What is a personal loan?

A personal loan is a means of obtaining funding from a bank, credit union, or other financial institution that can be used for whatever personal needs the borrower has. Unlike other types of loans such as a mortgage or an automotive loan, the money obtained from a personal loan can be used for whatever the borrower wants. Therefore, personal loans are a popular way to finance major purchases and life events, pay for college, or consolidate debts. In most cases personal loans are unsecured meaning they do not require collateral. In addition, they typically have fixed terms. Personal loans with fixed terms and fixed monthly payments can be easier to manage than financing options such as credit cards or a home equity line of credit. Personal loans are usually funded as a lump sum. If there is an origination fee, it should be deducted from the loan amount, therefore, you may see a smaller amount deposited to your account. You should always review terms and total loan costs before taking out a personal loan or loan of any type.

What rate should I expect on a personal loan?

While the rate you receive on your personal loan will depend on many determining factors, generally you can expect rates on a personal loan to closely follow the Federal prime rate and sit right around 10-11%. Most lenders have certain requirements that help them determine what rate a borrower qualifies for.

Typically when you apply for a personal loan or other type of financing, the lender will run a credit check and obtain other information from you in order to evaluate your creditworthiness. This is done in order to determine the level of risk to the lender in taking you on as a borrower. In general, the higher the level of risk you pose to the financial institution, the higher the interest rate you can expect to pay.

Some of the variables that can determine the rate you will be offered include your credit score, personal financial history, and debt-to-income ratio. Interest rates may also vary widely depending on the type of financial institution you use (credit card vs. bank vs. online lender). At Acorn Finance our lending partners can offer personal loans with APRs starting at 6.99%, depending on credit score.

What to consider before taking out a personal loan

Borrowing money is a big commitment. First and foremost, you will always want to make sure you can afford the monthly payment. Repaying loans on time is important for the health of your credit score. It’s also a nice way of saying thank you to the financial institution that gave you the loan. Before taking out a personal loan you should consider what you want to use the funds for, if a personal loan is the best way to obtain those funds, and if the timing is right for you to apply for your loan. For example, if you have just taken out another type of financing such as an auto loan, this can affect your credit score. Or if you plan to apply for a mortgage within the next few months, you may want to hold off on adding any new or additional debts until after closing. If you feel you are ready to take out a personal loan you should check offers. Choosing the most competitive offer with a monthly payment you can afford is just as important as doing your due diligence before checking offers.

Why should you get a personal loan?

You should get a personal loan when you have a need for immediate access to cash that is readily available and offers unrestricted use. Some common reasons that borrowers decide to take out a personal loan include for major life events such as weddings or vacations, to pay for a child’s education, to consolidate their debts, or to complete home renovation projects.

Personal loans can be used as an alternative method of financing for some situations like purchasing a car (instead of an auto loan) or paying for college (instead of student loans).

How to find the best personal loan?

Just as with any financial product, it pays to shop around before committing to taking out a personal loan. By taking just a little bit of time to research and compare your personal loan options, you may find a better loan with more flexible terms and lower rates. As you start exploring personal loan options, you will soon realize just how many options are available. Personal loans are often secured through a bank, credit union, or online lender. Online platforms such as Acorn Finance, allow consumers to check personal loan offers from several lenders without impacting their credit score. Shopping for a personal loan online is often much easier than investing hours of your time at the bank, only to find out you can get a better deal online. Online lenders know that their customers have access to more offers, therefore, they often offer extremely competitive deals. They can also have less overhead than a traditional bank or credit union, thus allowing them to loan money for less.

What companies offer personal loans?

There are a variety of choices available for taking out a personal loan. Options for obtaining financing generally include banks, credit unions, and online lenders.

Traditional banks may offer competitive personal loans. In addition, they may offer discounts for existing customers. We encourage consumers to compare loan offers before committing to one so it may be worth your time to see what your bank can offer.

Credit unions are another great alternative for many consumers who wish to benefit from utilizing a smaller, more intimate institution. Perks of going with a credit union can include more personalized service, better terms, lower rates, and more flexibility in loan requirements.

In recent years, online lenders have been gaining popularity for personal loans. Most of them offer fast processes and less strict requirements to qualify. Below is a list of top national online lenders that can offer personal loans. Take a look below to find out more about each lender and how to qualify.

Best Personal Loans for 2022

While there are many factors that go into making a particular lender a great option for personal loans, in general the financial institutions below offer great rates and easy access to cash. Keep reading for a full comparison and insights into each one.

LightStream

Top pick for: home improvement loans or large personal loans
Qualifications Needed: A credit score of 660 or above + minimum income of $50,000 a year.
Pros:
Ability to use a cosigner
Loan amounts up to $100,000
Low interest rates starting at just 6.99%, depending on credit score
No fees
Terms up to 12 years
Cons:
Strict qualification requirements
No access to pre-qualify through the LightStream website (you can get pre-approved but not prequalified, therefore you may be subject to a hard credit pull)
No direct payment to creditors for debt consolidation loans
Why choose: As one of the few lenders on our list that allows applications with a consigner, LightStream is a solid option for most borrowers despite their somewhat stringent income requirements. In addition, they are 1 of only 2 lenders on our list who offer personal loans of up to $100,000, have the lowest interest rates, the widest range loan terms (2-12 years), and NO origination fees. If you have good credit and meet the requirements, you should consider a personal loan through LightStream.

SoFi

Top pick for: online personal loan for good to excellent credit borrowers
Qualifications Needed: A credit score of 680 or above + minimum income of $50,000 a year.

Pros:
Flexible loan amounts and repayment terms
No origination fees
Competitive interest rates
Allows cosigner applications
Unemployment protection available
Cons:
High credit score requirement
Approvals may take 3 days or more

Why choose: Similar to LightStream, SoFi also offers extended loan terms (up to 7 years), low interest rates, no origination fees, and loan amounts up to $100,000. If you meet the requirements for SoFi, you should see what they can offer. You may want to compare your offer to LightStream. SoFi and LightStream are Acorn Finance lending partners, therefore you can access offers from these lenders and more at Acorn Finance.

Best Egg

Top pick for: fair credit personal loans
Qualifications Needed: A credit score of 600 or above + no minimum income requirement.

Pros:
Fair credit scores can qualify
No minimum income requirement
Same or next day funding available
Loan amounts starting at $2,000+

Cons:
Not available in some states
Origination fees between 0.99% and 6.99%
Higher APRs
Why choose: For loan amounts up to $50,000, Best Egg is a solid choice for borrowers wishing to access competitive interest rates despite a low credit rating and income. Best Egg can also offer direct payment to creditors for debt consolidation loans.

Prosper

Top pick for: peer-to-peer loans $40,000 and below
Qualifications Needed: A credit score of 600 or above + no minimum income requirement.

Pros:
Low threshold for credit score
No minimum income requirement
Flexibility to change payment dates
Cons:
Long funding times
Origination and late fees may apply
Only offers 3 year and 5 year loan terms
No rate discount for autopay available

Why choose: Prosper is a solid lender with an established history and good reputation and is an especially great option for those with poor credit and/or a modest income.

Upgrade

Top Pick for: bad credit personal loans
Qualifications Needed: A credit score of 560 or above + no minimum income requirement.

Pros:
Low credit score requirement
Terms up to 7 years
Loan amounts up to $50,000
No early payoff penalty
Joint applications allowed

Cons:
Origination fees between 2.9% to 8%
Higher APRs, especially for subprime borrowers
Why choose: With the widest range of loan amounts ($1,000 – $50,000) and some of the most generous lending requirements. Upgrade is a fantastic choice for those who need fast cash with no strings attached from a lender who is willing to overlook their financial flaws. In addition, the availability of extended loan terms of up to 7 years means that your monthly payments can be lower than with other lenders.

