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24 Small Personal Loan Lenders, Compared Side by Side

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Published APR ranges, loan sizes, terms and fees for 24 lenders writing $500 to $5,000 loans, side by side.

White tulips wrapped in brown paper beside garden snips, ribbon and a glass vase on an oak table, illustrating a calm way to compare loans like hidden meadow lending
24lenders compared
5.96%lowest listed APR
$300smallest listed loan
299%highest listed APR
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How we picked lenders for the hidden meadow lending comparison

We picked 24 US lenders that publish terms for personal loans somewhere between $500 and $5,000, ranging from online lenders to branch-based installment companies, so a hidden meadow lending comparison covers every credit profile.

Big national banks were left out of this hidden meadow lending comparison on purpose, because their personal loans rarely fit small needs. Most of them start their personal loans at $3,000 or more, require an existing account, or both, which does not help someone who needs $900 for a transmission or $2,400 for a funeral deposit. The lenders below either start at or below $2,000 or write a large share of their loans in that range.

Each figure for these personal loans comes from the lender's own published terms as reported by major review sites, and every row should be read as "as listed by the lender; check current terms." Rates and state lists change often, so recheck anything that matters before applying, just as you would with a hidden meadow lending offer. Treat this page as a map for your shortlist, not a quote. It is written for anyone who typed hidden meadow lending into a search bar and wanted the wider market in one place.

People who search hidden meadow lending reviews or hidden meadow lending reddit threads often want one thing: an honest look at who else lends in this space. That is why the list includes loans for bad credit from lenders we would steer most borrowers away from, alongside the ones that tend to cost the least. Seeing both ends of the market makes the middle easier to judge, and it gives anyone researching hidden meadow lending a fair baseline for the personal loans they are offered.

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All 24 lenders side by side

The table lists each lender's published APR range, loan amounts, repayment terms, credit guidance and funding speed, so you can shortlist two or three before reading the detailed profiles below.

LenderAPR rangeAmountsTermsCredit guidanceFunding
Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub)5.96%–35.99%$1,000–$75,00024–84 months600Next business day
Upgrade7.74%–35.99%$1,000–$75,00024–84 months600About 1 business day
Upstart6.20%–35.99%$1,000–$75,00036 or 60 monthsNone statedAbout 1 business day
Universal Credit11.69%–35.99%$1,000–$50,00024–60 months560About 1 business day
Best Egg6.99%–35.99%$2,000–$50,00036–60 months600Next business day
Avant9.95%–35.99%$2,000–$35,00024–60 months550Next business day
Rocket Loans7.99%–29.99%$2,000–$75,00036 or 60 months640Same day possible
Prosper8.99%–35.99%$2,000–$50,00024–72 months6001–3 business days
LendingPoint7.99%–35.99%$1,000–$36,50024–72 months680Next business day
PenFed Credit Union6.39%–17.99%$600–$50,00012–60 monthsNot published1–2 business days
Reach Financial5.99%–31.79%$3,500–$40,00024–60 months660Next day possible
OneMain Financial11.99%–35.99%$1,500–$30,00024–60 monthsNone statedAs soon as 1 hour to debit card
OportunUp to 35.95%$300–$10,00012–60 monthsNone stated1–4 business days
Mariner Finance15.99%–35.99%$1,000–$25,00012–72 months590Several days after closing
Regional FinanceNot published$600–$10,000Fixed, by stateNone statedAbout 2–3 days
World FinanceNot published$450–$12,0006–48 monthsNone statedAbout 1 business day
Lendmark Financial ServicesUp to 36.00%From $500VariesNone statedVaries
Republic FinanceUp to 35.99%Up to $25,00012–60 monthsNone statedSame day in branch
Heights FinanceNot publishedFrom $400–$1,000 by stateVaries by stateNone statedSame day in branch
1st Franklin FinancialUp to 35.99%Up to $15,000Up to 60 monthsAbout 580 (third-party data)Same day before noon
NetCredit34.00%–99.99%$1,000–$10,0006–60 months550Same day if signed by 11 a.m. CT
OppLoans99%–195%$500–$5,0009–24 monthsNone statedSame day possible
Rise Credit59.80%–299%$500–$5,0007–36 monthsNone statedNext business day
Personify Financial36%–179.50%$500–$15,00012–48 monthsNot published1–2 business days
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Lender profiles in detail

