Personal Loans
Find the Best Personal Loan Providers
Compare top loan options with low APRs, flexible terms, and fast approval processes.
Top 10 Personal Loan Companies - 2025
Citi: Best for No Fees
Discover: Best for Flexible Terms
Upgrade: Best for Quick Funding
US Bank: Best for Existing Customers
LendingClub: Best for Debt Consolidation
Upstart: Best for AI-Based Lending
SoFi: Best for High Loan Amounts
LightStream: Best for Low Rates
Patelco: Best for Credit Union Members
Wells Fargo: Best for Branch Access
Calculate Your Personal Loan Payments
Use our loan calculator to get a quick estimate of your monthly payments.
Not sure how much your monthly payments will be? Use our simple loan calculator below to calculate how much you’ll pay each month based on your loan amount, interest rate, and term length.
Personal Loan Calculator
Monthly Payment
How the Loan Calculator Works
Loan Amount: Enter how much you want to borrow. Personal loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to $50,000, but some lenders offer personal loans of up to $100,000.
Loan Term: Personal loan terms usually range from one to seven years. Experiment with shorter and longer terms to find the right payment for your budget.
Loan Interest Rate: Enter the rate here. As of Oct. 22, 2025, the average personal loan interest rate is 12.25%.
What the Estimated Monthly Payment Box Tells You
Total Loan Amount Paid: This is the principal amount you borrow.
Total Cost of Loan: This is how much you’ll pay, including interest charges, over the term you choose.
Total Interest Paid: This is how much interest you’ll pay if you keep the loan for the full term. Keep in mind, the longer the term, the more interest you’ll pay.
How We Choose Our Best Personal Loan Lenders
We understand that finding the right personal loan lender can be overwhelming, so we’ve simplified the process by evaluating lenders based on the following criteria:
The interest rate (APR) is one of the most important factors in choosing a personal loan, as it directly affects how much you’ll pay over the life of the loan. Lenders with lower APRs will save you money in the long run.
How APR Affects Your Loan: APR represents the total annual cost of borrowing, including the interest rate and any additional fees. A lower APR means that your monthly payments will be more affordable and you’ll pay less in interest over the entire loan term.
Why It Matters: Personal loans typically offer better rates than credit cards, but not all lenders are created equal. We focus on lenders that offer competitive APRs, making sure you don’t pay more than necessary. Whether you have excellent credit or a fair score, we ensure you get the best possible rate based on your financial situation.
What to Watch Out For: High APRs can quickly escalate the overall cost of the loan. Lenders with sky-high interest rates might be risky for borrowers with lower credit scores, so we ensure you avoid lenders with unfair rates that could burden your financial health.
When it comes to personal loans, one-size-does-not-fit-all. Lenders that offer flexible loan terms allow you to tailor the loan to suit your budget and financial goals.
Repayment Period: Some borrowers prefer to repay their loan quickly, while others need more time. Flexible lenders offer loan terms that can range from 12 months to 60 months (or longer), so you can choose a term that works for you. Shorter terms usually mean higher monthly payments but less interest paid, while longer terms may lower payments but increase the total cost due to interest.
Loan Amounts: Personal loan amounts can vary widely. Lenders with flexible loan amounts allow you to borrow anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000. This is useful if you have a specific need, whether it’s a small amount to cover an emergency or a larger loan for a home renovation or debt consolidation.
Customization: The ability to adjust both the loan amount and the repayment period helps you find a loan that fits your exact needs without overstretching your budget.
Transparency in fees is crucial when it comes to personal loans. Some lenders may have hidden fees that surprise you down the road. We focus on lenders that clearly display all fees upfront, so there are no unexpected costs.
Origination Fees: Many personal loans come with an origination fee, which is a percentage of the loan amount. This fee is taken out at the time of loan disbursement and can range from 1% to 6%. While this is common, we highlight lenders with lower or no origination fees to keep your loan affordable.
Other Fees to Watch For: Some lenders may charge fees for late payments, prepayment penalties, or returned payments. We ensure the lenders we recommend have minimal or no additional fees that would increase the total cost of your loan.
How Transparency Helps: A clear breakdown of fees ensures you’re fully aware of the costs involved and helps you make an informed decision about which loan to choose.
The experience you have with a lender doesn’t end once you’ve signed the loan agreement. Good customer service throughout the loan process can significantly improve your experience.
Easy Application Process: We look for lenders with a streamlined online application process that’s simple to follow and user-friendly. Whether you’re applying on a computer or mobile device, the process should be efficient, and the lender should offer timely responses.
Support During Repayment: A lender with good customer service will also assist you throughout the repayment phase, offering support if you face any issues. Whether you need help with payments, adjustments, or have questions, excellent customer service ensures you’re not left in the dark.
Reputation and Reviews: We consider customer feedback to evaluate how lenders treat their borrowers. We recommend lenders who are known for their responsive customer service, high satisfaction rates, and willingness to assist borrowers through any challenges they may face during the loan term.
Getting approved for a personal loan can be a hassle, especially if you don’t meet strict eligibility requirements. We focus on lenders with reasonable and clear eligibility criteria that make the process easier for you.
Credit Score Flexibility: Not everyone has a perfect credit score, and many lenders have minimum credit score requirements that vary based on the loan product. We focus on lenders who offer reasonable terms for different credit scores, including options for those with fair or poor credit.
Income and Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders typically require you to show proof of income, and some may have debt-to-income ratio requirements. We recommend lenders who are flexible but still take your financial health into account, ensuring the loan is affordable for you.
No Hidden Surprises: We work with lenders that make their eligibility requirements clear from the start, so you don’t waste time applying for loans you don’t qualify for. Clear communication on what’s needed makes the process smoother and faster.
When you need funds quickly, fast approval and quick disbursement are essential. We choose lenders who can approve loans quickly and get the funds to you in a timely manner.
Instant Decisions: Many lenders offer instant approval or near-instant decisions, making it easier for you to know where you stand within minutes of applying.
Same-Day Funding: Some lenders offer same-day funding or can deposit your funds into your bank account within one business day, so you can cover emergency expenses quickly.
Streamlined Process: Lenders who offer a fast, efficient application and approval process help you avoid unnecessary delays. We prioritize lenders who can get the money in your hands as quickly as possible while ensuring your loan terms are favorable.
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the experiences of other borrowers. We evaluate lenders based on customer satisfaction, looking for lenders who have built a reputation for trustworthiness and reliability.
What Borrowers Are Saying: We only recommend lenders with positive reviews and high ratings from borrowers. Positive feedback regarding the loan process, customer service, and overall experience indicates a reliable lender.
Proven Track Record: Lenders with strong reviews and high satisfaction rates show that they consistently provide quality service and follow through on their promises.
Credit Requirements for a Quick Loan
Your credit score plays a key role in the loan terms and interest rate you’ll get. Here’s how different credit scores affect your loan options:
Excellent (750+): Low interest rates (6%-8%) and best loan terms. High chances of approval.
Good (700-749): Competitive rates (8%-12%) and flexible terms. High chances of approval.
Fair (650-699): Higher rates (12%-18%) with more fees. Moderate chances of approval.
Poor (600-649): High rates (18%-35%) and stricter terms. Lower chances of approval.
Bad (<600): Very high rates (up to 36%) and limited loan options. Approval is harder but possible with collateral.
Tip: Consider checking your credit score, and if needed, use a co-signer or apply for a secured loan to improve your chances.
Personal Loans vs. Credit Cards
| Feature | Personal Loan | Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Large, one-time expenses (e.g., debt consolidation) | Ongoing purchases, small expenses |
| Loan Amount | $1,000 to $100,000 | $500 to $50,000 |
| Repayment | Fixed monthly payments over 12-60 months | Flexible, but high-interest if not paid monthly |
| Interest Rates (APR) | 6%-36% | 15%-30% |
| Fees | Origination, late payment, prepayment penalties | Annual fees, late fees, high interest |
| Approval Time | 1-7 days | Instant or within minutes |
| Best For | Debt consolidation, home improvement, large expenses | Everyday purchases, small credit needs |
How to Get a Personal Loan: A Simple Guide
Getting a personal loan is an easy way to manage major expenses, but it’s important to understand the steps involved. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the process.
1. Assess Your Loan Needs
Loan Amount: Determine how much you need to borrow.
Loan Term: Choose between shorter terms (higher payments, less interest) or longer terms (lower payments, more interest).
Purpose: Are you consolidating debt, making home improvements, or handling an emergency?
2. Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score will impact your interest rate and loan approval:
Higher score = Better rates.
Lower score = Higher rates and possibly less favorable terms.
3. Use a Loan Calculator
Use an online loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments. Enter your loan amount, term, and interest rate to get an idea of what you’ll be paying.
4. Compare Lenders
Prequalify: Many lenders offer prequalification without impacting your credit score.
Compare Offers: Check APR, fees, loan terms, and eligibility requirements from at least 3 lenders.
5. Finalize the Loan
Once you find the best offer, complete your application. You may need to provide:
Proof of income
Identification documents
6. Receive Funds & Repay
After approval, funds are typically disbursed within a few days. Repay on time to avoid late fees and protect your credit score.