Compare Personal Loans With Clear, Sourced Information
LoanRateGuide publishes independent guides to U.S. personal loans. We compare lenders’ APRs, fees, credit requirements and funding speed, using figures from each lender’s own website and named independent sources, so you can choose a loan with your eyes open.
- We are not a lender or broker
- Rates checked against lenders’ official sites
- Every guide cites its sources
- Reviewed at least every quarter
Start with your situation
Your credit score and the reason you’re borrowing narrow down your options more than anything else. Pick the guide that fits you.
What can you qualify for?
Lenders, typical APRs and approval tips for your score range.
What do you need the money for?
Options and alternatives for the most common reasons people borrow.
Need money fast, or a lower rate?
Funding cutoffs, refinancing trade-offs and what to check first.
What borrowers are paying right now
Advertised “as low as” rates go to the strongest applicants. These averages show what borrowers at each credit level were actually offered, and what that means on a $10,000 loan repaid over three years.
| Credit tier | Score range | Average APR | Monthly payment on $10,000 (3 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 720–850 | 15.16% | About $347 |
| Good | 690–719 | 19.55% | About $369 |
| Fair | 630–689 | 23.77% | About $391 |
| Bad | 300–629 | 27.53% | About $411 |
Source: NerdWallet, Average Personal Loan Interest Rates. Moving up one tier saves roughly $800 in interest on this example loan.
Head-to-head lender comparisons
Two lenders, the same criteria: APR range, origination fees, credit requirements, terms, funding speed and who each one fits best.
Is a personal loan the right tool?
Sometimes another option costs less. These guides run the numbers on the most common alternatives.
Personal loan vs balance transfer card
A real $8,000 example: when a 0% card wins, and when a fixed-rate loan is the safer choice.
Personal loan vs HELOC for home improvement
Rates, risks and tax rules compared on a $30,000 renovation.
Does debt consolidation actually save money?
When a consolidation loan beats your credit cards, and when it doesn’t.
How we research and compare lenders
Every guide follows the same process, and every one explains its method and lists its sources at the end.
- Official data firstAPRs, fees, loan amounts, terms and funding cutoffs come from each lender’s own website, with the date we checked.
- Independent sources secondWhen a lender doesn’t publish a figure, such as a minimum credit score, we cite the reviewer that reports it and say so.
- Our own calculationsWe work out monthly payments and total interest so you can see the real cost, not just a rate.
- Regular reviewsRates and terms change often. We review each guide at least once every quarter and show the date at the top.
We don’t apply for loans ourselves, so prequalified offers you receive may differ from the ranges we show. Always confirm terms with the lender.
How LoanRateGuide makes money
LoanRateGuide is free to read. We earn money in two ways:
- Advertising. We show ads served by Google AdSense. Ads are not endorsements, and advertisers don’t influence our content.
- Affiliate links. Some links to lenders or loan marketplaces may be affiliate links. If you apply through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Where a link is an affiliate link, the article says so at the top.
Four checks before you borrow
- Compare APRs, not interest ratesThe APR includes origination fees, which can reach 12% at some lenders.
- Prequalify with three or more lendersMost online lenders show your rate with a soft credit check that doesn’t affect your score.
- Choose the shortest term you can affordA longer term lowers the payment but raises the total interest.
- Borrow only what you needRemember that any origination fee is usually taken out of the loan amount.
Frequently asked questions
Is LoanRateGuide a lender?
No. We don’t make loans, take applications or make credit decisions. We publish educational comparisons. If you apply for a loan, you do so directly with the lender, under its own terms and privacy policy.
What credit score do I need for a personal loan?
There’s no single minimum. Many online lenders accept scores around 580 to 660, and some look beyond your score. See our guide to personal loan requirements for lender-by-lender figures.
Does checking my rate hurt my credit score?
Usually not. Most lenders let you prequalify with a soft credit check. A hard inquiry typically happens only when you submit a full application or accept an offer.
How current is the information on this site?
Each guide shows the date its figures were checked. We review every guide at least once a quarter, but lenders can change their rates at any time, so always confirm the terms on the lender’s website before you apply.
About LoanRateGuide
LoanRateGuide makes personal loan information easier to understand so you can make a more informed decision. Learn more about us, or contact us with questions or corrections.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not financial advice. We are not a lender, broker or financial advisor. Rates, fees and terms are set by lenders and can change at any time. Your actual offer depends on your credit, income, state and other factors.