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Best personal loan rates for April 2025

Rates start at 6.49%

Updated Apr 22, 2025

The best personal loan rates start at 6.49 percent if you have stellar credit and income. However, according to a recent Bankrate survey, average personal loan rates sit at 12.36 percent, which is still much lower than average credit card rates above 20 percent.

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First-in-class customer experience
PERSONAL LOAN
Upgrade
4.6
7.99- 35.99%
with AutoPay
Min credit score
580
$314
Loan amount
$1k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Payday loan alternative
PERSONAL LOAN
Avant
4.5
9.95- 35.99%
Min credit score
550
$323
Loan amount
$2k-$35k
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Online lender
PERSONAL LOAN
SoFi
4.7
8.99- 29.49%
with all discounts
Min credit score
300
$318
Loan amount
$5k-$100k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Credit card debt consolidation
PERSONAL LOAN
Happy Money
4.2
8.95- 29.99%
Min credit score
640
$318
Loan amount
$5k-$40k
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Emergency option
PERSONAL LOAN
LendingClub
4.7
7.90- 35.99%
Min credit score
600
$313
Loan amount
$1k-$40k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Little credit history
PERSONAL LOAN
Upstart
4.7
6.70- 35.99%
Min credit score
300
$308
Loan amount
$1k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best for low rates on small loans
PERSONAL LOAN
Best Egg
4.6
7.99- 35.99%
Min credit score
600
$314
Loan amount
$2k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Best for high-dollar loans and longer repayment terms
PERSONAL LOAN
LightStream
4.5
6.49- 25.29%
* with AutoPay
Min credit score
695
$307
Loan amount
$5k-$100k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best for variety of secured loan options
PERSONAL LOAN
OneMain
4.3
18.00- 35.99%
Min credit score
Not disclosed
$362
Loan amount
$1.5k-$20k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Initial comparison research
PERSONAL LOAN
Splash Financial
4.1
8.99- 35.99%
Min credit score
Not disclosed
$318
Loan amount
$1k-$100k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best for no fees
PERSONAL LOAN
Citi® Personal Loan
4.6
11.49- 20.49%
Min credit score
Not disclosed
$330
Loan amount
$2k-$30k
See offersArrow Right
on Bankrate
See details
Peer-to-peer lending
PERSONAL LOAN
Prosper
4.5
8.99- 35.99%
Min credit score
600
$318
Loan amount
$2k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
on Bankrate
See details
Small loans flexible repayment terms
PERSONAL LOAN
Lending Point
4.4
7.99- 35.99%
Min credit score
600
$314
Loan amount
$1k-$37k
Read our reviewArrow Right
on Bankrate
See details
Best for debt consolidation
PERSONAL LOAN
Achieve
4.5
8.99- 29.99%
Min credit score
620
$318
Loan amount
$5k-$50k
Read our reviewArrow Right
on Bankrate
See details
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A closer look at our top lenders for personal loans

Our Bankrate experts put the top personal loan lender picks under a microscope to give you a better look at each. Before applying, consider each lender's strengths and weaknesses to see if they are the best match for your particular borrowing needs.

We outline what each lender excels at to help you find the best option for your needs.

Upgrade: Bankrate 2025 award winner for bad credit and first-in-class service

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
580
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
580
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Option to add a co-borrower
  • Lower credit score requirement
  • Direct debt consolidation disbursement
Cons
  • Minimum income not specified
  • High minimum origination fee
  • Low maximum loan amount
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Upgrade loan. Upgrade is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Avant: Best payday loan alternative

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$35k
Min credit score
550
Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$35k
Min credit score
550
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Short loan terms
  • Low minimum credit score
  • Household members' income eligible
Cons
  • High minimum APR
  • No co-signers or co-borrowers
  • Administrative fee
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Avant loan. Avant is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

SoFi: Best overall online lender 

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
8.99%–29.49%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
300
Est. APR
8.99%–29.49%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Optional fees
  • Cosigners allowed
  • Mobile app
Cons
  • Chat support only available for account holders
  • High minimum APR
  • High minimum loan amount
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an SoFi loan. SoFi is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Happy Money: Best loan for credit card debt consolidation

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Est. APR
8.95%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$40k
Min credit score
640
Est. APR
8.95%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$40k
Min credit score
640
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Loan management tools on member portal and app
  • Low minimum credit score
Cons
  • Funding may take longer than other lenders
  • Origination fee
  • Can only be used for credit card debt consolidation
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Happy Money loan. Happy Money is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

LendingClub: Bankrate 2025 award winner for best in an emergency

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
7.90%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$40k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
7.90%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$40k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Joint application available
  • Flexible payment date
  • Direct debt consolidation disbursement
Cons
  • High maximum APR
  • Potentially high origination fee
  • Limited term options
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an LendingClub loan. LendingClub is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Upstart: Best loan for little credit history

