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Best Personal Loan Rates Of 2024
- Upgrade: 9.99% to 35.99%
- LightStream: 6.99% to 25.49%
- U.S. Bank: 8.74% to 24.99%
- Upstart: 7.80% to 35.99%
- Discover: 7.99% to 24.99%
- LendingPoint: 7.99% to 35.99%
- Wells Fargo: 7.49% to 24.99%
- American Express: 5.91% to 17.97%
The above lists our best personal loan providers by lowest to highest annual percentage rate (APR) range. The below lists these providers in order from highest to lowest star rating. Our loan experts rate providers based on APR, as well as loan details, eligibility requirements, customer experience and more.
BEST LOW-RATE LOAN FOR CO-SIGNED LOANS
Upgrade
Via Credible.com’s Website
580
9.99% to 35.99%
$1,000 to $50,000
Editor’s Take
Upgrade is an online lender that offers personal loans and other financial products to borrowers with bad credit.
Why We Like It
Upgrade lets prospective borrowers apply with a co-applicant, making it easier to qualify for its lowest advertised interest rates.
What We Don’t Like
Borrowers pay origination fees between 1.85% and 9.99% of the total loan amount, increasing the overall cost of borrowing.
Who It’s Best For
Upgrade personal loans are best for borrowers looking to apply for a personal loan with a co-applicant.
Pros & Cons
- Flexible eligibility requirements
- Can pay off creditors directly
- High loan amounts available
- High APR range
- Fees for late payments and insufficient funds
- Charges origination fees from 1.85% and 9.99%
Details
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score. 580
- Minimum income. None
- Co-applicants. Permitted
Expert’s Take
Upgrade’s personal loans come with a unique feature—mandatory automatic payments. While this is an effective default prevention measure, it might not suit everyone, especially those with irregular income streams.
— Jonathan Feniak, general counsel and head of finance, LLC Attorney
BEST LOW-RATE LOAN FOR QUICK FUNDING
LightStream
Via Credible.com’s Website
660
6.99% to 25.49%
with autopay
$5,000 to $100,000
Editor’s Take
In addition to low interest rates, LightStream offers personal loans from $5,000 to $100,000 with fast funding.
Why We Like It
LightStream’s loan application process can be completed online with funds available as soon as the same day of approval.
What We Don’t Like
LightStream’s personal loans start at $5,000, which is a higher minimum loan amount than what many competitors offer.
Who It’s Best For
LightStream personal loans are best for borrowers who need a large loan and fast access to funds.
Pros & Cons
- Long loan terms available
- Low interest rates
- Fast approval and funding
- No prequalification option
- High minimum loan amount
- Low average customer rating on Trustpilot
Details
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score. 660
- Minimum income. Does not disclose
- Co-borrowers. Permitted
Expert’s Take
Lightstream, a division of Trust Bank, is known for its range of loan options and competitive rates. The downside can be its strict eligibility criteria, making it difficult for those with less-than-stellar credit history to gain approval.
— Jonathan Feniak, general counsel and head of finance, LLC Attorney
BEST LOW-RATE LOAN FROM A TRADITIONAL BANK
U.S. Bank
4.1
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team
Minimum Credit Score
Does not disclose
APR range
8.74% to 24.99%
with autopay
Loan amounts
$1,000 to 50,000 for existing U.S. Bank customers and up to $25,000 for new customers
Depends on the area you live in
Via MoneyLion’s Website
Does not disclose
8.74% to 24.99%
with autopay
$1,000 to 50,000 for existing U.S. Bank customers and up to $25,000 for new customers
Depends on the area you live in
Editor’s Take
As a traditional financial institution, U.S. Bank offers personal loans available online and through its more than 2,000 branches in 26 states.
Why We Like It
U.S. Bank offers high maximum loan amounts and lengthy repayment terms to current customers.
What We Don’t Like
Prospective borrowers must have a credit score of at least 800 to qualify for the bank’s lowest advertised APR, and fewer borrowing options are available to those without a U.S. Bank account.
Who It’s Best For
U.S. Bank personal loans are best for current customers, as having a checking account with the bank allows borrowers to access higher borrowing amounts and longer repayment terms.
