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The internet is not only useful for finding cat videos and top-notch memes — it can also save the day when you need financial help. You can research loan options, submit an application, and receive the funds from an online loan without ever leaving your couch.
To help you choose the right online loan, we evaluated lenders based on reputation, customer service, rates and fees, terms, loan amounts, funding time, and online options. All the lenders below have a web app and let you prequalify with a soft credit check (at the time of publication). Some also offer live chat.
Compare online loan rates of October 2024
Lender
Fixed (APR)
Loan Amounts
Min. Credit Score
Overview
Avant personal loans are a good choice for borrowers with bad credit looking for small- to moderate-sized personal loans. Loans are available up to $35,000 and you could get the money as soon as the next business day after approval. Plus, Avant is more likely than some lenders to approve the applications of borrowers who've prequalified with Avant. However, the lender charges an origination fee up to 9.99%, and its top-range interest rates are among the highest of the lenders we reviewed.
Loan amount
$2,000 to $35,000**
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, dishonored payment fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, and WV
Min. income
$1,200 monthly
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
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
Repayment terms
2 to 5 years
Overview
Discover Personal Loans offers low APRs, repayment terms up to seven years, no origination fees, nationwide availability, and doesn't require your Social Security number to prequalify on its site. You'll need to have an annual income of at least $40,000, and a FICO score 660 or higher, to be eligible. If your credit score is fair or poor, you'll need to go elsewhere, as Discover doesn't allow cosigners.
Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Loan amount
$2,500 - $40,000
Repayment terms
3 - 7 years
Fees
Late fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Min. income
$40,000
Customer service
Phone
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Funds can be sent as soon as the next business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding
Credible rating
11.72% - 17.99%
$5,000 to $40,000
640
Overview
Happy Money has been in operation since 2009 (formerly known as Payoff). It's an option for fair-credit borrowers (plus those with better credit), and notably has a relatively low top-end APR. In other words, you could qualify for a lower rate with Happy Money with fair credit, relative to other lenders that offer fair-credit loans. The company does charge an origination fee on some loans, up to 5%, but that's not as high as some other lenders' origination fees.
You should be prepared to wait a few days to get your money, as funding can take three to five days once approved. And loans aren't available in Massachusetts or Nevada. Happy Money has an A+ rating with the BBB and is ideal for debt consolidation and credit card consolidation loans.
Loan amount
$3,000 to $40,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except MA, MS, NV, and OH
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email, chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification
Loan uses
Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation only
Overview
LendingClub is a solid lender for good credit borrowers and some fair credit borrowers that apply directly on its website. It's easy to prequalify with LendingClub, especially if you're uncomfortable providing your Social Security number, as the company doesn't require it at the prequalification stage. (You will need to provide it if you move forward with a full application.)
While prequalification is not a guarantee that you'll be approved for a loan, LendingClub does a better job than most other Credible partner lenders at approving applicants that have successfully prequalified. In other words, you're less likely to have your application declined once you apply (if you've already prequalified). LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $40,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Within 3 days
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Credible rating
18.00% - 35.99%
$1,500 to $20,000
540
Overview
OneMain Financial has multiple options for bad-credit personal loans. There is no minimum credit score required (if you apply directly with OneMain), which means you could get a loan with bad credit (FICO below 580). Plus, cosigners are allowed — a cosigner is someone (ideally, with good credit) who promises to repay the loan if you can't, which can make it easier to qualify or lower your rate. And, secured personal loans are available. You secure a loan with collateral, which may also help you qualify or lower your rate.
Rates are higher than competitors and OneMain charges origination fees as either a flat fee up to $500, or a percentage from 1% to 10% (depending on your state of residence). Note that even if you prequalify for a personal loan with OneMain, getting approved isn't a given.
Loan amount
$1,500 to $20,000
Fees
Origination fee, unsuccessful payment fee, late fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Must have photo I.D. issued by U.S. federal, state or local government
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 2 days after acceptance
Loan use
All except business, and education
Overview
SoFi stands out for offering no-fee personal loans with competitive rates, high loan amounts, long loan terms, discounts for autopay and direct pay, and funding as soon as the same day. Plus, SoFi prioritizes convenience for existing and potential customers with features like live chat and an easy prequalification process that doesn't require your Social Security number.
The main catch is that you need to qualify for a loan with SoFi, which can be hard to do if you don't have good credit. You also won't be able to apply with a cosigner, since SoFi doesn't accept cosigners; nor does it offer secured personal loans.
Loan Amount
$5,000 to $100,000
Repayment terms
2 - 7 years
Fees
Option to pay an origination fee in exchange for a lower rate
Discounts
Autopay, direct pay
Eligibility
Available in all states
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Phone, email, live chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Typically within a few days, given approval and bank account verification, but sometimes within the same day
Loan uses
Solely for personal, family, or household uses
Overview
It’s worth considering a personal loan through Splash if you have good credit (ideally, a FICO score above 700). The platform offers loans from a wide range of lenders, and next-day funding is available. Plus, Splash has a live chat feature so you can get real-time answers without having to wait on hold or for an email. Loans are available up to $100,000 if you apply via Splash’s website.
Rates are competitive, but borrowers with excellent credit may find lower APRs elsewhere. If you need a repayment term longer than five years, you’ll need to look elsewhere as well.
Loan amount
$5,000 - $100,000 (up to $35,000 on Credible)
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except VT. OH and NM net disbursed amount must be greater than $5,000. MA must be greater than $6,000
Min. income
$45,000
Customer service
Live chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Same day available, typically 1-3 days
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, home improvement, medical expenses, major purchases
Credible rating
11.69% - 35.99%
$1,000 to $50,000
560
Overview
Universal Credit is one of a handful of lenders that offers personal loans for bad credit. If your FICO credit score is at least 560, you may be eligible for a Universal Credit personal loan. It offers loan amounts up to $50,000, repayment terms up to seven years, and discounts for direct pay and autopay. Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Note that rates and fees can be relatively high — you may pay an origination fee from 5.25% to 9.99%, and APRs start at 11.69%. If you get a loan with a high interest rate, consider refinancing your personal loan at a lower rate once you've improved your credit score.
