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Best Personal Loans April 2024

A personal loan is a versatile financial tool that provides unsecured funding, allowing you to address various financial needs. Ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, it offers flexibility to cover expenses like home improvements, medical bills, debt consolidation, or even a special event. When considering personal loans, it's important to carefully compare different lenders and loan terms to find the one that aligns best with your unique financial situation and goals. Taking the time to explore your options ensures you make an informed decision that sets you on a path towards achieving your financial objectives.

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Key Facts

  • Free-to-use marketplace with a choice of vetted lending partners.
  • Borrowers are in control and can compare competitive loan options.
  • No prepayment fees and origination fees as low as 0%
  • Max Loan Amount: $100K

Pros

pros iconGreat for Comparing Lenders

pros icon Fast and Easy

pros iconSecure 256-bit encryption

Cons

cons iconFees Vary

cons iconOther Variable Info

cons iconTerms are Limited

Personal Loans Rate and Terms Disclosure: Rates for personal loans provided by lenders on the Credible platform range between 6.99% – 35.99% APR with terms from 12 to 84 months. Rates presented include lender discounts for enrolling in autopay and loyalty programs, where applicable. Actual rates may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown and will be based on the lender’s eligibility criteria, which include factors such as credit score, loan amount, loan term, credit usage and history, and vary based on loan purpose. The lowest rates available typically require excellent credit, and for some lenders, may be reserved for specific loan purposes and/or shorter loan terms. The origination fee charged by the lenders on our platform ranges from 0% to 8%. Each lender has their own qualification criteria with respect to their autopay and loyalty discounts (e.g., some lenders require the borrower to elect autopay prior to loan funding in order to qualify for the autopay discount). All rates are determined by the lender and must be agreed upon between the borrower and the borrower’s chosen lender. For a loan of $10,000 with a three year repayment period, an interest rate of 7.99%, a $350 origination fee and an APR of 11.51%, the borrower will receive $9,650 at the time of loan funding and will make 36 monthly payments of $313.32. Assuming all on-time payments, and full performance of all terms and conditions of the loan contract and any discount programs enrolled in included in the APR/interest rate throughout the life of the loan, the borrower will pay a total of $11,279.43. As of March 3, 2022, none of the lenders on our platform require a down payment nor do they charge any prepayment penalties..

Prequalified rates are based on the information you provide and a soft credit inquiry. Receiving prequalified rates does not guarantee that the Lender will extend you an offer of credit. You are not yet approved for a loan or a specific rate. All credit decisions, including loan approval, if any, are determined by Lenders, in their sole discretion. Lenders will conduct a hard credit pull when you submit your application. Hard credit pulls will have an impact on your credit score. Lowest rate advertised is not available for all loan sizes, types, or purposes, and assumes a very well qualified borrower with an excellent credit profile. Loan Example: A $10,000 loan with a 5-year term at 13% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) would be repayable in 60 monthly installments of $228 each. The actual payment amount and year-end balance will vary based on the APR, loan amount, and term selected. In this case the total amount expected to pay by the borrower will be $13,680.

Bonus disclosure:
“All bonus payments are by gift card.”

*Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website

  • $600-$100K Loan Amount
  • 550 Min Credit
  • 6.99-35.99% APR
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Key Facts

  • Competitive rates available for good credit scores and income source
  • Access to financial advisors, private networking events, & unemployment protection
  • Flexible terms & payment options with no fees whatsoever
  • Max Loan Amount: $100K

Pros

pros iconPersonal loan application process is easy and only takes a few minutes to complete

pros iconSoft credit check that doesn’t affect your credit score and gives you personalized rates

pros iconFixed and variable rate loans available ranging from $5,000 to $100,000

pros iconNo late or origination fees required

pros iconExcellent customer support team

pros iconOnline autopay comes with a discount on interest

pros iconExclusive benefits for members (ex. networking events and access to financial advisors)

pros iconUnemployment Protection feature comes with a temporary payment pause (up to 12 months)

pros iconNo prepayment penalties

Cons

cons iconMay take up to 4 days to receive funds after approval (longer than other online lenders)

cons iconHigh eligibility requirements (ex. good credit and sufficient income)

“SoFi” is a registered trademark of Social Finance, Inc. SoFi is not affiliated with colleges and universities listed on SoFi.com. Colleges and universities listed on SoFi.com do not endorse, promote or recommend SoFi loan products.

