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18 Best Personal Loan Alternatives for 2026

Compare top personal loan lenders side by side. Find the best rates, terms, and options for your financial situation.

Find the Right Personal Loan for Your Needs

Choosing the right lender can save you thousands. Compare 18 top personal loan providers below.

All 18 Lenders

1. SoFi2. LendingClub3. Upstart 4. Prosper5. Avant6. Best Egg 7. Marcus8. Discover9. LightStream 10. Upgrade11. Payoff12. OneMain 13. Rocket Loans14. PenFed15. Achieve 16. Happy Money17. Universal Credit18. NetCredit

1. SoFi Personal Loans

Best Overall
APR Range8.99% - 29.99%
Loan Amounts$5,000 - $100,000
Loan Terms2 - 7 years
Min. Credit680

Key Features

No FeesUnemployment ProtectionMember Benefits

SoFi stands out with zero origination fees, zero late fees, and unemployment protection. Member benefits include career coaching and financial planning.

2. LendingClub

Fast Funding
APR Range9.57% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$1,000 - $40,000
Loan Terms3 - 5 years
Min. Credit600

Key Features

Joint ApplicationsDirect PayPrequalification

LendingClub pioneered peer-to-peer lending and now operates as a full-service bank with joint loan applications available.

3. Upstart

AI-Powered
APR Range7.80% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$1,000 - $50,000
Loan Terms3 - 5 years
Min. Credit300

Key Features

AI UnderwritingEducation ConsideredNo Min Score

Upstart uses AI to evaluate borrowers beyond credit scores, considering education and employment history.

4. Prosper

Established
APR Range8.99% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$2,000 - $50,000
Loan Terms3 - 5 years
Min. Credit640

Key Features

Peer-to-PeerJoint ApplicationsQuick Funding

America's first peer-to-peer marketplace with over $23 billion in loans facilitated.

5. Avant

Bad Credit OK
APR Range9.95% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$2,000 - $35,000
Loan Terms2 - 5 years
Min. Credit580

Key Features

Bad Credit WelcomeNext-Day FundingMobile App

Specializes in serving borrowers with fair to poor credit with accessible financing options.

6. Best Egg

Quick Process
APR Range8.99% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$2,000 - $50,000
Loan Terms3 - 5 years
Min. Credit640

Key Features

Secured OptionDirect PayFast Approval

Offers both unsecured and secured personal loan options with vehicle collateral for better rates.

7. Marcus by Goldman Sachs

No Fees
APR Range8.99% - 29.99%
Loan Amounts$3,500 - $40,000
Loan Terms3 - 6 years
Min. Credit660

Key Features

No Fees EverPayment FlexibilityOn-Time Reward

No origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties. Rewards on-time payments with deferral options.

8. Discover Personal Loans

Trusted Brand
APR Range7.99% - 24.99%
Loan Amounts$2,500 - $40,000
Loan Terms3 - 7 years
Min. Credit660

Key Features

No Origination Fee30-Day GuaranteeFlexible Terms

Lowest max APR in industry at 24.99%. 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.

9. LightStream

Lowest Rates
APR Range7.49% - 25.49%
Loan Amounts$5,000 - $100,000
Loan Terms2 - 12 years
Min. Credit660

Key Features

Rate Beat ProgramSame-Day FundingNo Fees

Lowest rates available for qualified borrowers. Rate Beat Program promises to beat any qualifying rate.

10. Upgrade

Versatile
APR Range8.49% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$1,000 - $50,000
Loan Terms2 - 7 years
Min. Credit580

Key Features

Credit MonitoringSecured OptionsDirect Pay

Comprehensive financial platform including loans, credit cards, and banking with free credit monitoring.

11. Payoff

Debt Consolidation
APR Range8.99% - 24.99%
Loan Amounts$5,000 - $40,000
Loan Terms2 - 5 years
Min. Credit640

Key Features

Credit Card FocusFICO TrackingFinancial Coaching

Specializes exclusively in credit card consolidation with personalized support and wellness coaching.

12. OneMain Financial

In-Person
APR Range18.00% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$1,500 - $20,000
Loan Terms2 - 5 years
Min. CreditNo Min

Key Features

1,400+ BranchesSecured OptionsNo Min Score

Secured and unsecured loans with no minimum credit score. 1,400+ branch locations nationwide.

13. Rocket Loans

Same-Day
APR Range9.25% - 29.99%
Loan Amounts$2,000 - $45,000
Loan Terms3 - 5 years
Min. Credit640

Key Features

Same-Day FundingRate DiscountSimple Process

Part of Rocket Companies. Streamlined digital experience with same-day funding and autopay discounts.

14. PenFed Credit Union

Credit Union
APR Range8.99% - 17.99%
Loan Amounts$600 - $50,000
Loan Terms1 - 5 years
Min. Credit650

Key Features

Low Max APRLow MinimumsNo Origination

Competitive rates with max APR of just 17.99%. Anyone can join with small donation to qualifying org.

15. Achieve Personal Loans

Debt Solutions
APR Range8.99% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$5,000 - $50,000
Loan Terms2 - 5 years
Min. Credit620

Key Features

Debt ResolutionFinancial CoachingDirect Pay

Formerly Freedom Financial. Comprehensive debt solutions including loans and resolution services.

16. Happy Money

Wellness Focus
APR Range10.50% - 24.99%
Loan Amounts$5,000 - $40,000
Loan Terms2 - 5 years
Min. Credit640

Key Features

Psychology-BasedCredit Card FocusMember Tools

Psychology-based approach to debt freedom, focusing exclusively on credit card payoff with wellness tools.

17. Universal Credit

Fair Credit
APR Range11.69% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts$1,000 - $50,000
Loan Terms3 - 5 years
Min. Credit560

Key Features

Lower Credit OKFast DecisionsCredit Building

Powered by Upgrade, caters to borrowers with fair to poor credit with min score of just 560.

18. NetCredit

Bad Credit
APR Range34.00% - 155.00%
Loan Amounts$1,000 - $10,000
Loan Terms6 - 60 months
Min. CreditNo Min

Key Features

No Credit CheckQuick ApprovalBuild Credit

Serves borrowers who may not qualify elsewhere. Higher rates but reports to bureaus to help build credit.

Important Information

Information is for educational purposes based on data as of January 2026. APRs and terms subject to change. Always verify with lenders directly. This is not financial advice or endorsement.

How to Choose the Best Personal Loan

Consider these factors when comparing options.

💰

Compare APRs, Not Just Interest

APR includes both interest rate and fees, giving you the true cost of borrowing. A lower rate with high fees may cost more.

📊

Check Your Credit Score First

Know your score to target lenders most likely to approve you at competitive rates. Many offer soft-pull prequalification.

📅

Consider Total Loan Cost

Longer terms mean lower payments but more interest over time. Calculate total cost, not just monthly payment.

⚠️

Watch for Hidden Fees

Some lenders charge origination fees, prepayment penalties, or late fees. Read all terms carefully before accepting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best personal loan for bad credit in 2026?

For bad credit, consider Upstart (AI-based, no min score), Avant (accepts 580+), OneMain Financial (secured options, no min), or Universal Credit (accepts 560+).

Which lender has the lowest interest rate?

LightStream offers rates as low as 7.49% APR for excellent credit. SoFi and Marcus also offer competitive rates starting around 8.99% APR.

How fast can I get funded?

Many lenders offer same-day or next-day funding. Rocket Loans, LightStream, and Upgrade are known for quick turnaround times.

What credit score do I need?

Requirements vary: Premium lenders (SoFi, LightStream) need 660-680+. Mid-tier (LendingClub) around 600. Bad credit options (Avant, OneMain) accept 580 or below.

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