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
6.70%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
300
Est. APR
6.70%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • May qualify with no credit score
  • Option to change payment dates
  • Low minimum loan amount
Cons
  • No joint loan options
  • Paper copies fee
  • High maximum APR
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Upstart loan. Upstart is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Best Egg: Best for low minimum rates

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Low minimum rates
  • Unique secured loan choices
  • Low minimum credit score
Cons
  • Lower maximum loan amount
  • Origination fee
  • Few repayment options than competitors
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Best Egg loan. Best Egg is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

LightStream: Bankrate 2025 award winner for best home improvement loan

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
6.49%–25.29%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
695
Est. APR
6.49%–25.29%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
695
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • No fees
  • Same-day funding
  • Range of repayment options
Cons
  • Excellent credit required
  • Long credit history required
  • No prequalifying online
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an LightStream loan. LightStream is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

OneMain Financial: Best for variety of secured loan options

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k–$20k
Min credit score
Not specified
Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k–$20k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Prequalification offered
  • Secured options available
  • About 1,400 branches nationwide
Cons
  • Fees vary by state
  • High minimum APR
  • Minimum amounts vary greatly by state
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an OneMain loan. OneMain is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Splash Financial: Best for initial comparison research

Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$100k
Min credit score
Not specified
Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$100k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Range of loan terms 
  • High funding amount 
  • Nationwide coverage 
Cons
  • No mobile application
  • High maximum APR
  • Undisclosed requirements 
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Splash Financial loan. Splash Financial is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Citi ® Personal Loan: Best for no fees

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
11.49%–20.49%
Loan amount
$2k–$30k
Min credit score
Not specified
Est. APR
11.49%–20.49%
Loan amount
$2k–$30k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
1-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Zero fees
  • Auto pay discount available
  • Quick funding
Cons
  • Limited loan amounts
  • High minimum credit score requirement
  • No joint applications
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Citi® Personal Loan loan. Citi® Personal Loan is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Prosper: Best for peer-to-peer lending 

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Money management tools on website
  • Option to change payment date
  • Co-borrowers allowed
Cons
  • Origination fee
  • No same-day funding
  • High maximum interest rate
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Prosper loan. Prosper is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

LendingPoint: Best for small loans with flexible repayment terms

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$37k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$37k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Repayment terms up to six years
  • Available in most states
  • Loan amounts as small as $1,000
Cons
  • High origination fee for some
  • Low maximum loan amount
  • No joint applications
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Lending Point loan. Lending Point is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Achieve: Best for best debt consolidation

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
8.99%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$50k
Min credit score
620
Est. APR
8.99%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$50k
Min credit score
620
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Allows co-signers
  • Fast funding
  • Personal loan consultant
Cons
  • Not available in every state
  • High minimum loan amount
  • Origination fee
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Achieve loan. Achieve is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Calculate your loan payment

Use Bankrate's calculator to find the perfect loan repayment plan for you. Enter different loan amounts, terms and interest rates to compare estimated monthly payments and see how much total interest you'll pay.

Loan Calculator

Estimated monthly payment
$92.22
Total loan amount paid
$5,000.00
Total interest paid
$592.91
Total cost of loan
$5,592.91
Principal amount
Total interest paid

How to compare personal loans 

Compare personal loan offers to find the best product for your specific goals. The information Bankrate gathered about the lenders above can make this easier. Keep the following factors in mind as you compare your options.

  • Learn the approval requirements: Some lenders cater to excellent credit borrowers, while others specialize in bad credit. Check lenders' websites for loan amount minimums and maximums to make sure they meet your needs. 
  • Review interest rates and fees: Personal loan APRs vary widely based on your credit score and the lender. Watch for origination fees, which can be as high as 12 percent of your loan amount and are deducted from the amount you borrow when your loan funds. 
  • Run payments on different repayment options: Most loan terms range between one and seven years. A longer term comes with a lower monthly payment and higher total interest charges. A short term makes sense if you can afford the higher monthly payment and want your debt repaid faster.
  • Consider how quickly you need the funds: Some lenders offer same-day funding, while others may take several business days. Check funding times if you need money fast for an emergency. 
  • Look for special perks and read lender reviews: You may be eligible for rate discounts for automatic payments or payment due date flexibility. Read lender reviews for extra information about customer service hours, contact information and what other borrowers' experiences have been.
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The author’s expert insight

"As someone who used to broker loans for a living, I know that the lowest rate lenders are not always the best choice for your circumstances. Those low rates may come with extra fees, short terms, and requirements that don’t fit your financial needs or that you can’t qualify for. A lender that offers slightly higher rates but longer terms may give your budget more breathing room than a lender that offers super low rates on loan balances you have to pay off quickly at a high monthly payment."

- Denny Ceizyk, Bankrate Senior Loans Writer

Personal loan interest rates

The interest rate you're offered will depend on several factors, including your credit score, your income, your current debts, the Federal Reserve's actions and the type of loan you're interested in.