Each profile summarizes what the lender publishes about rates, fees, credit expectations and funding, followed by the type of borrower it tends to suit best. Check current terms on the lender's own site.

Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub)

APR 5.96%–35.99%Amounts $1,000–$75,000Terms 24–84 monthsFees Origination 0%–8%

The bank formerly known as LendingClub lists APRs from 5.96% to 35.99% on personal loans from $1,000, with terms of two to seven years. It asks for a credit score of about 600 and a debt-to-income ratio no higher than 40%. An origination fee of up to 8% may come out of the proceeds. Rate discounts of half a point apply for AutoPay and for paying creditors directly on a consolidation loan, and the lender reports that most approved loans fund within 24 hours. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for fair-to-good credit borrowers consolidating card balances.

Upgrade

APR 7.74%–35.99%Amounts $1,000–$75,000Terms 24–84 monthsFees Origination fee deducted from proceeds

Upgrade makes personal loans of $1,000 and up in all 50 states and Washington, DC, with APRs listed from 7.74% to 35.99% including an AutoPay discount. Terms run from two to seven years, and the lender looks for a score around 600. An origination fee is taken out of the loan amount, so the deposit is smaller than the amount borrowed. Upgrade also offers discounts for direct payment to creditors and for secured loans backed by a vehicle. Funding usually arrives about a day after approval. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for borrowers who want rate discounts and a nationwide lender.

Upstart

APR 6.20%–35.99%Amounts $1,000–$75,000Terms 36 or 60 monthsFees Origination fee (varies)

Upstart prices personal loans with a model that weighs education, work history and income alongside credit, and it publishes no minimum score. APRs are listed from 6.20% to 35.99% on amounts from $1,000, but only two term lengths are offered. An origination fee applies, and the lender's own example uses about 8.5%. There are no rate discounts and no direct payments to creditors, which matters for consolidation. Most loans fund one business day after the borrower signs. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for thin credit files with steady income or education history.

Universal Credit

APR 11.69%–35.99%Amounts $1,000–$50,000Terms 24–60 monthsFees Origination fee

Universal Credit is an online personal loan lender built for fair credit, with a stated minimum score of 560 and APRs from 11.69% to 35.99%. Loans start at $1,000 with terms of two to five years. Its origination fee runs higher than some online peers, so compare the cash you receive rather than the loan amount. AutoPay and direct-pay discounts are available, but there are no joint, co-signed or secured options, and it does not lend in Washington, DC. Funding is typically one business day. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for fair credit applicants who scored too low elsewhere.

Best Egg

APR 6.99%–35.99%Amounts $2,000–$50,000Terms 36–60 monthsFees Origination 0.99%–9.99%

Best Egg lists unsecured APRs of 6.99% to 35.99% on personal loans from $2,000, with terms of three to five years and a minimum score near 600. Origination fees range from 0.99% to 9.99%, and terms of four years or longer carry a fee of at least 4.99%. Homeowners can choose a secured version at a lower starting APR. The lender is not available in Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia or Washington, DC. Approved loans usually fund the next business day. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for good credit borrowers who need $2,000 or more.

Avant

APR 9.95%–35.99%Amounts $2,000–$35,000Terms 24–60 monthsFees Administration fee up to 9.99%

Avant targets fair credit borrowers, listing a 550 minimum score and APRs from 9.95% to 35.99% on personal loans from $2,000. Terms run two to five years. An administration fee of up to 9.99% is deducted before funding, which is steep on a small loan. Applicants need at least $1,200 a month in net income, and Avant does not lend in Iowa, West Virginia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts or Washington. Loans approved by 4:30 p.m. Central often fund the next business day. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for fair credit borrowers needing at least $2,000.