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 other eligible status and and meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. 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, evaluation of your creditworthiness, years of professional experience, income, and a variety of 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, or may become available, such as Income Based Repayment or Income Contingent Repayment or PAYE. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law License No. 6054612. SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp. or an affiliate, NMLS # 1121636. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

Loan Example: A $10,000 loan with a 5-year term at 13% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) would be repayable in 60 monthly installments of $228 each. The actual payment amount and year-end balance will vary based on the APR, loan amount, and term selected. In this case the total amount expected to pay by the borrower will be $13,680

✝︎ To check the rates and terms you qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

©2022 Social Finance, Inc. All rights reserved.”

Fixed rates from 3.99% APR to 9.99% APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% direct deposit interest rate discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 01/16/24 and are subject to change without notice. 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 and will depend on the term you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and a variety of 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 0%-6%, which 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 potentially receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction for setting up direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A. or eligible cash management account offered by SoFi Securities, LLC (“Direct Deposit Account”), you must have an open Direct Deposit Account within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled payroll direct deposits of at least $1,000/month to a Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off direct deposits to your Direct Deposit Account. You are not required to enroll in direct deposits to receive a Loan.

  • $5K-$100K Loan Amount
  • 680 Min Credit
  • 8.99-29.99% APR
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Key Facts

  • Flexible repayment options
  • Great for customers with bad credit score
  • Safe and secure

Pros

pros iconEasy, fast application process

pros iconFunds are disbursed quickly

pros iconBuilds personal credit

Cons

cons iconHigh fees and interest charges

cons iconNo co-signed, joint, or secured loan option

cons iconNo rate discount for automatic payments

Loan Example: A $10,000 loan with a 5-year term at 13% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) would be repayable in 60 monthly installments of $228 each. The actual payment amount and year-end balance will vary based on the APR, loan amount, and term selected. In this case the total amount expected to pay by the borrower will be $13,680

  • $2K-$35K Loan Amount
  • 580 Min Credit
  • 9.95-35.99% APR
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Key Facts

  • Wide range of loan term lengths.
  • No prepayment penalties.
  • Enjoy additional services Axos offer.

Pros

pros iconNo prepayment penalties

pros icon1-year loan terms available

pros iconFast, 2-day funding

pros iconWide range of loan terms

Cons

cons iconHigh credit score requirements

cons iconOrigination fee

cons iconShorter loan terms

Axos Bank® offers bank products and services. All deposit accounts through Axos Bank brands are FDIC insured through Axos Bank. All deposit accounts of the same ownership and vesting held at Axos Bank are combined and insured under the same FDIC Certificate 35546. All deposit accounts through Axos Bank brands are not separately insured by the FDIC from other deposit accounts held with the same ownership and vesting at Axos Bank. For more information, read our FDIC Notice. Axos Bank NMLS# 524995. For example, if you get approved for a $15,000 loan at 6.99% APR for a term of 72 months, you’ll pay just $256 per month for a total amount of $18,432.

 

  • $5K-$50K Loan Amount
  • 690 Min Credit
Powered by Credible
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Key Facts

  • Useful mobile app to manage your loan
  • Accepts co-signer and joint applications
  • Wide range of term lengths and amounts

Pros

pros iconFast funding time

pros iconGreat reputation

pros iconLow-fee loans

pros iconWide range of term lengths

Cons

cons iconYou need to be a PenFed Credit Union member to get a loan

cons iconDoesn’t disclose all eligibility requirements

This website is an informative comparison site that aims to offer its users find helpful information regarding the products and offers that will suit their needs. We are able to maintain a free, high-quality service by receiving advertising fees from the brands and service providers we review on this website (though we may also assess brands we are not engaged with).

These advertising fees, combined with our criteria and methodology, such as the conversion rates, our team of reviewers’ findings and subjective experience, and product popularity, impact the placement and position of the brands within the comparison table. In the event that we assign ratings or scoring, they are based on the standing in the comparison table or according to the other formula in the event detailed explicitly by us. See our How we Rate page and Terms of Use for information.

The reviews, ratings, and scoring are provided “as is” without guarantees or warranties regarding the information contained on our website, which shall not be considered as endorsement. We do our best to keep the information up-to-date. However, an offer’s terms might change at any time. We do not compare or include all service providers, brands, and offers available in the market. Loan Payment Example: A $35,000 personal loan financed at 4.99% APR would amount to 60 monthly payments of approximately $676.49 each.

  • $600-$50K Loan Amount
  • 690 Min Credit
  • 8.49-17.99% APR
Powered by Credible
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Key Facts

  • Good credit gets low rates and zero fees
  • Fast and easy online process
  • $100 Loan Experience Guarantee¹
  • Max Loan Amount: $100K
  • Powered by Credible

Pros

pros iconGet a loan for practically anything

pros iconAutopay discount available

pros iconDedicated app to manage your loan

pros iconLightStream doesn’t charge any fees

Cons

cons iconPersonal loan up to $100K

cons iconRequires steady income

cons icon1-3 Days till funding

LightStream is a part of Truist Bank. While most correspondence will come from LightStream, you might notice the name Truist on certain communications from us. We continue to serve customers across all 50 states, and you do not need to be an existing customer to qualify for a LightStream loan.

Your loan terms, including APR, may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term length, and credit profile. The lowest rates require excellent credit. At least 22% of approved applicants applying for the lowest rate qualified for the lowest rate available based on data from 07/01/2022 to 09/30/2022.

Rate is quoted with an AutoPay discount. AutoPay discount is only available before 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 $10,000 loan at 4.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $299.66.

  • $5K-$100K Loan Amount
  • 660 Min Credit
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Key Facts

  • Borrowers can find a personal loan option that fits their exact needs
  • Offers a comprehensive knowledge hub
  • Simple to use online loan comparison tool
  • Max Loan Amount: $100K

Pros

pros iconDeals with trustworthy lenders

pros iconWide range of personal loans to check out

pros iconEasy to use comparison tool

pros iconMore than four decades of experience

Cons

cons iconNot a direct lender

cons iconNo live chat

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Bankrate is compensated in exchange for featured placement of sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website. This compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Bankrate.com does not include all companies or all available products. Loan Example: A $10,000 loan with a 5-year term at 13% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) would be repayable in 60 monthly installments of $228 each. The actual payment amount and year-end balance will vary based on the APR, loan amount, and term selected. In this case the total amount expected to pay by the borrower will be $13,680

  • $600-$100K Loan Amount
  • 300 Min Credit
  • 7.99-29.99% APR

What is a Personal Loan?

A personal loan is a financial arrangement that allows individuals to borrow a specific amount of money from banks, credit unions, or private lenders for a defined period. Unlike secured loans, personal loans are unsecured, meaning they do not necessitate the borrower to provide collateral. Repayment of these loans occurs over a predetermined timeframe, with interest applied according to the terms set by the chosen lender.

Top Personal Loan Providers

sofi logo
SoFi

Low Rates. No Fees are Required.

