Independent, clearly explained guides to US personal finance
8 lenders · editor's ranking
The best personal loan is the one that costs you the least for the job you need done. A borrower with excellent credit consolidating $40,000 needs something very different from someone with fair credit covering a $3,000 car repair.
We compared each lender's published APR range, fees, loan amounts and terms, how it treats different credit profiles, and borrower-friendly features like soft-pull prequalification, co-applicants and direct payment to creditors. Here are our picks, by what each does best.
Lender terms last reviewed October 23, 2026
Advertiser disclosure. Some listings may include affiliate links. If you apply through one, TheMoneyCraze may be compensated at no extra cost to you. This never changes our editorial coverage. Terms change — always confirm current details with the provider. How we make money
| Lender | Best for | APR | Amount | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1LightStream | Best for excellent credit | 7.24%–24.89% | $5,000–$100,000 | Visit site at LightStream (opens in a new tab) |
| 2SoFi | Best for large loans | 6.99%–35.49% | $5,000–$100,000 | Visit site at SoFi (opens in a new tab) |
| 3PenFed Credit Union | Best credit union loan | 6.74%–17.99% | $600–$50,000 | Visit site at PenFed Credit Union (opens in a new tab) |
| 4Upgrade | Best for fair credit | 7.74%–35.99% | $1,000–$50,000 | Visit site at Upgrade (opens in a new tab) |
| 5Happen Bank | Best for co-borrowers | 5.96%–35.99% | $1,000–$75,000 | Visit site at Happen Bank (opens in a new tab) |
| 6Upstart | Best for limited credit history | 6.3%–35.99% | $1,000–$75,000 | Visit site at Upstart (opens in a new tab) |
| 7Best Egg | Best for homeowners | 8.99%–35.99% | $2,000–$50,000 | Visit site at Best Egg (opens in a new tab) |
| 8Avant | Best for lower credit scores | 9.95%–35.99% | $2,000–$35,000 | Visit site at Avant (opens in a new tab) |
No fees of any kind, a relatively low maximum APR and loans up to $100,000 make it hard to beat if your credit is strong.
Official site · not a sponsored link
Pros
Cons
Up to $100,000 with a soft-pull rate check, same-day funding and stackable rate discounts.
Official site · not a sponsored link
Pros
Cons
A maximum APR far below most online lenders, no origination fee and loans from just $600.
Official site · not a sponsored link
Pros
Cons
Accepts a wide range of credit profiles and can pay your creditors directly when you consolidate.
Official site · not a sponsored link
Pros
Cons
Joint applications, terms up to seven years and a rate discount for Direct Pay or AutoPay.
Official site · not a sponsored link
Pros
Cons
Its underwriting looks beyond your credit score, which can help if your file is thin.
Official site · not a sponsored link
Pros
Cons
A secured option backed by home fixtures — not the house itself — can bring a meaningfully lower rate.
Official site · not a sponsored link
Pros
Cons
Built for fair and lower credit, with a soft-pull rate check and fast funding.
Official site · not a sponsored link
Pros
Cons
How we compare lenders
We review each lender's published terms and compare them on the four things that matter most to borrowers. Rankings are editorial: partners can't pay for a better position, and any sponsored link is labelled. Lender terms change often, so we show the date each lender was last reviewed.
Published APR range, origination and other fees, and any AutoPay or Direct Pay discounts.
Loan amounts and term lengths, and whether secured or joint options are available.
Which credit profiles a lender serves, and whether you can check your rate with a soft pull.
How quickly funds arrive after approval, and borrower-friendly features like paying creditors directly.
Quick answers
There's no single minimum. Some lenders work with scores in the 500s or 600s, while the lowest advertised rates generally go to borrowers with good to excellent credit (roughly 670 and up).
Most lenders let you prequalify with a soft credit check, which doesn't affect your score. A hard inquiry happens only when you formally apply. A few lenders, like LightStream, don't offer prequalification.
Prequalifying with three to five lenders usually gives you a clear picture of the rates you're likely to get, without any impact on your credit.
More best-of lists
APR ranges, fees and terms are as published by each lender and were last reviewed on the date shown. They can change at any time and may vary by state. Your rate depends on your credit profile. This page is general information, not financial advice.
Before you borrow