Loan amount
$1,000 - $50,000
Repayment terms
3, 5, or 7 years
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
Autopay and direct pay
Eligibility
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; not available in DC, IA, SC, WV
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
Overview
Upgrade has a suite of features that make it a very attractive lender: competitive interest rates, discounts for direct pay and autopay, as soon as same-day funding, up to seven-year repayment terms, and nationwide availability. Plus, loans are available to fair-credit borrowers, and you don't need to input your Social Security number to prequalify on the website. Upgrade even offers secured personal loans, which is not common among lenders.
However, Upgrade does charge an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%. You must have a FICO score of at least 600 and a minimum income of $25,000 annually to qualify.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000 ($3,005 minimum in GA; $6,600 minimum in MA)
Repayment terms
2 to 7 years
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
Autopay and direct pay
Eligibility
Available in all states
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
1 business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
9.95% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$2,000 to $35,000
Min. Credit Score
550
Overview
Avant personal loans are a good choice for borrowers with bad credit looking for small- to moderate-sized personal loans. Loans are available up to $35,000 and you could get the money as soon as the next business day after approval. Plus, Avant is more likely than some lenders to approve the applications of borrowers who've prequalified with Avant. However, the lender charges an origination fee up to 9.99%, and its top-range interest rates are among the highest of the lenders we reviewed.
Loan amount
$2,000 to $35,000**
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, dishonored payment fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, and WV
Min. income
$1,200 monthly
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
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
Repayment terms
2 to 5 years
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
-
Loan Amounts
$2,500 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
660
Overview
Discover Personal Loans offers low APRs, repayment terms up to seven years, no origination fees, nationwide availability, and doesn't require your Social Security number to prequalify on its site. You'll need to have an annual income of at least $40,000, and a FICO score 660 or higher, to be eligible. If your credit score is fair or poor, you'll need to go elsewhere, as Discover doesn't allow cosigners.
Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Loan amount
$2,500 - $40,000
Repayment terms
3 - 7 years
Fees
Late fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Min. income
$40,000
Customer service
Phone
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Funds can be sent as soon as the next business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
11.72% - 17.99%
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
640
Overview
Happy Money has been in operation since 2009 (formerly known as Payoff). It's an option for fair-credit borrowers (plus those with better credit), and notably has a relatively low top-end APR. In other words, you could qualify for a lower rate with Happy Money with fair credit, relative to other lenders that offer fair-credit loans. The company does charge an origination fee on some loans, up to 5%, but that's not as high as some other lenders' origination fees.
You should be prepared to wait a few days to get your money, as funding can take three to five days once approved. And loans aren't available in Massachusetts or Nevada. Happy Money has an A+ rating with the BBB and is ideal for debt consolidation and credit card consolidation loans.
Loan amount
$3,000 to $40,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except MA, MS, NV, and OH
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email, chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification
Loan uses
Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation only
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
9.06% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
660
Overview
LendingClub is a solid lender for good credit borrowers and some fair credit borrowers that apply directly on its website. It's easy to prequalify with LendingClub, especially if you're uncomfortable providing your Social Security number, as the company doesn't require it at the prequalification stage. (You will need to provide it if you move forward with a full application.)
While prequalification is not a guarantee that you'll be approved for a loan, LendingClub does a better job than most other Credible partner lenders at approving applicants that have successfully prequalified. In other words, you're less likely to have your application declined once you apply (if you've already prequalified). LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $40,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Within 3 days
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
18.00% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,500 to $20,000
Min. Credit Score
540
Overview
OneMain Financial has multiple options for bad-credit personal loans. There is no minimum credit score required (if you apply directly with OneMain), which means you could get a loan with bad credit (FICO below 580). Plus, cosigners are allowed — a cosigner is someone (ideally, with good credit) who promises to repay the loan if you can't, which can make it easier to qualify or lower your rate. And, secured personal loans are available. You secure a loan with collateral, which may also help you qualify or lower your rate.
Rates are higher than competitors and OneMain charges origination fees as either a flat fee up to $500, or a percentage from 1% to 10% (depending on your state of residence). Note that even if you prequalify for a personal loan with OneMain, getting approved isn't a given.
Loan amount
$1,500 to $20,000
Fees
Origination fee, unsuccessful payment fee, late fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Must have photo I.D. issued by U.S. federal, state or local government
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 2 days after acceptance
Loan use
All except business, and education
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
8.99% - 29.99%1
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
Min. Credit Score
Does not disclose
Overview
SoFi stands out for offering no-fee personal loans with competitive rates, high loan amounts, long loan terms, discounts for autopay and direct pay, and funding as soon as the same day. Plus, SoFi prioritizes convenience for existing and potential customers with features like live chat and an easy prequalification process that doesn't require your Social Security number.
The main catch is that you need to qualify for a loan with SoFi, which can be hard to do if you don't have good credit. You also won't be able to apply with a cosigner, since SoFi doesn't accept cosigners; nor does it offer secured personal loans.
Loan Amount
$5,000 to $100,000
Repayment terms
2 - 7 years
Fees
Option to pay an origination fee in exchange for a lower rate
Discounts
Autopay, direct pay
Eligibility
Available in all states
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Phone, email, live chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Typically within a few days, given approval and bank account verification, but sometimes within the same day
Loan uses
Solely for personal, family, or household uses