Upstart at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| APR Range | 6.40% – 35.99% |
| Loan Amounts | $1,000 – $75,000 |
| Repayment Terms | 24, 36, 48, or 60 months |
| Minimum Credit Score | None (AI model evaluates 1,600+ data points) |
| Minimum Income | $12,000/year |
| Origination Fee | 0% – 12% (deducted from proceeds) |
| Prepayment Penalty | None |
| Late Fee | $15 or 5% of payment (whichever is greater) |
| Funding Time | 1 business day (often same day) |
| Prequalification | Yes — soft pull, no credit score impact |
| Debt-to-Income Requirement | Below 45%–50% |
| Partner Banks | Cross River Bank, First National Bank of Omaha (FDIC-insured) |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.9/5 (47,000+ reviews) |
💡 Start Here: Prequalification Takes 5 Minutes
Upstart's prequalification uses a soft credit pull — zero impact to your credit score. Before you apply, calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI): divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Upstart looks for a DTI below 45–50%. A lower DTI means better approval odds and a lower APR. You can check your personalised rate in under 5 minutes without committing to anything.
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Upstart How-To Guides
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Upstart's prequalification takes 5 minutes and uses a soft credit pull — zero impact to your credit score. Check your personalised APR now.
Check My Rate on Upstart →Soft inquiry only • No credit score impact • Takes 5 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Upstart
What credit score do you need for Upstart?
Upstart has no minimum credit score requirement. Its AI model evaluates over 1,600 data points including education and employment history. Borrowers with scores as low as 300 have been approved, though better scores typically result in lower APRs.
What is Upstart's debt-to-income requirement?
Upstart requires a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) below 45%–50%. Calculate your DTI by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. A lower DTI improves your approval odds and typically results in a lower APR.
Does Upstart charge an origination fee?
Yes. Upstart charges an origination fee of 0%–12% of the loan amount. This fee is deducted from your loan proceeds before disbursement and is included in your APR calculation. It is fully disclosed before you accept any offer.
How fast does Upstart fund loans?
Upstart typically funds loans within 1 business day of acceptance. In some cases, funds can arrive the same day. Loan proceeds are deposited directly to your bank account.
Does prequalification hurt my credit score?
No. Upstart's prequalification uses a soft credit pull that has zero impact on your credit score. A hard inquiry only occurs when you formally accept a loan offer.
Is Upstart good for bad credit?
Yes. Upstart is one of the best options for borrowers with bad or limited credit because its AI model looks beyond the FICO score. It considers education, employment history, and area of study, allowing it to approve borrowers that traditional lenders would decline.
Disclaimer: Rates and terms are accurate as of May 2026. WiseIQ is not a lender. All loan decisions are made by Upstart's partner banks. Check your rate directly with Upstart for personalised terms. This page contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.