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.