Axos Bank

Top pick for: Refinancing an existing personal loan
Qualifications Needed: A credit score of 700 or above + minimum income of $48,000 a year.

Pros:
Low origination fees
Loan amounts of up to $50,000
Mobile app to manage loans
Fast funding times
Cons:
High credit score requirement
Origination fee up to 2%
Why choose: If you can qualify, Axos Bank is a particular great option for large loan amounts up to $50,000. Axos Bank is also a top choice for refinancing an existing personal loan, if you have excellent credit. Borrowers can save big on origination fees with Axos Banks. Loan terms of 1-5 years are available, and rates are competitive.

OneMain Financial

Top pick for: Borrowers with less than perfect credit that need fast funding

Qualifications Needed: A credit score of 600 or above + minimum income of $7,200 a year.

Pros:
Low credit score requirement
Offers secured loan option
Low income requirement
Flexibility to choose your payment date
Fast funding times

Cons:
High interested compared to similar lenders
Origination fee between 1% – 10% (or flat fee up to $500 depending on state)
Maximum loan amount of $20,000
Why choose: If you have poor credit and a low income, OneMain Financial is a great option, especially if you only need a smaller amount of cash.

LendingPoint

Top pick for: fair credit personal loans with fast funding
Qualifications Needed: A credit score of 600 or above + minimum income of $30,000 a year.

Pros:
Low origination fees
Easy to qualify with relaxed credit score and income requirements
Same or next day funding available
Cons:
High interest rates between 15.49% to 35.49%
Maximum loan amount of $25,000
No joint applications

Why choose: While rates and loan terms are not the best, LendingPoint is a solid option for borrowers who have a low credit score and need access to $25,000 or less.

FAQs

Which bank is best for a personal loan?

There are a number of banks, credit unions, and online lenders who offer access to personal loans. The financial institution that is right for you will depend on a variety of factors including your location, your credit score and general creditworthiness, how fast you need access to the funds, the amount of cash you need, and more. In addition, in many cases it can be best to go through your existing bank or credit union rather than apply with a new one. Be sure to check the loan options from the financial institution(s) that you already bank with to see what kind of terms and interest rates they can offer you as an existing customer.
If you are looking to deal with a traditional bank for a personal loan, you should consider the following:
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
PenFed
PNC Bank
American Express and Discover have also been highlighted as competitive financial institutions for a personal loan. When it comes to finding the best personal loan offer, you will want to compare different banks and lenders. Just be cautious of submitting multiple applications. Your credit may be pulled several times which can impact your score.

What credit score do I need to get a personal loan?

Generally, lenders want to see a credit score of at least 630 and above in order to approve a borrower for a loan. In addition, consumers should ideally have a credit score higher than 690 in order to access the best interest rates. However, there are exceptions to these rules. Some lenders may consider scores as low as 560 such as Upgrade.
Every lender is different and has their own lending requirements. In addition, even if your credit score is too low to qualify, there are ways around the credit score requirement. Borrowers with poor credit can still access funds by applying with a cosigner or pursuing a secured loan. With the right collateral or cosigner, even the highest-risk borrowers can still obtain a personal loan.

What is the easiest loan to get approved for?

The complexity of getting approved for a loan can depend more on the applicant than the type of loan. For example, if you have excellent credit, it should be fairly easy to secure most types of loans. Generally, regardless of credit score, personal loans are easier to get approved for compared to secured loan options such as a home equity loan. Personal loans generally do not require collateral which can make the approval process simpler and faster.

Is personal loan good or bad?

Just like any financial product, personal loans are not inherently good or bad but are a tool that consumers can use to meet their financial needs. Taking out a personal loan has advantages and disadvantages, and whether or not it is the right fit for you will depend on your own personal financial situation.
For example, if you are prone to getting into debt and not paying it back, getting a personal loan may not be the smartest decision. On the other hand, if you are pursuing a path of debt consolidation in order to restore your financial situation, a personal loan is a fantastic tool to help you do so. Likewise, if you need to fund a major purchase and know that you have the income to pay it back, personal loans are one of the best ways to get fast access to cash. But in some cases, if you compare your options, another financial product such as a credit card or a HELOC may have better terms and lower rates.

Where can I borrow money immediately?

If you need access to fast cash immediately, there are a handful of online lenders who can offer funds as soon as 1 business day after loan approval. Keep in mind that there are other factors that can delay receiving your funding, such as how long your bank takes to process the incoming funds, and how long it takes for your loan application to be approved.
Many of the lenders on our list above offer relatively fast access to cash. However, if you need money within a few hours, your best bet will be to visit a payday loan center in person until you can receive funding from a more permanent solution such as a personal loan.

What is the quickest way to get a loan?

There are a few different ways that consumers today can take out a loan. The majority of personal loans originate from banks and credit unions, with a large and growing segment of the population turning to online lenders like Prosper and Axos Bank to be their source of funding.
Generally, the quickest way to get a loan will be through an online lender. The exception to this rule may be the bank or credit union whom you already do your banking with, especially if you have applied for a loan with them before. Having your information already on file may give you an advantage and bypass some of the traditional underwriting process and waiting time.
In any instance, having your personal and financial documentation ready to go can also help you obtain a loan as quickly and easily as possible.

How can I get a loan instantly?

Applying online is often the best way to get a loan as quickly as possible. Although online applications certainly speed up the lending process, in most cases your loan approval will not be instant as it will still have to go through an underwriting process. In addition, even if you find a lender with instant loan approval, the transfer of your funds will usually take at least 1 business day depending on the lender and your own bank.
If you need truly instant access to cash, payday loans and car title loans are some of the only options available to you, although they have their own serious disadvantages. So if you can stand to wait a few days, a personal loan is still the best option for access to fast cash.

Is a personal loan cash?

A personal loan is treated like cash in the sense that you spend the money however you want once it hits your bank account. But when you take out a personal loan, there are a number of ways you can receive your money. You may receive your personal loan in the form of a check, cash, or a direct deposit. Direct deposit or electronic transfer is the most common way to obtain your funds. The funds are given out as a one-time lump sum and are usually distributed within 1-2 business days of the final loan approval. The money can then be spent however the borrower desires, with little to no regulations or restrictions.

Who is eligible for a personal loan?

Generally, applicants for a personal loan must be over the age of 18, employed, have an established credit history, and have a valid photo ID to prove identity. Generally, banks also want to see that the applicant is a legal resident of the country in which they are applying from.

Those who are ineligible can still apply for a personal loan with a cosigner who does meet these requirements. In addition, secured loans are an option for those who are ineligible due to things like a lack of credit history or a past bankruptcy.

Can anyone get a personal loan?

Almost anyone can get a personal loan, as long as they qualify. Ideally, lenders like to see qualified applicants with good credit and a decent income. However, online lenders and credit unions can offer more flexible financing terms for those who may not otherwise qualify. Secured loans are another option that makes personal loans more accessible to borrowers with subpar credit, a history of bankruptcy, or other undesirable traits.

Do you need income to get a personal loan?

While every lender has their own requirements for taking out a loan, generally you will need to demonstrate at least a modest income. This is because banks and other lenders want to see that you can be trusted to pay back the balance on your personal loan through an installment plan. Without a stable monthly income, your creditworthiness is evaluated as a higher risk, and it decreases your likelihood to obtain a loan.
However, there are some lenders who can consider applicants without a steady income, especially those who offer secured loans or the ability to apply for your loan with a cosigner. By pursuing one of those 2 options, even those without an income can get a personal loan. In some cases, borrowers with limited income or self-employment income may need to take advantage of those services as well.

