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Best Private Student Loans December 2024

Private student loans are unsecured loans, that can be used to cover some or all of your college education. These loans have varying terms and conditions than federal student loans. Many private lenders offer student loans to undergraduate, graduate, technical college, or professional-level students.

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Key Facts

  • Min credit score: 650
  • Must be a U.S. permanent resident or have a cosigner who is
  • Applicants must have a minimum gross annual income of $35,000
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution

Pros

pros iconFlexible repayment options

pros iconQuick application review process

pros iconGood range of loan types

pros iconCompetitive rates

Cons

cons iconNeed to hit satisfactory academic progress

cons iconLate payment fee in place

College Ave’s student loan products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.

  • $1K-$300K Loan Amount
  • 650 Min Credit
  • 3.47-17.99% APR Fixed
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Key Facts

  • Minimum credit score: 650/680
  • Minimum of $5,000 loan balance
  • Must be a US citizen or hold a 10-year Permanent Resident Card
  • Student loan debt must be from Title IV-accredited schools
  • Must be employed, have a written job offer that will begin in 6 months, or possess consistent income
  • Must not have any previous bankruptcies on credit report

Pros

pros iconLow interest rates

pros iconYou can customize your loan payment

pros iconYou can skip 1 payment every 12 months (after at least 5 months of on-time interest payments)

pros iconNo origination or prepayment fees

Cons

cons iconYou can’t apply with a cosigner

cons iconCredit score minimum of 650

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  • $1K-$500K Loan Amount
  • 650 Min Credit
  • 4.45-14.9% APR Fixed
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Key Facts

  • Minimum credit score of 660
  • Debt-to-income ratios vary by lender
  • Annual income requirements vary by lender
  • Minimum annual income: $24,000

Pros

pros iconCan refinance Parent PLUS loans

pros iconQuickly compare multiple lending partners on a single platform

pros iconGet your rate and find out if you qualify with a soft credit pull

pros iconSome lending partners will refinance student loans without a degree

Cons

cons iconSame interest rate as going directly through lender

cons iconThose with high debt-to-income ratios may find it challenging to find a lender

Personal Loans Rate and Terms Disclosure: Rates for personal loans provided by lenders on the Credible platform range between 6.94% – 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 12%. 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. 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.

To check the rates and terms you may prequalify for, Credible conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. If you choose a lender and continue with your application, the lender will usually conduct a hard credit pull that may impact your credit score.

Debt consolidation and credit card refinancing involve using a new loan to pay off your existing balance. This does not eliminate debt, but replaces one debt with another. While personal loan rates generally are lower than credit card interest rates, you may pay more in origination fees and interest over the life of the loan depending on other loan terms. Please consult a financial advisor to determine if refinancing or consolidating is right for you.

Student Loan Rate and Terms Disclosure:  Rates displayed include Automatic Payment and Loyalty Discounts, where applicable. Note that such discounts do not apply while loans are in deferment. The lenders on the Credible.com platform offer fixed rates ranging from 3.49% – 17.99% APR and Variable interest rates from 4.63% – 17.99% APR. Variable rates will fluctuate over the term of the borrower’s loan with changes in the Index rate. The Index will be either LIBOR or SOFR. Rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Your actual rate may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown above and will be based on factors such as the term of your loan, your financial history (including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history) and the degree you are in the process of achieving or have achieved. While not always the case, lower rates typically require creditworthy applicants with creditworthy co-signers, graduate degrees, and shorter repayment terms (terms vary by lender and can range from 5-20 years) and include Automatic Payment and Loyalty discounts, where applicable. Loyalty and Automatic Payment discount requirements as well as Lender terms and conditions will vary by lender and therefore, reading each lender’s disclosures is important. Additionally, lenders may have loan minimum and maximum requirements, degree requirements, educational institution requirements, citizenship and residency requirements as well as other lender-specific requirements. Lenders will conduct a hard credit pull when you submit your application. Hard credit pulls will have an impact on your credit score.

Student Loan Refinancing Rate and Terms Disclosure: The lenders on the Credible.com platform offer fixed rates ranging from 3.85% – 11.85% (3.85% – 11.85% APR). Variable interest rates offered by the lenders on Credible.com range from 4.86% – 13.34% (4.86% – 13.34% APR). Variable rates will fluctuate over the term of the borrower’s loan with changes in the Index rate. The Index will be either LIBOR, SOFR, or the Prime Rate of interest as published in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The maximum variable rate on the Education Refinance Loan is the greater of 21.00% or Prime Rate plus 9.00%. Rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Your actual rate may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown above and will be based on factors such as the term of your loan, your financial history (including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history) and the degree you are in the process of achieving or have achieved. While not always the case, lower rates typically require creditworthy applicants with creditworthy cosigners, graduate degrees, and shorter repayment terms (terms vary by lender and can range from 5-20 years) and include loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts, where applicable. Loyalty and Automatic Payment discount requirements as well as Lender terms and conditions will vary by lender and therefore, reading each lender’s disclosures is important. Additionally, lenders may have loan minimum and maximum requirements, degree requirements, educational institution requirements, citizenship and residency requirements as well as other lender-specific requirements.

