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Best installment loans in March 2025

Updated Mar 10, 2025

What to know first: An installment loan lets you borrow a fixed sum of money and pay it back over a set period. You can use personal loans if you need to finance a large-ticket item, pay for an emergency expense or have flexibility in the loan’s use.

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LightStream: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Best Home Improvement Loan

4.5
Est. APR
6.49- 25.29%
* with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs*
Loan amount
$5k-$100K
Min credit score
695

PERSONAL LOANS

Upstart: Best for bad credit

4.7
Est. APR
6.70- 35.99%
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-$50K
Min credit score
300

LendingClub: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Best In An Emergency

4.7
Est. APR
7.90- 35.99%
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-$40K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Happy Money: Best for credit card debt consolidation

4.2
Est. APR
8.95- 17.48%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$40K
Min credit score
640

PERSONAL LOANS

Citi: Best for quick payoff

4.6
Est. APR
11.49- 20.49%
Loan term
1-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k-$30K
Min credit score
Not disclosed

PERSONAL LOANS

Avant: Best payday loan alternative

4.5
Est. APR
9.95- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k-$35K
Min credit score
550

SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Best Online Lender

4.7
Est. APR
8.99- 29.49%
with all discounts
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$100K
Min credit score
300
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A closer look at our top installment loan lenders 

These deeper dives will help you narrow your options by giving you extra insight into each lender and its products.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: LightStream is Truist Bank’s online lending platform. Its loans are capped at $100,000 — much higher than the industry average of $50,000. The lender also offers a rate beat program and a $100 satisfaction guarantee, two incentives that aren't common in the loan industry.

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.
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Upstart approves loans based on more than just the borrower’s credit score and income. Its proprietary AI model considers factors like job history and educational background to make a decision, making its loan products accessible — even for those with little or no credit history.

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.
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Headquartered in San Francisco, California, LendingClub has served over 4.8 million customers nationwide. The lender offers a co-borrowing option — something less common in the personal loan industry. This and its lower-than-average credit score requirement make its loans more inclusive than most.

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 loans offered
  • Rate discounts
  • Convenient mobile app
Cons
  • No payment date flexibility
  • Origination fee
  • High maximum APR
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.
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Overview: Happy Money is unique because it only offers credit card debt consolidation loans. Its loans come with a competitive maximum APR, and it doesn’t charge any prepayment penalties or late fees, so borrowers can focus on getting out of debt and boosting their credit scores.

Est. APR
8.95%–17.48%
Loan amount
$5k–$40k
Min credit score
640
Est. APR
8.95%–17.48%
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.
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Citi is a global bank that offers a complete hub of financial products and services. Its personal loans feature a quick application process, same-day approval, fast funding and competitive interest rates. Borrowers who sign up for autopay a 0.5 percent rate reduction — one of the most generous discounts of the lenders we reviewed. Citigold and Citi Priority customers also qualify for an additional 0.25 percent rate discount.

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
  • Quick funding
  • Auto pay discount available
  • Zero fees
Cons
  • Limited loan amounts
  • High minimum credit score
  • 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.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Avant was founded in 2012 and is based in Chicago. It offers personal loans to fund small to midsize expenses, with amounts capped lower than the industry average. The lender has one of the lowest FICO score requirements among the lenders profiled on this page, offering more flexible terms than other bad credit options.

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.
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: SoFi is best known for its student loan refinancing products but it also has some of the best personal loans in the market. SoFi’s loans feature a fully online application, competitive APRs, no mandatory fees, flexible repayment terms and higher-than-average loan amounts.

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.

What is an installment loan?

Installment loans are a form of credit that allow you to borrow a fixed sum of money and pay it back over a set period. The main benefit of an installment loan is its predictable monthly payment and a set payoff date.

Personal loans are a type of unsecured installment loan that give you access to funds quickly without pledging an asset like a home or car. They also feature lower average interest rates than credit cards, which could lead to significant interest savings.

Installment loans can be an excellent tool to improve your credit score, if you use them to consolidate high-interest credit cards. Your credit utilization ratio drops when you pay off revolving credit like credit cards, which can boost your credit scores significantly.

Pros and cons of installment loans

Not all types of installment loans have the same benefits and drawbacks. For example, mortgages can take weeks or even months to close and can only be used to buy a home. But if you're looking for the flexibility of a personal loan, here's what you can expect:

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • You can typically get the funds quickly — sometimes even the same day you’re approved.
  • Payments are predictable and have fixed terms and interest rates.
  • Interest rates tend to be lower than credit card interest rates.
  • You can use installment loans to cover just about any expense.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Bad credit rates can be above 30 percent.
  • Personal loan lenders may charge origination fees as high as 12 percent of your loan amount.
  • There are no minimum payment options like you have with credit cards.
  • Personal loan limits with some lenders may not give you enough cash to meet your goals.

Types of installment loans

Some installment loans are restricted to a specific use, while others are more versatile. There are five common types of installment loans.

  • Personal loans: A personal loan is typically unsecured and paid out as a lump sum — usually repaid in one to seven years. The money from the loan can be used to consolidate debt, fund home improvement projects, pay for a wedding, cover emergency expenses and more.
  • Mortgages: A mortgage is a secured loan used to buy a house. The home serves as collateral and secures the loan, which is paid monthly over 15 to 30 years.
  • Auto loans: An auto loan is a secured loan used to buy a car with the vehicle serving as collateral. The loan is paid monthly, typically in two to seven years. Use our auto loan calculator to determine what your monthly payment might be.
  • Student loans: A student loan is a type of unsecured loan that can be used to pay for education expenses, such as tuition, fees and room and board. It can be obtained through the federal government or private lenders and has repayment terms ranging from five to 20 years.
  • Buy now, pay later (BNPL) loansBNPL loans have payments that are usually split up into four installments. They have recently gained popularity because they are usually interest-free if the payments are made on time and may come with the flexibility to change payment due dates.

