20 Best Personal Loans in 2026

Whether for home improvements, debt consolidation, or unexpected expenses, a personal loan can be a smart financing option. As we look ahead to 2026, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best personal loans based on factors like interest rates, fees, loan terms, and customer service. These lenders stand out for their competitive rates, flexible terms, and helpful resources.

1. SoFi

SoFi is a leading personal loan provider that offers competitive interest rates, no fees, and flexible payment options. Whether you’re looking to pay off high-interest credit card debt, make a major purchase, or finance a home improvement project, SoFi’s personal loans are a solid choice. The company offers loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 with terms of up to seven years, making it a versatile option for a variety of borrowing needs.

2. LightStream

LightStream offers personal loans with competitive rates and flexible terms. With LightStream, you can borrow anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 for a variety of purposes, from home improvements and debt consolidation to auto loans and medical expenses. LightStream also offers a Rate Beat Program, where they will beat any interest rate a competitor offers by 0.10 percentage points, provided certain conditions are met.

3. Upstart

Upstart offers personal loans that are tailored to your financial situation. Instead of just looking at your credit score, Upstart takes into account your job history, education, and other personal details to give you a personalized loan offer. This makes Upstart a great option for those with a short credit history or a lower credit score. Upstart offers loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 with flexible repayment terms.

4. Payoff

Payoff is a personal loan provider that specializes in helping individuals pay off their credit card debt. Payoff offers loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 with terms between two and five years. One of the unique features of Payoff is that they provide free monthly updates on your FICO score, so you can see the progress you’re making towards improving your credit.

5. Prosper

Prosper is a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects borrowers and investors. This allows Prosper to offer competitive rates and terms on their personal loans. With Prosper, you can borrow from $2,000 to $40,000 for a variety of purposes, including debt consolidation, home improvements, and major purchases. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online in just a few minutes.

What to Consider When Choosing a Personal Loan

While the interest rate is a major factor to consider when choosing a personal loan, it’s not the only one. You should also consider the loan terms, any fees associated with the loan, and the lender’s reputation for customer service. Here are some key factors to consider when comparing personal loans:

Interest Rates

The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money and is usually expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. The lower the interest rate, the less you’ll pay in interest over the life of the loan. When comparing personal loans, look for the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which includes the interest rate and any fees associated with the loan. This will give you a more accurate picture of the total cost of the loan.

Loan Terms

The loan term is the amount of time you have to repay the loan. Personal loan terms can range from as little as one year to as much as seven years. The length of the loan term can affect both your monthly payment and the total amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan. A longer loan term will result in lower monthly payments, but you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan. Conversely, a shorter loan term will result in higher monthly payments, but you’ll pay less in interest over the life of the loan.

Fees

Many personal loans come with a variety of fees, including origination fees, late fees, and prepayment penalties. An origination fee is a fee charged by the lender to process the loan. It’s usually a percentage of the loan amount and is deducted from the loan proceeds. A late fee is a fee charged if you miss a payment, and a prepayment penalty is a fee charged if you pay off the loan early. When comparing personal loans, be sure to factor in any fees associated with the loan.

Customer Service

The quality of customer service can make a big difference in your borrowing experience. Look for lenders that offer easy-to-use online platforms, helpful resources, and responsive customer service. Reading customer reviews can also give you an idea of what to expect.

11. SoFi Personal Loans

SoFi, or Social Finance, offers personal loans without any hidden fees. They offer loans from $5,000 to $100,000, with fixed rates starting at 5.99% APR. One of the unique features of SoFi is their unemployment protection program, which can pause your payments temporarily if you lose your job. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want a safety net in their financial decisions.

12. LendingClub Personal Loans

LendingClub is a peer-to-peer lending platform that offers personal loans of up to $40,000. The interest rates are quite competitive, starting from 6.16%. The application process is simple and straightforward, making it a popular choice for many. However, it’s worth noting that there’s a one-time origination fee ranging from 1% to 6%.

13. Rocket Loans Personal Loans

Rocket Loans, a part of Quicken Loans, offers personal loans from $2,000 to $45,000. They have competitive interest rates starting from 7.16%. One notable feature of Rocket Loans is their quick funding, with the loan amount being transferred as soon as the same business day. This makes it an excellent choice for those in need of quick cash.

14. Avant Personal Loans

Avant offers personal loans from $2,000 to $35,000 with APRs starting from 9.95%. They are known for their transparency and excellent customer service. Additionally, they offer the flexibility of changing your payment date and provide an online dashboard to manage your loan. However, they do charge an administration fee of up to 4.75%.

15. Discover Personal Loans

Discover offers personal loans from $2,500 to $35,000, with interest rates starting at 6.99%. They have a few standout features, including the ability to pay directly to creditors, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and no early repayment fees. Discover also offers free credit scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score, number of recent inquiries and more.