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

  • $2K-$500K Loan Amount
  • 660 Min Credit
  • 3.45-17.99% APR Fixed
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Pros

pros iconHELOC loan, so funds can be used for a student loan or refinancing

pros iconQuicker application process than a traditional student loan

pros iconCompetitive rates of interest available

Cons

cons iconNot available in all US states

cons iconNo co-signer option

cons iconOnly certain housing types are eligible

Figure Disclaimer: Figure Lending LLC dba Figure. 15720 Brixham Hill Avenue, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28277. (888) 819-6388. NMLS ID 1717824.

For licensing information, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Opportunity Lender. Equal Housing Opportunity. This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage solicitation activity or loan applications for properties located in the State of New York can be facilitated through this site.

As a representative example, an eligible borrower obtained a loan amount of $15,000 with a 5% origination fee at an interest rate of 9.65% for 36 months. That would include an origination fee of $750.00 for an APR of 13.204%. They would receive $14,250.00 and make 36 monthly payments of $481.55. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000; loan term lengths are 36 months or 60 months.

California loans are made and arranged according to a Finance Lenders Law License. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Finance Lenders Law (License 60DBO81967). To check the rates and terms you qualify for, we will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. Yet, if you continue and submit an 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.

Next Day Funding requires the application to be approved and documents signed before 4 p.m. PST or 7 p.m. EST. Please check with your institution to ensure funds availability before attempting to access the funds. Limit one $100 bonus per customer. The bonus will be deposited in the Figure Pay account within 30 days of the second consecutive deposit, satisfying the requirements for the bonus.

HELOC:* Approval may be granted in five minutes but is ultimately subject to verification of income and employment, as well as verification that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing.

*Available APRs range from 6.65% – 16.05*, which includes the payment of a higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced interest rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states.(the advertised APR includes a combined 0.40% discount for opting into a credit union membership (0.15%) and enrolling in autopay (0.25%) as well as payment of higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states). The lowest APRs are only available to the most qualified applicants, depending on credit profile and the state where the property is located, and those who also select five year loan terms; APRs will be higher for other applicants and those who select longer loan terms. As representative example, for a borrower with a 60% CLTV and a 740 credit score who is eligible for and chooses to pay a 4.99% origination fee in exchange for a reduced APR on a five-year Figure Home Equity Line with an initial draw amount of $50,000 would have a fixed annual percentage rate (APR) of 8.2%. The total loan amount would be $54,100. Your actual rate will depend on many factors such as your credit, combined loan-to-value ratio, loan term, occupancy status, and whether you are eligible for and choose to pay a higher origination fee in exchange for a lower rate. Rates change frequently so your exact APR will depend on the date you apply. APRs for home equity lines of credit do not include costs other than interest. You will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of your initial draw, depending on the state in which your property is located and your credit profile. You may also be responsible for paying the costs of valuation if an AVM is not available for your property ($180), manual notarization if your county doesn’t permit eNotary ($380), and recording fees ($0 – $315) and recording taxes, which vary by state and county ($0-$1,400 per one hundred thousand dollars borrowed). Property insurance is required as a condition of the loan and flood insurance may be required if your property is located in a flood zone.

  • $20K-$400K Loan Amount
  • 640 Min Credit
  • 6.10-14.74% APR Fixed
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Key Facts

  • Minimum credit score of 660
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%
  • Minimum of an associate’s degree from a federal financial aid-eligible school
  • Not available in Nevada, Rhode Island, Maine, North Dakota, or West Virginia

Pros

pros iconNo origination fee

pros iconForbearance available

pros iconLow minimum annual income of $24,000; $12,000 with a cosigner

pros iconBorrowers can refer new borrowers to LendKey for a $200 bonus

Cons

cons iconNo option for bi-weekly autopay payments

cons iconNot available without a degree

We are not a lender or broker. We do not take applications, make loans, or make credit decisions in connection with your loans. We are not registered or licensed by any state or federal governmental entity for our services. You may contact us using the information in the Notice and Contacting Us section below. We work to arrange for the extension of credit through one of our Lenders. We use the information you provide us to allow our Lenders to offer loans that may be of interest to you.

We collect information from you to register you as a user of our website and to determine if you meet a Lender’s eligibility criteria. After we analyze the information you provide, we will work with Lenders to arrange a loan offered by a Lender.

If you are eligible to apply for loans offered by Lenders, then we may display choices that may interest you. You will then have the opportunity to select one of the choices. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Lenders, then we may not provide you with any choices.

You will have to complete an application with a Lender before it offers you a loan. Lenders offer these terms directly to you. We may transfer your information to Lenders at your request and with your authorization to allow the Lender to prepare your application with it for you to submit. This is the point that you start an application process for a loan from the Lender that you have selected. The application process takes place with the Lender; we do not offer you the loan.