Where to get an installment loan

The source of your installment loan will vary depending on what you are borrowing for, but installment loans tend to come from one of the following sources:

  • Banks: Borrowing from a bank means working with a trusted financial institution and having access to in-person support. This route is also an especially strong fit for current members, as some banks offer discounts. 
  • Credit unions: Like banks, credit unions offer in-person customer service and may provide discounts to current members. They may also be more flexible in their qualification requirements than a bank.
  • Online lenders: For those who feel comfortable navigating their finances on the web, online lenders tend to offer fast funding and the convenience of at-home lending. 
  • Comparison rate sites: Borrowers who want to compare several lenders at once may benefit from checking out comparison rate sites like Bankrate. You can get unbiased reviews and detailed information vetted by experts before you hit the “apply” button. 
Bankrate logo
BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

How many installment loans should you have?


Contributor, Insurance, Loans

Installment loans are best for major purchases, such as buying a home or car. Examples include mortgages and auto loans. Installment loans let you spread out the cost over several years, so you don’t have to pay for a big expense all at once. Most people do not have enough money saved to buy big ticket items with cash. You should devote no more than a third of your income to repaying debt, so you have enough money to cover your living expenses and pay your taxes. Installment loans can also help you build good credit if you make the monthly payments on time every time.

Senior writer, Loans

The answer to this depends on why you’re getting the installment loans in the first place. One installment loan is enough if it’s used to replace a handful of revolving debt like credit cards. You may need an additional one to finance a car if you don’t have cash to pay for it. However, there’s no flexibility when it comes to your monthly payment on an installment loan. There’s no minimum monthly payment and you can’t re-use any balance you’ve paid off like you can with a credit card. Financial experts often suggest you spend no more than a third of your take home pay on monthly debt. That’s good advice, but you also need to look at your lifestyle spending. If you spend a lot on eating out, entertainment or expensive hobbies like golfing, you should limit the number of installment loans you take out.

How to get an installment loan

There are a handful of steps to follow to apply for and get an installment loan. 

  1. Decide how much money you needThe more you borrow, the higher your monthly payment will be. Using a personal loan calculator gives you an idea of the monthly payments. Experiment with longer terms for lower payments, but keep an eye on how much interest you’ll save with a shorter term. 
  2. Know your credit scoreA credit score above 670 will get you competitive rates, while a fair credit score between 580 and 669 could result in double-digit interest rate offers. Also check your credit report with all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Transunion and Experian — to see if there are any errors. 
  3. Choose what type of personal loan to apply for. There are several different types of personal loans, ranging from debt consolidation loans you can use to pay off high-interest-rate credit cards to holiday loans to help you cover seasonal holiday expenses. 
  4. Shop for the best rate and terms. Personal loans are available at banks, credit unions, and online lenders, and you should compare at least three lenders before making a final decision. You can also use a comparison site like Bankrate to vet several lenders at once to save you time going to multiple lenders' websites. Look for lenders that will prequalify you without a hard credit pull to avoid damaging your credit.  
  5. Pick a lender and finalize your application. Once you’ve chosen the lender with the best personal loan rate and term for your situation, complete the application process and provide any paperwork they ask for, like a photo ID or proof of income. The faster you provide information, the quicker you’ll receive your funds.
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Bankrate tip: Getting an installment loan with bad credit

While getting a bad credit installment loan is possible, you may need to shop around a bit more to find the best terms or settle for a smaller amount to prove you can handle the payment. Check out secured personal loans backed by a car or home. Lenders consider them less risky, which could land you a lower rate than unsecured bad credit loans. Adding a cosigner could also help you qualify for a better rate or larger loan amount.

Alternatives to installment loans

If you’ve evaluated your options and aren’t convinced an installment loan is the best choice, here are some installment loan alternatives:

  • Credit cards: Depending on the size of your expense, using a credit card may give you more flexibility for payments. You’ll only make payments on what you charge, and can pay the balance in full and reuse the credit. That said, credit cards tend to have higher interest rates than personal loans. Try applying for a 0 percent introductory rate credit card. If you qualify, you’ll have more room to pay off your balance without accruing interest.
  • Home equity line of credit: Homeowners may be able to tap a portion of their home’s equity with a home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC works like a credit card at first, allowing you to use the funds, pay them off and re-use the line as needed. Your HELOC interest may be tax-deductible if you use it solely for home improvements, like remodeling a room or building an addition.
  • Personal line of credit: A personal line of credit may be secured or unsecured. During the draw period, you can borrow money and make interest-only repayments. Once the draw period ends, you’ll make payments as you would with an installment loan.
  • Money from your savings: If you have enough money saved to fund your expense without cutting yourself short, then it is a good option to explore. By using your savings, you avoid spending money on interest and fees.
  • Buy now, pay later apps: Buy now, pay later apps allow you to spread the cost of a purchase out over four payments. Watch out for subscription fees and make sure you choose the interest-free plans. Many of these companies also offer loan options for longer repayment terms.
  • Tap into your retirement account: Although not ideal, a 401(k) loan is another choice to consider. However, not all plan administrators offer this option. You can also withdraw retirement money from an IRA or a 401(k), but this is not advised, as you will be cutting into your retirement funds and may face tax penalties.

Frequently asked questions about installment loans 

How we made our picks for the best installment loans

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: