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PERSONAL LOANS

Personal Loan Rates by Credit Score: Complete 2026 Guide

Last Updated: May 2026
11.5%Avg. Personal Loan APR
$10KAvg. Loan Amount
3–5 yrsCommon Terms
📋 Reviewed by WiseIQ Editorial Team · Updated April 2026 · Editorially independent

Unlock the best personal loan rates tailored to your credit score. Our 2026 guide provides insights, comparisons, and tips to help you secure favorable terms.

LIVE RATE Today's Best Personal Loan Rate
6.99% APR for borrowers with 720+ credit score
Rates as low as 6.99% APR · Terms 24–84 months · No prepayment penalty
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Check Your Personal Loan Rate in 2 Minutes No Hard Credit Pull

See personalized rates from Upstart — one of WiseIQ's top-rated lenders for fair credit borrowers. Checking your rate won't affect your credit score.

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WiseIQ Expert Tip

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.

Top Personal Loan Recommendations

WISEIQ TOP PICK
PERSONAL LOANS
Upstart logoUpstart
Best for fair & thin credit · AI-powered approval
APR RANGE
7.80%–35.99%
LOAN AMOUNT
$1K–$50K
MIN. CREDIT
300
✓ No prepayment penalty ✓ Funds in 1 business day ✓ Soft pull pre-qualification ✓ Considers education & job history
Check My Rate →
No credit score impact
WiseIQ may earn a referral fee if you apply through this link. Rates shown are representative and may vary. See Upstart's website for full terms.

Citi® Personal Loan

Issuer: Citibank

APR/Rate Range: 9.99% - 17.49%

Key Benefit: Best overall for competitive rates and flexible terms.

  • Competitive APRs
  • Flexible repayment options
  • No origination fees
Check Rates

Upgrade Personal Loan

Issuer: Upgrade

APR/Rate Range: 7.74% - 35.99% (with AutoPay)

Key Benefit: Excellent for debt consolidation with a wide range of loan amounts.

  • Accepts fair to excellent credit
  • Direct payment to creditors for debt consolidation
  • Fast funding available
Check Rates

LightStream Personal Loan

Issuer: LightStream (a division of Truist)

APR/Rate Range: 6.49% - 24.89% (with AutoPay)

Key Benefit: Ideal for home improvement loans with low rates for excellent credit.

  • Low rates for good credit
  • No fees
  • Large loan amounts available
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SoFi Personal Loan

Issuer: SoFi

APR/Rate Range: 7.74% - 35.49% (with all discounts)

Key Benefit: Best online lender with various member benefits.

  • No fees
  • Unemployment protection
  • Career services
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Discover Personal Loan

Issuer: Discover Bank

APR/Rate Range: 7.99% - 24.99%

Key Benefit: Best no-fee loan with fixed rates and flexible terms.

  • No origination fees
  • Fixed interest rates
  • Direct payment to creditors for debt consolidation
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Upstart Personal Loan

Issuer: Upstart

APR/Rate Range: 6.20% - 35.99%

Key Benefit: Great for those with thin or no credit history, using AI to assess creditworthiness.

  • Considers more than just credit score
  • Fast application process
  • Available for lower credit scores
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Personal Loan Comparison Table

Rates verified May 2026 · Updated weekly
Lender Min. Credit Score APR Range Loan Amount Range Key Benefit
Citi® Personal Loan 680 9.99% - 17.49% $2K - $30K Competitive rates, flexible terms
Upgrade Personal Loan 600 7.74% - 35.99% $1K - $50K Debt consolidation, lower credit scores
LightStream Personal Loan 660 6.49% - 24.89% $5K - $100K Home improvement, low rates
SoFi Personal Loan 300 7.74% - 35.49% $5K - $100K Online lender, member benefits
Discover Personal Loan 660 7.99% - 24.99% $2.5K - $40K No fees, fixed rates
Upstart Personal Loan 300 6.20% - 35.99% $1K - $75K Thin/no credit history, AI-based approval
🎯
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How to Qualify for the Best Personal Loan Rates

  • Check Your Credit Score: Your credit score is a primary factor in determining your personal loan interest rate. Lenders typically offer the best rates to borrowers with excellent credit (720+ FICO Score). Regularly monitor your credit report for errors and work to improve your score if needed.
  • Improve Your Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to assess your ability to repay a new loan. A lower DTI (ideally below 36%) indicates less risk. Consider paying down existing debts before applying for a personal loan.
  • Compare Offers from Multiple Lenders: Don't settle for the first offer you receive. Prequalify with several lenders to compare interest rates, terms, and fees without impacting your credit score. This allows you to choose the most favorable terms.
  • Consider a Co-signer or Secured Loan: If your credit score is not ideal, a co-signer with good credit can help you qualify for a better rate. Alternatively, a secured personal loan, backed by collateral, may offer lower rates but carries the risk of losing the asset if you default.
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WiseIQ Editorial Team
Reviewed by Certified Financial Planners & Industry Experts

Our editorial team consists of financial writers, CFPs, and former banking professionals dedicated to providing accurate, unbiased financial guidance. All content is fact-checked and updated regularly. Learn about our editorial standards →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good credit score for a personal loan?
Generally, a good credit score for a personal loan is considered to be 670 or higher (FICO Score). Borrowers with scores in the good to excellent range (670-850) typically qualify for the most competitive interest rates.
How can I improve my credit score to get a better personal loan rate?
To improve your credit score, focus on paying bills on time, reducing your credit utilization (the amount of credit you use compared to your total available credit), and avoiding opening too many new credit accounts at once. Regularly checking your credit report for errors and disputing them can also help.
Do personal loan rates vary by lender?
Yes, personal loan rates can vary significantly by lender. Each lender has its own criteria for assessing risk, which influences the APR they offer. It's crucial to compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best rate for your credit profile.
What factors determine my personal loan interest rate?
Your personal loan interest rate is primarily determined by your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, loan amount, and loan term. Lenders also consider your employment history and overall financial stability.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit?
Yes, it is possible to get a personal loan with bad credit (typically FICO scores below 670), but you may face higher interest rates and less favorable terms. Some lenders specialize in bad credit loans, and options like secured loans or applying with a co-signer can also increase your chances of approval.

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