  • $5K-$300K Loan Amount
  • 660 Min Credit
  • 4.89-10.39% APR Fixed
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Key Facts

  • Minimum credit score of 650
  • Minimum loan amount of $5,000
  • US citizen, permanent resident or visa holder
  • Employed with sufficient income or have an offer of employment beginning in the next 3 months
  • Graduated with an associate’s degree or higher from a Title IV school
  • Looking to refinance education debt only

Pros

pros iconStudent loans have competitive rates and no hidden fees

pros iconQualified education loans are eligible for refinancing

pros iconMembership benefits and discounts

pros iconFlexible repayment plans and deferment available

Cons

cons iconHigher eligibility requirements than other student loan lenders (ex. 650 minimum credit score)

cons iconNot all student loans come with a cosigner release option (though you may be able to remove the cosigner by refinancing)

“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 3.79% APR to 14.83% 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-$500K Loan Amount
  • 650 Min Credit
  • 3.54-14.83% APR Fixed
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Key Facts

  • Credit score of 640 or higher (varies by lender)
  • Lenders require at least an associate degree
  • Some lenders require a bachelor’s degree from a Title IV accredited school
  • Degree requirements vary according to the lender
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the United States

Pros

pros iconEasy pre-qualification with no hard credit pull

pros iconGet to search rates from multiple banks and credit unions at once

pros iconGreat customer service reputation

pros iconReasonable interest rates available

Cons

cons iconNot available to people with bad credit rating

cons iconTerms and requirements vary by lender partner

cons iconYou may need to join a credit union if you want a loan from that establishment

Splash reserves the right to modify or discontinue products and benefits at any time without notice. Rates and terms are subject to change at any point before application submission. Your pre-qualified rate is based on the information you provided. All final offers require verified credit information which could impact your qualified rate. The information you provide to us is an inquiry to determine whether Splash’s lending partners can make you a loan offer.

Some lending partners may require less info if you apply directly on their website. If a lending partner has an available loan for you, you will be invited to submit a loan application to the lender for its review. Please be advised that a lending partner with an available loan offer for you may conduct another soft credit pull as part of its application review process.

To qualify, a borrower must be a US citizen or other eligible status and meet lender underwriting requirements. The borrower must meet applicable underwriting requirements based on specific lender criteria. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate as advertised. Also, the lowest rates are reserved for the highest-qualified borrowers.

Splash does not guarantee that you will receive any loan offers or that your loan application will be approved. If approved, your actual rate will be within a range of rates. It will depend on various factors, including the term of the loan, a responsible financial history, income, and other factors. Variable rates are subject to change.

For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.98% APR (which includes a 14.32% 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 $343.33.

  • $5K-$500K Loan Amount
  • 650 Min Credit
  • 4.49-9.99% APR Fixed
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Key Facts

  • Min credit score: 620
  • US citizens or permanent residents only
  • Terms and rates vary by lender

Pros

pros iconConveniently compare different refiance offers from several lenders in one place

pros iconInitial application doesn’t hurt your credit score

pros iconEasy to navigate website and fast application process

pros iconCompletely free service with no obligation to choose a loan

Cons

cons iconNot a direct lender, so terms and rates may vary

cons iconFiona may share personal data with its partners or affiliates

cons iconHard credit check may be required when applying through a direct lender

Even Financial, Inc./ Fiona (“Fiona”, “Even”, “Even Financial”, “we”, “us”, “our”) provides our Services (described below) to you through our website located at www.hifiona.com (the “Site”) and through our online content, tools and services related to the marketplace, whether accessed on the Site or through third-party websites, mobile sites and/or applications (collectively, such services, including any new features and applications, and the Site, the “Services”), subject to the following Terms of Service (as amended from time to time, these “Terms of Service”). We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to change or modify portions of these Terms of Service at any time without further notice. You should periodically visit this page to review the current Terms of Service so you are aware of any revisions to which you are bound. If we make any revisions, we will post them on this page and will indicate at the top of this page the date these Terms of Service were last revised. We will also notify you of any material changes through a pop-up notice, email or other reasonable means. Your continued use of the Services after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms of Service. If you do not agree to abide by these or any future Terms of Service, do not use or access (or continue to use or access) the Services. In addition, when using certain services, you will be subject to any additional terms applicable to such services that may be posted on or in connection with the Services from time to time, including, without limitation, the Privacy Policy located at https://hifiona.com/privacy. All such terms are hereby incorporated by reference into these Terms of Service. If there is any conflict between such additional terms and these Terms of Service, the additional terms will supplement or amend these Terms of Service, but only with respect to the matters governed by the additional terms. 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

  • $1K-$500K Loan Amount
  • 620 Min Credit
  • 2.83-8.77% APR Fixed
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Key Facts

  • 660 minimum credit score
  • US citizens or permanent residents only
  • Income must be enough to support your debts

Pros

pros iconNo fees of any kind, including origination, prepayment, and late fees

pros icon0.25% autopay discount available

pros iconGreat options available should you be struggling with repayments

pros iconCashback rewards available for high-performing students

Cons

cons iconNo soft credit pull is available

cons iconNo indication of qualifying criteria for a student loan, such as credit score

cons iconVery few repayment durations are available

cons iconAverage APRs available

This Online Privacy Notice (“Notice”) describes how Discover Financial Services and its subsidiaries* (collectively, “Discover”, “our”, “us”, or “we”) collect, retain, use, process, share, and transfer your information on Discover.com and the other websites where this Notice appears (“Website”), within the Discover mobile apps (“Mobile Apps”) (together with Website, “Online Services”), as well as when you interact with us on social media sites and apps, through emails, and advertisements displayed through online services operated by us or nonaffiliated third parties.

By using our Online Services or interacting with us online, you agree and consent to the terms and conditions of this Notice. For more information about privacy as it applies to your financial account, please see the Consumer Privacy Notice for the Discover product(s) you have.

*Discover Bank, DFS Services LLC, PULSE Network LLC, Diners Club International, Ltd., DFS Corporate Services LLC, DFS International Inc., Discover Products Inc., The Student Loan Corporation, Discover Ventures Inc., Discover Home Loans, Inc., Discover Services Corporation, and their affiliates and subsidiaries, including companies related by common ownership or control with a Discover or DFS name and financial companies such as GTC Insurance Agency, Inc.

Personal Loan Disclosure:

Your APR will be between 7.99% and 24.99% based on creditworthiness at time of application for loan terms of 36-84 months. For example, if you get approved for a $15,000 loan at 13.99% APR for a term of 72 months, you’ll pay just $309 per month.
You must have a minimum individual or household annual income of $25,000, be over 18 years of age, and have a valid US SSN to be considered for a Discover personal loan. Loan approval is subject to confirmation that your income, debt-to-income ratio, credit history and application information meet all requirements.

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. State restrictions may apply.

For debt consolidation, even with a lower interest rate or lower monthly payment, paying debt over a longer period of time may result in the payment of more in interest. A Discover personal loan is intended for personal use and cannot be used to pay for post-secondary education, to pay off a secured loan, or to directly pay off a Discover credit card.

If your application is approved, we will send funds after you accept the loan. Your bank or creditor may take more days to process the funds.

 

  • $1K-$100K Loan Amount
  • 5.49-15.99% APR Fixed
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Key Facts

  • Minimum credit score: 680
  • Steady income required
  • US citizen or permanent resident

Pros

pros iconVery competitive interest rates as such a wide range of options to choose from

pros iconPayback rewards of 0.10% APR

pros iconQuick application process

pros iconNo initial fees charged

Cons

cons iconDoesn’t partner with many more prominent established financial institutions

cons iconNot involved at all in the servicing of loans

cons iconEach partner lender will have different terms, conditions, and requirements

Lend-Grow is not a financial institution, insurance provider, or other Service Provider. Instead, the company, through its Services, may help connect you with Lenders that might meet your needs based on your information.

Lend-Grow does not, and will not, make any coverage or credit decision with any lender referred to you. Lend-Grow does not issue mortgages, consumer loans, credit cards, insurance coverage, or other financial products. Similarly, Lend-Grow does not charge you a fee to use our essential Services.

Lend-Grow’s partners may pay the financial marketplace fees if you accept the offers generated by Konduit and agree to proceed to process your loan request by its partners. Lend-Grow is not involved with and is not responsible for any fee arrangement that you may enter into with any of its partners.

You acknowledge and agree to this compensation arrangement. You now release us of any losses, costs, damages, or claims in connection with, arising from or related to your use of its partner products or services, including any fees charged by its partners.

  • $5K-$750K Loan Amount
  • 650 Min Credit
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Key Facts

  • Minimum credit score of 670
  • Loan has to be for a degree-granting institution
  • Full-time and part-time students accepted
  • Must be a US citizen or permanent resident
  • Non US citizens or residents must have a co-signer

Pros

pros iconNo origination fee or prepayment penalty

pros iconWide range of loan options

pros iconGood repayment terms

pros iconQuick time to funding

pros iconWell-syllabised lender

Cons

cons iconNo pre-qualification

cons iconLate fees in place

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.

  • $2K-$500K Loan Amount
  • 670 Min Credit
  • 5.75-8.95% APR Fixed
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Key Facts

  • Min credit score: 670
  • US citizens or permanent residents only
  • Qualifying after bankruptcy: Yes, after five years

Pros

pros iconJoint refinancing available for married couples

pros iconGood interest rates

pros iconThe lender has a reputable standing

Cons

cons iconBachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement

cons iconSome negative customer support reviews

cons iconNo longer terms available for max loan

©2024 Pentagon Federal Credit Union

This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Rates are current as of September 2024 unless otherwise noted and are subject to change.

APY = Annual Percentage Yield
APR = Annual Percentage Rate

Routing #256078446

Personal Loans Disclosure

Rates and offers current as of September 2024 and are subject to change.

1The initial inquiry will be a soft pull that will not affect your credit score. If you choose to initiate a loan application after checking your rates, you will be required to authorize a full credit report inquiry, which would be considered a hard pull and may affect your credit.

*Your actual APR will be determined at the time of disbursement and will be based on your loan term and creditworthiness, which includes an evaluation of your credit history and the length of your PenFed membership. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Other eligibility requirements may apply.

Loan Payment Example: A $50,000 personal loan financed at 8.99% APR would amount to 36 monthly payments of approximately $1,590 each.

Loan amount determines rate and term. All loans are subject to a minimum monthly payment of $50.

**There is no balance transfer fee, no early payoff fee, and no origination fee. There are no “hidden” fees such as home appraisal, closing, or title search fees that you might incur in other borrowing situations. If you do not make your monthly installment payment on time, you may incur late payment fees.

Auto Loans Disclosure

Rates and offers current as of September 1, 2024 and are subject to change.