16. LightStream Personal Loans

LightStream offers a wide range of loan amounts, from $5,000 to $100,000, with APRs starting at just 2.49%. They also offer a ‘Rate Beat Program’ where they promise to beat any interest rate offered by a competitor by 0.10 percentage points. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for low interest rates. Additionally, they offer same-day funding, making it convenient for those in urgent need of funds.

17. Prosper Personal Loans

Prosper is a peer-to-peer lending platform that offers personal loans up to $40,000. The interest rates are competitive, starting from 7.95%. One of the unique features of Prosper is their joint loan option, where you can apply with another person to potentially get a lower rate. However, they do charge an origination fee ranging from 2.41% to 5%.

18. Marcus by Goldman Sachs Personal Loans

Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers personal loans from $3,500 to $40,000 with no fees. The interest rates start at 6.99%. They offer flexible terms, allowing you to choose your monthly payment and loan term. Additionally, they provide the option of direct payment to creditors, which is helpful if you are using the loan for debt consolidation.

19. Payoff Personal Loans

Payoff specializes in loans for credit card debt consolidation. They offer loans from $5,000 to $40,000 with APRs starting from 5.99%. They offer flexible payment schedules and employ a team of member advocates who work with you to reach your financial goals. However, they do charge an origination fee ranging from 0% to 5%.

20. Upstart Personal Loans

Upstart offers personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000 with interest rates starting from 4.37%. They use a unique lending model that considers education and work experience, in addition to credit score. This makes it a great option for recent graduates or young professionals with a short credit history. However, they do charge an origination fee ranging from 0% to 8%.

In conclusion, choosing the best personal loan for your needs depends on various factors including your credit score, income, loan amount and the loan term. Make sure to compare different lenders and their rates, terms and fees before making a decision. Remember, a lower interest rate isn’t the only factor to consider. You should also look at the fees, customer service, and the lender’s reputation.

11. Marcus by Goldman Sachs

Marcus by Goldman Sachs is an online bank that offers personal loans with no fees. The bank has a solid reputation in the industry and is known for its high customer satisfaction ratings. The loan amounts range from $3,500 to $40,000 with loan terms between 36 to 72 months. The interest rates are also quite competitive. Marcus by Goldman Sachs is a great option for borrowers with good credit history and a stable income.

12. Upgrade

Upgrade is a direct lender that offers personal loans ranging from $1,000 to $35,000. The loan term options are either 36 or 60 months. One of the benefits of Upgrade is that they provide free credit monitoring and educational resources to help borrowers improve their financial health. Their personal loans are available to applicants with fair credit or better, and they offer competitive interest rates.

13. SoFi

Social Finance, or SoFi, is a finance company that offers personal loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. This range is higher than most other lenders and can be a good fit for those needing larger loan amounts. SoFi offers both fixed and variable interest rates and does not charge origination fees or prepayment penalties. They also offer member benefits like career coaching and financial advice.

14. LendingClub

LendingClub is a peer-to-peer lending platform. It works by connecting borrowers with investors who fund their loans. You can borrow as little as $1,000 and as much as $40,000 for a personal loan. Loan terms are either 36 or 60 months. LendingClub requires a minimum credit score of 600 and has slightly higher interest rates compared to other lenders.

15. Prosper

Prosper is another peer-to-peer lending platform that connects borrowers with investors. They offer personal loans ranging from $2,000 to $40,000. Loan terms are either three or five years. The interest rates are competitive, but they do charge an origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Prosper has a minimum credit score requirement of 640.

16. Avant

Avant offers personal loans from $2,000 to $35,000 with loan terms between 24 to 60 months. They are known for their fast approval and funding process, usually within a day. Avant has a lower credit score requirement than many other lenders, making it a good option for those with less-than-perfect credit. However, the interest rates can be higher than other lenders.

17. Upstart

Upstart is an online lending platform that uses artificial intelligence to automate the lending process. They offer personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000. What sets Upstart apart is their underwriting process, which considers more than just your credit score. They also look at your education, area of study, and job history. This can be beneficial for borrowers with a short credit history.

18. LightStream

LightStream is the online lending division of SunTrust Bank. They offer personal loans from $5,000 to $100,000. LightStream offers competitive interest rates and terms, and they have no fees. Their application process is entirely online, and they offer a quick response time. LightStream is a good option for borrowers with good to excellent credit.

19. OneMain Financial

OneMain Financial offers personal loans from $1,500 to $20,000. They have a quick application process and make loan decisions the same day. OneMain Financial is unique in that they have physical branches across the country where you can meet with a loan specialist in person. They are a good option for borrowers with poor credit, but they do have higher interest rates and fees.

20. Earnest

Earnest offers personal loans from $5,000 to $75,000. They are known for their flexible loan terms and competitive interest rates. Earnest uses a unique underwriting process that looks at your savings habits, education, earning potential, and more. This can be beneficial for borrowers with a strong financial profile but a short credit history. However, they do have a higher minimum credit score requirement of 680.

In conclusion, there are many personal loan options available in 2026, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to consider your own financial situation and needs before deciding on a lender. Always compare loan terms, interest rates, and fees, and read the fine print before signing any loan agreement.

11. Best Egg Personal Loans

Best Egg Personal Loans stands out from the crowd with its fast, online loan application process. With most of its loans being funded within just one day of approval, Best Egg is a wonderful choice for those in need of quick financial assistance. The company offers loans ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 with competitive annual percentage rates (APRs). Best Egg also has a wide range of repayment terms, going from 36 to 60 months. However, potential borrowers should note that Best Egg charges an origination fee which can range between 0.99% to 6.99%.

12. SoFi Personal Loans

SoFi, or Social Finance, is an online personal loan provider that offers loans from $5,000 to $100,000 without any fees – yes, you read it right, no fees at all! With competitive low-interest rates and terms ranging from 24 to 84 months, SoFi stands as a strong contender in the personal loan market. In addition to offering great terms, SoFi also provides unemployment protection. This means that if you lose your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for temporary payment forbearance. SoFi also offers career coaching and financial advice to its members, making it more than just a loan provider.

13. LightStream Personal Loans

LightStream, a division of SunTrust Bank, offers personal loans from $5,000 to $100,000. The beauty of LightStream’s offering is that they tailor the loan terms and interest rates to the purpose of the loan, making it a customized borrowing experience. With no fees and competitive rates, LightStream is a great choice for those with good credit. The company also guarantees that it will beat any qualifying rate from another lender. Furthermore, LightStream promises a quick online application process and funds available as soon as the same day.

14. OneMain Financial Personal Loans

OneMain Financial provides personal loans from $1,500 to $30,000, catering to individuals who may not have perfect credit. This lender stands out for its personal touch — borrowers must visit a branch to complete their loan. This makes OneMain Financial a good option for those who prefer a face-to-face interaction. However, it should be noted that OneMain’s loans carry higher interest rates and fees compared to other lenders, so it’s crucial to consider if this is the best option for your financial situation.

15. Avant Personal Loans

Avant is an online lender that offers personal loans ranging from $2,000 to $35,000. While the company does charge an administration fee, it provides flexible payment options and doesn’t charge a fee for early payment. Avant may be a good option for borrowers with lower credit scores, as the lender has a lower minimum credit requirement compared to other personal loan providers. An additional benefit is that most approved loans are funded by the next business day.

16. Marcus by Goldman Sachs Personal Loans

Marcus by Goldman Sachs is an online lender offering personal loans from $3,500 to $40,000, with no fees whatsoever. This includes no late fees, no sign-up fees, and no prepayment penalties. This lender stands out for its on-time payment reward – if you pay your loan on time and in full every month for 12 months, you can skip a month of payments without accruing interest. Marcus also offers flexible loan terms ranging from 36 to 72 months, allowing borrowers to choose the best term for their financial situation.

17. Upgrade Personal Loans

Upgrade is an online lender that offers personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000. This lender differentiates itself with its credit-health tools available to borrowers, including credit monitoring, alerts, and education. Upgrade charges an origination fee, but it doesn’t charge a prepayment penalty if you want to pay off your loan early. The company boasts a quick and easy application process, and borrowers can receive their funds as soon as the next day.

18. LendingClub Personal Loans

LendingClub is a peer-to-peer lending platform that offers personal loans of up to $40,000. The company stands out for its flexible repayment options and its willingness to consider a wide range of credit scores. However, LendingClub does charge both an origination fee and a late payment fee. Borrowers can apply online and receive multiple loan offers, allowing them to choose the best one for their needs.

19. Payoff Personal Loans

Payoff is an online lender that specializes in helping borrowers pay off high-interest credit card debt. The company offers personal loans from $5,000 to $40,000 with terms ranging from 24 to 60 months. Payoff does not charge late fees, and it provides free monthly updates to your FICO score, making it a great option for those looking to improve their credit while paying off debt.

20. Prosper Personal Loans

Prosper, a peer-to-peer lending platform, offers personal loans from $2,000 to $40,000, with competitive interest rates and terms from 36 to 60 months. The platform allows potential borrowers to apply online and receive offers from multiple investors. Prosper charges an origination fee, but there are no prepayment penalties if borrowers choose to pay off their loans early. Plus, Prosper reports to all three major credit bureaus, which can help borrowers build their credit history over time.