Best Egg vs Upstart 2026 — Which Is Better?

Our take in 10 seconds

Best Egg offers a secured option (using home fixtures) that can beat unsecured rates, and shines for 640+ borrowers. Upstart approves deeper into fair credit and weighs education and employment. Under 640 or thin file: start with Upstart. 660+ homeowner: get Best Egg's secured quote too.

Updated April 2026 · 8 min read · Reviewed by WiseIQ Editorial Team

WiseIQ Expert Tip

Financial decisions made with complete information consistently outperform those made under pressure or with incomplete data. Take time to compare at least 3 options before committing.

Quick Comparison: Best Egg vs Upstart

Feature

Best EggPersonal Loans

Upstart distinguishes itself by utilizing an artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform that looks beyond traditional credit scores. This approach allows them to assess a broader range of applicants, including those with thin credit files or lower FICO scores, by considering factors like education, area of study, and employment history. This innovative underwriting model can lead to higher approval rates for a diverse group of borrowers. Upstart is rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot.

APR range comparison chart for personal loans 2026 — Upstart, SoFi, LendingClub, Prosper, Avant, Upgrade, Marcus

APR Range Comparison: Personal Loans 2026 — Starting and maximum APR for a $10,000 loan. Rates verified May 2026.

Upstart estimated approval rate by credit score band 2026 — from 580 poor credit to 720+ excellent credit

Upstart Approval Rate by Credit Score: Estimated approval odds across credit score bands. Actual approval depends on income, DTI, and employment history.

Upstart offers personal loans ranging from $1,000 to $75,000, with fixed repayment terms of either three or five years. While their APRs can go up to 35.99%, their minimum APR of 6.2% is quite competitive. Borrowers should be aware of origination fees, which can range from 0% to 12% and are deducted from the loan proceeds. Upstart is a strong contender for those who may have been turned down by traditional lenders due to their credit history.

Who Should Choose Best Egg?

Best Egg is an excellent choice for borrowers who:

Have a good to excellent credit score (640 or higher).
Are looking for a personal loan with predictable terms and competitive rates.
Prefer a lender with a strong track record in traditional credit assessment.
Need funds quickly and can meet Best Egg's credit requirements.

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Not sure which lender fits your credit range?

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Who Should Choose Upstart?

Upstart is particularly well-suited for individuals who:

Have a limited credit history or a lower credit score.
Possess strong educational backgrounds or stable employment, which Upstart considers.
Need a loan for debt consolidation, medical expenses, or other personal uses.
Are seeking a lender that uses a more holistic approach to loan qualification.

Get Started

WiseIQ Editorial Team

Reviewed by Certified Financial Planners & Industry Experts

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Who Upstart Is Best For

Credit Score

580 – 740+

Fair to good credit accepted

Min. Income

$12,000/yr

Employment or regular income

Loan Amount

$1,000 – $50,000

Personal loans only

Best For

Thin credit files

Education & job history count

⚠️ Not a fit if: you need a secured loan, have a bankruptcy in the last 12 months, or need more than $50,000.

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What Happens When You Click — 3 Steps

2-minute rate check — no hard pull

Upstart runs a soft credit inquiry only. Your score is not affected. You'll see your personalised APR and loan options immediately.

Review your offer and accept

Compare loan terms, pick your repayment period (3 or 5 years), and accept. Only at this point does Upstart run a hard pull.

Funds in as fast as 1 business day

Most borrowers receive funds within 1–3 business days after final approval. Direct deposit to your bank account.

Check My Rate on Upstart →

Soft pull only · No impact to your credit score · Takes 2 minutes

Who gets paid on this page

Upstart — if you check your rate and take a loanpays us a commission

The other lender in this comparisonpays us $0

You — no fees, no email required, ever$0

When the other lender is the better pick for you, we say so above — they still pay us nothing. How we rank →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Best Egg and Upstart?

The primary difference lies in their underwriting models. Best Egg relies more on traditional credit scores (FICO) and credit history, while Upstart uses an AI-driven approach that considers factors like education, employment, and income in addition to credit score, making it more accessible to those with limited credit history.

Which lender offers lower interest rates?

Both lenders offer competitive rates, but Upstart has a slightly lower minimum APR (6.2%) compared to Best Egg (6.99%). However, the actual rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness and other factors, and borrowers with excellent credit might find similar rates from both.

Can I get a loan from Best Egg or Upstart with bad credit?

Best Egg generally requires a minimum credit score of 640, so it's not ideal for those with bad credit. Upstart, on the other hand, is more accommodating to borrowers with limited or lower credit scores due to its AI-powered underwriting, which looks beyond just FICO scores.

Do Best Egg and Upstart charge origination fees?

Yes, both lenders charge origination fees. Best Egg's origination fees range from 0.99% to 9.99%, while Upstart's can range from 0% to 12%. These fees are typically deducted from the loan proceeds before you receive the funds.

Best Egg vs Upstart (2026): Which Is Better for You?