Pros & Cons
- Operates physical branches
- 0.50% autopay discount
- Quick funding
- Need a credit score of at least 800 to qualify for the lowest advertised rates
- Smaller loan amounts available to non-U.S. Bank checking customers
- Branch locations in only 26 states
Details
Eligibility
- Minimum credit score. Does not disclose
- Minimum income. Does not disclose
- Co-signers. Permitted
- Co-borrowers. Permitted
Expert’s Take
U.S. Bank’s loans are a reliable option for small business owners seeking financing solutions. What makes U.S Bank special is its flexible loan terms and competitive interest rates, making it a favorable choice for entrepreneurs looking to fund their business ventures. Also, U.S. Bank’s simple application process and responsive customer service make it a very convenient option for small business owners to access the funds they need promptly.
— Michael Ashley, finance expert, Richiest.com
BEST LOW-RATE LOAN FOR LIMITED CREDIT HISTORY
Upstart
Via Credible.com’s Website
300
7.80% to 35.99%
$1,000 to $50,000
Editor’s Take
As an AI-based lending platform, Upstart offers loans based on non-traditional lending standards like education and employment.
Why We Like It
Upstart’s minimum credit score requirement of 300 makes it an accessible option to borrowers with bad or thin credit.
What We Don’t Like
Upstart charges borrowers origination fees between 0% and up to 12% of the total loan amount, which is higher than other lenders.
Who It’s Best For
Upstart personal loans are best for borrowers who have limited credit history and want small personal loans.
Pros & Cons
- Accessible to borrowers with no credit history
- Prequalification with a soft credit check
- Ability to choose a custom payment date
- Charges an origination fee up to 12% of the loan amount
- No co-signer option
- Only offers three- or five-years terms
Details
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score. 300
- Minimum income. No minimum but must have a source of income
- Co-signers. Not permitted
- Co-borrowers. Not permitted
Expert’s Take
Upstart has no minimum credit score to apply for a loan, which makes them a popular choice for borrowers of all categories. Those with lower credit scores or uneven credit history may receive offers with [high APRs]. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000 and loan term lengths available are three- or five-years.
Upstart offers flexibility with payment dates and funding can be as soon as one business day. However, some requirements are employment, steady income, a personal bank account, email address and a Social Security number. Some fees may apply, including an origination fee, late fees or statement fees.
— Stephen Kates, CFP®, Annuity.org
BEST LOW-RATE LOAN FOR DEBT CONSOLIDATION
Discover
Via MoneyLion’s Website
660
7.99% to 24.99%
$2,500 to $40,000
Editor’s Take
Discover personal loans are available from $2,500 to $40,000 and come with terms between three and seven years.
Why We Like It
Not only can borrowers use Discover personal loans to consolidate multiple debts, but the lender can also send loan proceeds directly to creditors.
What We Don’t Like
Discover doesn’t provide a rate discount for autopay and sets a high minimum credit score requirement of 660 .
Who It’s Best For
Discover’s personal loans are best for borrowers who want to reduce their interest costs with a debt consolidation loan.
Pros & Cons
- No origination fees
- Low interest rates
- Direct creditor payoff with debt consolidation loans
- No interest rate discount for automatic payments
- No co-signers or co-borrowers accepted
- Good credit needed to qualify
Details
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score required. 660
- Minimum annual income. $25,000
- Co-borrowers. Not permitted
- Co-signers. Not permitted
BEST LOW-RATE LOAN FOR FAIR CREDIT
LendingPoint
Via MoneyLion’s Website
600
7.99% to 35.99%
with autopay
$1,000 to $36,500
Editor’s Take
LendingPoint is an online lender that offers personal loans for a range of purposes with low minimum APRs.
Why We Like It
LendingPoint personal loans are available to borrowers with credit scores of 600 or higher.
What We Don’t Like
LendingPoint charge’s high maximum APRs and origination fees up to 10%, which comes out of the loan amount.
Who It’s Best For
LendingPoint is best for borrowers with bad to fair credit or those who can qualify for the lowest advertised rates.
Pros & Cons
- Quick funding
- Low credit score requirements
- No prepayment penalty
- Origination fee up to 10%
- Co-signers or joint loans not permitted
- Not available in Nevada and West Virginia
Details
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score. 600
- Minimum annual income. $35,000
- Co-signers. Not permitted
Expert’s Take
LendingPoint can be a good option for those who may not have a high credit score. They focus more on the potential borrower’s job history and income when determining loan eligibility and rates.
— Jonathan Feniak, general counsel and head of finance, LLC Attorney
BEST LOW-RATE LOAN FOR LARGE AMOUNTS
Wells Fargo
3.7
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team
Minimum Credit Score
Does not disclose
APR range
7.49% to 24.99%
with autopay discount
Loan amounts
$3,000 to $100,000
Via MoneyLion’s Website
Does not disclose
7.49% to 24.99%
with autopay discount
$3,000 to $100,000
Editor’s Take
Wells Fargo is a solid option for customers with an established relationship with the bank, thanks to high maximum loan amounts and a relationship discount.
