8 Best Personal Loan Companies in 2022
LendingClub
Best for: Borrowers who need a cosigner
If you need a cosigner, LendingClub could be a good choice — it’s one of the few lenders that allow cosigners on personal loans. You can borrow $1,000 to $40,000 with a three- or five-year repayment term.
Pros
Accepts borrowers with poor or fair credit
Allows cosigners
Being turned down doesn’t hurt your credit score
Cons
Origination fees from 3% to 6%
Charges late fees
Funding time can be longer compared to other lenders
LendingPoint
Best for: Borrowers with near-prime credit
LendingPoint specializes in working with borrowers who have near-prime credit — usually meaning a credit score in the upper 500s or 600s. With LendingPoint, you can borrow $2,000 to $36,500 with terms from two to five years.
Pros
Accepts near-prime credit
Streamlined approval and application process
Fast loan funding
Cons
Origination fees from 3% to 6%
Not available in Nevada or West Virginia
Rates can be higher than other lenders
LightStream
Best for: Large loan amounts
LightStream could be a good option if you need to borrow a large amount — you can borrow $5,000 to $100,000 and could have your funds as soon as the same business day if you’re approved.
Most LightStream loans have terms ranging from two to seven years, but if you use your loan for home improvements, you could have up to 12 years to repay it.
Pros
Can borrow up to $100,000
Fast loan funding
0.50% autopay discount
Cons
Might be difficult to qualify if you have poor credit
Not available in Rhode Island or Vermont
Doesn’t disclose minimum income requirements
Marcus
Best for: Budget-friendly repayment options
With Marcus, you can borrow $3,500 to $40,0002 with terms ranging from three to six years. Marcus personal loans offer tailored monthly payment options designed to fit your budget — plus the option to defer one monthly payment interest-free after making 12 consecutive, on-time payments.
Pros
No fees
0.25% autopay discount
Can defer one monthly payment interest-free after making 12 consecutive, on-time payments
Cons
Might be difficult to qualify if you have poor credit
Doesn’t disclose minimum income requirements
Can have longer funding time compared to other lenders
OneMain Financial
Best for: Borrowers with below-average credit
Unlike many other lenders, OneMain Financial doesn’t have a minimum required credit score — which means you might be able to qualify with poor or even no credit. In addition to your credit, OneMain Financial will also consider your financial history, credit history, income, expenses, and loan purpose to determine creditworthiness.
You can borrow $1,500 to $20,000 with terms from two to five years. Keep in mind that collateral might be required in some cases.
Pros
No minimum credit score
Fast loan funding
Previous customers might qualify for larger loans
Cons
Rates can be higher than other lenders
Might require collateral
Will have to visit a branch location to discuss your options if you’re approved
Payoff
Best for: Consolidating credit card debt
If you’re looking to consolidate credit card debt, Payoff could get a good option — its personal loans can only be used for this purpose. You can borrow $5,000 to $40,000 with repayment terms from two to five years.
Pros
Free FICO score updates
If you lose your job, FreedomPlus will work with you on payments
Offers scientific personality, stress, and cash flow assessments to help you get a better understanding of your personal finances
Cons
Origination fees from 0% to 5%
Loans can only be used for credit card consolidation
Not available in Massachusetts, Nevada, or Ohio
PenFed
Best for: Borrowers who need a cosigner
If you only need a small loan, PenFed could be a good option — you can borrow as little as $600 up to $50,000 with terms from one to five years.
Keep in mind that while you don’t have to be a PenFed member to apply for a loan, you’ll have to join the credit union if you are approved and want to accept the loan.
Pros
Can borrow as little as $600
Allows cosigners
No fees
Cons
Must join the credit union to accept a loan if you’re approved
Doesn’t disclose minimum income requirements
Funds are disbursed by mail, which can take longer
Prosper
Best for: Home improvement loans
Prosper offers personal loans from $2,000 to $40,000 with three- or five-year terms. Keep in mind that because Prosper is a peer-to-peer lender, loan funding can take longer compared to other lenders — however, you might also get your funds in as little as one business day.
Pros
No minimum income requirement
No prepayment penalty
Can borrow up to $40,000
Cons
Origination fees from 2.4% to 5%
Charges late fees
Not available in Iowa or West Virginia
EmoticonEmoticon