Best Personal Loans 2026
Compare top personal loan lenders with competitive rates, fast approval, and flexible terms. Find the best loan for your credit score and needs.
π― Find Your Best Loan Match
Enter your details to see estimated rates and monthly payments
Estimated APR
12.5%
Monthly Payment
$501
Total Interest
$3,036
β Recommended Lenders for You:
| Lender | APR Range | Loan Amount | Min. Credit | Funding Speed | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoFi βββββ | 8.99% - 29.99% | $5,000 - $100,000 | 680+ | 1-7 days | Best overall & excellent credit | Check Rate β |
| LightStream βββββ | 7.49% - 25.99% | $5,000 - $100,000 | 660+ | Same day possible | Best rates for good credit | Check Rate β |
| Upstart ββββ Β½ | 6.50% - 35.99% | $1,000 - $50,000 | 300+ | 1-3 days | Best for bad/fair credit | Check Rate β |
| Prosper ββββ | 8.99% - 35.99% | $2,000 - $50,000 | 600+ | 3-5 days | Best for joint applications | Check Rate β |
| LendingClub ββββ | 8.98% - 35.99% | $1,000 - $40,000 | 600+ | 2-4 days | Best for debt consolidation | Check Rate β |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs ββββ Β½ | 7.99% - 24.99% | $3,500 - $40,000 | 660+ | 1-3 days | Best for no fees | Check Rate β |
In-Depth Lender Reviews
SoFi
Best overall & excellent credit
Why We Recommend SoFi:
- β No fees
- β Unemployment protection
- β Member benefits
- β Rate discounts available
LightStream
Best rates for good credit
Why We Recommend LightStream:
- β Lowest rates for good credit
- β No fees
- β Rate Beat Program
- β Same-day funding
Upstart
Best for bad/fair credit
Why We Recommend Upstart:
- β AI-based approval
- β Low credit OK
- β Fast approval
- β Flexible terms
How to Choose the Right Personal Loan
1. Know Your Credit Score
Your credit score determines your APR. Excellent credit (720+) qualifies for the lowest rates. Check your score for free before applying.
2. Compare APRs, Not Just Rates
APR includes fees. A loan with 10% APR and no fees beats 9% APR with a 5% origination fee.
3. Consider Loan Term Trade-offs
Shorter terms = higher monthly payments but less total interest. Longer terms = lower payments but more interest paid.
4. Pre-Qualify with Multiple Lenders
Check rates with 3-5 lenders using soft credit checks (no impact on score). Compare and choose the best offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for a personal loan?
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 600-680. However, some lenders like Upstart approve borrowers with scores as low as 300. Better credit scores (720+) qualify for the lowest APR rates (7-12%).
How fast can I get a personal loan?
Some lenders like LightStream offer same-day funding. Most lenders fund within 1-7 business days. The process is: apply online (5-10 min) β get approved (instant to 24 hours) β receive funds (1-7 days).
What can I use a personal loan for?
Personal loans are flexible. Common uses: debt consolidation, home improvements, medical bills, car repairs, weddings, or major purchases. Most lenders don't restrict how you use the money.
Will checking my rate hurt my credit score?
No! Pre-qualification uses a "soft" credit check that doesn't affect your score. Only the final application (when you accept an offer) uses a "hard" inquiry that may impact your score by a few points temporarily.
Is a personal loan better than a credit card?
For large expenses or debt consolidation, yes. Personal loans have fixed interest rates (usually lower than credit cards), fixed monthly payments, and a set payoff date. Credit cards have variable rates and can trap you in minimum payments.
What fees do personal loans charge?
Common fees: origination fee (0-8% of loan amount), late payment fee ($25-$50), and prepayment penalty (rare). Top lenders like SoFi, LightStream, and Marcus charge NO fees whatsoever.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you apply for a personal loan through our links. This helps us maintain free comparison tools. APR ranges are accurate as of February 2026 and vary based on creditworthiness. See our full disclaimer.