Best Small Personal Loans in 2023

Key facts

Pros

• Wide range of loan amounts.

• Fast funding.

• Rate discount for some customers.

• Co-sign, joint and secured loan options.

• Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

Cons

• Exclusive to credit union members.

• No option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.

• No option to choose or change your payment date.

Qualifications

• Must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to apply.

• No minimum credit score requirement.

Available Term Lengths

1 to 5 years

Fees

• Origination fee: None.

• Late fee: $29.

• Returned payment fee: $29.

Key facts

Pros

• Pre-qualify with soft credit check.

• Co-signed and limited secured loan options.

• Accepts borrowers new to credit.

• Small loans starting at $300.

• Community Development Financial Institution.

• Free financial coaching.

Cons

• May charge an origination fee.

• High rates.

• No mobile app to manage loan payments.

• No option to change your payment date.

Qualifications

• Minimum credit score: None.

• At least $500 in monthly income.

• Must have valid identification.

• Must provide proof of income and address.

• May require references.

• Must be 18 years or older.

Available Term Lengths

1 to 5 years

Fees

• Origination fee: 0% - 7%.

• Late fee: $5 - $15.

• Insufficient fund fee: $0 - $30.

Disclaimer

This is an advertisement for a consumer loan, subject to credit eligibility. Not available in CO, CT, IA, MA, ME, MD, NY, WV and Washington, D.C. Loans in AZ, CA, FL, ID, IL, MO, NJ, NM, TX, UT, and WI are originated by Oportun Inc. California loans made pursuant to a California Financing Law license. NV loans originated by Oportun, LLC. In all other states, loans are originated by MetaBank, N.A., member FDIC. Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. See oportun.com for details.

Key facts

Pros

• Co-sign, joint and secured loan options.

• Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

• Options to choose and change your payment date.

• Fast funding.

Cons

• Exclusive to credit union members.

• Reports payments to only one of the three major credit bureaus.

• No rate discount.

Qualifications

• Must be a member of First Tech Federal Credit Union.

• Minimum credit score: 660.

• Must provide Social Security number and driver's license or other state-issued ID.

• Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%.

• Minimum monthly income: $700 if living with others; $1,000 if renting; $1,500 if you own your home.

• Minimum credit history: At least two established accounts.

Available Term Lengths

2 to 7 years

Fees

• Origination fee: None.

• Late fee: Varies.

• Returned check fee: $28.

Key facts

Pros

• Joint loan option.

• Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

• Option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.

• Option to change your payment date.

Cons

• Origination fee.

• Late fee.

• No mobile app to manage loan.

Qualifications

• Minimum credit score: 600.

• Maximum DTI: 60%; 40% for joint applicants.

• Minimum credit history: 37 months and 2 accounts.

Available Term Lengths

3 to 5 years

Fees

• Origination fee: 3% to 6%.

• Late fee: 5% of payment or $15 after 15-day grace period.

Disclaimer

Between April 2022 and June 2022, Personal Loans issued by LendingClub Bank were funded within 44 hours after loan approval, on average. The time it takes for a loan to be funded is not guaranteed and individual results vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to investor demand. A representative example of payment terms for a Personal Loan is as follows: a borrower receives a loan of $16,980 for a term of 36 months, with an interest rate of 13.49% and a 6.00% origination fee of $1,019, for an APR of 17.89%. In this example, the borrower will receive $15,961 and will make 36 monthly payments of $576. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $40,000 and loan term lengths range from 24 months to 60 months. Some amounts, rates, and term lengths may be unavailable in certain states. For Personal Loans, APR ranges from 8.30% to 36.00% and origination fee ranges from 3.00% to 6.00% of the loan amount. APRs and origination fees are determined at the time of application. Lowest APR is available to borrowers with excellent credit. Advertised rates and fees are valid as of July 11, 2022 and are subject to change without notice. Loans are made by LendingClub Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender (“LendingClub Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of LendingClub Corporation, NMLS ID 167439. LendingClub Bank is not an affiliate of NerdWallet Compare, Inc. which is an unrelated third party (“third party”). LendingClub Bank is not responsible for any products and services provided by this third party and may receive compensation if you visit the third party’s websites or use any of its products or services. Credit eligibility is not guaranteed. Loans are subject to credit approval and may be subject to sufficient investor commitment before they can be funded or issued. Certain information that LendingClub Bank subsequently obtains as part of the application process (including but not limited to information in your consumer report, your income, the loan amount that your request, the purpose of your loan, and qualifying debt) will be considered and could affect your ability to obtain a loan. Loan closing is contingent on accepting all required agreements and disclosures at Lendingclub.com. “LendingClub” is a trademark of LendingClub Bank.

Key facts

Pros

• Secured and joint loans.

• Multiple rate discounts.

• Mobile app to manage loan payments.

• Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

• Long repayment terms on home improvement loans.

Cons

• Origination fee.

• No option to choose your payment date.

Qualifications

• Minimum credit score: 560.

• Minimum number of accounts on credit history: 1 account.

• Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including the loan you're applying for.

• Minimum length of credit history: 2 years.

• Minimum income requirement: None. Lender accepts income from alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and other sources.

Available Term Lengths

2 to 7 years

Fees

• Origination fee: 1.85% to 8.99%.

• Late Fee: $10.

• Failed payment fee: $10.

Disclaimer

Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 7.96%-35.97%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 8.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade's bank partners. Information on Upgrade's bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners/.

Key facts

Pros

• Accepts borrowers new to credit.

• Fast funding.

• Option to change your payment date.

• Option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.

• Offers free financial education

Cons

• May charge origination fee.

• No joint, co-signed or secured loans.

• No mobile app to manage loan.

• Only two repayment term options.

Qualifications

• Minimum credit score: None.

• Minimum annual income: $12,000; this lender accepts income from employment, alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security, rentals, trusts, pensions, disability and scholarships.

• Must have a full-time job or be starting a full-time job in six months.

Available Term Lengths

3 to 5 years

Fees

• Origination fee: 0% - 10%

• Late fee: 5% of past due amount or $15, whichever is greater.

• Returned check fee: $15.

Disclaimer

Your loan amount will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount. Minimum loan amounts vary by state: GA ($3,100), HI ($2,100), MA ($7,000), NM ($5,100), OH ($6,000). The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 5-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 25.05% and 60 monthly payments of $25.80 per $1,000 borrowed. For example, the total cost of a $10,000 loan would be $15,478 including a $804 origination fee. APR is calculated based on 5-year rates offered in June 2022. There is no down payment and no prepayment penalty. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will be approved. This offer is conditioned on final approval based on our consideration and verification of financial and non-financial information. Rate and loan amount are subject to change based upon information received in your full application. This offer may be accepted only by the person identified in this offer, who is old enough to legally enter into contract for the extension of credit, a US citizen or permanent resident, and a current resident of the US. Duplicate offers are void. Closing your loan is contingent on your meeting our eligibility requirements, our verification of your information, and your agreement to the terms and conditions on the Upstart.com website.

Key facts

Pros

• Offers direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

• Fast funding.

• Offers multiple rate discounts.

• Offers free credit score access.

Cons

• Charges origination fee.

• Borrowers can choose from only two repayment term options.

Qualifications

• Minimum credit score: 560.

• Minimum number of accounts on credit history: 1 account.

• Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including mortgage and the loan you’re applying for.

• Minimum length of credit history: 2 years.

• Minimum income requirement: None. Lender accepts income from alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and other sources.

Available Term Lengths

3 to 5 years

Fees

• Origination fee: 5.25% to 8.99%.

• Late fee: Up to $10.

Disclaimer

Personal loans made through Universal Credit feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 11.69%-35.93%. All personal loans have a 5.25% to 8.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 36 to 60 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 28.47% APR (which includes a 22.99% yearly interest rate and a 7% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,300 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $387.05. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $13,933.62. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early.

Key facts

Pros

• Fast funding.

• Wide range of loan amounts.

• Rate discount for autopay.

• Option to choose initial payment date.

Cons

• Exclusive to credit union members.

• No option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.

• No co-sign or joint loan option.

• No direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

Qualifications

• You must be an Alliant Credit Union member for at least six months to apply for a personal loan.

• Minimum credit score: 620.

• Loan approval is based on payment method, creditworthiness and ability to repay.

Available Term Lengths

1 to 5 years

Fees

• Origination fee: None.

• Prepayment fee: None.

• Late fee: Varies.

Key facts

Pros

• Option to choose and change your payment date.

• Joint and secured loans.

• Fast funding.

• Direct payment to creditors on debt consolidation loans.

Cons

• Rates are high compared to other lenders.

• Charges origination fee.

• No rate discounts.

• Pre-qualification does not allow borrowers to preview potential rates.

Qualifications

• Must have a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number.

• Must be 18 or older in most states.

• Minimum credit score: None.

• Minimum number of accounts on credit report: None, but applicants with no credit history may not qualify.

• Minimum income: None; this lender accepts income from employment, alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security payments, investments and public assistance.

Available Term Lengths

2 to 5 years

Fees

• Origination fee: $25 to $500 or 1% to 10% of the loan amount.

• Late fee: $5 to $30 or 1.5% to 15% of your monthly payment.

• Non-sufficient funds fee: $15.

Disclaimer

Not all applicants will be approved. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral). If approved, not all applicants will qualify for larger loan amounts or most favorable loan terms. Larger loan amounts require a first lien on a motor vehicle no more than ten years old, that meets our value requirements, titled in your name with valid insurance. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your state of residence and your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral). APRs are generally higher on loans not secured by a vehicle. Highly-qualified applicants may be offered higher loan amounts and/or lower APRs than those shown above. OneMain charges origination fees where allowed by law. Depending on the state where you open your loan, the origination fee may be either a flat amount or a percentage of your loan amount. Flat fee amounts vary by state, ranging from $25 to $500. Percentage-based fees vary by state ranging from 1% to 10% of your loan amount subject to certain state limits on the fee amount. Visit omf.com/loan-fees for more information. Loan proceeds cannot be used for postsecondary educational expenses as defined by the CFPB’s Regulation Z such as college, university or vocational expense; for any business or commercial purpose; to purchase cryptocurrency assets, securities, derivatives or other speculative investments; or for gambling or illegal purposes. Borrowers in these states are subject to these minimum loan sizes: Alabama: $2,100. California: $3,000. Georgia: Unless you are a present customer, $3,100 minimum loan amount. North Dakota: $2,000. Ohio: $2,000. Virginia: $2,600. Borrowers (other than present customers) in these states are subject to these maximum unsecured loan sizes: North Carolina: $7,500. An unsecured loan is a loan which does not require you to provide collateral (such as a motor vehicle) to the lender. Example Loan: A $6,000 loan with a 24.99% APR that is repayable in 60 monthly installments would have monthly payments of $176.07. Time to Fund Loans: Funding within one hour after closing through SpeedFunds must be disbursed to a bank-issued debit card. Disbursement by check or ACH may take up to 1-2 business days after loan closing.

Key facts

Pros

• Offers wide range of loan amounts.

• Provides secured loan option for homeowners.

• Offers direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.

Cons

• Origination fee.

• No rate discounts.

• No option to choose initial payment date.

Qualifications

• Minimum credit score: 600; borrower average is 700.

• Minimum credit history: 3 years and 3 accounts.

• Minimum income requirement is $3,500; borrower average is $80,000. Borrower must have enough cash flow to cover current financial obligations.

• Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 40% or 65% including a mortgage; borrower average is 40%.

• Employment: Must provide proof of income; part-time employees are eligible.

• Must provide valid U.S. address and Social Security number.

Available Term Lengths

3 to 5 years

Fees

• Origination fee: 0.99% - 8.99%.

• Return fee: $15 if payments are not processed.

Disclaimer

*Trustpilot TrustScore as of June 2020. Best Egg personal loans, including the Best Egg Secured Loan, are made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender or Blue Ridge Bank, a Nationally Chartered Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. “Best Egg” is a trademark of Marlette Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation. All uses of “Best Egg” refer to “the Best Egg personal loan”, “the Best Egg Secured Loan”, and/or “Best Egg on behalf of Cross River Bank or Blue Ridge Bank, as originator of the Best Egg personal loan,” as applicable. The term, amount, and APR of any loan we offer to you will depend on your credit score, income, debt payment obligations, loan amount, credit history and other factors. Your loan agreement will contain specific terms and conditions. About half of our customers get their money the next day. After successful verification, your money can be deposited in your bank account within 1-3 business days. The timing of available funds upon loan approval may vary depending upon your bank’s policies. Loan amounts range from $2,000– $50,000. Residents of Massachusetts have a minimum loan amount of $6,500 ; New Mexico and Ohio, $5,000; and Georgia, $3,000. For a second Best Egg loan, your total existing Best Egg loan balances cannot exceed $100,000. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) range from 8.99%–35.99%. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 0.99%–8.99% of your loan amount, which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive. The origination fee on a loan term 4-years or longer will be at least 4.99%. Your loan term will impact your APR, which may be higher than our lowest advertised rate. You need a minimum 700 FICO® score and a minimum individual annual income of $100,000 to qualify for our lowest APR. For example: a 5‐year $10,000 loan with 9.99% APR has 60 scheduled monthly payments of $201.81, and a 3‐year $5,000 loan with 7.99% APR has 36 scheduled monthly payments of $155.12. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents. Best Egg products are not available if you live in Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories.