Top Personal Loans of 2024

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This Lantern site is operated by SoFi Lending Corp. in cooperation with Engine by MoneyLion. The preliminary loan offers presented on this site are from providers that pay SoFi and Engine by MoneyLion compensation for marketing their products and services on this site. This affects whether a provider is featured on this site and could affect the order of presentation. Lantern by SoFi does not include all providers in the market nor all of their available offerings. All rates, terms, and conditions vary by provider.

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Reasons to Apply for a Personal Loan

One of the many benefits of personal loans is that they can be used for almost any purpose. Whether you’re interested in paying off debt or making a major purchase, there’s likely a personal loan to fit your needs.Keep in mind that some lenders require (legally) that you use money you receive from them for the purpose you stated when you applied for the loan. Be sure to check terms and conditions for details about how you can use any funds you apply for.Below are a few common reasons you might choose to apply for a personal loan.

1. Consolidating debt

If you’ve incurred debt from sources like credit cards or unpaid bills, a debt consolidation loan might help. In debt consolidation, the funds you receive are used to pay off your outstanding debts. Then you pay back the loan in installments. The top personal loans may have lower interest rates than those on credit cards or other forms of debt, which could save you money in the long run. If you need to repay outstanding debt balances with high interest rates in a timely manner, you might want to consider using a personal loan to consolidate your debt.

2. Home improvement

As a homeowner, you know that maintaining a home is a big responsibility. Sometimes you need extra cash to cover repairs and preventive maintenance. A personal loan can help pay for anything from touch-up paint to new appliances and major upgrades. If you have an unexpected home expense that needs immediate attention, like a plumbing or electrical issue, an online personal loan may be a way to receive financing quickly.

3. Emergency Medical Costs

Accidents and illnesses can be wildly unpredictable, changing your whole life in the blink of an eye. As a result, you may end up with large medical bills you can’t afford to pay on time. If you’ve already exhausted all other payment options with the hospital (some offer payment plans) and your health insurance provider, a quick personal loan may help you replay outstanding medical bills. If you have excellent credit, a personal loan might also provide a less-expensive alternative to paying with a credit card.

4. Purchasing a car

When you’re shopping for a car, you typically have loan options: You might get financing directly from the car dealership, apply for online loans, take out an auto loan with your bank, or use a personal loan. Sometimes a personal loan or auto loan from a bank will offer interest rates without any markup, but they may come with other conditions, depending on whether you’re buying a new or used vehicle. Compare your options to shop for favorable rates and terms.

5. Starting a Small Business

If you’re just starting a business, there may be small business loans to meet your needs. However, if you haven’t yet established business credit, it can be difficult to qualify for a small business loan. That may make personal loans possible alternatives for securing funds. If you have good personal credit, banks or online lenders may be able to provide you with a personal loan for business.It’s important to note that some personal lenders will not allow borrowers to use the funds for business expenses. Make sure you check for any restrictions against using a personal loan for business purposes before submitting your application.

Types of Personal Loans

When you’re looking for the right personal loan for your needs, there are a few different options to consider. Here are some common types of personal loans:

1. Unsecured Personal Loan

What is it?

Unsecured personal loans are lending options that don’t require the borrower to put up collateral. They are a higher risk for the lender, and qualification is based on the borrower’s creditworthiness. Therefore, borrowers with a long, strong credit history may have an easier time qualifying for unsecured personal loans compared to those with bad credit.

Why choose it?

Unsecured loans may be an option if you have good to excellent credit and don’t want to take on the risk of offering collateral to get a loan. When you offer collateral, if you default on paying back your loan, the borrower may be able to seize your collateral in payment.

Keep in mind

Because unsecured loans are riskier for the lender, they may come with higher interest rates than secured loans. For the same reason, if you have no credit or poor credit, it may be more difficult to get an unsecured loan. You may also need to show proof that you’re making a reliable income.

2. Secured Personal Loan

What is it?

A secured personal loan is one backed by collateral, like a home, car, or personal savings. If you default on your loan, the lender can seize the collateral as payment. Compared to unsecured personal loans, secured loans are less risky for the lender. So, they may provide higher loan amounts, lower interest rates, and be easier to qualify for.

Why choose it?

If your credit score is low and you have collateral to offer, a secured loan may be a good personal loan for you. Additionally, secured personal loans may come with lower interest rates than unsecured loans because the collateral makes them less risky to lenders.

Keep in mind

With a secured loan, you’re likely offering up something valuable as collateral. Before committing to the loan, take some time to assess and eliminate any possible roadblocks to repayment. Otherwise, you risk losing whatever you put down as collateral, which could potentially have big repercussions.

3. Variable-rate loan

What is it?

Variable-rate loans have interest rates that fluctuate with index rates, meaning that your personal loan interest rate can change from month to month. If you decide to pursue this option, make sure you understand the terms of your loan and are clear on what index the interest rates track against.

Why choose it?