1The initial inquiry will be a soft pull that will not affect your credit score. If you choose to initiate a loan application after checking your rates, you will be required to authorize a full credit report inquiry, which would be considered a hard pull and may affect your credit

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Your actual APR will be determined at the time of disbursement and will be based on your application and credit information. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate.

New Auto Loans: Loan rate applicable to new vehicles only. New vehicles are where you are the original owner and the untitled vehicle is model year 2023 or newer with less than 7501 miles. Up to 125% financing is available in the U.S. Up to 110% financing is available in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Vehicle weight and mileage restrictions apply.

Minimum loan amount is $15,000 for 61-72 month term. Minimum loan amount $20,000 for 73-84 month term. Rate also depends on term.

Loan Payment Example: A $20,000 new auto loan financed at 5.59% APR would amount to 60 monthly payments of approximately $384.47 each.

Used Auto Loans: Maximum used car loan advance will be determined by PenFed using a JD Power value. Financing is available up to the JD Power valuation plus tags, title, taxes and extended warranties not to exceed 125% in the U.S. Up to 110% financing is available in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-247-5626 for details.

For the 84 month loan term, eligible used vehicles must have model years as new as or newer than the current calendar year minus five years and less than 60,000 miles. 

Rate depends on term. Vehicle weight and mileage restrictions apply. 

Loan Payment Example: A $20,000 used auto loan financed at 6.94% APR would amount to 60 monthly payments of approximately $396.62 each.

Refinance Auto Loans: New vehicles are where you are the original owner and the untitled vehicle is model year or newer with less than 7501 miles. Used vehicles are pre-owned vehicles or vehicles with over 7501 miles. For used vehicles, maximum used car loan advance will be determined by PenFed using a JD Power value. Up to 125% financing is available in the U.S. Up to 110% financing is available in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. PenFed does not permit internal refinances of an existing PenFed auto loan.

Rate depends on term. Other restrictions including vehicle and mileage limitations may apply.

Loan Payment Example: A $20,000 new auto loan financed at 5.59% APR would amount to 60 monthly payments of approximately $384.47 each.

PenFed Car Buying Service:

PenFed Car Buying Service is available in all 50 states.

Loan Payment Example: A $20,000 new auto loan financed at 4.74% APR would amount to 36 monthly payments of approximately $599.21 each.

PenFed Automobile Deductible Reimbursement

Requires reporting of completed qualified purchases within 45 days of purchase date. Reimburses what you’ve paid, if anything, for your automobile insurance deductible when you file a claim on the purchased vehicle within 365 days of registering in program. Covers up to $500 2x a year (service not available in New Hampshire or New York). To learn more about this program see TrueCar’s Program Details and Terms and Conditions.

Certificate Disclosure

Money Market Certificates

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of September 1, 2024 and is subject to change at any time.

We will establish your certificate on the day we receive your application and funding. Once purchased, the rate is locked in for the term of your certificate.

**6 Month certificates earn dividends on simple interest basis. All other certificate dividends are compounded daily.

You choose how your dividends are withdrawn: monthly OR at maturity.

3 payment options:

  1. Add dividends to certificate.
  2. Transfer dividends to Regular Share, checking, or MMSA (Money Market Savings Account).
  3. Have dividend sent to you in check form.

Early Redemption Penalties

Penalties are imposed for early withdrawal of Money Market Certificates. This will reduce earnings on the account. You must provide your request in writing.

Please refer to the Money Market Certificate Application for further details. For all certificates funded by ACH, funds cannot be withdrawn within the first 60 days of the account opening.

IRA Certificates

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of September 1, 2024 and is subject to change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings.

*Refer to a qualified tax advisor

Rates are subject to change monthly and are fixed for the term of the certificate. Certificates dividends compound daily. The minimum balance to open a certificate is $1,000.

Partial withdrawals for members over the age 59 1/2 (including Required Minimum Distributions) and qualified distributions regardless of age (including Disability) may be processed from IRA certificates without incurring an early redemption penalty.

Coverdell Education Savings

APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is accurate as of September 1, 2024 and is subject to change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings.

We will establish your certificate on the day we receive your application and funding. Once purchased, the rate is locked in for the term of your certificate.

Certificate dividends are compounded daily and credited monthly.

For all certificates funded by ACH, funds cannot be withdrawn within the first 60 days of the account opening.

Early Redemption Penalties

Penalties are imposed for early withdrawal of Coverdell Education share certificates. You must provide your request in writing.

If the certificate is redeemed within the first year, all dividends will be forfeited.

If after the first year, but prior to the maturity date, the early withdrawal penalty will equal 30% of what would have been earned if the certificate had been held to maturity, not to exceed total dividends earned.

IRA Disclosure

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of September 1, 2024 and is subject to change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings. Rates could change after account opening.

*Refer to a qualified tax advisor

Rates could change after account opening.

Roth IRA

Rates could change after account opening.

To take a qualified distribution, and avoid any tax liabilities, you must wait until after the five-taxable-year period beginning with the taxable year in which you first contributed to a Roth IRA.

IRA Certificates

Rates are subject to change monthly and are fixed for the term of the certificate. Certificates dividends compound daily. The minimum balance to open a certificate is $1,000.

