LightStream Personal Loans: 2024 Review

LightStream customer resources

Customer support

LightStream offers customer support Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. ET. While LightStream’s website doesn’t provide a phone number, borrowers can get in touch via email at customerservice@lightstream.com.

Digital experience

LightStream offers a smooth application process that is completed 100 percent online, from start to finish. Online account management is also available and borrowers can contact customer support from their profile or via email.

How to apply for a personal loan with LightStream

LightStream’s application process is quick and straightforward. It’s done completely online and should take less than 15 minutes to complete.

1. Get a quote: Because LightStream doesn’t offer prequalification, it’s best to check your score before applying. If you have a strong credit score and income, decide how much you need to borrow and apply.
2. Add information and finalize your application: Have all the required paperwork on hand, including copies of pay stubs and proof of identification.
3. Review the loan details: Once you’re approved, read your loan agreement carefully. If everything is in order and you want to go forward with the loan, sign it. You will also need to provide your funding preferences and banking information to get the funds. LightStream states that borrowers can get same-day funding if they complete these steps before 2:30 p.m. ET.

Methodology

Bankrate considers 20 factors when reviewing lenders. Credit requirements, APR ranges, fees, loan amounts and flexibility are all taken into account so that ratings are representative of how competitive lenders are for a wide range of credit profiles and budgets. The Bankrate Score for personal loans consists of four categories:

• Availability: What the minimum loan amounts are, its eligibility requirements and loan turnaround are considered in this category.
• Affordability: The interest rates, penalties and fees are measured in this section of the score. Lower rates and fees and fewer potential penalties result in a higher score.
• Customer experience: This category covers customer service hours, if online applications are available, online account access and mobile apps.
• Transparency: This category is measured by how accessible credit requirements, rates and fees are on the lender's page. We also considered whether prequalification was available, as all these factors are key for consumers to make an informed decision.

Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the lender’s website for the most current information.

What customers think

What people are saying across the web about LightStream

The lender’s website features over 26,000 5-star reviews, collected via Bazaarvoice, as of June 13, 2024. Most consumers cite ease of application, fast funding and competitive rates as the main reasons for their positive experience.

"I used Lighstream for my home improvement project and couldn’t be more pleased. This was my first time using an online service. The process was easy, straightforward and quick. Once I was approved, I received a phone from a representative to see if I had questions and he was able to answer them and quickly changed my funding choice from a wire to an ACH deposit so I wouldn’t have to pay my bank’s fees for the wire."

— Bazaarvoice User

However, comments on third-party review site Trustpilot tell a different story. With 74 reviews on its page (which LightStream hasn’t officially claimed), the lender averages 1.6 of 5 stars. Reviewers mentioned being offered high rates despite clean credit histories. One reviewer said, in part:

"I have excellent credit and never been late on any of my payments. That didn't matter and you offered me credit card interest on a personal loan. Just because everyone is offering high rates right now doesn't mean you should take advantage of your loyal customers."

— Trustpilot User

Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate. Please see the issuer’s website for updated terms and conditions.

Community LightStream scores