8 oct 2026 ·
Advertiser: Every figure below comes from the lender’s own website or a named independent source, and we explain our method at the end of the article.
Best Egg and Upgrade are both popular with borrowers who have fair to good credit, and both are often used to consolidate credit card debt. They have similar APR ranges and both charge origination fees. But they differ on a few points that can decide which one fits you.
Upgrade offers longer terms, joint applications and more ways to lower your rate. Best Egg can have a lower origination fee on short loans and offers a secured loan backed by fixtures in your home.
Below we compare both side by side, using terms each published as of October 8, 2026.
Quick verdict
- Choose Upgrade if you want to apply with a co-borrower, need a term shorter than three years or longer than five, or want to secure the loan with your car.
- Choose Best Egg if you want a three-year loan with a potentially lower fee, or you’re a homeowner who wants a secured loan without putting your house up as collateral.
- Either way: both let you check your rate with no impact on your credit score. Prequalify with both and compare the APRs you’re offered.
Best Egg vs Upgrade at a glance
Upgrade wins on flexibility; Best Egg can win on fees for short loans. Figures were checked October 8, 2026.
| Feature | Best Egg | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| APR range (fixed) | 6.99% – 35.99% (unsecured) | 7.74% – 35.99% |
| Origination fee | 0.99% – 9.99%; at least 4.99% on terms of 4+ years | 1.85% – 9.99% |
| Loan amounts | $2,000 – $50,000 | $1,000 – $50,000 |
| Repayment terms | 36 – 60 months | 24 – 84 months |
| Minimum credit score | Not published (NerdWallet reports 600) | Not published (Finder reports about 580) |
| Rate check | Won’t affect your credit score | Soft pull, no score impact |
| Joint applications | No co-borrowers or co-signers (NerdWallet) | Yes |
| Secured option | Home fixtures (cabinets, vanities, light fixtures); your house isn’t the collateral | Your car, or home built-ins for homeowners |
| Rate discounts | Lower rates on secured loans | Autopay, direct pay to creditors, collateral |
| Funding speed | About half of customers next day; otherwise 1–3 business days | Within 1 business day after verification |
| Availability | Not in Iowa, Nebraska, Vermont, West Virginia, D.C. or U.S. territories | All 50 states and D.C. (NerdWallet) |
| Who makes the loan | Cross River Bank or Column N.A. | Upgrade’s bank partners |
Sources: Best Egg personal loans, Best Egg secured vs unsecured loans, Upgrade personal loans, NerdWallet Best Egg review, NerdWallet Upgrade review, Finder Upgrade review.
Rates and fees: what a loan really costs
Both lenders top out at 35.99% APR, and both take an origination fee out of your loan before you receive it. The fee rules are where they differ most.
The fee rule that changes the math
Best Egg’s origination fee starts at 0.99%, lower than Upgrade’s 1.85% minimum. But Best Egg says the fee is at least 4.99% on terms of four years or longer. That flips the comparison:
| Loan term | Best Egg minimum fee | Upgrade minimum fee | Lower minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 0.99% | 1.85% | Best Egg |
| 4–5 years | 4.99% | 1.85% | Upgrade |
| 6–7 years | Not offered | 1.85% | Upgrade |
These are minimums; most borrowers will be charged more at both lenders. On a $10,000 five-year loan, the gap between the two minimum fees is $314 ($499 vs $185).
Each lender’s own example
| Example loan | Best Egg (5-year) | Best Egg (3-year) | Upgrade (3-year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan amount | $10,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| APR | 9.99% | 6.99% | 17.59% |
| Monthly payment | $201.81 | $152.83 | $341.48 |
| Total repaid | about $12,109 | about $5,502 | $12,293.46 |
Best Egg’s examples show rates near the bottom of its range. NerdWallet reports that Best Egg’s average borrower gets an APR of 20% to 24.99%, so treat the low-rate examples as best cases. Upgrade’s example includes a 5% fee, so the borrower receives $9,500.
Ways to lower your rate
- Upgrade: set up autopay, have part of the loan paid directly to your creditors, or secure the loan with your car or home fixtures.
- Best Egg: choose its secured loan. Best Egg says secured loans typically offer lower rates; NerdWallet lists a secured APR range of 5.99% to 29.99%.
Neither lender charges a prepayment penalty.
Eligibility and credit score
Neither lender publishes a minimum score, and both are within reach for fair credit. Upgrade is slightly more open, mainly because it accepts co-borrowers.
Best Egg sets your rate, amount and term based on your credit score, income, debts and credit history. NerdWallet reports a minimum score of 600 and a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 70%, including your mortgage. You must apply alone: Best Egg doesn’t accept co-borrowers or co-signers, according to NerdWallet.
Upgrade looks at your credit score, credit usage, payment history, loan amount and term. Finder reports a minimum score of about 580. You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or living in the U.S. on a valid visa, be at least 18 and have a verifiable bank account. Joint applications are allowed, which can help you qualify for a larger loan or a lower rate.