Early Redemption Penalties

Penalties are imposed for early redemption of certificates. You must provide your request in writing.

If the certificate is redeemed within the first year, all dividends will be forfeited.

If after the first year, but prior to the maturity date, the early withdrawal penalty will equal 30% of what would have been earned if the certificate had been held to maturity, not to exceed total dividends earned.

Exceptions. The penalties described above will not be applied if the withdrawal is made: (i) Subsequent to the death of any holder of the Certificate. (ii) As a result of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation of the credit union. (iii) If the owner is permanently disabled, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code Section 72(m). (iv) If the owner has reached age 59½ and takes a partial withdrawal in the form of a distribution to themselves. (v) If the owner has reached the applicable RMD age and take a withdrawal of any amount in the form of a distribution to themselves. Note: a trustee-to-trustee direct transfer is not considered a distribution to yourself therefore regular certificate penalties would apply. Roth IRAs do not qualify under RMD exceptions.

 

 

  • $8K-$500K Loan Amount
  • 670 Min Credit
  • 7.74-9.93% APR Fixed
View Details arrow

Key Facts

  • Min credit score: 680
  • US citizenship: US citizens or permanent residents only
  • Qualifying after bankruptcy: Yes, after five years

Pros

pros iconNo origination fees

pros iconGet up to 25 months of forbearance

pros iconNo prepayment penalties

Cons

cons iconNo disclosure of income requirements

cons iconAvailable to those with a bachelor's degree

All material on this Site is for general informational purposes only, and you agree to use it at your own risk. While we try to ensure that any information we post to this Site is both timely and accurate, errors may appear from time to time for which we will not be liable.

This Site may not be updated daily, and specific information may not be the most current information available. Though we may post follow-up information and reports and continue to provide access to the original information and reports, as in an archive of news stories, for example, we may not go back and change the original report to reflect new developments.

  • $5K-$500K Loan Amount
  • 680 Min Credit
  • 2.59-6.74% APR Fixed
View Details arrow

Key Facts

  • Minimum credit score of 680 or co-signer
  • Must be a US citizen or permanent resident
  • 36+ months of credit history
  • $35,000 minimum yearly income

Pros

pros iconBorrowers connect with an experienced student loan advisor who can help them understand the impact of student loans on their finances and credit

pros iconPrivate loans available in high amounts (up to the amount approved by the school for the academic semester or year)

pros iconDeferment and forbearance available to student borrowers enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral program at least half-time

pros iconOption to refinance parent PLUS loans under the student’s name

Cons

cons iconNo co-signer release option unless the primary borrower refinances their loan

cons iconHigher loan minimums than is standard

cons iconGood credit (680+) or co-signer, 36+ months of credit history, and a $35,000 minimum yearly income needed to qualify

*Education Loan Finance is a nationwide student loan debt consolidation and refinance program offered by Tennessee based SouthEast Bank. ELFI is designed to assist borrowers through consolidating and refinancing loans into one single loan that effectively lowers your cost of education debt and/or makes repayment very simple. Subject to credit approval. See Terms & Conditions.

1 | Private Student Loans: Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply. Interest rates are current as of 10/1/24. Interest rates may be different from the rates shown above and will be based on the term of your loan, your financial history, and other factors, including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history. Variable interest rates may increase after closing. For example, a 10-year loan with a fixed rate of 9.00% APR on an immediate repayment plan would have 120 monthly payments of $12.66 per $1,000 borrowed. Rates are subject to change.

2 | Fixed Repayment Example: For example, if your loan was disbursed on 8/15/2024 and you graduated on 5/15/26, you would make 27 monthly payments of $25 beginning 9/15/24 (which includes your 6-month grace period for full payments), followed by 120 full monthly payments beginning 12/15/26 of $67.67 for every $5,000 borrowed at a 9% APR.

  • Min $1K Loan Amount
  • 680 Min Credit
  • 3.69-14.22% APR Fixed

Top Private Student Loan Providers

College Ave

Quick Application Review Process

650

Min Credit Score

3.47-17.99%

APR. Fixed Rate

4.99-17.99%

APR. Variable Rate

$1K-$300K

Loan Amount

5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 year terms

Repayment terms

Yes

Soft Credit Pull

Direct

Lender Type

Yes

Other Fees

None

Origination Fee

None

Prepayment Fee

7 days

Funding Time

Student Loan Refinance

5.99-11.99%

APR. Fixed Rate

5.99-11.99%

APR. Variable Rate

$5K-$300K

Loan Amount

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Flexible repayment options
  • con-icon Quick application review process
  • con-icon Good range of loan types
  • con-icon Competitive rates
  • con-icon Need to hit satisfactory academic progress
  • con-icon Late payment fee in place

Student Loan Type

drop-down-btn
  • Private student loans
  • Student loan refinance
earnest-logo
Earnest

