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Personal loans are great for covering unexpected expenses, but you don’t always have to borrow a large amount.
Features of small personal loans:
- Usually $3,000 or less
- Fixed monthly payments
- Used to cover small, unexpected costs
In this post:
- Small personal loan lenders
- Lenders who offer small loans as low as $1,000
- Lenders who offer small loans as low as $2,000
- Small personal loans from banks and credit unions
- Pros and cons of a small personal loan
- Personal loan alternatives
Small personal loan lenders
Not all personal loan lenders offer small dollar loans, and some that do might charge higher interest rates or more fees. See the table below for our list of lenders who offer small personal loans.
| Lender | Fixed rates | Min. loan amount |
|---|---|---|
 View details | 9.95% - 35.99% APR | $2,000** |
*If approved, the actual loan terms that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination, state law, and other factors. Minimum loan amounts vary by state. **Example: A $5,700 loan with an administration fee of 4.75% and an amount financed of $5,429.25, repayable in 36 monthly installments, would have an APR of 29.95% and monthly payments of $230.33. |
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 View details | 6.49% - 29.99% APR | $5,000 |
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 View details | 15.49% - 35.99% APR | $2,000 |
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 View details | 3.49% - 19.99% APR | $5,000 |
LightStream personal loans review |
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 View details | 5.99% - 24.99% APR | $5,000 |
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 View details | 6.95% - 35.99% APR | $2,000 |
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 View details | 5.99% - 17.53% APR | $5,000 |
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 View details | 7.99% - 35.97% APR | $1,000 |
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 View details | 8.13% - 35.99% APR4 | $1,000 |
4The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 3-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 20% and 36 monthly payments of $35 per $1,000 borrowed. There is no down payment and no prepayment penalty. Average APR is calculated based on 3-year rates offered in the last 1 month. 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. 5Your 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. Loans are not available in West Virginia or Iowa.The minimum loan amount in MA is $7,000. The minimum loan amount in OH is $6,000. The minimum loan amount in NM is $5,100. The minimum loan amount in GA is $3,100. 6If you accept your loan by 5pm EST (not including weekends or holidays), you will receive your funds the next business day. Loans used to fund education related expenses are subject to a 3 business day wait period between loan acceptance and funding in accordance with federal law. |
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Lenders who offer small loans as low as $1,000
LendingClub
Since loans at LendingClub start as low as $1,000, you can use your small personal loan for any little cost you need to cover.
- Rates: 6.95% - 35.89% APR
- Loan terms (years): 3, 5
- Loan amount: $1,000 to $40,000
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: None
- Eligibility: Available in all states except IA
- Min. income: None
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 580
- Time to get funds: Usually takes about 3 days†
- Loan uses: Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards, home improvement, pool loans, vacations, and other purposes
LendingClub personal loans review
†Based on a majority of borrowers from LendingClub's marketing partners who were issued loans between 1/1/19-12/13/19. The time it takes for your loan to be funded may vary.
Upgrade
Loans at Upgrade can get as low as $1,000. With loan terms at three or five years, it makes monthly payments manageable so you won’t fall behind.
- Rates: 7.99% - 35.97% APR
- Loan terms (years): 3, 5
- Loan amount: $1,000 to $35,000 ($3,005 minimum in GA; $6,005 minimum in MA)
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: Autopay
- Eligibility: Available in all states except CT, CO, IA, MD, VT, WV
- Min. income: Does not disclose
- Customer service: Email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 600
- Time to get funds: Within a day of clearing necessary verifications
- Loan uses: Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, and other purposes
Upstart
A minimum Upstart loan is $1,000 and you can get your money as soon as one to three business days.
- Rates: 8.13% - 35.99% APR4
- Loan terms (years): 3 to 5 years4
- Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,0005
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: None
- Eligibility: Available in all states except IA and WV
- Min. income: $12,000
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 600 (in most states)
- Time to get funds: As soon as 1 - 3 business days6
- Loan uses: Payoff credit cards, consolidate debt, take a course or bootcamp, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes
4The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 3-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 20% and 36 monthly payments of $35 per $1,000 borrowed. There is no down payment and no prepayment penalty. Average APR is calculated based on 3-year rates offered in the last 1 month. 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.
5Your 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. Loans are not available in West Virginia or Iowa.The minimum loan amount in MA is $7,000. The minimum loan amount in OH is $6,000. The minimum loan amount in NM is $5,100. The minimum loan amount in GA is $3,100.
6If you accept your loan by 5pm EST (not including weekends or holidays), you will receive your funds the next business day. Loans used to fund education related expenses are subject to a 3 business day wait period between loan acceptance and funding in accordance with federal law.
Lenders who offer small loans as low as $2,000
Avant
A small loan from Avant starts at $2,000 and you can receive funds as soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday). It’s a good option if your credit score isn’t great but still need to borrow money.
- Rates: 9.95% - 35.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5*
- Loan amount: $2,000 to $35,000**
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: Autopay
- Eligibility: Available in all states except CO, CT, HI, IA, LA, NV, NY, SC, VT, and WV
- Min. income: $24,000
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 580 to 680
- Time to get funds: As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
- Loan uses: Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
*If approved, the actual loan terms that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination, state law, and other factors. Minimum loan amounts vary by state.