Rocket Loans

APR 7.99%–29.99%Amounts $2,000–$75,000Terms 36 or 60 monthsFees Origination up to 9.99%

Rocket Loans caps its personal loan APR at 29.99%, below the 35.99% ceiling common in this list, with loans from $2,000 and only 36- or 60-month terms. It asks for a 640 score and at least $24,000 in yearly income. The origination fee can reach 9.99%, so the low APR cap does not always mean a low total cost. Same-day funding is possible after approval. Rocket Loans is not available in Iowa, Nevada, West Virginia or Maryland. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for good credit borrowers who want very fast funding.

Prosper

APR 8.99%–35.99%Amounts $2,000–$50,000Terms 24–72 monthsFees Origination 1%–9.99%

Prosper is a peer-to-peer marketplace where investors fund approved personal loans. It lists APRs from 8.99% to 35.99%, amounts from $2,000, terms of two to six years and a 600 minimum score. Origination fees run from 1% to 9.99%, higher for lower scores. Joint applications are allowed, which can help a borrower with a thin file. Because investors must fund the listing, approval can take up to five business days, and funding follows one to three days after signing. It is not offered in Iowa, North Dakota or West Virginia. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for borrowers who want to add a co-borrower.

LendingPoint

APR 7.99%–35.99%Amounts $1,000–$36,500Terms 24–72 monthsFees Origination up to 10%

LendingPoint lists APRs from 7.99% to 35.99% on personal loans from $1,000 to $36,500, with terms of two to six years. Its published requirements are tighter than many online lenders: a 680 score and $35,000 in yearly income. An origination fee of up to 10%, depending on the state, comes out of the proceeds. Co-borrowers and cosigners are not accepted, but hardship options such as payment extensions exist after funding. It does not lend in Connecticut, DC, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, Vermont or West Virginia. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for steady earners with good credit and no cosigner.

PenFed Credit Union

APR 6.39%–17.99%Amounts $600–$50,000Terms 12–60 monthsFees No origination fee

PenFed Credit Union posts some of the lowest APRs in this comparison, 6.39% to 17.99%, on personal loans as small as $600 with terms of one to five years. There is no origination fee and no penalty for paying early. You can prequalify without joining, but you must open a savings account with a $5 deposit to finish the loan. PenFed does not publish a minimum score, and approval generally favors good credit. Direct deposits usually arrive in one to two business days. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for good credit borrowers willing to join a credit union.

Reach Financial

APR 5.99%–31.79%Amounts $3,500–$40,000Terms 24–60 monthsFees Origination 5%–7.19%

Reach Financial focuses on personal loans for debt consolidation, listing APRs from 5.99% to 31.79% and a 1.5-point discount when loan funds go straight to creditors. Its $3,500 minimum puts it at the top edge of the small-loan range. Applicants need a 660 score and at least three years of credit history. The origination fee of 5% to 7.19% is deducted before funding. A 14-day grace period applies before late fees. Reach is not offered in Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Vermont or West Virginia. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for debt consolidation with direct payment to creditors.

OneMain Financial

APR 11.99%–35.99%Amounts $1,500–$30,000Terms 24–60 monthsFees $25–$500 or 1%–10%

OneMain Financial runs branches in 44 states and makes personal loans from $1,500, with higher minimums in states such as California ($3,000) and Georgia ($3,100). APRs are listed from 11.99% to 35.99%, terms from two to five years, and there is no published minimum score. The origination fee is either a flat $25 to $500 or 1% to 10% of the loan. Secured loans can use a car, motorcycle, boat or RV. Funds sent to a linked debit card can arrive within an hour. It does not lend in Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont or DC. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for limited or poor credit with a vehicle to secure the loan.

