Personal loans are one of the most popular ways to finance home improvements — they are faster than HELOCs, do not require equity, and have fixed rates that make budgeting predictable. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, replacing a roof, or adding a bathroom, this guide covers the best personal loans for home improvement in 2026.
Before accepting any loan offer, calculate the total cost of the loan (principal + all interest + fees). A lower monthly payment often means paying thousands more over the life of the loan.
Personal Loan vs HELOC for Home Improvement
A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) typically offers lower rates than a personal loan, but requires home equity, takes 2–6 weeks to close, and puts your home at risk as collateral. A personal loan is unsecured, funds in 1–3 days, and does not require equity. For projects under $50,000 or for homeowners who prefer not to use their home as collateral, personal loans are often the better choice.
Based on our analysis of thousands of consumer financial profiles, the most common mistake people make is focusing solely on the interest rate without considering total loan cost, fees, and repayment flexibility. Always compare the APR — not just the rate — and read the fine print on prepayment penalties before signing.
Best Personal Loans for Home Improvement
LightStream Personal LoanLightStream offers the highest loan amounts (up to $100K) and the lowest rates for home improvement loans specifically. No fees, same-day funding, and a Rate Beat program that beats any competitor by 0.10 percentage points.
SoFi Personal LoanSoFi offers up to $100K with no fees of any kind. Unemployment protection included. Best for borrowers with good credit who want no origination fee and a simple application.
Upstart Personal LoanIf your credit score is below 660, Upstart is your best option for home improvement financing. AI-powered approval considers income and employment. Typical APR 6.2%–35.99%, subject to change.
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How Much Can You Borrow for Home Improvement?
Most personal lenders offer up to $50,000–$100,000 for home improvement. LightStream and SoFi both go up to $100,000. For smaller projects (under $10,000), most lenders including Upstart and Avant are good options. Use our Personal Loan Calculator to estimate your monthly payment before applying.
Comparison Table
| Lender | APR Range | Max Amount | Min Score | Funding Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LightStream | 6.99%–25.49% | $100K | 660 | Same day |
| SoFi | 8.99%–29.49% | $100K | 680 | 1–3 days |
| Upstart | 6.2%–35.99% | $75K | 300 | 1 day |
| Marcus | 6.99%–28.99% | $40K | 660 | 1–4 days |
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Check My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a personal loan for home improvement with bad credit?
Yes. Upstart accepts scores as low as 300 and offers up to $75,000. Expect higher APRs (25%–36%) with a low score. Avant is another option for scores from 580.
Is a personal loan or HELOC better for home improvement?
It depends on your situation. HELOCs offer lower rates but require home equity and take weeks to close. Personal loans are faster, do not require equity, and do not put your home at risk. For projects under $50K or urgent timelines, personal loans are often better.
What is the maximum personal loan amount for home improvement?
LightStream and SoFi both offer up to $100,000. Upstart goes up to $75,000. Most lenders cap at $50,000. Loan amounts above $50,000 typically require a credit score of 680+.
Do I need to tell the lender what the loan is for?
Most personal lenders ask the purpose of the loan during the application. Stating home improvement is fine and may qualify you for better rates with lenders like LightStream that have specific home improvement loan products.