Secured loan options compared
Both lenders offer a secured loan that can lower your rate, but the collateral is different.
- Best Egg secures the loan with permanent fixtures in your home, such as built-in cabinets, vanities and light fixtures. A UCC-1 lien is filed with your county on those items. Best Egg says your home itself is never used as collateral.
- Upgrade lets you secure the loan with your car. Homeowners can also secure it with built-in fixtures like ceiling fans, bookshelves and light fixtures, again without using the house as collateral.
If you don’t own a home, Upgrade’s car-secured option is the only one of the two available to you. If you default on a secured loan, the lender can claim the collateral.
Loan amounts, terms and funding speed
Loan size. Both lend up to $50,000. Upgrade’s minimum is $1,000; Best Egg’s is $2,000, with higher minimums in some states: $6,500 in Massachusetts, $5,001 in Ohio and $3,001 in Georgia.
Terms. Upgrade offers 24 to 84 months. Best Egg offers only 36 to 60 months. If you want a two-year loan to save interest, or a six- or seven-year loan for a lower payment, Upgrade is the only option.
Funding. About half of Best Egg customers get funds the next day; others typically within one to three business days after verification. Upgrade sends funds within one business day after you clear verification, though money sent directly to creditors can take up to two weeks.
Availability. Best Egg isn’t available in Iowa, Nebraska, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington, D.C. or U.S. territories. Upgrade lends in all 50 states and D.C., according to NerdWallet.
Which one is right for you?
| Your situation | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want to apply with a partner or spouse | Upgrade | Best Egg doesn’t accept co-borrowers |
| Three-year loan and strong credit | Best Egg (slight edge) | Fee can start at 0.99% vs Upgrade’s 1.85% |
| Four- or five-year loan | Upgrade (slight edge) | Best Egg’s fee is at least 4.99% on these terms |
| You need a 2-, 6- or 7-year term | Upgrade | Best Egg offers only 3 to 5 years |
| You need less than $2,000 | Upgrade | $1,000 minimum |
| Renter with a paid-off car | Upgrade | Car-secured loan option |
| Homeowner wanting a secured loan | Either | Both accept home fixtures as collateral |
| You live in Iowa, Nebraska, Vermont or West Virginia | Upgrade | Best Egg isn’t available there |
Best Egg pros and cons
Pros
- Lowest possible starting fee of the two (0.99%)
- Secured loan backed by home fixtures, not the house
- Fast funding for about half of customers
- Free financial health and credit score tools (NerdWallet)
Cons
- Fee of at least 4.99% on four- and five-year loans
- Only 36- to 60-month terms
- No co-borrowers or co-signers
- Not available in four states and D.C.
Upgrade pros and cons
Pros
- Terms from 24 to 84 months
- Joint applications accepted
- Several rate discounts: autopay, direct pay, collateral
- Car-secured option for non-homeowners
- Available in all 50 states and D.C.
Cons
- Every loan carries a fee of at least 1.85%
- Payments sent directly to creditors can take up to two weeks
If neither fits
If your credit is below about 580, look at lenders that weigh more than your score, such as Upstart, or that have no set minimum, such as OneMain. If you want a lender that can fund the same day, see our guide to same-day personal loans. For more lenders, see best personal loans for fair credit.
How we compared these lenders
We compared both lenders on five factors: APR range, origination fees, eligibility, loan amounts and terms, and funding speed. Every figure we could find comes from the lender’s official website, checked on October 8, 2026. Where a lender doesn’t publish a figure, such as a minimum credit score, we cite the independent reviewer that reports it.
We didn’t apply for these loans ourselves. Rates and terms change often, so we review this comparison at least once every quarter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Best Egg or Upgrade better for debt consolidation?
Both can pay your creditors directly. Upgrade adds a rate discount for doing so and offers longer terms, which helps with large balances. Best Egg may cost less on a three-year loan if you qualify for its lowest fees. Compare the APRs you’re offered.
Which is easier to qualify for, Best Egg or Upgrade?
Upgrade is usually a little easier. Independent reviewers report a minimum score of about 580 for Upgrade and 600 for Best Egg, and Upgrade accepts co-borrowers while Best Egg doesn’t.
Does Best Egg use my house as collateral?
No. Best Egg’s secured loan uses permanent fixtures in your home, such as built-in cabinets and light fixtures, as collateral. Best Egg says your home itself is never used.
Can I get a joint personal loan with Best Egg?
No. According to NerdWallet, Best Egg doesn’t accept co-borrowers or co-signers. Upgrade does accept joint applications.
Does checking my rate affect my credit score?
No. Both lenders let you check your rate without affecting your score. A hard inquiry happens only when you accept an offer and complete your application.
Can I pay off my loan early?
Yes. Neither Best Egg nor Upgrade charges a prepayment penalty.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. We are not a lender or a financial advisor. APRs, fees and requirements shown are those published by each lender, or reported by the sources cited, on the date above and may change at any time. Your actual offer depends on your credit, income, state and other factors. Always read the full loan agreement and compare several offers before you borrow.