Upgrade Personal Loans
Best overall for fair credit
Upgrade approves borrowers with credit scores as low as 560 and uses income and employment in its approval decision. APRs range from 9.99%-35.99% — wide, but the lower end is accessible for borrowers with steady income and improving credit.
Pros
- Accepts 560+ credit scores
- Uses income alongside credit score
- Free credit monitoring included
- Direct creditor payoff for debt consolidation
Cons
- Origination fee up to 9.99%
- Highest APRs are expensive
- Origination fee deducted from loan proceeds
LendingPoint
Best for near-prime borrowers
LendingPoint specializes in borrowers in the 580-680 range, with faster decisions (same-day approval in many cases) and next-day funding. The focus on recent credit improvement rather than just current score helps many borderline borrowers.
Pros
- Considers recent credit improvement
- Same-day approval possible
- Next-day funding available
- No prepayment penalty
Cons
- Origination fee up to 10%
- Maximum $36,500 limit
- Not available in all states
Avant Personal Loans
Best for borrowers rebuilding credit
Avant specifically targets the middle-credit market (580-700) and offers a clear refinancing pathway as your score improves. Checking your rate doesn't hurt your credit (soft pull), and the online experience is clean and transparent.
Pros
- Targets credit rebuilders specifically
- Soft pull pre-qualification
- Clear refinance path as credit improves
- No prepayment penalty
Cons
- Up to 4.75% administration fee
- $35,000 maximum loan
- Higher APRs for lower credit scores
Avoid payday loans and predatory lenders
Payday loans, car title loans, and 'guaranteed approval' personal loans from unrecognized lenders often charge 300-400% APR. A personal loan at 35% APR is expensive — but payday loans can be 10x more expensive. Always verify any lender on the CFPB database before borrowing.
| Lender | Min Score | APR Range | Max Amount | Funding Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade | 560 | 9.99%–35.99% | $50,000 | 1-4 days |
| LendingPoint | 580 | 7.99%–35.99% | $36,500 | Next day |
| Avant | 580 | 9.95%–35.99% | $35,000 | Next day |
| OneMain Financial | None required | 18%–35.99% | $20,000 | Same day |
| Upstart | 300+ | 7.80%–35.99% | $50,000 | 1-3 days |
Calculate your total loan cost before you apply
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