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Best personal loan rates for May 2025

Rates start at 6.49%

Updated May 21, 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 12.58 percent, which is still much lower than average credit card rates above 20 percent.

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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 first-in-class customer experience

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
580
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
1.85%-9.99%
Pros
  • Option to add a co-borrower
  • Perks like credit monitoring and seven-day-a-week customer service
  • Low credit score minimum and flexible repayment terms
Cons
  • Fees up to almost 10 percent
  • Qualifying requirements not disclosed on website
  • High APR maximum
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with low scores due to maxed-out credit cards may qualify for an Upgrade debt consolidation loan, putting them on track for a better credit score future. While several lenders we reviewed offer loans to fair credit borrowers, most don't offer terms as long as 84 months. It's also a good fit for people with busy work schedules, with access to customer service every day of the 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
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 9.99%
Pros
  • Low credit score minimum
  • Seven-day-a-week customer service
  • Next-day funding possible
Cons
  • High fees and minimum APR
  • No cosigners allowed
  • Lower maximum amounts than other lenders
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who don't qualify for the higher scores required by many other personal loan lenders and want to avoid the payday lending world may benefit from an Avant loan. You could spread the payment out for several years, and pay it off early with no penalty.

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
650
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Optional fee up to 7%
Pros
  • Mobile app and seven-day-a-week customer service
  • Loan amounts as high as $100k
  • Joint applications allowed
Cons
  • High minimum loan amount
  • Minimum credit score not disclosed
  • Optional fees up to 7 percent
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who want a digital loan experience with bonus tools that help you improve your financial health and career path may want to check our Bankrate Awards pick for best online lender. SoFi's lower minimum credit score makes it a good alternative for a loan amount up to $100k if you don't meet LightStream's 695 credit score bar. 

Happy Money: Best for paying off credit cards

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
8.95%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$40k
Min credit score
640
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
0.25%-10%
Pros
  • Specialized debt consolidation loan
  • Lower maximum APR than other lenders
  • Loan management tools on member portal and app
Cons
  • High minimum credit score
  • Longer funding turnaround
  • Can only be used for credit card debt consolidation
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with multiple credit cards who are ready to get off the revolving credit merry-go-round may appreciate Happy Money's dedicated debt consolidation loan product. An internal Happy Money 2022 study found members who paid off at least $5,000 in credit card debt saw an average FICO score increase of 49 points — which could help you snag lower rates on everything from car loans to homeowners insurance in the future. 

LendingClub: Bankrate 2025 award winner for best emergency loan

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
7.90%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Origination fee
0%-8%
Pros
  • Funds may be available the day you apply
  • Joint loans allowed
  • Convenient mobile app
Cons
  • High origination fees
  • No autopay discount
  • High maximum rates
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with an unexpected large expense like an air conditioner replacement or new car transmission may get cash the same day they apply for a LendingClub loan. It may also be a good pick for debt consolidation, since the lender saves you hassle by making payments directly to your creditor. 

Upstart: Best loan for little credit history

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
6.60%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 12%
Pros
  • May approve borrowers with no or low credit
  • Option to change payment dates
  • Low start rates for qualified borrowers
Cons
  • High origination fees
  • No joint applications
  • Limited repayment term options
WHO'S IT FOR:

Upstart gives borrowers rebuilding credit or new to the credit world a chance to get a loan that's based on their work history and education. Excellent credit borrowers, on the other hand, may qualify for a rate below 7 percent — among the lowest of our featured lenders. 

Best Egg: Best for unique secured loan options

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
6.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
0.99%-9.99%
Pros
  • Lower rates for loans secured by home fixtures or your vehicle
  • Low minimum rates for qualified borrowers
  • Low minimum credit score
Cons
  • High origination fees
  • Fewer repayment options
  • Higher minimum loan amount
WHO'S IT FOR:

Home and car owners may qualify for significantly lower rates with Best Egg's secured loan options. Highly qualified borrowers may be eligible for unsecured loan rates below 7 percent. 

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
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
None
Pros
  • Winner of Bankrate Award for best home improvement loan
  • High loan amount maximum and no fees
  • Offers a rate-matching program
Cons
  • High credit score minimum
  • No online prequalification
  • High minimum loan amount
WHO'S IT FOR:

LightStream is for borrowers with excellent credit who need a large loan amount and a longer term to keep the payments as low as possible. Its minimum rates rival home equity loans, but you can receive funds the same day you apply — something that's not possible with any home equity product. 

OneMain Financial: Best for vehicle-secured loans

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
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
1%-10%
Pros
  • Good secured loan options if you don't qualify for dealership financing
  • Low minimum loan amount
  • In-person service is available at 1,400 branches nationwide.
Cons
  • Expensive origination fees
  • High minimum APR
  • Limited loan amount range
WHO'S IT FOR:

Auto owners who want to cash in some of their vehicle's equity may find competitive terms if they choose a OneMain secured personal loan. You can add a co-applicant if you don't make enough to qualify on your own. 

Splash Financial: Best for additional 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
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
0%-12%
Pros
  • Wide range of loan terms and loan amounts
  • Nationwide lender choices
  • Prequalification available
Cons
  • No mobile application
  • High fees and APRs
  • Approval requirements not disclosed
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who want to expand their search to as many possible lending options as possible may find what they're looking for through Splash. Whether you need a small loan or up to $100,000, this lender marketplace may offer an option for you that fits your needs.

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
Loan term
1-5 yrs
Origination fee
None
Pros
  • One-year terms available (the shortest among featured lenders)
  • Autopay discount
  • No fees
Cons
  • Limited loan amount range
  • No joint applications
  • High minimum APR
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who want to borrow money and pay it off within a year will find a 12-month term at Citi to accomplish that goal. The lender also doesn't charge any fees, so any money you borrow will go directly into your bank account. 

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
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
1%-9.99%
Pros
  • Joint applications allowed
  • Fair credit-focused
  • Payment date flexibility
Cons
  • Origination fee
  • High maximum interest rate
  • No rate discounts
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who can't get approved by mainstream personal loan lenders may benefit from Prosper's peer-to-peer marketplace. As well as allowing joint applicants, Prosper boasts a quick funding time and a good online experience. A bonus: You can change your payment due date with minimal hassle. 

LendingPoint: Best for small loans

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$37k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 10%
Pros
  • Low minimum loan amount
  • Multiple repayment terms offered
  • Low minimum score
Cons
  • High maximum origination fee
  • Low maximum loan amount
  • No cosigners or joint applications allowed
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who need as little $1,000 to cover a small expense, consolidate a few high-interest-rate retail store credit cards or buy a new appliance may benefit from a LendingPoint loan. Borrowers with strong credit health may even qualify for a rate below 8 percent. 

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
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
1.99%-8.99%
Pros
  • Poor credit debt consolidation options
  • Fast funding
  • Debt management and financial health resources
Cons
  • Not available in every state
  • High minimum loan amount
  • Expensive origination fees
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who don't quite meet Happy Money's 640 credit score minimum may qualify at Achieve with its lower 620 minimum score. You can also add a cosigner if you need a larger loan amount than you'd qualify for on your own. 

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 get a personal loan with Bankrate

You'll likely enjoy an easier application and approval process if you follow some basic steps to getting a personal loan.  Start by assessing what's most important to you in a personal loan. Ask yourself these questions:

  • How fast do you need the funds? Some lenders offer funds the same day you apply. Others may take several business days. 
  • How quickly do you want to pay the loan off? Can your budget handle the payment on a two- or three-year repayment term? Or is your goal to have the lowest possible payment with a longer term?
  • Is the loan part of a broader financial plan? Are you focused on increasing your credit scores by consolidating credit card debt? Are there home improvements that could boost your value without tying up your home's equity? 
  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. 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.

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

    You can begin your search with lenders you prequalify with through Bankrate, 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.

  5. Finalize your loan.

    If you see an offer you like on Bankrate, click "Continue" to complete a full application. 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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How To Get A Personal Loan In 9 Steps

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Personal loans vs. credit cards

Still not sure whether to opt for a personal loan over a credit card? Knowing the costs and benefits of each may help guide you in the right direction.

Personal loan pros Credit card pros Personal loan cons Credit card cons
Fixed rate and payment Minimum payment option No minimum payment option Average rates are higher than personal loans
Could boost your credit scores Balance can be reused Funds are not reusable Overuse could damage your credit score
Can be funded quickly May offer cash-back or travel reward options Fees may be as high as 10 percent of your loan amount Variable rates could change
Average rates lower than credit cards Payment is only based on amount you use Bad credit rates may be very high May charge annual fees
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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: