4 Banks That Offer Student Loans of January 2026
Few traditional banks offer student loans, but private loans are available from online lenders.
Most traditional banks no longer offer student loans. A handful still have private loan programs, but student loans are more common with online lenders.
If you already use one of the banks on this list, they may offer you a lower interest rate. But compare that offer with rates from other lenders, and exhaust available federal loans before considering any private option.
» MORE: Private vs. federal student loans
Why trust NerdWallet
- 19 student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and consumer lending.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 40 categories and more than 50 data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 19 student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and consumer lending.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 40 categories and more than 50 data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Banks That Offer Student Loans
Lender | NerdWallet editorial rating | Min. credit score | Fixed APR | Variable APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0 /5 | Mid-600s | 3.18-15.99% | 4.39-15.99% | Check Rate on SoFi®'s website | |
4.0 /5 | Does not disclose | 6.69-13.89% | 8.44-11.54% | Read Review on NerdWallet | |
4.0 /5 | Does not disclose | 3.24-15.49% | 4.99-15.51% | Check Rate on Citizens' website | |
4.0 /5 | Mid to High 600s | 3.47-9.94% | 5.81-9.94% | Read Review on NerdWallet |
Our pick for
borrowing from an online bank
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 700+.
- Minimum income: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 minimum.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Multiple in-school repayment options available, including interest-only and flat-fee, and deferred for undergrad and grad students.
- Does not offer bi-weekly payments via autopay.
Our pick for
students who plan to start repayment immediately
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Minimum income: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $50,000.
- Interest rate discount for autopay is larger than most lenders offer.
- You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
PNC doesn’t offer an additional interest rate discount if you already have an account with the bank.
Our pick for
existing Citizens Bank customers or borrowers who didn't graduate or aren't U.S. citizens
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $100,000.
- Six-month grace period extension is available.
- Loyalty discount for existing Citizens Bank customers.
- Multiyear loan approval is available.
- You must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Our pick for
borrowers with strong finances
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 with an aggregate loan limit of $125,000 (Undergrad).
- Provides rate offer with soft credit check.
- Does not disclose full underwriting requirements.
- Does not allow bi-weekly payments via autopay.
How to get a student loan from a bank
If you’ve found a bank that offers student loans, follow these steps before you borrow:
Exhaust federal student loans. Banks only offer private student loans. Before borrowing those, max out unsubsidized and subsidized federal student loans because of their low fixed rates and consumer protections. You can qualify for federal student aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Compare offers. If federal loans won’t cover all your costs, compare private student loans to get the best rate possible.
Check your qualifications. Private lenders typically want you to have a credit score above 670 and enough income to afford all your debts and expenses. Banks may have additional requirements.
Apply with the bank. You’ll likely be able to complete the application process on the bank’s website.
» MORE: How to get a student loan
Banks that refinance student loans
Our top picks on this page — SoFi, Citizens, PNC and Nelnet — all offer student loan refinancing. However, most national brick-and-mortar banks, such as Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase, don’t refinance student loans.
You may be eligible for a discount or lower rate by refinancing with your bank if you already have an account, but compare offers to ensure you're getting the lowest rate possible, even if that means straying from your current bank.
If you have existing student loans with a bank that no longer offers refinancing, you can get those loans refinanced through a different bank, credit union or online lender.
» MORE: Banks that refinance student loans
Which bank has the best student loan?
The best student loan is generally the one that costs you the least. That may come from a bank, especially if it offers a loyalty discount that lowers your interest rate.
If your bank doesn’t have a student loan program, consider an online lender, which can offer quick preapproval and match other features you might value in a bank. For example, online lender SoFi offers a range of products beyond student loans, including mortgages and investment accounts.
Last updated on January 12, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Does Bank of America offer student loans?
No, Bank of America does not currently offer student loans. The bank ended its private student loan program in 2008. Some national banks, such as Citizens Bank, still offer student loans, but federal loans are only available from the government.
Does Chase Bank offer student loans?
Chase Bank no longer offers student loan services. The bank sold its student loan portfolio to Navient, a student loan servicer, in 2017. Very few national banks still offer student loans.
How we chose the best student loans
Our team of student loan experts follows an objective and robust methodology to rate lenders and pick the best.
19
Lenders reviewed
19
Lenders reviewed
We reviewed 19 banks, credit unions, and online lenders — including the top 10 by market share and search volume — plus lenders serving niche and nontraditional borrowers.
40
Features assessed
40
Features assessed
Each lender is evaluated across five weighted categories, covering dozens of features related to affordability, eligibility, consumer experience, flexibility, and application process.
50+
Data points analyzed
50+
Data points analyzed
Our team tracks and reassesses more than 50 data points annually, including APR ranges, fees, credit requirements, and borrower tools, ensuring up to date, accurate comparisons.
Star rating categories
We evaluate more categories than competitors and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience.
5.0
Overall score
NerdWallet reviewed 19 banks, credit unions and online lenders offering student loans and student loan refinancing. We included the top 10 lenders by market share and the top 10 lenders by online search volume, as well as lenders that serve specialty or nontraditional markets. Some lenders are NerdWallet partners, but this did not influence our selection of the winner.
We consider 40 features and more than 50 data points for each financial institution. Depending on the category, these include the availability of biweekly payments through autopay, minimum credit score and income requirement disclosures, availability to a wide range of borrowers in all states, extended grace periods and in-house customer service.
The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star. Read more about our ratings methodologies for student loans and our editorial guidelines.
NerdWallet's Banks That Offer Student Loans of January 2026
- SoFi Undergraduate Student Loan: Best for borrowing from an online bank, Fixed APR: 3.18-15.99%
- PNC Private Student Loan: Best for students who plan to start repayment immediately, Fixed APR: 6.69-13.89%
- Citizens Private Student Loan: Best for existing Citizens Bank customers or borrowers who didn't graduate or aren't U.S. citizens, Fixed APR: 3.24-15.49%
- Nelnet Bank Private Student Loan: Best for borrowers with strong finances, Fixed APR: 3.47-9.94%