Average rates as of April 23, 2025

Personal loans 12.43%

To get an up-to-date picture of industry rates, Bankrate's Market Analysis team conducts the weekly Bankrate Monitor survey. The rate we share is the average offered by America's largest banks and thrifts to customers with a 700 FICO score, $5,000 loan amount and three-year repayment plan.

What this means if you're shopping for the best rates:

  • Your rate could be much lower or higher than the average depending on your credit score or loan term.
  • You may want to check out online lender rates since they aren't reflected in this average.

Average personal loan interest rates vary depending on your credit score. Lenders offer borrowers with fair or bad credit higher rates because they see them as more likely to default.

Borrowers with good or excellent credit are more eligible for the lender's most competitive rates and terms. Lenders often also charge lower rates for shorter terms, higher loan amounts and may offer discounts for automatic payment set up. Other factors beyond your control also influence lender rates, including the Federal Reserve's actions.

Check your credit score to calculate your potential interest rate.

What is a personal loan? 

personal loan is a type of installment loan that allows you to receive money all at once and repay it in monthly installments. Most personal loans can be funded in one or two business days, and repaid in terms ranging from one to seven years. 

Personal loan rates are usually fixed with average APRs much lower than average credit card APRs. They’re typically unsecured, so you don’t risk losing an asset like your home or car if you can’t repay it. Personal loans are popular for debt consolidation but can be used for just about any legal purpose.

Pros and cons of personal loans 

While helpful, personal loans aren't the best financing tool or solution for everyone. Consider the pros and cons of personal loans before making a decision. If you feel that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, look into personal loan alternatives, like home equity products or a credit card.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Money in one lump sum with lower interest rates than credit cards.
  • Faster funding times than secured loan options like home equity loans.
  • May help improve your credit score if used to pay off revolving credit.
  • Few restrictions on how funds are used.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Interest rates can be higher than credit cards for bad credit borrowers.
  • Shorter terms could result in unaffordable monthly payments.
  • Potentially high fees and penalties.
  • Income must be stable to qualify — not good for gig or self-employed income.
Loan Icon
Bankrate insight

45 percent of Americans who applied for personal loans in the last 12 months were rejected, according to Bankrate's 2025 Credit Denials Survey.

How to get a personal loan with Bankrate

Knowing the steps to getting a personal loan will make the application and approval process easier.

  1. Check your credit score.

    Your credit score has the most impact on the personal loan rate you’re offered. You may want to wait to apply if it’s not in tip-top shape.

  2. Pick an affordable repayment term.

    Use a personal loan calculator to see how different terms, rates and fees could impact your budget. Be realistic about what you can afford.

  3. Compare requirements, APRs and fees with at least three lenders.

    Research minimum credit scores, range of repayment terms and loan amounts offered at each lender. You can begin your search using the information Bankrate has gathered on this page, or visit different lenders' websites if you don't find the terms you are looking for. Watch for fees — some lenders charge origination fees of more than 10 percent of the amount you borrow.

  4. Get prequalified.

    Choose lenders that allow you to prequalify so you can compare rates without damaging your credit scores. You can start your prequalification application with lenders on this page that partner with Bankrate clicking “See offers” and filling out a short form. You can also apply for prequalification from a lender's website.

  5. Finalize your loan.

    Lenders may require pay stubs, tax documents or other additional documents to prepare your final loan documents. Review the final terms of your loan to make sure the fees and APR match your expectations.

  6. Get your funds and start making payments.

    Once you sign the loan agreement, the funds will likely be directly deposited within one business day. Consider signing up for automatic payments to make repayment easier.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT

How To Get A Personal Loan In 9 Steps

Get more details about how to get approved for the best personal loan for your credit situation.

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Personal loan uses 

Borrowers take out different types of personal loans for different loan purposes. While there are many options out there, here are a few of the most common.

Bankrate logo
BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Does it make more sense to borrow with a personal loan or a HELOC right now?


Nationally recognized finance expert

Recent spikes in mortgage rates may make personal loans a better choice than home equity loans. People with high credit scores may find personal loan rates as competitive as home equity loan interest rates. In addition, a personal loan isn’t secured by your home, which means you don’t have to pay it off when you sell your home, and don’t risk losing your home to foreclosure if you can’t pay it off.

Loans Senior Writer

Despite the record highs in home equity, I’d recommend personal loans as a better alternative for two reasons. First, they don’t tie up your home’s equity since they’re typically unsecured. That means you net more profit if you plan to sell your home soon and avoid the risk of losing your home if you can’t repay the HELOC. Second, you could keep using a HELOC over at least the first 10 years, reducing your housing wealth. A personal loan forces you to pick a repayment period with a definite end date. Homeowners who rack up credit card debt over the holidays may be better off using a personal loan for debt consolidation, too.

Frequently asked questions about personal loans

How we choose our best personal loan lenders

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

45

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

900

data points collected

To select the best personal loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 40 lenders. Each lender was ranked using a meticulous 20-point system, focusing on four main categories: