If you need cash fast—whether it’s for an emergency, a big purchase, or paying off debt—a personal loan can get you the money you need.
We’ve ranked the best personal loan options of 2025 based on interest rates, loan terms, and how quickly you can get funded. Each lender on this list is legit and caters to different financial situations.
Check out the options and see what works for your budget. Just keep in mind that rates and terms depend on your credit score and the lender’s requirements.
1. SoFi
SoFi is a solid option for personal loans, offering competitive rates and no fees. You can borrow between $5,000 and $100,000 with repayment terms from 2 to 7 years.
To qualify, you’ll need a credit score of at least 650 and an annual income of $45,000 or more. SoFi doesn’t charge origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties, and their APRs are among the lowest.
One downside? If you're consolidating debt, SoFi won’t pay creditors directly—you’ll have to do that yourself. But perks like unemployment protection and the ability to adjust your payment due date once a year make it a strong choice.
- No fees – no origination, prepayment, or late fees
- Get your money quickly after approval
- 8.99-29.99% APR – borrow up to $100K
- Offering a $300 bonus
2. Upstart
Upstart is a solid option if you need a personal loan but don’t have the best credit. You can borrow as little as $1,000, and they look beyond just your credit score—considering your education and job history—to decide if you qualify.
The application is quick and easy, taking just a few minutes online, with instant decisions in most cases. If approved, you could get your money as soon as the next business day.
Upstart’s interest rates are competitive, and repayment terms are flexible, making it a good choice if you're trying to manage debt or cover an unexpected expense. If your credit isn’t great and you need a small loan fast, Upstart is worth checking out.
- Competitive rates tailored to your credit profile
- Get funds as soon as the next business day
- Borrow $1,000 to $50,000
- No prepayment penalties
3. Upgrade
Upgrade is a good option if you have fair to bad credit and need a personal loan. They look at more than just your credit score—factors like income and expenses matter too—so approval is easier for those with less-than-perfect credit.
You can borrow between $1,000 and $50,000 for things like debt consolidation, home projects, or medical bills. Loan terms are three or five years, and while rates are competitive, there is an origination fee (1.85% to 9.99%) and a $10 late fee if you miss a payment. There are no autopay discounts.
The application is quick and online, with loan decisions in minutes. If you need a personal loan and have average credit, Upgrade is worth considering.
4. ZippyLoan
If you actually need money now and don't have credit, then you can opt for a personal loan from ZippyLoan. When you need money in a hurry ZippyLoan is where to go.
You apply for a loan through the ZippyLoan site, if approved they send your loan application to one of many loan providers.
You review the loan details and e-sign if you like what you see. No risk in checking what offers you’ll get. You can borrow between $100 and $15,000 as soon as tomorrow. Loans service up to 60 months.
ZippyLoan connects borrowers to lenders through its network of lenders. They’ll find you the lowest interest rate and is one of the best no-credit-check loan options.
- Get matched with lenders in minutes
- Borrow $100 to $15,000 to meet your needs
- Receive funds as soon as the next business day
- All credit types welcomed
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5 Things to Know Before Applying for a Personal Loan
Check your credit report
Lenders look at your credit history to decide if they’ll approve your loan and what interest rate you’ll get. If you have missed payments or too many loan applications, your score could be lower than you think. Review your credit report first to fix any issues and improve your chances.
Pay your bills on time
Late payments stay on your credit report for years and make lenders doubt your ability to repay. Before taking on a new loan, make sure you can handle your current financial obligations so you don’t end up struggling with more debt.
Don’t apply for multiple loans at once
Every time you apply for a loan, it gets recorded on your credit history. Too many applications can make lenders think you’re desperate for money or can’t manage debt well. This can hurt your approval chances and even get your application denied.
Only borrow what you need
Taking out a bigger loan than necessary means paying more in interest on money you didn’t need in the first place. Be smart—borrow only what’s required to cover your expenses and nothing more.
Compare loan options
Not all lenders offer the same interest rates and terms. Before applying, shop around and compare loans to find the best deal. Look beyond interest rates—consider loan terms, fees, and repayment flexibility to get the best overall offer.
FAQs
A good APR on a personal loan can vary depending on various factors, such as your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and the lender's underwriting criteria.
Generally, a good APR for a personal loan is one that’s below the national average, which is around 10% to 14% as of 2025.
If you have excellent credit and a strong financial profile, you may be eligible for a personal loan with an APR in the range of 5% to 8%.
On the other hand, if you have a lower credit score, you may be offered a personal loan with an APR in the range of 12% to 25%. It's important to compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best APR and terms that fit your financial situation.
Getting a low rate on a personal loan requires some effort on your part. To increase your chances of getting a low rate, you can take the following steps:
First, improving your credit score is crucial. A higher credit score indicates to lenders that you are a responsible borrower and can result in a lower interest rate. To improve your credit score, make sure to pay bills on time, keep your credit card balances low, and avoid new credit inquiries.
Second, it's important to shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders. Different lenders have different underwriting criteria and interest rates, so it's important to find the best option for your financial situation.
Finally, consider getting a co-signer for your loan. Having a co-signer with a strong financial profile and good credit history can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan and at a lower rate. However, keep in mind that the co-signer will also be responsible for the loan if you are unable to make payments.
It's important to consider your individual financial situation and carefully compare offers from multiple lenders before choosing a personal loan. Taking these steps can help you increase your chances of getting a low rate on your personal loan.
Best Personal Loans Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best personal loan depends on a variety of factors, including interest rates, loan amounts, and repayment terms.
The lenders reviewed in this article, including SoFi, Upgrade, and Upstart offer competitive rates and flexible terms.
However, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation and needs before choosing a lender and signing a loan agreement.
By doing your research and comparing options, you can find a personal loan that fits your budget and helps you achieve your financial goals.
- APR Range: 8.99% to 29.99% (with all discounts applied)
- Loan Amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
- Repayment Terms: 2 to 7 years
- Fees: Origination fees up to 7%
- Funding Time: Most loans funded same or next day
- Credit Score Requirement: Minimum 680
- APR Range: 5.94% to 35.47%
- Loan Amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
- Repayment Terms: 3 to 5 years
- Fees: Origination fees apply
- Funding Time: Same-day funding available
- Credit Score Requirement: Minimum 560
- APR Range: 7.80% to 35.99%
- Loan Amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
- Repayment Terms: 3 or 5 years
- Fees: Origination fees up to 10%
- Funding Time: Most loans funded within 24 hours
- Credit Score Requirement: No minimum; considers factors beyond credit score
- APR Range: Varies by lender
- Loan Amounts: $100 to $15,000
- Repayment Terms: Varies by lender
- Fees: Varies by lender
- Funding Time: As soon as the next business day
- Credit Score Requirement: Varies by lender