**Example: A $5,700 loan with an administration fee of 4.75% and an amount financed of $5,429.25, repayable in 36 monthly installments, would have an APR of 29.95% and monthly payments of $230.33.
Best Egg
A Best Egg loan starts as low as $2,000 and has repayment terms of three or five years. You can get your money as soon as one to three business days after successful verification and have the chance to choose the repayment date that works best for you.
- Rates: 5.99% - 29.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 3, 5
- Loan amount: $2,000 - $35,000
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: None
- Eligibility: Available in all states except IA, VT, and WV
- Min. income: None
- Customer service: Phone
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 640
- Time to get funds: As soon as 1 - 3 business days after successful verification
- Loan uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Best Egg personal loans review
LendingPoint
Loans at LendingPoint start at $2,000 to $25,000. But you can get your money as soon as the next business day and near-prime credit scores qualify.
- Rates: 15.49% - 35.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4
- Loan amount: $2,000 to $25,000
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: Autopay
- Eligibility: Available in all states except WV
- Min. income: Does not disclose
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: Does not disclose
- Time to get funds: As soon as the next business day
- Loan uses: Home improvement, consolidate debt, credit card refinancing, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes
LendingPoint personal loans review
Prosper
Small loans from Prosper start at $2,000 and the loan approval process will be, on average, within 5 days of accepting your offer.
- Rates: 6.95% - 35.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 3, 5
- Loan amount: $2,000 to $40,000
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: None
- Eligibility: Available in all states except IA, ND, WV
- Min. income: None
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 640
- Time to get funds: On average, within 5 days of accepting your offer
- Loan uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, vehicles, small business, new baby expenses, and other purposes
Not all lenders have the same loan terms and requirements for borrowing money. If you’re going to get a personal loan online, try to compare them all first to see which one is right for you.
Small personal loans from banks and credit unions
Many local banks and credit unions offer personal loans, as well, but qualifications vary based on institution.
Credit unions, for example, may allow you to have a lower-than-average credit score to get a personal loan, but you usually have to be a member of the credit union for a certain period of time before qualifying.
Both big banks and small, local ones usually offer person loans as well. If you already belong to a bank, compare their interest rates, repayment terms, fees, and how much you can borrow with other places, like credit unions and online lenders.
Pros and cons of a small personal loan
There are some instances where borrowing a little bit of money is a good idea, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best decision.
A small personal loan is a good idea if:
- You need the money soon as a one-time expense
- You have the credit score to qualify for borrowing
- You have room in your budget to afford repayment
A small personal loan may not work for you if:
- You need ongoing cash instead of a one-off expense
- Your credit score is too low to qualify
- Your income and expenses don’t allow for any extra payments
Since not all personal loan lenders have the same lending terms, your qualifications may be different depending on the lender.
Personal loan alternatives
If you don’t qualify for a personal loan or you’re looking for other places to get money, you have a few other options to consider:
- Payday alternative loans (PALs): While payday loans have short terms (like two to four weeks) and high interest rates, Payday alternative loans are small loans that are offered by credit unions. The National Credit Union Administration allows federal credit unions to offer loans from $200 to $1,000 with loan terms ranging from 1 to 6 months. But you have to be a member of the credit union for at least a month before applying.
- Nonprofits and charities: Local nonprofits, charities, and religious organizations offer help to those who are financially struggling. These organizations can help with things like utilities, food, rent and other financial emergencies. Call 211 or check their resources to see if you qualify for help.
- Credit cards: While pulling out the plastic is one of the most convenient options you have, there are a few caveats. There’s usually a fee for a cash advance depending on how much you withdrawal. Or if you pay for something with your credit card, you’ll face an interest charge if you don’t pay it off by the end of the billing cycle.
- Friends and family: Asking for financial help is no easy task, but if you don’t have the credit score to get a personal loan or another alternative it can be a smart choice. If you go this route, make sure you have some sort of written agreement that details a repayment plan and what happens in case things don’t go according to plan. If you don’t have anyone to loan you money, consider asking those with solid credit scores if they can serve as a loan cosigner.
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About Rates and Terms: Rates for personal loans provided by lenders on the Credible platform range between 4.99-35.99% APR with terms from 12 to 84 months. Rates presented include lender discounts for enrolling in autopay and loyalty programs, where applicable. Actual rates may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown and will be based on the lender’s eligibility criteria, which include factors such as credit score, loan amount, loan term, credit usage and history, and vary based on loan purpose. The lowest rates available typically require excellent credit, and for some lenders, may be reserved for specific loan purposes and/or shorter loan terms. The origination fee charged by the lenders on our platform ranges from 0% to 8%. Each lender has their own qualification criteria with respect to their autopay and loyalty discounts (e.g., some lenders require the borrower to elect autopay prior to loan funding in order to qualify for the autopay discount). All rates are determined by the lender and must be agreed upon between the borrower and the borrower’s chosen lender. For a loan of $10,000 with a three year repayment period, an interest rate of 7.99%, a $350 origination fee and an APR of 11.51%, the borrower will receive $9,650 at the time of loan funding and will make 36 monthly payments of $313.32. Assuming all on-time payments, and full performance of all terms and conditions of the loan contract and any discount programs enrolled in included in the APR/interest rate throughout the life of the loan, the borrower will pay a total of $11,279.43. As of March 12, 2019, none of the lenders on our platform require a down payment nor do they charge any prepayment penalties.