What should I know before applying for a personal loan?

There are a few things that borrowers should keep in mind before applying for any financial product. Before applying for a personal loan you should know your own credit score and credit history, what monthly payment you can afford, what kind of terms and conditions you are looking for, and which lenders you want to apply through.
It is important to be educated about loan terms and about personal finance in general. Before applying for a loan, compare your options from a few different lenders, and assess your own personal financial situation and budget. Make sure you compare total loan costs, not just monthly payments.

Are you wondering if this is a good time to get a low interest personal loan? Maybe there is something you have been wanting to buy for a while or some things you have wanted to do, but haven’t had enough cash. Or perhaps you have some credit card debt or other high interest rate debts that you would like to consolidate. Interest rates are currently at a record low making this a great time to consider getting a low interest rate personal loan. In addition you may be able to secure a low apr personal loan online. Keep reading to learn more about low interest loans and how to get one.

What is a personal loan?

In simplest terms, personal loans can be described as borrowed money from a credit union, bank, or online lender that is repaid over time with interest.

Personal loans can provide a lump sum of cash to be repaid over time with fixed monthly payments and interest. Most banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer personal loans. To qualify for a personal loan you should have a credit score of at least 540. Most lenders have a minimum credit score requirement. If you are applying with a lender that has a higher minimum credit score requirement than your actual credit score, you may get denied. In most cases, personal loans do not have spending restrictions, thus allowing you to spend the money on anything you need to. Personal loans are commonly used for financing home improvements, weddings, car repair, emergency expenses, medical bills, debt consolidation, and more. Unsecured personal loans do not require collateral making them easier to qualify for and less risky than secured loans. Acorn Finance can connect individuals to lenders that offer personal loans up to $100,000 with terms up to 12 years. Most personal loans do not have a prepayment penalty. Regardless of the loan term you choose, we recommend paying extra each month with the intention of paying the loan off early. Paying as little as 10% extra each month can save you hundreds of dollars in interest.

Most personal loans are unsecured meaning they are not secured by collateral. While most personal loans offer repayment terms on average of two to seven years, you can find terms up to twelve years offered through Acorn Finance.

Whether you are considering diving into a home remodel, or thinking about adding a pool to your home with new landscaping that requires additional financing, Acorn Finance can help you get the perfect personal loan at the payment terms you need.

What are the requirements for a personal loan?

Most lenders have basic requirements to qualify for a personal loan. You can usually access these basic requirements on the lender’s website or contact a representative. Making sure you meet the basic requirements is the first step toward getting approved for a personal loan. Given the current market and uncertainty, most lenders are requesting proof of income before finalizing loan approvals even if you have excellent credit. It’s important to make sure the information you submit on your initial application is as close to actuals as possible. Basic requirements for a personal loan typically include. . .
– Credit score
– Payment history
– Consistent income
– Reasonable debt-to-income ratio

What can I use a personal loan for?

One of the most appealing factors of a personal loan is that it can be used for just about anything.

The lender typically does not require you to specify how the money will be spent.

In addition, in most cases there is nothing binding in the agreement that prohibits borrowers from spending the money on certain things.

Check out our home improvement financing options if you are a homeowner

What is a good interest rate on a personal loan?

The definition of a good interest rate can vary depending on your credit score. If you have a 750 credit score or above, you can expect to secure an interest rate as low as 6.99%. In addition to credit score, loan amount and loan term can impact interest rates. Once you have found the lender you want to use, you should review their rate chart to see what options you qualify for. In some cases, you may get a lower interest rate for choosing one term over another. It’s important to know your options to make smart financial decisions. If you have fair or bad credit you should focus more on finding a lender you qualify for. Whether you have good credit or bad credit you should compare interest rates. However, you should avoid submitting multiple applications and having your credit pulled more than once. Acorn Finance allows individuals to submit one application and receive multiple personalized loan offers within seconds without affecting credit. Acorn Finance can save you tons of time and money too.

What is a good APR rate for a personal loan?

If you are looking for the lowest APR for a personal loan you should check out Acorn Finance.

On approved loans, borrowers can take advantage of rates as low as 6.99%.

This is much lower than the typical average among most lenders which is around 6% to 36%.

Who has the lowest APR for personal loans?

Acorn Finance offers rates lower than the industry average. Using the Acorn Finance platform applicants can submit one application that does not affect their credit and receive multiple personalized offers from lenders within seconds.

Acorn Finance partners with reliable and top-rated lenders in order to increase competitiveness and help borrowers secure the lowest rates.

You can see below what interests rates are possible for combination of different loan amount and loan term years.

Is 17% a high interest rate? 

Interest rates are typically determined by a number of factors evaluated by the lender. Most lenders evaluate a borrower’s income, credit score, debt to income ratio, and more.

While 17% may be on the high side for someone with good to excellent credit it may not be for someone with credit challenges.

How much would a monthly payment be on a $50,000 loan?

A monthly payment on a $50,000 personal loan could be as low as $462.00 using a 12 year term at 6.99%. If you wanted to go with a 6 year term at 6.99% on a $50,000 personal loan the payment would be around $805.

Can you get a personal loan with a credit score of 550 or below?

Securing a personal loan with a credit score of 550 or below can be challenging, but not impossible. If you need a personal loan and have a credit score of 550 or below you should consider applying with a co-signer who has good credit.

This can help increase your chances of approval while helping you secure a lower interest rate and build your credit. If you do use a cosigner it’s important to remember that their credit can be affected if you default on the loan. This means it’s even more important to make payments on time and repay the loan.

In the event you are unable to make a payment, you should communicate with your co-signer to make other arrangements.

After all, you only get so many chances in life, especially when it comes to borrowing money.

Do you need credit to secure a personal loan?

Acorn Finance offers personal loans for all credit types. In most cases, personal loan approval is based on credit score, credit report, and debt-to-income ratio.

However, there are some lenders who specialize in working with borrowers who have a lack of or bad credit. These lenders may consider other factors during their approval process. If you have bad or no credit you may not qualify for the lowest rates but you can still have a chance of approval.

Even if you are approved for a higher interest rate the loan may still make sense and can help build your credit.

The more credit you can establish or repay in good terms, the better your score should be. If you are unable to receive approval you should look into secured or co-signed loans.

How much can you borrow with a personal loan?

Some lenders, such as LightStream, offer personal loans up to $100,000. It would be rare to find a lender that offers an unsecured personal loan for more than $100,000. If you need to borrow more than $100,000 you may need to consider a secured loan. Secured loans require collateral which makes them less risky for the lender. Since there is less risk, lenders often offer higher loan amounts and more flexible terms. However, secured loans are usually harder to qualify for than unsecured personal loans.

See Our Loan Options Under $10,000

• $1k Personal Loans
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See More Personal Loan Options: From $10,000 to $100,000

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Is it better to get a personal loan from your bank?

You may prefer to use a bank for their credibility and face-to-face interactions. While it may seem easier to use your primary banking institution for a personal loan, it’s not always better. Banks often have strict requirements and slow funding processes. While they may offer competitive interest rates, it’s likely you can get the same interest rate or better in a lot less time using an online lender. Wells Fargo Bank promotes their personal loans and has interest rates starting at just 5.99% In addition, they offer an online application process.

Our picks for the best personal loan companies

When it comes to securing a personal loan you can either apply directly with the lender or indirectly through a platform like Acorn Finance. Acorn Finance has a network of market-leading lenders that can provide personal loans for all credit types. A few of Acorn Finance’s lending partners are included on the list below, as well as many other lists of top personal loan companies. Finding the best personal loan can be more complex than you think. It’s not as easy as visiting a few websites and seeing which lender has the best interest rates. You’ll want to find a lender with a competitive rate that you can qualify for with your credit score. In addition, you’ll want to make sure their loan amounts and terms can meet your needs. Acorn Finance simplifies the shopping process and makes finding the best personal loan offer easy. Let’s take a look at our top picks for the best personal loan companies. . .

LightStream
If you have been researching top-rated personal loan companies, you have probably come across LightStream. LightStream specializes in good credit borrowers and offers attractive perks such as zero fees and same-day funding. To qualify for a LightStream personal loan you should have a minimum credit score of 680 or higher. While LightStream does not allow you to apply with a cosigner, you can apply with a joint applicant. A joint applicant is someone you apply with to increase your chance of approval. During the lender’s evaluation, they weigh the primary applicant and joint applicants’ income, credit, and other details equally. If approved, you can even set up split monthly payments. LightStream offers personal loans up to $100,000 with interest rates as low as 2.99% with autopay and terms up to 144 months. If you are approved by another lender with a lower interest rate, LightStream will beat the rate by one-tenth of a percentage point. Of course, they’ll want evidence of the approval and terms before matching the rate. LightStream is an online lender that is a division of Truist. LightStream headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois. As an Acorn Finance lending partner, you can receive offers from LightStream and other top lenders by pre-qualifying with Acorn Finance.

Discover
While Discover is not an Acorn Finance lending partner, they are gaining popularity for their competitive personal loans. Many of us already have or have had a Discover credit card but may not have considered that they offer other services. In addition to personal loans, Discover also offers digital banks and online loans.
If you want to use a Discover online loan you should have a fair credit score of 660 or higher. Customers can take advantage of customizable loan terms between 36-84 months and no fees. Discover offers online loans between $2,500 to $35,000. However, Discover does not allow applicants to apply with a cosigner. This means you’ll need to qualify for the loan on your own. While Discover offers fast funding and a user-friendly app to manage loans, they may have higher interest rates than other lenders. Discover’s interest rates for online loans start at 6.99%.

Upgrade
If you have credit challenges or less than perfect credit, Upgrade is one of the best lenders to consider. Upgrade may have higher interest rates than competitors but they have a much lower minimum credit score requirement. It’s hard to compare a lender like LightStream to a lender like Upgrade. They each have their own target markets and set of perks for their borrowers. For borrowers with fair credit or bad credit, Upgrade can still offer competitive interest rates, terms, and loan amounts. Upgrade offers personal loans up to $50,000 with interest rates starting at 6.94%. Their minimum credit score requirement is 580. If you have a credit score close to 580 but not quite, Upgrade allows you to apply with a cosigner. During application evaluations, Upgrade places a heavy focus on available cash flow. They are more concerned about applicants’ debt-to-income ratios than rent payments or monthly expenses that may affect an individual’s ability to repay a loan. If you experience a hardship such as a job loss, you may qualify for Upgrade’s Hardship Program. The Hardship Program can reduce your monthly payment or extend your loan term to help you get through a tough time without ruining your credit. Upgrade is yet another lender that is in the Acorn Finance network.

What is a good APR?

Currently, the national average for APRs on personal loans for borrowers with excellent credit is 9.34%. Compare that to credit cards that have a national average APR of 16.43% and you can see why it is almost always a better move to take out a personal loan rather than max your credit cards. What is considered a good APR can also vary depending on what you are trying to purchase, the type of loan you want to use, and you as a borrower.

Your credit card may be good to use for everyday purchases, especially if your card offers perks and rewards, and as long as you pay off your balance each month, or within a couple of months, but for larger purchases and projects, a personal loan might be a better choice.

If you are looking to finance a large home improvement project like a kitchen remodel or a backyard renovation, you will probably want to avoid credit cards. To secure a good APR on home improvement projects you should consider a personal loan, home improvement loan, or secured loan. Secured loans may offer lower interest rates but can be time consuming and challenging to qualify for.

At Acorn Finance, you can check personal loan or home improvement loan offers from lenders that can offer APRs as low as 6.99%, depending on credit score.

So, keep your credit cards around to pay for your morning coffees and after-work happy hours and collect those reward points, but when it comes to the big projects, seek alternative financing. If your credit card debt has become uncontrollable you may also be able to use a personal loan for debt consolidation.

Does APR matter if you pay on time?

Yes, the APR on a personal loan matters even if you are making your monthly payments on time. APR on a personal loan works differently than on a credit card.

For example, if you have a credit card with an APR of 26.99% and this month you charge $540 on your card. When the bill comes due, if you pay the entire balance rather than just make the minimum payment, you should not be charged any interest. If you carry a balance, then your APR can be used to determine how much interest you will pay on your balance.

Let’s say you paid $40, and now have a balance of $500 on your credit card. Your APR of 26.99% is divided by 365 to calculate your daily periodic rate. You take that number and then multiply it by $500, the amount of the balance you are carrying over to the next month, and you get 32.8 cents charge per day of interest. Multiply that by 30 days and you get an interest charge of $9.86.

APRs are different for personal loans because you will never pay your balance in full within one month and the interest will be locked in and added to the principal of your loan. The APR is what will be added to your loan amount each year. The APR comprises your interest rate and any fees or finance charges.

Each month you are paying a certain percentage to the principal and a certain percentage to interest. If you make all your payments on time, you simply will be paying more toward the principal each month the further along you are in the term of the loan. If you miss payments, then your payments should go more to the interest each month.

Is APR yearly or monthly?

For a personal loan, APR is what you will pay yearly in interest including other fees and finance charges. There is a difference between interest rates and APRs when we are talking about personal loans.

APRs are the best way to compare loans because they include all the other fees that you may not be able to see immediately.

That is why you should compare APRs and not interest rates when shopping for a new personal loan.

Why is my APR so high with good credit?

Even if you have good credit, there still may be reasons why a lender might want to charge you a higher APR than what you would expect.

First, there are market conditions and factors that determine what financial institutions can charge for interest rates and APRs. Maybe, the market has seen a recent fluctuation and the banks have adjusted their interest rates to reflect the changing market conditions.

Next, maybe you have a bankruptcy on your record. Bankruptcies can be a black mark on your record for up to 10-years. So, even if you have good to excellent credit now, that bankruptcy from 4-years ago can still affect what kind of interest rates you are seeing in personal loan offers.

Last, you may simply just be talking to the wrong lender about your situation. If you shop for a personal loan at Acorn Finance, you will be connected with dozens of lenders throughout the country who will all be competing for your business. The chances of you receiving an interest rate that is more appropriate for your credit rating are much higher.

What APR should I expect with a 700 credit score?

A credit score of 700 is considered a good credit score. That being said, you can still expect an APR to be around 16% to 18%. This may seem high, and arguably it is, but it still is lower than what credit cards are charging. That being said, if you do not feel comfortable paying an APR of 16% or higher, it then may be worth it for you to wait a couple of months and to get that credit score up into the excellent range.

A credit score of 720+ can get you closer to the 9.4% to 11.8% range. There may be a few small things you can do to boost that credit score an extra 20 points before taking out that personal loan. Pay down some credit card debts, clear off any debts sitting in collections, and continue to make those monthly payments on time. There’s also the chance that you may qualify for a lower rate as these are just averages.

Is APR the same as the interest rate?

No. Remember that APR includes all origination fees and additional finance charges on top of the interest rate.

Does 0% APR mean no interest?

A 0% APR personal loan means that there is no interest and that you are only paying back the principal. However, be mindful of deferred interest conditions that come with the 0% APR. Meaning if you make one late payment or you do not pay back the loan in the set period of time, then you may be charged interest retroactively on the entire balance.

Is it better to have a lower interest rate or APR?