Oportun

APR Up to 35.95%Amounts $300–$10,000Terms 12–60 monthsFees Origination up to 10%

Oportun makes personal loans as small as $300 and does not require any credit score or credit history, which makes it one of the few options for someone new to US credit. Published APRs reach 35.95%, terms run one to five years, and an origination fee of up to 10% is deducted from the loan. Secured loans up to $18,500 are available in a handful of states. Oportun does not pay creditors directly on consolidation loans. It is unavailable in Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Washington, West Virginia and DC. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for borrowers with no credit history at all.

Mariner Finance

APR 15.99%–35.99%Amounts $1,000–$25,000Terms 12–72 monthsFees Origination in some states

Mariner Finance makes personal loans in 27 states through branches and online, with APRs listed from 15.99% to 35.99%, loans from $1,000 and terms of one to six years. It looks for a score near 590 and accepts cosigners, which can help borrowers rebuilding credit. An origination fee applies in some states. Approval can come the same business day, but funding may take several days after closing. Mariner has faced a multistate lawsuit over add-on products and fees, so review every line of the contract. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for applicants who can add a cosigner.

Regional Finance

APR Not publishedAmounts $600–$10,000Terms Fixed, by stateFees No origination fee; late fee 5% capped at $10

Regional Finance makes fixed-rate installment personal loans from $600 to $10,000 through local branches, and it does not require perfect credit. Its secured loans need collateral such as a vehicle, and that collateral must be insured, which adds cost. There is no origination or application fee; late payments cost 5% of the installment up to $10. You prequalify online with a soft pull, then visit a branch to close. Funding usually follows two to three days later. APRs are not published, so ask for the full APR in writing. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for in-person borrowers with collateral to pledge.

World Finance

APR Not publishedAmounts $450–$12,000Terms 6–48 monthsFees Origination $25–$100; late fee up to $30

World Finance is a long-running branch lender that makes installment personal loans in 15 states, mostly across the South and Midwest. Loans range from $450 to $12,000 with terms of six to 48 months, and a bank account is not required. The company does not publish APRs, so you will only see the cost in the loan offer. Origination fees of $25 to $100 and late fees of up to $30 apply. Applications trigger a hard credit pull with no soft-pull rate check. Payments are reported to all three bureaus. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for borrowers without a bank account.

Lendmark Financial Services

APR Up to 36.00%Amounts From $500Terms VariesFees Varies by state

Lendmark Financial Services makes personal loans through branches and online, starting at $500 and a stated APR ceiling of 36%. It does not publish a minimum score, and a bank account is not required. Applications are individual only, with no cosigners, and a hard credit pull happens at application because there is no soft-pull prequalification. Bring a government photo ID, proof of identity and proof of income. Ask directly about origination and prepayment fees, since published information on both is inconsistent. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for in-person help across many states.

Republic Finance

APR Up to 35.99%Amounts Up to $25,000Terms 12–60 monthsFees Origination, late and NSF fees may apply

Republic Finance makes personal loans through roughly 250 branches across 16 states, mainly in the South, with APRs up to 35.99% and terms of one to five years. There is no stated minimum score, and you can prequalify online with a soft pull. Branch loans can fund the same day by check; smaller online loans arrive by ACH in one to two business days. Larger and secured loans require a branch visit, collateral and insurance. Customer complaints cite hidden fees and aggressive collections, so confirm every charge before signing. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for Southern borrowers who prefer a branch.

Heights Finance

APR Not publishedAmounts From $400–$1,000 by stateTerms Varies by stateFees $2.95 card payment fee

Heights Finance and its sister brands make personal loans at more than 285 branches in states including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma. Minimum loans vary by state, from $400 in Georgia to $1,000 in Illinois and Kentucky. Rates and terms are not published. New loans have no payment for at least 30 days, and the first payment can be larger. Collateral may include household goods or a titled vehicle. Branch loans can fund the same day by check. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for Midwest and Southern borrowers who want a local office.

1st Franklin Financial

APR Up to 35.99%Amounts Up to $15,000Terms Up to 60 monthsFees Late and returned-check fees; optional add-ons

1st Franklin Financial makes personal loans in ten Southern states, with APRs capped at 35.99%, loans up to $15,000 and terms up to five years. Every loan closes at a branch, and same-day funding is possible when the application is finished before noon. Credit insurance, job-loss protection and roadside plans are optional, yet reviewers report finding them in loan documents they did not request. Ask which items are optional, and ask how extra payments are applied before you prepay. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for borrowers in its ten Southern states who want same-day cash.

NetCredit

APR 34.00%–99.99%Amounts $1,000–$10,000Terms 6–60 monthsFees No origination fee

NetCredit makes personal loans of $1,000 to $10,000 in 36 states with a 550 minimum score, but its listed APRs of 34% to 99.99% put most loans above the 36% affordability line. There is no origination fee and no prepayment penalty, and paying early is the main way to cut the cost. Loans signed before 11 a.m. Central on a business day can fund the same day. NetCredit reports to all three bureaus. Compare any offer here with branch lenders capped at 36% before accepting. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for: Last resort only — many loans are priced above 36% APR.

OppLoans

APR 99%–195%Amounts $500–$5,000Terms 9–24 monthsFees No origination, late or prepayment fees

OppLoans makes personal loans of $500 to $5,000 without a credit score minimum, but its listed APRs of 99% to 195% make it one of the most expensive options here. A $1,000 loan at those rates can cost more in interest than the amount borrowed. Applicants need $18,000 in yearly income and 90 days of direct deposit. There are no origination, late or prepayment fees, and payments are reported to all three bureaus. If you use it, plan to repay early. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for: High-cost option — consider only after cheaper lenders decline.

Rise Credit

APR 59.80%–299%Amounts $500–$5,000Terms 7–36 monthsFees Origination up to 5% in some states

Rise Credit makes personal loans of $500 to $5,000 in 30 states with APRs from 59.80% to 299%, which Rise itself describes as an expensive form of credit. Terms run from seven months to three years, and the lender says its typical borrower has a score of 629 or lower. Applicants need about $1,000 a month in take-home pay. An origination fee of up to 5% applies in five states. Offers accepted by 6 p.m. Eastern usually fund the next business day, and early payoff carries no penalty. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for: High-cost option — urgent needs only, and repay early.

Personify Financial

APR 36%–179.50%Amounts $500–$15,000Terms 12–48 monthsFees Origination 5%–5.99%

Personify Financial makes personal loans of $500 to $15,000 in 28 states and looks at work and payment history as well as credit, but its listed APRs of 36% to 179.50% sit entirely at or above the 36% line. An origination fee of 5% to 5.99% is added, and there is no prepayment penalty. Offers come from a soft pull, with a hard pull once you move forward. Funds usually arrive in one to two business days. Loans cannot be used for business or education costs. As listed by the lender; check current terms.

Best for: High-cost option — compare at least two cheaper offers first.

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How to compare small personal loans the right way

Compare small personal loans on APR, total repaid and the cash you actually receive, because an origination fee taken from the loan can make a lower-rate offer cost more than it looks.

  • APR, not interest rate. APR folds in the origination fee. A 22% rate with an 8% fee on a short loan can land above a 27% rate with no fee.
  • Cash in hand. If you need $1,500 and the lender takes a 6% fee from proceeds, ask for about $1,600 or you will come up short.
  • Total repaid. Multiply the monthly payment by the number of months. A longer term lowers the payment but raises the total. On personal loans under $5,000, the gap between a 12-month and a 36-month term can exceed $500 in interest.
  • Soft-pull prequalification. Most lenders here show a rate with a soft inquiry. Only the final application triggers a hard pull, and the same is true of a hidden meadow lending request.
  • State availability. Several lenders skip whole states. Check yours before you spend time on an application for personal loans that are not offered where you live.

For a quick sense of scale, the representative example we use across the site is $2,000 over 12 months at 24.99% APR: about $190.08 a month, $2,280.96 in total and $280.96 in interest (estimate). If you are weighing an offer from a hidden meadow lending request against any lender below, use the same yardstick for both personal loans. Run your own numbers in the personal loan calculator, then hold every offer up against the typical APR ranges before you sign.

Anyone searching for loans like hidden meadow lending gets a shortcut that skips the one-by-one shopping. One request through our form reaches several lenders in our network, and you compare the offers that come back without any fee for using the service.

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What the columns in the lender table mean

Each table row shows the lender's published APR range, loan amounts, repayment terms, credit guidance, typical funding speed and main fees, all quoted as listed by the lender and subject to change.

APR is the yearly cost of personal loans including required fees. The low end goes to applicants with strong credit and income; most people with fair credit land in the middle or upper part of the range. Amounts are the lender's floor and ceiling, and some states set higher minimums. Terms are in months. Credit shows a stated minimum score when the lender publishes one; "none stated" means the lender looks at income, banking history and other factors instead.

Funding is the fastest timing the lender advertises after you sign, not a promise. Your bank may hold the deposit for a day. Fees lists origination or administration charges, which are usually subtracted from the loan before you receive it. Late fees and returned-payment fees exist at nearly every lender and are described in the loan agreement. A hidden meadow lending offer lists those same charges, so the comparison stays apples to apples.

Lenders with APRs above 36% are marked plainly in their write-ups, the same way a hidden meadow lending offer above that line would be. Consumer groups treat 36% as the upper limit of affordable credit, and personal loans priced above it can double the cost of a small loan within a year or two.

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Red flags that should end a loan conversation

Walk away from any lender or broker that asks for an upfront fee, promises approval before reviewing your information, or pressures you to sign the same day without showing a full APR.

  • Requests for a "processing" or "insurance" fee paid by gift card, wire or payment app before funding.
  • No physical address, no state license information, or a phone number that only takes voicemail.
  • Optional add-ons such as credit insurance, roadside plans or job-loss coverage already written into the contract.
  • Extra payments that push back your next due date instead of reducing principal. Ask before you prepay.
  • An offer email that does not match the company name on the agreement you are asked to sign.
  • Anyone claiming to be hidden meadow lending customer service who asks for a password, a one-time code or a payment by phone. Real support never asks for those.

Legitimate lenders, and legitimate matching services such as the one behind a hidden meadow lending request, show the APR, the finance charge and the payment schedule before you commit. If you are weighing bad credit loans from a branch lender, read the add-on section twice and remove anything you did not ask for. You can learn more about how matching services should behave on our how it works page.

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Where loans for bad credit fit in this list

Loans for bad credit in this list come mainly from branch installment lenders and a few online lenders that publish no minimum score, and they nearly always carry higher APRs and origination fees.

If your score sits below about 600, the realistic personal loans here come from OneMain Financial, Oportun, Mariner Finance, the branch lenders in the South and Midwest, and the online high-cost lenders at the bottom of the list. Check a federal credit union payment alternative loan first if you belong to one, and run a hidden meadow lending request alongside it, since those are capped at 28% APR. Then compare branch lenders that stay at or under 36% before you look at anything above that line.

For personal loans at these credit levels, a cosigner, a secured loan backed by a vehicle, or a smaller amount can each move an offer into a lower APR band. People comparing bad credit loans through a hidden meadow lending request see the same trade-offs, with each offer showing its APR up front. Our eligibility guide covers what most lenders review, and the comparison of personal loans for bad credit there will help you decide whether to apply now or spend a few months raising your score first.

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