An Upstart personal loan is one of the fastest ways to finance a home improvement project. Unlike a home equity loan or HELOC, you don't need to use your home as collateral — and you can get funds in as little as 1 business day.

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.

Common Home Improvement Uses

{"".join([f'
{item}
' for item in ["Kitchen remodel", "Bathroom renovation", "Roof replacement", "HVAC system", "Windows & doors", "Flooring", "Deck or patio", "Landscaping", "Solar panels", "Basement finishing"]])}

Upstart vs HELOC for Home Improvement

Rates verified May 2026 · Updated weekly
FeatureUpstart Personal LoanHELOC
Collateral requiredNoneYour home
Time to fund1 business day2–6 weeks
Fixed rateYesVariable (usually)
Risk to homeNoneForeclosure risk
Max amount$75,000Up to 85% of equity
Check My Home Improvement Rate →

💡 Expert Tip: Check Your Rate Before You Commit

Upstart offers prequalification with a soft credit pull — meaning you can check your rate in minutes without any impact to your credit score. Before applying, review your debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Upstart looks for a DTI below 45–50%. Divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income to calculate yours. A lower DTI improves your approval odds and typically results in a lower APR.

🎯
Not sure which option is right for you?

Answer 3 quick questions and get a personalized recommendation in seconds.

Take the Quiz →
W
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

Can I use an Upstart loan for home improvement? +
Yes. Home improvement is one of the approved uses for Upstart personal loans. You can borrow from $1,000 to $75,000 for any home renovation or repair project.
Do I need home equity to get an Upstart home improvement loan? +
No. Upstart personal loans are unsecured, meaning you don't need to use your home as collateral. This is different from a HELOC or home equity loan.
How fast can I get funds for a home improvement project? +
Upstart typically funds loans within 1 business day after approval. This is much faster than a HELOC, which can take 2 to 6 weeks.
What is the maximum I can borrow from Upstart for home improvement? +
Upstart offers loans up to $75,000, which is sufficient for most home improvement projects including kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and roof replacements.
Is an Upstart loan or a HELOC better for home improvement? +
It depends on your situation. A HELOC may offer lower rates if you have significant home equity, but it puts your home at risk and takes weeks to fund. An Upstart loan funds in 1 day, has a fixed rate, and requires no collateral — making it better for smaller projects or borrowers who want speed and certainty.

WiseIQ may earn a referral fee from some lenders on this page. This does not influence our editorial ratings or recommendations. Our reviews are independently researched and editorially independent. Updated April 08, 2026.