5-Star Rating on Trustpilot

650

Min Credit Score

4.45-14.9%

APR. Fixed Rate

5.15-16.20%

APR. Variable Rate

$1K-$500K

Loan Amount

5-15 years

Repayment terms

Yes

Soft Credit Pull

Direct

Lender Type

None

Other Fees

None

Origination Fee

None

Prepayment Fee

12 days

Funding Time

Student Loan Refinance

4.39-9.99%

APR. Fixed Rate

5.89-9.99%

APR. Variable Rate

$5K-$500K

Loan Amount

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Low interest rates
  • con-icon You can customize your loan payment
  • con-icon You can skip 1 payment every 12 months (after at least 5 months of on-time interest payments)
  • con-icon No origination or prepayment fees
  • con-icon You can’t apply with a cosigner
  • con-icon Credit score minimum of 650

Student Loan Type

drop-down-btn
  • Private student loans
  • Student loan refinance
Figure_nmls_L
Figure

Competitive and Affordable Rates For Loans

640

Min Credit Score

6.10-14.74%

APR. Fixed Rate

Min 6.10%

APR. Variable Rate

$20K-$400K

Loan Amount

5, 10, 15, or 30 years

Repayment terms

Yes

Soft Credit Pull

Direct

Lender Type

None

Other Fees

Up to 4.99%, rolled into the amount of the loan

Origination Fee

None

Prepayment Fee

5 days

Funding Time

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon HELOC loan, so funds can be used for a student loan or refinancing
  • con-icon Quicker application process than a traditional student loan
  • con-icon Competitive rates of interest available
  • con-icon Not available in all US states
  • con-icon No co-signer option
  • con-icon Only certain housing types are eligible

Student Loan Type

drop-down-btn
  • Private student loans
  • Student loan refinance

What is a Private Student Loan?

Private student loans are education loans that are offered by private lenders such as online lenders, banks, and credit unions. Unlike federal student loans, private student loans are not funded by the government. Private student loans often require a credit check and may require a cosigner, such as a parent or other creditworthy individual, to help secure the loan. They are typically considered more expensive than federal student loans. However, they may offer more flexible repayment options, such as the ability to defer payments or change your repayment plan.

How do Private Student Loans Work?

Private student loans are a type of installment loan you can use to pay for different educational expenses. Since these are installment loans, the primary borrower — typically the student or their parent — needs to make regular monthly payments on the loan until it's paid off. These payments usually include the principal balance and interest.

Some lenders will let the borrower postpone payments until they're out of school or until their enrollment status drops to below part-time. However, interest charges could still accrue.

Unlike with other installment loans — like auto or personal loans —private lenders do not usually disburse the money to the borrower. Instead, they provide it to the college or university for the institution to use as needed.

What Can Private Student Loans Be Used For?

Private student loans can be used for a variety of education-related expenses, such as:

  • Tuition: Private student loans can be used to cover the cost of tuition for your degree program.
  • Books and Supplies: Private student loans can help you pay for textbooks, lab fees, and other supplies required for your classes.
  • Room and Board: Private student loans can be used to cover the cost of room and board if you are living on campus.
  • Transportation: Private student loans can help cover the cost of transportation to and from school, such as gas, car payments, and public transportation.
  • Personal Expenses: Private student loans can also be used to cover personal expenses, such as a computer, a new wardrobe, or other miscellaneous expenses related to your education.

Student Loan Types

Private student loans come in many forms. Here are the most common types:

  • Undergraduate loans: These loans usually have a fixed annual percentage rate (APR) and a repayment term of five to 15 years. Loan amounts vary by lender but may be high enough to cover all academic costs.
    • Graduate or professional loans: These work similarly to undergraduate student loans, but you might need to be enrolled in a specific type of university or degree program to qualify. You may also need to start making payments while in school (unless the program requires a residency).
    • Technical college or community college loans: Some lenders offer loans to individuals attending vocational college, technical training school, or community college. They’re primarily used to cover any gaps in financing.
  • State-specific loans: Depending on your state of residence, you may be eligible for a state-specific loan program. These loans also come with set repayment terms. They may also have either variable or fixed interest rates.
  • Parent loans: If a student doesn’t qualify for a loan on their own, their parent may be able to take one out on their behalf. The parent is then responsible for making payments. It may be possible to refinance the loan later under the student’s name.
  • Bad credit loans: These loans can help students with poor credit or limited credit history fund their college education. They typically come with less favorable terms and rates, though.

Average Private Student Loan Rates

Private student loan rates vary from 4.5% to 17%. The rate you get depends on a few things. Lender terms and conditions play a big role. Your creditworthiness is also important. Lenders look at your credit history and score to determine your reliability. You may get a lower rate if you have a good track record and a high score.

There are two types of interest rates: fixed and variable. A fixed-rate stays the same for the entire loan. This makes it easier to plan your payments. Variable rates can change over time. It may be low at first, but it can also go up. This type of rate is linked to market changes.

It's important to know what type of rate you're getting and what factors affect it. This will help you decide when choosing a private student loan.