680

Min Credit Score

8.99-29.99%

APR. Fixed Rate

8.99-29.99%

APR. Variable Rate

$5K-$100K

Loan Amount

24 to 84 months

Repayment terms

Yes

Soft Credit Pull

Direct

Lender Type

None

Other Fees

None

Origination Fee

None

Prepayment Fee

Same-day funding if approved before 7:00 PM ET days

Funding Time

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Personal loan application process is easy and only takes a few minutes to complete
  • con-icon Soft credit check that doesn’t affect your credit score and gives you personalized rates
  • con-icon Fixed and variable rate loans available ranging from $5,000 to $100,000
  • con-icon No late or origination fees required
  • con-icon Excellent customer support team
  • con-icon Online autopay comes with a discount on interest
  • con-icon Exclusive benefits for members (ex. networking events and access to financial advisors)
  • con-icon Unemployment Protection feature comes with a temporary payment pause (up to 12 months)
  • con-icon No prepayment penalties
  • con-icon May take up to 4 days to receive funds after approval (longer than other online lenders)
  • con-icon High eligibility requirements (ex. good credit and sufficient income)

Loan Purpose

drop-down-btn
  • Credit Card Refinance
  • Debt Consolidation
  • Home Improvement
  • Major Purchase
  • Medical Expenses
  • Relocation
  • Vacation
  • Wedding

Loan Type

drop-down-btn
  • Unsecured Personal Loans

660

Min Credit Score

6.99-25.49%

APR. Fixed Rate

$5K-$100K

Loan Amount

2-7 years

Repayment terms

No

Soft Credit Pull

Direct

Lender Type

None

Other Fees

None

Origination Fee

None

Prepayment Fee

1 days

Funding Time

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Get a loan for practically anything
  • con-icon Autopay discount available
  • con-icon Dedicated app to manage your loan
  • con-icon LightStream doesn’t charge any fees
  • con-icon Personal loan up to $100K
  • con-icon Requires steady income
  • con-icon 1-3 Days till funding

Loan Purpose

drop-down-btn
  • Car
  • Major Purchase
  • Household Expenses
  • Vacation
  • Wedding
  • Other

Loan Type

drop-down-btn
  • Secured Personal Loans
  • Unsecured Personal Loans
  • Fixed-Rate Personal Loans
  • Variable-Rate Personal Loans

600

Min Credit Score

8.99-35.99%

APR. Fixed Rate

8.99-35.99%

APR. Variable Rate

$2K-$50K

Loan Amount

36-60 months

Repayment terms

Yes

Soft Credit Pull

Direct

Lender Type

Yes

Other Fees

0.99-8.99%

Origination Fee

Undisclosed

Prepayment Fee

1-3 days

Funding Time

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Soft credit pull for pre-approval
  • con-icon Funding could arrive in 1 day
  • con-icon Application takes a few minutes
  • con-icon APR presented past pre-approval
  • con-icon Credit score criteria not clear
  • con-icon Loans require an origination fee

Loan Purpose

drop-down-btn
  • Home Improvement
  • Major Purchase
  • Medical Expenses
  • Relocation
  • Vacation
  • Wedding
  • Other

Top Personal Loan Types

Knowing the different types of personal loans can help you choose the right loan for your needs. It's important to compare rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the best personal loan for you.

  1. Secured personal loans: These are loans that require collateral, such as a car or home. If the borrower defaults, the lender can take possession of the collateral.
  2. Unsecured personal loans: These loans don't require collateral but may come with higher interest rates. This is the most common type of personal loan.
  3. Debt consolidation loans: These loans are specifically designed to consolidate multiple debts into one loan with a single monthly payment.
  4. Co-signer loans: These loans allow a borrower to apply with a co-signer who assumes responsibility for the loan if the borrower defaults.
  5. Medical loans: These loans are intended to help individuals pay for medical expenses, including surgeries, treatments, and procedures. They can be a good option if you don't have savings set aside for unexpected medical costs.
  6. Home improvement loans: These loans are used to fund home improvement projects, such as renovations or repairs.
  7. Wedding loans: As the name suggests, wedding loans are designed to cover the cost of your wedding. They can help you pay for expenses such as the venue, catering, and wedding attire, and are typically unsecured loans with fixed interest rates.

