: 3.4 / 5.0
★★★★★
NetCredit might come with high rates and terms, but it can be a good option for borrowers with low credit scores. Unlike many other lenders in the non-prime market, it offers the opportunity to rebuild your credit and flexibility with when you repay your loan.
While many sites pick Avant as the best provider for bad credit, we prefer NetCredit because it doesn’t have any credit requirements and comes with minimal fees. Just make sure you live in an eligible state.
| Product Name | NetCredit Personal Loans |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $1,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $10,000 |
| APR | 34% to 155% (Varies by state) |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | No minimum |
| Minimum Loan Term | 0.5 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 5 years |
| Turnaround Time | 1 to 3 business days |
Pros
- No origination fee
- Builds your credit
Cons
- High APR
- Only available in 15 states
Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Best for home improvements
finder.com’s rating: 4.0 / 5.0
★★★★★
Marcus offers a general use unsecured personal loans, making them a good alternative to financing that uses your house as collateral like home equity loans. Its loan amounts fit right in the range of most home improvement costs, doesn’t charge any fees and allows you to defer repayments without having to pay extra interest.
| Product Name | Marcus by Goldman Sachs Personal Loans |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $3,500 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $40,000 |
| APR | 6.99% to 28.99% NY resident rates: 6.99% to 24.99% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | Good to excellent credit |
| Minimum Loan Term | 3 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 6 years |
Pros
- Rewards on-time repayments
- Discount for service members
Cons
- Hard to qualify if you’re self-employed
Discover: Best for debt consolidation
finder.com’s rating: 4.0 / 5.0
★★★★★
This online lender will disburse the funds directly to your creditors if you sign up for debt consolidation. But its low maximum amount might not make it ideal for debts above $35,000.
While other sites often pick Payoff as their top choice for debt consolidation, we chose Discover because it works with more than just credit card debt. Some sites also picked Marcus, but we preferred Discover’s lower rates, longer terms and perks like its 30-day return period.
| Product Name | Discover Personal Loans |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $2,500 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $35,000 |
| APR | 6.99% to 24.99% |
| Interest Rate Type | Variable |
| Min. Credit Score | Varies |
| Minimum Loan Term | 3 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 7 years |
| Turnaround Time | 1 to 7 days |
Pros
- No origination fee
- 30-day return period
Cons
- High maximum APR
- High late fees
LendingClub: Best for fast, peer-funded loans
finder.com’s rating: 3.8 / 5.0
★★★★★
LendingClub is an award-winning peer-to-peer lender that connects borrowers with investors. It offers a risk-free quote of the rates you might qualify for so you can easily compare your offer with other lenders. And if you prefer dealing with one lender for all of your borrowing needs, LendingClub also offers car loans and financing for small businesses.
| Product Name | LendingClub Personal Loan |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $1,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $40,000 |
| APR | 6.95% to 35.89% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | 640 |
| Minimum Loan Term | 3 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 5 years |
| Turnaround Time | As few as 3 days |
Pros
- Accepts cosigners
Cons
- Long turnaround time
- Not available in West Virginia or Iowa
Best Egg: Best for loans with a fast turnaround
finder.com’s rating: 4.8 / 5.0
★★★★★
Best Egg may have one of the lowest maximum amounts, but it makes up for it with speed. It’s one of the fastest personal loan platforms out there, with turnaround in as little as one day.
| Product Name | Best Egg Personal Loans |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $2,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $35,000 |
| APR | 5.99% to 29.99% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | 640 FICO® |
| Origination Fee | 0.99% to 5.99% |
| Late Fee | $15 |
| Minimum Loan Term | 3 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 5 years |
| Turnaround Time | As few as 1 business day(s) |
Pros
- Transparent website
- Excellent customer reviews
Cons
- Not available in Iowa, Vermont or West Virginia
Even Financial: Best for comparing rates from different lenders
finder.com’s rating: 3.8 / 5.0
★★★★★
While Even Financial isn’t a direct lender, it can cut down on the time you spend comparing lenders. By filling out a quick, risk-free online form, you can get potential rate quotes from up to five lenders at once. And unlike many of the other lenders on this list, you only need a score of 580 to potentially qualify for a personal loan.
| Product Name | Even Financial Personal Loans |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $1,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $100,000 |
| APR | 3.84% to 35.99% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | 550 |
| Minimum Loan Term | 2 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 7 years |
| Turnaround Time | Varies |
Pros
- High borrowing amounts
- Long terms
Cons
- Limited to its network of providers
Upgrade: Best for applying with a cosigner
finder.com’s rating: 4.4 / 5.0
★★★★★
Only a handful of personal loan providers allow you to apply with another borrower. Upgrade is one of the only providers in that group that considers both you and your cosigner’s information from the very beginning — in other cases, you have to qualify on your own first. The application is also quick and simple, and doesn’t rely on your credit score as much as other lenders might.
| Product Name | Upgrade Personal Loans* |
|---|---|
| Min. Loan Amount | $1,000 |
| Max. Loan Amount | $50,000 |
| APR | 6.98% to 35.89% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | 600 |
| Origination Fee | 1.5% to 6% |
| Late Fee | $10 |
| Minimum Loan Term | 3 years |
| Maximum Loan Term | 5 years |
| Turnaround Time | As few as 1 business day(s) |
Pros
- Quick turnaround
- No prepayment penalty
Cons
- Origination fee
Compare the best personal loans
Updated November 22nd, 2019
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Best personal loan rates
| Lender | APR |
|---|---|
SoFi | 5.99% to 17.88% |
LightStream | Competitive |
Laurel Road | 8.01% to 16.30% |
LendingPoint | 15.49% to 35.99% |
NetCredit | 34% to 155% (Varies by state) |
Marcus by Goldman Sachs |
6.99% to 28.99% NY resident rates: 6.99% to 24.99% |
Discover | 6.99% to 24.99% |
LendingClub | 6.95% to 35.89% |
Best Egg | 5.99% to 29.99% |
Even Financial | 3.84% to 35.99% |
Upgrade | 6.98% to 35.89% |
Personal loans by lender type
How much will my loan cost?
How much your loan costs depends on the rates, terms and how much you borrow. Use this calculator to get an estimate of your monthly repayment and the total cost of your loan by entering the APR, loan amount and term.
Ask these questions to find the best personal loan
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Read more about personal loans
Bottom line
At the end of the day, the best personal loan depends on your needs and your finances. There are a number of loan types and lenders to cover pretty much any situation, so do some careful research when you’re searching for a loan. Start by reading our guide to personal loans so you know where to look and how to tell when an offer really fits your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Before you visit Laurel Road…
The most qualified applicants have a minimum credit score of 680. Laurel Road tends to be best for people with annual income above $60,000 and total debt of less than 40% their income. If you don’t think Laurel Road is best for you, explore other loan options.
Before you visit Laurel Road…
The most qualified applicants have a minimum credit score of 680. Laurel Road tends to be best for people with annual income above $60,000 and total debt of less than 40% their income. If you don’t think Laurel Road is best for you, explore other loan options.
SoFi disclaimer
Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in an eligible state and meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. To qualify for the lowest rate, you must have a responsible financial history and meet other conditions. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, a responsible financial history, years of experience, income and other factors. Rates and Terms are subject to change at anytime without notice and are subject to state restrictions. SoFi refinance loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers such as Income Based Repayment or Income Contingent Repayment or PAYE. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Financing Law License No. 6054612. SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp., NMLS # 1121636. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
Personal Loans
Fixed rates from 5.99% APR to 17.88% APR (with AutoPay). Variable rates from 6.49% APR to 14.70% APR (with AutoPay). SoFi rate ranges are current as of November 13, 2019 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. If approved for a loan, to qualify for the lowest rate, you must have a responsible financial history and meet other conditions. 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, years of professional experience, income and other factors. See APR examples and terms. Interest rates on variable rate loans are capped at 14.95%. Lowest variable rate of 6.49% APR assumes current 1-month LIBOR rate of 1.81% plus 4.93% margin minus 0.25% AutoPay discount. For the SoFi variable rate loan, the 1-month LIBOR index will adjust monthly and the loan payment will be re-amortized and may change monthly. APRs for variable rate loans may increase after origination if the LIBOR index increases. 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.. All rates, terms, and figures are subject to change by the lender without notice. For the most up-to-date information, visit the lender's website directly.
SoFi unemployment protection
If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you may apply for Unemployment Protection. SoFi will suspend your monthly SoFi loan payments and provide job placement assistance during your forbearance period. Interest will continue to accrue and will be added to your principal balance at the end of each forbearance period, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Benefits are offered in three month increments, and capped at 12 months, in aggregate, over the life of the loan. To be eligible for this assistance you must provide proof that you have applied for and are eligible for unemployment compensation, and you must actively work with our Career Advisory Group to look for new employment. If the loan is co-signed the unemployment protection applies where both the borrower and cosigner lose their job and meet conditions.
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