If you’re seeking a shorter repayment term, a variable-rate loan may be a good option since the starting interest rates are typically lower than those for fixed-rate loans. Variable-rate personal loans may also have a cap that limits how much the rate can rise.

Keep in mind

Changes to the loan’s interest rate can make it difficult to budget for the future. Check with your lender to see if its variable-rate loan has an APR cap and if so, what it is. Because rates can change from month-to-month, the APRs potentially can as well.

4. Fixed-rate loan

What is it?

A fixed-rate personal loan has an interest rate that never changes, keeping your monthly payments the same for the life of the loan. A fixed-rate loan may be preferable for long-term personal loans, since the stable interest rate provides a clear idea of how much financing will cost in the long term.

Why choose it?

You might consider a fixed-rate personal loan if you want predictable payments to allow you to plan your finances and budget more accurately. Your interest rate will remain the same regardless of how index rates change over the years.

Keep in mind

If index rates are relatively low, you could end up paying more interest on a fixed-rate loan that you would with a variable-rate loan, which changes with the index. Compare the rates and terms for personal loans online and read what other borrowers have said about their experience with fixed- and variable-rate loans to help you decide which option might be right for you.

5. Personal Loan with a Cosigner

What is it?

Cosigned personal loans are loans for which a borrower who wouldn’t qualify on his or her own brings in a cosigner. Often, the borrower has no credit, a limited credit history, or poor credit. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the cosigner is responsible for repaying the loan.

Why choose it?

If you need a personal loan and have little to no credit, a cosigner may be able to help you get approved for a loan with lower interest rates and more favorable terms than you could get on your own. Cosigned loans are also useful personal loans for building credit if you’ve never had a credit card or borrowed money before.

Keep in mind

Both the borrower and cosigner are responsible for the loan. If payments are late or go unpaid, both the borrower’s and the cosigner’s credit will be affected.

Personal Loan Companies Reviewed by Lantern by SoFi:

Info about these private lenders is current as of August 2022. For more details and information, explore our personal loan lender reviews.

Avant: Avant offers personal loans for $2,000 to $35,000, mostly to borrowers who have a credit score of 600 to 700. It may charge an administration fee up to 4.75%.
Best Egg: Best Egg offers secured and unsecured personal loans ranging from $2,000 to $50,000. Loans have a minimum term of 36 months and a maximum term of 60 months.
Upstart: Upstart uses artificial intelligence, or AI, to quantify the risk of a loan. Its AI models incorporate more than 1,500 variables.
Upgrade: Upgrade offers personal loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. Loans are for a minimum 24 months and can go up to 84 months.
Marcus: Marcus offers personal loans ranging from $3,500 to $40,000. These loans feature no fees, and there is a skip-a-month reward for making 12 on-time payments in a row.

Applying for a Personal Loan Online

Applying for personal loans online can be quick and simple. Keep in mind that a personal loan from an online lender can carry a higher interest rate than would a loan from a traditional bank or credit union and online loans are often unsecured, so no collateral is necessary. Here are some steps to take before applying for a personal loan:

Check your credit. It's a key to qualifying for a personal loan. If you find errors, resolve them before applying for loans. If you have poor credit and you have time to improve it, work on building credit before you apply.
Decide how much you need. Determine the loan amount that serves your needs and aligns with your personal financial goals.
Know your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Your DTI is how much you have in monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Essentially, it tells lenders what percentage of your income already goes to paying off debt; which means the lower it is, the better. Personal lenders have different DTI requirements but generally look for a DTI between 35% and 40%.
Research and compare top personal loan options. There are numerous options from banks to online lenders, each with pros and cons. Compare rates, terms, and conditions to make sure the lender you choose aligns with your needs.

After you’ve completed the steps above, you can follow these steps to apply for an online loan:

Get prequalified. Once you’ve narrowed down your top online lenders, you can get prequalified to see which online loans you may be eligible for. Lenders will usually do a soft credit inquiry, though some may use a hard credit check.

Prequalification does not guarantee that you’ll get approved, but it does give you an idea of which loans could be most suitable for you. Depending on the lender, prequalification can take as little as seconds and may require only that you provide a few pieces of information on an online form.

Choose loan(s) and fill out application(s). After you’ve determined one or more good personal loans for your needs, gather your documents and begin the loan application process. Documents may include:
- Your employer’s information
- Your financial information (checking/savings account balances and numbers)
- Your tax documents
- Your pay stubs
- Your Social Security number
- Documents supporting your need for the loan (e.g. medical bills, home renovation estimates, car quotes).
Submit application(s). Once you e-sign the application, you give the lender permission to check your credit and verify your information. This will trigger a hard credit inquiry, which can take a few points off your credit score.

Lenders may ask for additional documents as well, so be prepared to scan and email to expedite your approval process.Personal loans online typically get money to you quickly, sometimes even the same day that you apply. Check with your lender about payment options like automatic debits from your bank account, which can streamline the payment process.

Questions to Ask Before Applying for a Personal Loan

Whether or not to apply for a personal loan can be a major decision that affects your future finances. Before you apply for a personal loan, ask the following questions to ensure that you’re making the right choice for your situation:1. Can I responsibly take on the debt of a personal loan?Taking on debt can be life-changing, so make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Getting a personal loan can help with necessary costs like home repairs or medical expenses. If you want to make an optional purchase, like a vacation, you might want to consider saving up for it or seeking out alternatives that don’t affect your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.2. Are there additional fees?Some banks and online lenders may require origination fees or other upfront costs that you may not initially know about. When comparing lenders, it’s crucial that you ask about any additional fees so you can budget and plan your finances accurately. 3. Does the loan have prepayment penalties?Sometimes, you may find it possible to pay off your personal loan before the end of the term. While this may save you money on interest, some lenders penalize borrowers for early repayment. If you plan to pay off the loan early, check with lenders to see what, if any, penalties they charge.4. What should I know about interest rates?Annual percentage rates (APR) for personal loans are largely determined by your credit score, although it depends on the lender. Your annual income and the amount you wish to borrow are important, too, among other personal financial factors that also vary from lender to lender.5. Any tips or tricks I should know while shopping rates?It’s a good idea to compare personal loan rates from different lenders to find the best deal. If you’re not seeing the rate you want, try lowering the amount you want to borrow or improving your credit score.6. Is there a cap on the variable interest rate?If you choose a personal loan with a variable interest rate, ask the lender if there is a cap and what it is. When you’re trying to decide between a fixed- or variable-rate loan, it will help to know how much your monthly payments could fluctuate with a variable rate. If there isn’t a cap, you could end up paying more in interest, depending on the index/benchmark.7. Is the interest rate too good to be true?It’s important to compare personal loans online so you can secure funding with favorable rates. But remember, advertised rates may reflect the lowest possible rates, typically reserved for borrowers with the highest credit scores and income.

Alternatives to Personal Loans

While personal loans can be a great option for short-term expenses and necessary purchases, you may find other sources of financing better suited to your specific needs. Here are a few alternatives to consider.

1. Personal line of credit

Personal lines of credit are a type of revolving credit that functions more like credit cards than personal loans. A line of credit allows you to spend up to a certain amount, accessing funds as needed. You pay interest only on what you borrow, not on the entire credit line, and you make monthly payments based on how much credit you’ve used. A line of credit can be useful for both ongoing expenses and one-time large funding needs. Personal lines of credit usually allow for cash advances on the full credit limit, which may help if you run into a situation in which you need a lot of cash in a pinch.Small businesses can benefit from having a line of credit to pay for expenses like daily purchases and unexpected repairs. A line of credit can also be useful for homeowners who want access to funds for home repairs or renovations but don’t want to take out a personal loan.Lines of credit are typically unsecured (don’t require collateral), which can mean potentially higher interest rates. A secured personal line of credit reduces risk to the lender, meaning that interest rates may be lower. If you pay your balance regularly, you can avoid costly interest payments, making a line of credit a potentially useful form of flexible financing.

2. Payday loans

Payday loans are small, short-term loans that borrowers are supposed to repay in full upon receiving their next paycheck. These loans can be risky because they typically carry very high interest rates that dramatically inflate the cost of the loan. Loan amounts can range from about $100 to $1,500, depending on the lender, which state you live in, and your ability to pay back the loan. Lenders usually only require an active bank account, identification, and a proof of income for eligibility.While payday loans might be useful as a last resort for unexpected expenses, because of their high interest rates, they’re typically not advisable. Payday loans can get borrowers into a deeper cycle of debt due to their high borrowing costs and short terms, and they’re considered to be a “predatory” form of financing.

3. Credit cards

Credit cards can be a form of financing for small, unexpected purchases, especially if you can pay the balance each month. Because credit cards are usually unsecured (they don’t require collateral), interest rates are typically quite high, making for expensive monthly payments if you carry a balance from month to month. If you pay the balance in full each month, you won’t incur interest.Some companies offer incentives and rewards, like airline miles and points toward future purchases, for making purchases and paying your bill. There may also be introductory 0% APRs for a specified period of time, allowing you to use the card without incurring interest if the balance is paid off within that time frame.Always read credit card terms and conditions carefully, as some companies may have high penalties for late payment and/or charge an annual fee.SOLC20005

Additional resources

10 Possible Benefits of Obtaining Personal Loans

From higher borrowing limits to a personal loan's many possible applications there are plenty of good reasons to get a personal loan. Learn more.

What Can Be Used as Collateral for a Personal Loan?

Almost anything you own can serve as collateral on a secured personal loan, including your car, bank account savings, and family antiques.

Guide to Getting a $5,000 Personal Loan

Taking out a $5,000 personal loan can help you get a leg up and be paid off in a short period of time. Learn how to get a smaller loan from Lantern by SoFi.

FAQ

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