When comparing offers from different lenders, always look at the APRs since they include the interest rates and all additional fees. The APR represents the total cost of the loan. It will just depend on the terms and offer as to which is better.

Is a low interest rate good or bad?

Borrowers always want cheap personal loans or at the very least, low APR personal loans. And why not? The interest rate is a major factor in determining how much your loan will cost you over the term. So, is a low interest rate loan good or bad for the borrower? If you need to borrow money, you should find the lowest interest rate possible. In most cases, a low interest rate is a good thing, but in some instances it could be seen as a negative.

A low interest rate can be beneficial for a borrower. It can make your cost of borrowing a lot cheaper. More of your money will go toward paying off the principal. In addition to lower total loan costs, you may be able to pay the loan off faster, which can also allow you to save more money. You may be able to afford to borrow more money with a lower interest rate as well.

On the other hand, low interest rates can fuel unnecessary borrowing. People may be less cautious about borrowing when rates are low and may get into debt to buy unnecessary or frivolous things. Low rates can mean you qualify for a larger loan amount than you had intended. You might end up borrowing more than you had planned and carrying a lot more debt.

For an individual who knows exactly how much they want or need to borrow and can avoid the temptation of overspending, low rates can be a great thing. You can end up paying less for what you were going to do anyway. Who would complain about that?

What causes low interest rates?

Why would rates be low anyway? Well, several factors influence the cost of borrowing. The Federal Reserve meets eight times a year (sometimes more often) and sets the lending rates for banks to trade with them and each other.

When economic times are uncertain or difficult, the Federal Reserve will normally lower interest rates. There are several reasons for this but the primary reason is to get the economy going again. When the economy is struggling, unemployment is usually high and consumer spending low. Businesses don’t have a lot of confidence to invest and expand so they don’t borrow and they don’t spend the cash they have. Lowering rates encourages businesses to invest, expand, and hire people which lowers the unemployment rate. When people are working, they have money to spend and they do. This drives a greater need for more workers which reduces unemployment even further.

This can be true for individuals as well. When rates are high, people often put off things that can wait or might not be necessary. They may hang on to an old car for another year or two or put off renovating the kitchen until rates go down. A low rate can encourage people to go ahead with purchases they planned to make. When this happens on a large scale it has a significant impact on the economy.

Will interest rates go up in 2021?

The Federal Reserve is not planning on increasing interest rates until 2023. The economy is still struggling with the effects of the pandemic and might be for a while to come. Additionally, the Feds have said they don’t want to increase rates until inflation is at or above 2%. So, unless there is a major change, it does not sound like rates will be increasing in 2021.

Is lower interest better?

Low APR personal loan rates are certainly better for the borrower. Less of your money will go to paying interest and you may be able to pay a loan off faster. You may qualify for more too since the qualifying rate will be lower. Be wary of being tempted to borrow more than you had planned. A low rate will only benefit you if it helps you save money and not go further into debt. Regardless of the rate, you will still need to repay the loan so remember to avoid borrowing unless you had already planned to do so.

What are the disadvantages of low interest rates?

Low interest rates can cause prices to go up. Since people can qualify for more, asking prices for homes, vehicles, and other products and services often increase. Companies may take advantage of low interest rates so be cautious of this.

If you are a saver, you might find that you will not be earning much on your deposits. For people who depend on earning interest to supplement their income or grow their assets, low interest rates can be devastating. While the Federal Reserve does not set interest rates on deposits, they often correspond with lending rates. As interest rates for borrowing decrease, interest earned on savings will decrease too.

Who benefits most from low interest?

Two groups benefit the most; businesses and consumers. Businesses benefit because they borrow to expand and expect to make money on the amount borrowed. The less they pay in interest the more goes into their pocket. Low interest rates can encourage them to borrow so the rates allow businesses to expand more quickly than they had originally planned.

Consumers benefit too because they will make purchases that they might have delayed making and will pay less in interest. They may find it easier to qualify too when the rates are lower.

What is the lowest interest rate you can get on a loan?

Your rate can depend on your financial situation and what you qualify for. Your credit score, debt to income ratio, income, employment, and any assets you have to secure the loan will impact your rate. Most lenders have requirements that borrowers must meet to qualify for certain loan amounts, terms, and interest rates. Whether you have good credit or bad credit, you may be able to lock in a lower interest rate with a short loan term. LightStream, an Acorn Finance lending partner, is currently offering personal loans with rates as low as 2.49% with autopay, although rates can vary. To check offers from lenders such as LightStream and other competitive lenders, submit a form at Acorn Finance.

Is it possible to get a 0% loan?

It’s possible to get a 0% loan, although it isn’t all that common. Sometimes there are fees that compensate the lender for the lack of interest. There are usually other things you will need to be aware of too in order to figure out if you are getting a good deal or not. Here are some instances where you might find 0% loans:

Car loans: Manufactures may offer promotional 0% financing. In some cases, you are forced to choose between a rebate or 0% financing. The 0% financing offer is not always the best deal.
Retailers: Some retailers may offer 0% promotional financing for big ticket items such as appliances, furniture, or electronics. Make sure you read the fine print carefully before signing up for financing.
Credit card companies: Credit card companies may offer 0% promotional offers for short terms. You may need to spend a certain amount with a specific time period to take advantage of the offer. Again, make sure you read the fine print carefully before swiping the card.

Can you get a personal loan with bad credit?

If you are looking for a personal loan, but you feel you may not qualify because you have doubts about your credit score, you should consider looking into it a little further. You may be able to qualify for a personal loan with a lower credit score than you think. Some online lenders are looking to work with bad credit borrowers to help them get the financing they need, at a reasonable interest rate, while helping them build up their credit at the same time. Consider if you take out a personal loan to remodel your bathroom, and you pay off the total sum of the loan over 36-months, you will then have all those on-time payments and a successful loan completion on your credit score. Those are the kind of credit report activities that will help to maintain and boost your credit score.

If you are unsure of what your credit score actually is you should check your credit. If you have some time to spare before needing to borrow money you should work on improving your credit score before applying. Alternatively, you may have a willing cosigner with good credit. If you do, you should apply for a loan with a cosigner. At Acorn Finance you can check personal loan offers with or without a cosigner. Checking offers at Acorn Finance does not impact your credit score. If you already have bad credit, you will want to be especially cautious about any actions that may affect your credit score. Actions that can impact your credit score include hard credit checks, missed payments, or new debt.

What credit score do I need to get a personal loan?

People who are seeking a personal loan and have bad credit should try to ensure their credit score falls somewhere between 610 and 640. Though a credit score in this range would still be pretty low, it still is not low enough for a lender to immediately disqualify you. Having a credit score in the 610 to 640 range will get your foot in the door and get the conversation started. You may be asked some additional questions about your income, cash flow, and other financial information to give them a more accurate picture of your overall creditworthiness, but if everything looks in order on their end, they may be willing to help you secure the personal loan for the loan amount that you would like.

If you find your credit score is below 610, that may be ok as well. You may have even higher requirements of income flow and a lesser threshold for debt-to-income ratio, but you may find a lender who is willing to work with you.

What is the minimum credit score to get a personal loan?

The minimum credit score to get a personal loan can differ depending on the lender and whether you are looking for an unsecured personal loan or a secured personal loan. A secured personal loan may allow you to qualify with a much lower credit score. The catch is you are going to have to borrow against the value of your home, the title of your car, or maybe an RV or boat. By securing the loan with an asset with tangible financial value, more lenders are willing to give you a large break when it comes to your credit score.