Why We Like It
Wells Fargo offers fixed-rate personal loans between $3,000 to $100,000 and repayment terms from one to seven years.
What We Don’t Like
Only current Wells Fargo customers can apply for a personal loan online. Likewise, the 0.25% autopay discount is only available to current customers.
Who It’s Best For
Wells Fargo personal loans are a good choice for borrowers who need access to large loans, as personal loans are available up to $100,000.
Pros & Cons
- Can receive funds as soon as the next business day
- 0.25% autopay discount
- No origination fees or prepayment penalty
- Must have a Wells Fargo checking account to receive autopay discount
- New Wells Fargo customers must visit a branch to apply
- No option to prequalify
Details
Overview: Wells Fargo offers fixed-rate personal loans with limits between $3,000 to $100,000 and repayment terms from 12 to 84 months. Although Wells Fargo is available to anyone in the United States, only current Wells Fargo customers will be able to apply online.
New customers will need to visit a branch location. Wells Fargo does not have branch locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont or West Virginia.
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score required. Does not disclose
- Minimum annual income. Does not disclose
- Co-borrowers. Not permitted
- Co-signers. Not permitted
Loan uses:
- Debt consolidation
- Home improvement
- Medical bills
BEST LOW-RATE LOAN FOR WELL-QUALIFIED APPLICANTS
American Express® Personal Loans
3.1
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team
Loan amounts
$3,500 to $40,000
APR range
5.91% to 17.97%
Minimum Credit Score
Does not disclose
$3,500 to $40,000
5.91% to 17.97%
Does not disclose
Editor’s Take
In addition to its credit card options, American Express offers cardholders personal loans from $3,500 to $40,000.
Why We Like It
American Express personal loans charge APRs between 5.91% to 17.97%—which is lower than most competitors.
What We Don’t Like
Minimum and maximum loan amounts are less flexible than some competitors and may lead to borrowing more than necessary.
Who It’s Best For
American Express personal loans are best for borrowers who can qualify for the lowest advertised rates.
Pros & Cons
- Low advertised APRs
- No origination fees
- Quick loan decision
- Can’t change payment due date
- Only available to current cardmembers
- Doesn’t allow co-signers or co-applicants
Details
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score required. Does not disclose
- Minimum annual income. Does not disclose
- Co-borrowers. Not permitted
- Co-signers. Not permitted
Compare the Best Personal Loan Rates for September
The above personal loan rates and details are accurate as of August 30, 2024. While we update this information regularly, the annual percentage rates (APRs) and loan details may have changed since the page was last updated. Keep in mind, some lenders make specific rates and terms available only for certain loan purposes. Be sure to confirm available APR ranges and loan details, based on your desired loan purpose, with your lender before applying.
Tips for Comparing Personal Loan Rates
In general, annual percentage rates (APRs) vary by lender and depend on several factors, including the applicant’s creditworthiness. However, there are several things you can do to access the lowest rate possible when applying for a personal loan. Consider these factors when comparing personal loan rates:
Credit score and eligibility requirements.
Average borrower rates.
Loan amounts and repayment terms.
Additional costs.
Lenders that offer the lowest personal loan interest rates can be enticing, but be sure you’re comparing all of the loan costs before accepting funding. In some cases, origination fees or prepayment penalties can offset the cost of a low interest rate. That can ultimately make an offer with a slightly higher rate cheaper.
-Colin Beresford, Deputy Editor Personal & Business Loans
Complete Guide To Personal Loan Rates
- What Is a Personal Loan?
- Current Personal Loan Interest Rates
- Average Personal Loan Interest Rates By Credit Score
- How Lenders Determine Personal Loan Rates
- How To Get the Lowest Personal Loan Rates
- Pros and Cons of Personal Loans
- Where To Get a Personal Loan
- How To Get a Personal Loan
- Recap: Best Personal Loan Interest Rates of 2024
- Methodology
What Is a Personal Loan?
A personal loan is a type of financing that lets borrowers access cash for a wide range of personal uses, including home improvements, auto repairs and unanticipated expenses. Loan amounts and repayment terms vary by lender, but the best personal loans typically range from $1,000 to $100,000 with some starting as low as $250. In general, loan repayment terms extend from one to seven years.
Current Personal Loan Interest Rates
Average Personal Loan Interest Rates By Credit Score
Interest rates vary by lender, borrower qualifications and loan characteristics. However, interest rates are best predicted by a borrower’s credit score. According to Experian, the average interest rates for Vantage Score ranges are as follows:
CREDIT CLASSIFICATION | VANTAGE V4 CREDIT RANGE | AVERAGE ESTIMATED INTEREST RATE (%) |
---|---|---|
Super prime | 781 to 850 | 6.39 |
Prime | 661 to 780 | 10.54 |
Near prime | 601 to 660 | 15.63 |
Subprime | 500 to 600 | 17.27 |
Deep subprime | 300 to 499 | 17.35 |
Personal Loan Rates for Excellent Credit
Personal Loan Rates for Good Credit
Personal Loan Rates for Fair Credit
Personal Loan Rates for Bad Credit
How Lenders Determine Personal Loan Rates
Lenders determine personal loan rates based on several factors, but the applicant’s credit score and overall credit profile are the most important. Many traditional and online lenders also look at the prospective borrower’s income and current outstanding debts to determine their debt-to-income ratio (DTI).
DTI is the ratio of a borrower’s monthly income to their monthly debt service and is used to evaluate an applicant’s ability to make on-time payments. The higher the DTI, the riskier the borrower—and the higher the interest rate they’ll likely receive.
When determining personal loan rates, some online and alternative lenders also look at a prospective borrower’s occupation and education to evaluate earning potential. Likewise, lenders may evaluate the risk posed by a borrower based on where they live.
Pro Tip
It’s always a good idea to prequalify for several loans before choosing one. Many lenders let you prequalify without a hard credit inquiry so you can check and compare rates. However, if you accept a loan offer, the full application process typically includes a hard credit check that may impact your score. Hard inquiries typically stay on your credit report for up to two years.
How To Get the Lowest Personal Loan Rates
The most competitive personal loan rates are typically reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. However, other factors can impact rates, and it’s possible to get lower rates without a stellar credit profile. Follow these tips to get the best personal loan rates:
- Understand your credit report. Before prequalifying or applying for a personal loan, request a copy of your credit report from one of the three main credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can get free weekly credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Knowing your credit score can help you prequalify for a loan offer before committing to a hard credit inquiry.
- Calculate the best loan amount and term. Personal loan APRs are generally higher for larger loans and more extended repayment terms. That said, shorter repayment terms mean larger monthly payments. Use a personal loan calculator to determine how much monthly payment you can afford, and then opt for the shortest possible loan term.
- Apply with a co-signer or co-borrower. If you won’t qualify for a competitive APR based on your credit, consider applying with a co-borrower or co-signer who has a higher credit score. This approach can lead to higher approval odds and lower personal loan rates.
- Choose a secured loan. A secured personal loan is collateralized by a valuable asset, such as real estate. If a borrower defaults on a secured loan, the lender can seize the collateral. Because secured loans are less risky to lenders, they may be a better fit for borrowers who can’t qualify for a personal loan or a competitive APR.
- Take advantage of rate discounts. Many lenders offer rate discounts to borrowers who sign up for automatic payments during the loan application process. When comparing lenders, choose an option that offers autopay discounts or other savings opportunities.
- Opt for a fee-free lender. To remain competitive, some lenders moved to a fee-free structure that charges no origination, late payment, prepayment or other additional fees. Choosing a fee-free lender can reduce the overall cost of a loan, thereby reducing the APR.
Pros and Cons of Personal Loans
Before taking out a personal loan to consolidate debt or finance your next purchase, it’s a good idea to run through the pros and cons. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of personal loans you should be aware of.
Pros of Personal Loans
- Flexible loan amounts
- Unsecured loans typically require no collateral or down payment
- Fixed installment payments
- Can qualify for low interest rates
- Loan funding may happen in a week or less
- Funds can be used to pay for almost any type of legal personal expense
Cons of Personal Loans
- Loans may have origination fees
- Collateral may be required if you don’t have good credit
- Borrowers with less-than-perfect credit may qualify for higher interest rates
- Loans can damage your credit history if you don’t make on-time payments
- Late payment fees or prepayment penalties may increase the cost of the loan
Where To Get a Personal Loan
Various lenders offer personal loans and some may be better suited for you and your financial needs. Before accepting a loan, consider
- Banks.Traditional financial institutions, like banks, offer personal loans, but they can come with high interest rates.
- Credit unions.Credit unions can be a good option for a personal loan if you’re a member or qualify to be a member. These lenders often work with borrowers who have a less-than-perfect credit history and can offer low interest rates.
Online lenders.Online lenders can offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms. Some cater to borrowers with bad credit scores.
How To Get a Personal Loan
Although the process can vary by lender, you’ll generally take these steps in order to get a personal loan:
- Check your credit. Before starting your search for lenders, check your credit score for free through your credit card issuer or another service. This will help you narrow down which lenders will be willing to work with you.
- Improve your credit. If your credit score is lower than 610, take steps to improve your credit score such as lowering your credit usage or paying off debts. This can help you qualify for a loan and, in some cases, a lower interest rate.
- Shop around for lenders. Determine how much money you need to borrow and which lenders whose qualification requirements you meet. Many lenders will let you pre-qualify before submitting a formal application, which allows you to see the rates you could qualify for without impacting your credit score.
- Submit an application. Once you find the lender that works best for you, submit an application. Depending on the lender, this can take hours or days.
Recap: Best Personal Loan Interest Rates of 2024
- Upgrade: Best Low-Rate Loan for Co-signed Loans
- LightStream: Best Low-Rate Loan for Quick Funding
- U.S. Bank: Best Low-Rate Loan From a Traditional Bank
- Upstart: Best Low-Rate Loan for Limited Credit History
- Discover: Best Low-Rate Loan for Debt Consolidation
- LendingPoint: Best Low-Rate Loan for Fair Credit
- Wells Fargo: Best Low-Rate Loan for Large Amounts
- American Express: Best Low-Rate Loan for Well-Qualified Applicants
Methodology
We reviewed 31 popular lenders based on 16 data points in the categories of loan details, loan costs, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and the application process. We chose the best lenders based on the weighting assigned to each category:
- Loan costs. 35%
- Loan details. 20%
- Eligibility and accessibility. 20%
- Customer experience. 15%
- Application process. 10%
Within each major category, we also considered several characteristics, including available loan amounts, repayment terms, APR ranges and applicable fees. We also looked at minimum credit score requirements, whether each lender accepts co-signers or joint applications and the geographic availability of the lender. Finally, we evaluated each provider’s customer support tools, borrower perks and features that simplify the borrowing process—like prequalification options and mobile apps.
Where appropriate, we awarded partial points depending on how well a lender met each criterion.
To learn more about how Forbes Advisor rates lenders, and our editorial process, check out our .
How much can you borrow with a personal loan?
How large of a personal loan you can borrow depends on what the lender offers and your own creditworthiness. It’s possible to find lenders offering a wide range of loan amounts from a few hundred dollars up to $100,000.
When you apply with a lender, they’ll consider several different factors to figure out how much to approve you for. This could include your credit score, monthly income, other debt obligations and overall credit history.
How much will a personal loan cost?
The cost of a personal loan depends on the lender, type of loan and the borrower’s creditworthiness. Interest typically accrues on personal loans at a rate from 4% to 36%, with the lowest rates accessible to high-credit borrowers. In addition to interest, some lenders also charge origination fees between 1% and 8% of the total loan amount. Borrowers also may be subject to late payments fees and/or prepayment penalties, which can increase the total cost of the personal loan.
How does a personal loan affect your credit score?
A personal loan can have both a negative and positive impact on your credit score. To qualify for most personal loans, you’ll have to undergo a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily impact your credit score. Once you begin repayment, most lenders will report your payment history to the credit bureaus. On-time payments can help improve your credit, while late payments can drop your credit score.
What’s the difference between APR and interest rate?
The main difference betweenAPR versus interest rateis that the interest rate is the actual cost to borrow money. In contrast, a loan’s annual percentage rate includes the interest rate plus additional costs like finance charges as the annual cost over the life of the loan.
Can I negotiate personal loan rates with lenders?
In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with lenders to get a lower interest rate on your personal loan. Call and ask the lender if you can lower your interest rate, and if that doesn’t work, refinancing your loan may be the best option for securing a lower interest rate.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit?
It is possible toget a personal loan with bad credit, but it is generally more difficult to qualify—especially for competitive rates. Less creditworthy applicants also face lower borrowing limits and higher interest rates than more qualified applicants. However, some lenders specialize in personal loans for borrowers with bad credit, instead basing lending decisions on alternative credit data.
What is a good interest rate on a personal loan?
Personal loan rates range from around 7% to 36%, with the average hovering around 12-15% for a 3-year loan. A good interest rate on a personal loan is one that is lower than the national average. However, borrowers with excellent credit scores may qualify for even lower rates.
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