*Rates and requirements are subject to change

Private vs. Federal Student Loans

A federal student loan or a private student loan are both options for financing your education. However, there are important differences between the two types of loans

Feature Federal Student Loans Private Student Loans
Lender U.S. Department of Education Banks, credit unions, fintech lenders
Credit check Not required for most loans Typically required, but alternative credit scoring models could be explored
Interest rates Lower and fixed Higher, but potentially fixed or variable with competitive rates for top borrowers
Fees No origination or disbursement fees Some lenders may charge fees, but reduced or waived fees for responsible borrowers could be offered
Repayment options Flexible, including income-driven plans and forgiveness programs Less flexible, but innovative repayment options like graduated or balloon payments could be introduced
Eligibility Based on financial need for some loans Based on creditworthiness and academic standing, but consideration for non-traditional factors like future earning potential could expand access
Loan limits Lower borrowing limits Higher borrowing limits may be available, potentially with tiered limits based on academic merit or career goals
Deferment and forbearance options Easier to qualify for More difficult to qualify for, but improved hardship programs and streamlined processes could be implemented
Purposes Approved education expenses: Tuition, fees, books, room & board, living expenses Broader range of education-related expenses: Tuition, fees, books, living expenses, laptops, study abroad programs, professional development courses
Overall benefits Strong borrower protections and flexibility Potentially higher borrowing amounts, competitive rates for top borrowers, and innovative repayment options

Many prospective students turn to federal financial aid — including federal student loans — before using private options. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education services several types of federal student loans to those pursuing higher education.

How to Get a Private Student Loan

Here’s the typical application process for private student loans:

    1. Review your income and credit: Private student loans usually have stricter requirements than federal options. So, it’s important to check your credit and income situation before applying to make sure you qualify. The better your credit score, the better your rates and terms tend to be.
    2. Calculate what you need: Use an online calculator to determine how much you need to borrow, and only take out that amount.
    3. Compare private lenders: Check out several lenders to see what they offer — that is, their typical rates, terms, loan amounts, fees, and requirements. Also, see if they offer any special perks, discounts, or repayment options.
    4. Get a co-signer: Some lenders accept co-signers. This can be helpful if you need help qualifying for a loan at the best rates.
    5. Read the loan terms carefully: Review the terms and conditions of the loan before applying. Make sure you know what repayment options are available, too.
    6. Get prequalified: Some private lenders offer prequalification, which lets you check your personalized terms and rates without committing to a loan.
    7. Apply: After choosing a lender, complete their application process. With many private lenders, you can apply online. The lender will likely perform a hard credit check at this time, which can temporarily hurt your credit score.
    8. Wait for the decision: The lender will review your application and make their decision. If approved, they will either send the funds to you or to your school.

Pros and Cons of Private Student Loans

Any form of financing comes with its share of pros and cons. Here are the main ones with private student loans.

Pros  Cons
The loan amount may be enough to cover all of your college expenses Borrowers need good credit for the best rates and terms
Potentially better rates and terms than federal loans Rarely eligible for student loan forgiveness
Can bridge any financial gaps in college funding May incur interest right away
May have more flexible repayment options Some lenders require borrowers to start making payments immediately

Should You Get a Private Student Loan?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to consider private student loans if other forms of aid are not sufficient to cover your education-related expenses.

  • Filling the Funding Gap: Federal student loans, scholarships, and grants may not cover the total cost of your education. Private loans can help fill the gap between the cost of attendance and the financial aid you've received.
  • Flexibility in Loan Amounts: Private lenders often offer loans that can cover the full cost of attendance, minus other aid received. This can include tuition, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and living expenses.
  • Credit Building: For students with good credit or a creditworthy cosigner, private student loans can offer competitive interest rates. Repaying a private student loan responsibly can also help build your credit history.
  • Different Repayment Options: Some private lenders offer various repayment plans, including the option to make interest-only payments or full payments while in school, which can reduce the total cost of the loan.
  • Lender-Specific Benefits: Some private lenders offer unique benefits, such as rate discounts for automatic payments, no origination or prepayment fees, and flexible repayment terms.
  • Availability: If you're an international student, a part-time student, or attending a non-traditional school that isn't eligible for federal aid, private student loans might be one of the few options available.
  • Quick Disbursement: Private student loans can sometimes be disbursed more quickly than federal loans, which can be crucial if you need funds in a hurry.

Is it Possible to Get a Private Student Loan With Bad Credit?

Yes, getting a private student loan is possible even with bad credit. While your credit score is an important factor for lenders, it's not the end of the story. You can take several positive steps to secure the financial support you need for your education:

  • Cosigner: The most common way to get a private student loan with bad credit is to apply with a good credit cosigner. If you fail to make payments, a cosigner agrees to take responsibility for the loan. Having a cosigner can significantly increase your chances of approval and may help you secure a lower interest rate.
  • Improve Your Credit Score: If possible, improve your credit score before applying for a private student loan. This can include paying down existing debt, making all current payments on time, and correcting any inaccuracies on your credit report.
  • Shop Around: Different lenders have different criteria and tolerance for risk. Some lenders may offer private student loans designed for students with less-than-perfect credit. It's important to shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders.
  • Consider a Credit Union: Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions with more flexible lending criteria than large banks. If you're a member of a credit union, you might find more favorable terms or a greater willingness to work with borrowers who have bad credit.
  • Secured Loans: Some lenders might offer secured loans, where you provide collateral (like a car or a savings account) to secure the loan. These are riskier for the borrower, as the collateral can be seized if you fail to make payments, but they might be an option if unsecured loans are not available.
  • Higher Interest Rates and Fees: Be prepared that if you can secure a loan with bad credit, it may come at higher interest rates and additional fees. This makes it even more crucial to ensure you have a repayment plan.