If you are looking for an unsecured personal loan, the threshold is going to be a bit higher because, although there are real consequences for defaulting on an unsecured personal loan, the process for the lender to try to recover their investment can be sometimes expensive and maybe not even worth their time. They sometimes just will have to take a hit. A person who defaults on an unsecured personal loan will take a hit as well. A hit to their credit score and a record that will make it extremely difficult for you to acquire credit in the future.

For that reason, lenders typically want to see a credit score in the 610 to 640 range for an unsecured personal loan. They will also want to see a steady monthly income and a low credit usage with not a lot of pre-existing debt.

Can you get a personal loan with a 600 credit score?

Getting a personal loan with a 600 credit score should be manageable. Though lenders typically want to see a credit score of 610 or above, some lenders will let someone with a 600 credit score take on a new line of credit, especially if they see a strong cash flow and low debt holdings already on your credit report. If you have a credit score of 600 and you are unsure if you would qualify for a personal loan or not, you can always try to pre-qualify to see what the results may be. If you do qualify, you can then get an idea of what kind of interest rates and fees you may have to pay. If you do not like what you see, then go ahead and spend a little time improving that credit score to get you where you need to be so that taking on a new personal loan will not cost you more than you are comfortable with.

What lenders provide personal loans for bad credit?

There are a few lenders in the financial industry that will refuse to work with bad credit borrowers and they only cater to the good to excellent credit borrowers. But, remember, that is the exception, not the rule. Most lenders are in the business of making money, and even if you have bad credit, if they think you can be trusted for the loan amount tha you are looking for, they are going to give it to you in order to make their profits in interest and fees. When searching for a lender that can offer you a personal loan with bad credit, you should check offers at Acorn Finance. If none of our lending partners can help, you can try Googling lenders that help borrowers with bad credit. Before applying with a lender always make sure you verify their legitimacy.

How to get a personal loan with bad credit?

If you are looking to get a personal loan with bad credit, you should first see if you can pre-qualify for the loan amount you are looking for. If you can qualify, then you can start to shop lenders to see what kinds of interest rates you can begin to plan into your overall budget for your home improvement project or whatever reason it is you are seeking the financing for. If you are unable to qualify or are uncomfortable with the offers you receive you should work on improving your financial status before moving forward with a loan.

What is considered bad credit when looking for personal loans?

In general, a bad credit score is usually classified as a FICO score between 350 to 579. If your credit score is within this range you probably won’t qualify for a personal loan unless you have a cosigner. However, one point can make a difference. Some lenders will consider borrowers with a credit score between 580 to 600.

Which bank has the lowest interest rate on personal loans?

Many lenders are now offering low interest personal loans that can be used for just about any purpose. While you may see some ‘too good to be true” interest rates advertised, you may or may not qualify for them. Banks can take a number of factors into consideration when determining a borrower’s eligibility. Different banks may also have different promotions so you’ll need to do some shopping to see who will provide you with the best rate.

What is the best low interest loan?

The best low interest rate loans will vary from lender to lender. A borrower will usually get the best rate if they have a high credit rating, stable employment, good income, and a low debt-to-income ratio. The best type of low interest loan can depend on what you are trying to purchase or do. If you are trying to purchase a vehicle, you may be able to secure a promotional offer through a manufacturer. If you are trying to make home improvements, a personal loan may be the best option. Borrowers that can secure a loan with cash or collateral, may be able to lock in a lower interest rate.

How can I get a low interest personal loan?

It may be a good first step to check your credit score before applying for a personal loan. Being aware of what your credit score is may help you manage expectations. If you have a less than perfect credit score you should not expect to qualify for the lowest advertised rate.
Your credit score will have a significant impact on the rate you are offered.Whether you have good or bad credit you shop around for the best offer. However, be careful when doing so, as lenders may pull your credit to generate offers. To check multiple offers with no impact to your credit score, visit Acorn Finance. Our lending partners can offer APRs as low as 6.99%, depending on credit score.

What is the lowest mortgage rate today?

Like loan rates, mortgage rates can vary although the difference in interest rates on mortgages is usually not as big as the difference with interest rates on personal loans. Things that may affect your mortgage rate will be the length of the term, whether it is a fixed rate mortgage or adjustable rate mortgage, how much of a downpayment you have, your credit score, and where you live. Mortgage rates change often so it is best to keep checking if you are thinking of getting a mortgage. Currently, we are seeing 30-year fixed mortgage rates around 2.820% and 15-year fixed mortgage rates around 2.153%.

Which bank gives the fastest personal loan?

A number of banks and lenders can fund loans the same day or the next business day. In these instances, borrowers usually have a high credit score and are prequalified. You can apply online to see if you prequalify and what documents you may need to provide to your lender to complete the process. The timeliness of your correspondences and submission of any requested documents can impact the speed of the approval and funding process. Individuals that work with an Acorn Finance lending partner can receive funds in as little as 1 business day, although funding times may vary.

What is a good loan rate now?

Loan rates depend on the amount borrowed, the length of the term, and the borrower’s credit score. In some cases, better rates are offered when the client sets up auto pay with the loan. Currently, loan rates can range anywhere from 5.95% APR to 19.99%+ depending on the factors mentioned. Acorn Finance has trustworthy lending partners that can offer personal loans with APRs as low as 6.99% depending on your credit score.

What’s a good APR for a loan?

The APR is the annual percentage rate on the loan. It is the yearly rate of interest charged to the loan. Since most loans charge interest monthly the effective interest rate is higher because it is compounded.Right now, the average APR on a personal loan is 9.34%. A low APR loan is one where the APR is below average. The lower the APR the less interest costs you will have to pay. Keep in mind that only about ¼ of Americans have a “good” credit score. Averages may reflect a large pool of borrowers that have less than perfect credit.

What is the max personal loan I can get?

The maximum amount of a personal loan a borrower can get depends on what they qualify for. Your credit score, income and the amount of debt you are already carrying will all have a significant impact on the amount you can borrow. Some lenders will offer loans up to $100,000 but most will have a maximum of about $35,000.00-$50,000.00

What is considered a low interest rate on a loan?

A low interest loan is hard to define since it depends on so many factors. This is why it’s important to compare offers so that you know what a low interest rate and fair offer look like for your credit history. What is considered a low interest rate may also vary depending on the type of loan. In some cases, it may be helpful to consider the total amount of interest you will pay during the life of the loan. While an interest rate may sound high or low, evaluating the total cost may help you put things into perspective. For large loans, you will want to be especially mindful of total loan costs. You may want to consider going with a shorter term to save money on interest while paying the loan off faster.

What is the easiest loan to get approved for?

Generally, a loan that is secured by a vehicle or some other collateral is the easiest to get approved for. This reduces the lender’s risk by providing an asset they can use to get their money back if the borrower fails to pay. In addition, the lesser the loan amount, the easier the loan may be to secure. Shopping for the best personal loan offer may be the most time consuming part of the process. Utilizing a platform like Acorn Finance can save you tons of time while helping you secure a good deal.
However, if you have bad credit, it may not be easy to qualify for any type of loan. We strongly encourage individuals with bad credit to apply with a cosigner or work on improving their credit before applying for a loan.

What is the current interest rate on a personal loan?

Right now, personal loans come with a wide range of interest rates. The rate will depend on your lender, the qualification criteria of the lender, the amount you want to borrow, and the term you want. Currently, the best low interest personal loans carry a rate of around 6%. This is usually reserved for people with a good credit score and who have autopay with the loan. On the high end loan rates can go up to about 36%.

Closing Thoughts

If you have been thinking about getting a personal loan, now might be a great time to do it. Personal loans can be used for any purpose and at the moment, rates are at historical lows. It is best to determine how much you need, check your credit score, and shop around to get the best deal for you.

Before you determine if now is the time for a personal loan, you should see what you can qualify for. For some, there may be a significant opportunity to lock in a low interest rate for a personal loan. For others, there may not be.

If you are considering a personal loan, check offers first. Acorn Finance has trustworthy lending partners that can offer personal loans with APRs as low as 6.99% depending on your credit score. Individuals can discover simple and competitive payment options through Acorn Finance. At Acorn Finance, you can submit one application and receive loan offers in 60 seconds or less with no impact to your credit score. Once you have claimed the best offer and finalized the loan, you can receive funds quickly.

Do you qualify for a low interest personal loan? Check offers today!

In conclusion, Acorn Finance offers some of the lowest rates for personal loans. Comparing lenders is important if you decide to use a personal loan. Most likely, many lenders will be competing to secure your loan. This means you have the ability to shop rates and terms and make sure you get the best deal.

Acorn Finance allows users to access the best personal loan offers within minutes. You can start by submitting an application that does not affect your credit score. Once you submit the application you can receive multiple personalized personal loan offers within seconds. You can review your offers and choose the best personal loan offer. If you are not ready to accept the offer you can return to where you left off at a later date. Most offers are valid for 14-30 days.

Acorn Finance is a reputable company that offers free services. Their services allow you to input your information to one application and receive offers from multiple lenders, making it easy to discover the lowest APR on a personal loan.

Three steps to get pre-qualified for a personal loan with Acorn Finance:

1. Complete and submit a short loan application online
2. Receive multiple pre-qualified offers
3. Get connected with lenders to obtain your pre-qualified loan

Discover low APR personal loans today… check offers for financing online now!

Best Cheap Personal Loans with Low Interest Rates

​​Whether you need access to fast cash for an unexpected expense or need a low interest personal loan for debt consolidation, there are a number of reasons why you might be in the market for a cheap personal loan. Thankfully, today there are many online lenders available who offer cheap personal loans to applicants of all financial backgrounds and income levels. The increase in competition has helped drive interest rates and qualification requirements down. Even those with poor credit, no credit, or low income may still be able to find a lender who will accept their application, although they may need a cosigner. As you begin to navigate the online personal loan market, you may be overwhelmed by how many options are available.
With so many lenders out there online to choose from, how is the average consumer supposed to know where to begin? We’ve rounded up info on some of the top lenders for cheap personal loans in the industry. Whether you have a perfect credit score and plenty of income or have trouble meeting even the most basic loan requirements, there is sure to be an option that works for you from the list below:

LightStream

​​Interest rates starting at just 6.99%
LightStream is one of the best online lenders on the market for cheap personal loans. Not only do they have extremely low rates for all applicants, but they also offer loan products with NO origination fees. If you can qualify, expect to choose from a variety of extended loan terms and loan amounts of up to $100,000. In the event that you are disqualified due to poor credit or low income, you can even use another applicant to cosign for you and receive access to these phenomenal rates.

SoFi

​​Interest rates starting at just 6.99%
Similarly, SoFi offers borrowers access to up to $100,000 in cash from a personal loan with NO origination fees and loan periods of up to 7 years. In some cases, applications with a cosigner may be allowed. Credit score requirements are slightly higher than with most other lenders, with SoFi’s minimum credit score threshold sitting at 680.

BestEgg

Interest rates starting at just 5.99%
BestEgg has earned a top spot on our list due to their low rates and fairly low origination fees that are offered to applicants with credit scores as low as 600. While applicants cannot use a cosigner to apply, they shouldn’t need to, with such lenient credit score requirements and no minimum income requirement.

Upgrade – 6.94%

Interest rates starting at just 6.94%
Upgrade is a fantastic option for applicants who would not otherwise qualify for a loan elsewhere. With some of the most lenient requirements in the industry, borrowers with a credit score as low as 560 can still qualify for a personal loan with this popular lender. Rates are still fairly competitive, and loan amounts of up to $50,000 are available with terms ranging from 3-7 years.

Prosper

Interest rates starting at just 7.95%
Prosper is a unique financial institution in that it offers peer-to-peer lending. They have set up a unique system of financing that allows applicants who would not normally get approved somewhere else to benefit from competitive rates and access to fast cash. However, unlike the other lenders on our list, receiving funds with Prosper can take a bit longer – up to 5 business days, although funding times may vary. This is due to their unique business model. However, their lenient credit score and income requirements are well worth the wait. In addition, the option to apply with a cosigner is also available.

Axos Bank

Interest rates starting at just 7.99%

Although their rates are higher than others on this list, Axos Bank is still a solid option offering cheap personal loans to those who qualify. Loan terms of 1-5 years are available for loan amounts of $5,000 – $50,000. Best of all, origination fees are extremely low, ranging from 0-2% to save you a significant amount of money on your personal loan. However, applicants are not allowed to use a cosigner and must meet fairly strict loan requirements including a minimum credit score of 700 and a minimum annual income of $48,000.
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While this guide is certainly not an exhaustive list of all the best online lenders out there, it is a good starting place for applicants to find online banks and lenders with low rates that they can trust. Obtaining a loan with low interest rates can make a huge difference in your ability to repay the loan, afford your other monthly bills, and stay out of debt. All of the lenders on the list above can offer interest rates that are well below the current national average rate for consumers applying for personal loans.
In addition, several of these lenders offer applicants the ability to apply with a cosigner, and all of them offer access to your funds within 1 business day with the exception of Prosper, although funding time may vary. Every single financial institution on this list would be a good place to start when you are seeking a personal loan online or even just thinking about getting prequalified for a personal loan.
Keep reading to find out more about personal loans and the loan application process.

How to get a low interest personal loan

To get a low interest personal loan, you will first need to find a lender that you either already do business with or that you can trust and begin the application process. You should gather documentation that proves your identity, income, and employment before starting the application process. Lenders may request information such as income, employment history, and so forth during the application process. You will want to make sure supporting documents match the information you submit in the event you are asked to provide proof. You may also want to pull a copy of your credit report from a free resource such as Annual Credit Report. Are there any ways you can improve your credit score? If you can improve your credit score before applying for a personal loan this can help you qualify for a lower interest rate which can save you money over the life of the loan. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you can expect to receive. You may need to apply for a loan from more than one lender in order to receive the best rates.
To ensure that you receive a low interest personal loan, you’ll want to be sure to shop around before beginning the application process. Getting a prequalification can help in many cases by giving you a better idea of the rates that you can expect to receive on your final loan approval. At Acorn Finance you can check offers from top national lenders that can offer some of the best personal loans. Checking offers at Acorn Finance does not impact your credit score.

How to get a cheap personal loan with bad credit

There are a few different ways that applicants with poor credit (or even no credit) can still get a personal loan. The simplest way to get a personal loan even with bad credit is to find a lender who has lenient requirements. Some online lenders, like Upgrade or Prosper, make it relatively easy to qualify for a personal loan even with less than perfect credit. A lack of credit may also result in a low credit score. However, even if you cannot qualify through a lenient lender like these, there are still a few more options for you.
You can still get a cheap personal loan with bad credit by applying for your loan with a cosigner. A cosigner allows an applicant to benefit from the credit score and income of another applicant who has a better financial profile. The lender can look at the overall creditworthiness of your cosigner instead of relying on just your income and credit history. Using a cosigner means that you can have access to better interest rates than you could obtain on your own, even if you did qualify for a personal loan from a lender with lenient income and credit score requirements.
Additionally, you can pursue a secured personal loan that is secured with an asset like your car title or savings account. These loans come with the obvious risk of losing your collateral if you default on the repayment of the loan. But they are one option to obtain a cheap personal loan with bad credit, while actually helping to improve your poor credit score at the same time. Just make sure you pay on time!

Why are low interest rates important on a personal loan?

When applying for any financial product, consumers always place importance on interest rates. But why? The truth is that interest rates are important for a number of reasons. You will want to obtain financial services and loan products that have the lowest rates possible.
The reason for this is that lower rates lower the amount you will pay over the lifetime of your entire loan. If you are paying 5% interest every month for 5 years, this is significantly lower than if you are paying 15% interest every month over the same time period.
In addition, your interest rate also has a big influence on your monthly payment. If you have a $300 loan payment at 6% interest, you could be paying just $18 each month in interest. However, let’s say that your interest rate is on the higher end at 25%. In that case, you could pay $75 each month in interest. That higher interest can make a big difference in your budget if you are living paycheck to paycheck or struggling to make ends meet. Even if you have plenty of extra money, you will want to spend as little as possible on interest.
In summary, low interest rates are important because they save you money. Even the slightest change in your interest rate can cost you thousands of dollars throughout your total repayment period. This is what makes obtaining a low interest rate such a crucial part of the loan application process. So before you sign on the dotted line on your next personal loan, be sure to shop around, improve your credit score as much as possible, and consider using a cosigner when necessary. These steps can ensure that you lock in the best possible rate on your personal loan and take advantage of the potential financial savings.

What affects your personal loan rates?

There are a number of things that can affect the interest rate you get on your personal loan.
Without a doubt, the biggest factor that influences interest rates is your credit score. In general, the higher your credit score, the better the interest rate you will receive, and the more money you can save over the lifetime of your loan. Luckily, if your credit score leaves some room to be desired, there are ways that you can quickly increase your credit score before applying for a new loan. You can request credit limit increases on all of your cards, pay down debt, dispute inaccurate information, and even ask your lenders to forgive prior late payments and other derogatory marks on your credit report as a courtesy. Lenders may also look at your debt-to-income ratio as part of the evaluation of your overall financial health.
Interest rates are also influenced by something called the Federal Prime Rate, which is a rate that all financial institutions use as an index in setting their own rates for customers. This rate is simply a benchmark – not a rule – so it is possible to find loan products with rates that are below this rate, either as promotional offers or on certain secured loan products like mortgages or car loans. However, most financial institutions’ rates will closely follow this federal rate. This rate is the reason why you often hear on the news about “rates dropping” or “rates climbing”. When you are applying for a financial product like a personal loan, keep an eye on which direction interest rates are currently trending. If it seems that interest rates will be trending downward soon, you may want to consider waiting for rates to drop.
Lastly, your personal loan rate can be affected by the type of financial institution that you apply with. In general, credit unions offer lower rates than traditional banks due to their non-profit, member-owned model of doing business. The same holds true for online lenders which in many cases offer lower interest rates than credit unions and banks. It always pays to shop around and find the best possible rate before committing yourself into a contract for any financial product.

How can I get a low interest personal loan?

There are many banks, credit unions, and even online lenders that offer low interest personal loans. In some cases, you may need to read the fine print to see if your credit score qualifies for these prime rates. Sometimes the low interest rates may be for only a short time as a special offer during a promotional or introductory period. By doing your research and shopping around before applying, you should be able to find the best deal possible on a low rate personal loan.
Credit unions and online lenders typically have better rates than banks, because they have fewer operating costs. In the case of credit unions, they are run as non-profit organizations that are able to pass the profits down to their members. Online lenders don’t have to pay for a physical building space in order to do business and can extend credit to applicants all over the world, meaning they can charge lower rates and fees as well. The exception to this rule is that the bank you already do business with may have lower rates for its existing customers, so be sure to check with your own financial institution first before looking around.
Lastly, in general applicants with the highest credit score will qualify for the lowest rates. If you are not confident in your credit score, you can either apply with a cosigner or wait until you have been able to pull your credit score up a bit. Even a difference of a few points in your credit score can make a big difference in the interest rate you will receive, especially if you are close to the threshold that your lender uses to qualify applicants for the best rates.
So in summary, it pays to be patient and look for the best rates from a competitive lender while working to improve your score as much as possible.

What banks offer the cheapest loans?

The best loan is the one that offers the terms and features that you need. Comparing loans from multiple financial institutions is the best way to determine which loan is cheapest for your personal situation. Your income and credit score will heavily influence your loan terms and rate.
What makes a loan cheaper from one financial institution than another? There are a few things to look at when trying to find the most affordable loan. You will want to keep an eye on interest rates and be sure to obtain a loan with the lowest rate possible. In addition, watch out for origination fees. An origination fee is essentially a processing or administration fee usually charged at the beginning of the loan. It may be paid upfront or added into the total amount of your loan. Ideally, the financial product you receive will have little to no origination fees.
In addition to origination fees, it is also important to read through your full loan agreement and understand the other types of fees that are possible, such as late fees, annual fees, and prepayment penalties. The best loan products will have little to no fees.
Another way to find the “cheapest” loan is to find a bank that offers a wide range of repayment periods. If you apply for a loan with an extended repayment period, it can make your loan seem like a better deal. The longer you stretch out the life of your loan, the lower your monthly payments will be. However, it is important to note that while this will make your loan seem cheaper upfront, you will be paying out more cash over the lifetime of the loan. So if you can swing it, the true “cheapest” loan is the one with the shortest repayment periods. Either way, a bank that offers options for repayment periods will be able to offer you what you need.
Lastly, some financial institutions offer lower rates and fees and other discounts to their loyal banking customers, so be sure to check with your own bank or credit union before applying for a loan through an online lender.

What is a good low interest rate on personal loans?

So what exactly qualifies as a “good” rate on a personal loan? Every financial product from mortgages to car loans has their own range of what is considered a good or low rate.
In general, interest rates on a personal loan are lower than with other kinds of financial products like credit cards and payday loans. On the other hand, rates for personal loans can be higher than other types of secured loans (like mortgages and auto loans) because those types of loans carry less risk. The rate you receive can depend on many factors like your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio, current federal rates, and the discretion of your financial institution.
According to Bankrate, the average personal loan interest rate as of January 2022 is 10.28%. Of course, this rate can vary drastically depending on your credit score and other factors. All of the financial institutions featured in our list above have starting rates that sit well below that national average. However, keep in mind that rates can climb up or down based on your credit score. If you do not have a high credit score, consider using a cosigner to ensure that you lock in a good low interest rate on your next personal loan. Having a cosigner with an excellent credit rating can allow you to access prime rates even if your own credit score is not up to par.

Can you consolidate debt with a low interest personal loan?

Yes, you can absolutely consolidate debt with a low interest personal loan. In fact, this is one of the most popular uses for a personal loan. While some financial institutions specifically market one of their loan products as a debt consolidation loan, the truth is that any debt consolidation loan is essentially a personal loan.
This is because personal loans typically do not have any restrictions on what the funds that you receive can be used for. Unlike other financial products where the funds are earmarked for a specific purpose such as a car or a home, the money that you get from applying for a personal loan is simply cash that can be used for anything the borrower wishes to use it for, such as paying off existing debt. Once you receive your payment from a personal loan, you can use the lump sum to pay off the balances on your credit cards, medical bills, or any other debts that you need to consolidate.
Taking out a personal loan that has a low interest rate makes the case for debt consolidation that much stronger, since you will likely be paying off credit cards with very high interest rates. This means that even though you are still paying off the same amount of debt, you are now paying off 1 loan with a low fixed interest rate, instead of multiple cards with a high interest rate. This can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the loan until your debt is gone. Many consumers find low interest personal loans for debt consolidation an extremely beneficial arrangement. Get started saving money today with an online application for a personal loan from any of the featured lenders above. Your bank account and credit score will thank you!