How to Take Out a Personal Loan

Taking out a personal loan is an easy, straightforward process. Here's how to do it:

  1. Check your credit score: Your credit score plays an important role in determining whether you qualify for a personal loan. It will also determine the rates and terms of the loan. You can check your credit score for free at websites like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame.
  2. Shop around: There are many lenders out there, and they all have different rates and terms. You should compare offers from multiple lenders before deciding which one to use.
  3. Apply for the loan: Once you've found a lender you want to work with, you'll need to fill out an application. You’ll need to provide information regarding your income, employment status, and other financial obligations.
  4. Wait for approval: The lender will review your application and make a decision. If you're approved, you'll receive an offer outlining the terms of the loan.
  5. Accept the offer and get funded: If you're happy with the offer, you can sign the agreement. The lender will then disburse the funds to you.

Average Personal Loans Interest Rates by Credit Score

Credit Score Rating Average APR
720-840 Excellent 10-12%
680 to 719 Good 13-15%
640 to 679 Fair 16-18%
Under 640 Poor 19% or higher

Average Personal Loan Interest Rates Over Time

Source: WalletHub

How To Compare Personal Loan Providers

Choosing the right lender is essential to getting the best personal loan for your needs. Here are some things to consider when evaluating potential lenders:

  1. Interest rates and fees: Interest rates and fees will vary between lenders. Make sure to compare variable and fixed rates. Also check for any additional fees, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties.
  2. Reputation and customer service: Look for lenders with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check online reviews and ratings from sites Lendstart. Consider the lender's customer service options and responsiveness rate.
  3. Loan terms and flexibility: Consider the loan terms and repayment options offered by each lender. Some lenders may offer more flexible repayment terms than others. Those include longer repayment periods or the option to defer payments for a period of time.
  4. Eligibility requirements: Be sure to check the lender's eligibility requirements before applying. Some lenders may have strict credit score or income requirements, while others may be more flexible.
  5. Application process: Look for lenders with a streamlined and easy application process. Some lenders may offer prequalification options. Those can help you determine your eligibility without impacting your credit score.

Required Documents for a Personal Loan

To apply for a personal loan, you will typically need to provide some personal information and documentation to your lender. Here are some of the most common documents you may need to provide:

  1. Proof of identity: Lenders require a valid government-issued ID like a driver's license or passport. If you plan on using a co-signer, their ID should be provided too.
  2. Proof of income: You will need to provide evidence of a steady income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
  3. Employment verification: Lenders may require verification of your employment status and history, such as a letter from your employer.
  4. Credit history: Lenders will check your credit history and score to assess your creditworthiness.
  5. Financial statements: Depending on the lender, you may need to provide financial statements, such as a balance sheet, profit and loss statement, or cash flow statement.
  6. Collateral documentation: If you're applying for a secured personal loan, you'll need to provide documentation of the collateral you're offering, such as a car title or property deed.
  7. Other documentation: Lenders may require additional documentation, such as proof of insurance, a budget plan, or a loan application form.

Alternative Options to a Personal Loan

While a personal loan can be a good option for some borrowers, other alternatives exist. Here are a few:

  1. Credit cards: This may be a better option if you only need to borrow a small amount of money.
  2. Home equity loan: If you're a homeowner, you may be able to take out a home equity loan for which rates are lower.
  3. 401(k) loan: A 401(k) plan may let you borrow against it. You should only consider this as a last resort since it can result in negative tax consequences.

Finding the Best Rates for Your Financial Needs

Securing the best rates on various financial products is crucial for optimizing your borrowing experience. Whether you're seeking a personal loan, a mortgage, or contemplating other financial moves, making informed choices can save you money in the long run. For credit cards, home loans, auto loans, and savings accounts, it's essential to shop around and compare offers. Each sector has its unique considerations, such as understanding how interest rates affect credit card APRs or exploring different types of home loans. By taking proactive steps to find the most favorable rates, you'll be better equipped to manage your finances and achieve your long-term goals.