What credit score do I need for a personal loan?

Most lenders require a minimum of 580–620 for approval. The best advertised rates go to borrowers with 740+. With a 680 score, expect rates 3–5% higher than the headline number above.

How fast can I get a personal loan?

Many lenders fund same-day or next-day after approval. LightStream and SoFi both offer same-day funding for qualified borrowers.

Is it better to use a personal loan or a balance transfer card?

Balance transfer cards offer 0% APR for 12–21 months but require discipline to pay off before the promotional period ends. Personal loans offer predictable fixed payments over a longer term. For larger balances ($15K+) or longer payoff timelines, personal loans are often safer.

13 lenders · Updated August 23, 2026

Personal loan rates — find what you actually qualify for

Set your loan amount and current rate. Every lender shows the real dollars you save per year. No credit pull to compare.

The best personal loan rates start around 5.99% APR as of August 2026.

Independent rankingsMethodology →

How we rankWe rank by APR + trust — not commissionNo credit pull to compare ratesSponsored offers labeled, never ranked higher for payingMethodology →

Looking for auto financing?Compare auto loans →

Loan amount$10,000

$1K$100K

Your current APR20.5%

3%36%

Top pick saves you

$1,450

per year vs. your 20.5% rate · $304/mo at 5.99% APR

Advertising disclosure: Some products are from partners. This does not affect rankings.

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MethodologyIndependent rankings. Sponsored offers labeled. Terms verified regularly.Ranked by true cost: APR range (low end), origination fee, funding speed, minimum credit score, loan amount range, and lender trust.

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Our takeBest for good-credit borrowers who want a transparent cost structure — 5.99% APR, no origination fee.

Reach FinancialLowest APR

NMLS verified

APR

5.99%

$1,450

saved per year vs. your rate

Market avg 11.86%5.87% below avg

$304/mo on $10,000 · 36-mo term

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Our takeBest for good-credit borrowers who want a transparent cost structure — 6.09% APR, no origination fee. Borrow $600–$50,000.

PenFed Credit UnionTrusted

NMLS verified$600–$50,000

APR

6.09%

$1,440

saved per year vs. your rate

Market avg 11.86%5.77% below avg

$305/mo on $10,000 · 36-mo term

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Our takeAI-driven approval model weighs education and employment history alongside credit score. One of the few personal lenders that can approve borrowers below 620 FICO — though rates are wider for thin-file applicants.

UpstartTrusted

NMLS verified$1,000–$75,000

APR

6.20%

$1,429

saved per year vs. your rate

Market avg 11.86%5.66% below avg

$305/mo on $10,000 · 36-mo term

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Our takeDirect creditor payoff available on debt consolidation — LendingClub wires funds to your existing lenders. Joint applications accepted, letting co-borrowers combine income to qualify at a better rate.

LendingClubTrusted

NMLS verified$1,000–$75,000

APR

6.53%

$1,396

saved per year vs. your rate

Market avg 11.86%5.33% below avg

$307/mo on $10,000 · 36-mo term

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Our takeNo origination fee, no prepayment penalty. Unemployment Protection pauses payments if you lose your job — uncommon among personal lenders. Member benefits include career coaching and financial planning.

SoFiTrusted

NMLS verified$5,000–$100,000

APR

6.99%

$1,350

saved per year vs. your rate

Market avg 11.86%4.87% below avg

$309/mo on $10,000 · 36-mo term

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Our takeOffers a secured personal loan backed by home fixtures for a lower rate than the unsecured option — one of very few personal lenders with this structure. Unsecured loans also available with fast funding.

Best EggTrusted

NMLS verified$2,000–$50,000

APR

6.99%

$1,350

saved per year vs. your rate

Market avg 11.86%4.87% below avg

$309/mo on $10,000 · 36-mo term

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Our takeRate Beat program guarantees to beat any competitor's APR by 0.10% if you qualify. Same-day funding available. No origination fee, no prepayment penalty — designed for excellent-credit borrowers.

LightStreamTrusted

NMLS verified$5,000–$100,000

APR

7.24%

$1,325

saved per year vs. your rate

Market avg 11.86%4.62% below avg

$310/mo on $10,000 · 36-mo term

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Our takeAccepts co-signers and a secured option backed by a vehicle — more flexible than most personal lenders for borrowers who need support qualifying. Joint applications also available.

Upgrade

NMLS verified$1,000–$50,000

APR

7.74%

$1,275

saved per year vs. your rate

Market avg 11.86%4.12% below avg

$312/mo on $10,000 · 36-mo term

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Our takeDesigned to pay off credit card debt — shows side-by-side monthly savings vs. carrying a balance. Payoff Loan structure rewards on-time payments with a rate discount on future loans.

Happy Money

NMLS verified$5,000–$50,000

APR

7.95%

$1,254

saved per year vs. your rate

Market avg 11.86%3.91% below avg

$313/mo on $10,000 · 36-mo term

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Our take30-day money-back guarantee: return the funds and pay zero interest if you change your mind. No origination fee. Applicants can check their rate without a hard credit pull.