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Best Low-Interest Personal Loans Of 2026: From 6.49% APR

Back to libraryJordan Tarver, Mike CeteraApr 25, 2026
Best Low-Interest Personal Loans Of 2026: From 6.49% APR

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Advertisers do not and cannot influence our ratings. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the personal loans methodology for the ratings below.

  • 29 nationwide lenders researched
  • 16 data points evaluated and scored
  • Unbiased editorial team
  • No AI writing

Compare the Best Low-Interest Personal Loans of 2026

COMPANYFORBES ADVISOR RATINGAPR RANGELOAN AMOUNTSLEARN MORE
4.0
6.49% to 24.89%
$5,000 to $100,000
Compare rates from participating lenders via Forbes Advisor
4.0
7.74% to 35.49%* with all discounts
$5,000 to $100,000
Compare rates from participating lenders via Forbes Advisor
3.5
6.74% to 26.49%
$3,000 to $100,000
Read Our Full Review
3.2
8.74% to 24.99%
$1,000 to 50,000 for existing U.S. Bank customers and up to $25,000 for new customers
Read Our Full Review
3.0
8.99% to 17.99%
$600 to $50,000
Compare rates from participating lenders via Forbes Advisor

The above personal loan rates and details are updated regularly. However, the annual percentage rates (APRs) and loan details may have changed since the page was last updated. Keep in mind, some lenders make specific rates and terms available only for certain loan purposes. Be sure to confirm available APR ranges and loan details, based on your desired loan purpose, with your lender before applying.

Best Low-Interest Personal Loans of 2026: A Closer Look

BEST FOR LARGE LOAN LIMITS

SoFi®

4.0

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Minimum Credit Score

Does not disclose

APR range

7.74% to 35.49%*

with all discounts

Check SoFi Rates Arrow

Via Credible.com’s Website

Does not disclose

7.74% to 35.49%*

with all discounts

Editor’s Take

SoFi is an online lending platform that offers unsecured fixed-rate personal loans in every state. Founded in 2011, SoFi has extended over $50 billion in loans and stands out for allowing high loan amounts and its availability of extended loan terms.

Loans are available from $5,000 to $100,000, making SoFi a great option for those with excellent credit who need to borrow a large amount of money. Loan amounts available may vary by the state you live in. Repayment terms range from two to seven years, making SoFi an incredibly flexible option for those with sufficient credit (minimum does not disclose) and annual income (at least $45,000). SoFi also lets prospective borrowers submit joint applications—although co-signers are not permitted.

Approved borrowers are rewarded with comparatively low APRs. What’s more, SoFi doesn’t charge origination fees, late fees or prepayment penalties—a stand-out feature because personal loan lenders often charge origination or late payment fees at a minimum. The platform also offers customers several other perks and discounts.

Consumer Sentiment Index
4.2
Consumer Sentiment Index
3,184
Insights Analyzed
  • #
    Interest Rates and Fees
    57%
    14%
    29%
  • #
    Customer Service
    26%
    11%
    63%
  • #
    Loan Terms and Flexibility
    56%
    23%
    21%
  • #
    Ease of Approval and Process
    64%
    10%
    26%

While some borrowers appreciate SoFi’s simple application and disbursement process, others are dissatisfied with communication and customer service. Borrowers are also frustrated with misleading promotional offers and how their loan inquiries were handled.

Pros & Cons
  • Offers comprehensive member benefits and perks
  • Does not charge origination, late payment or prepayment fees
  • Offers direct payment to creditors
  • Loan amounts of up to $100,000
  • Higher minimum loan amount ($5,000)
  • Longer average funding time (4 days)
  • High maximum loan APR (35.49%*)
  • Live chat is limited to business hours

Lender details

Eligibility  

  • Minimum credit score:Does not disclose
  • Co-signers/co-borrowers: Accepted  

Funding Speed 

Funding may occur within one business day of clearing verification. 

Disclosures

*Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates at the time of application and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and other factors. If SoFi is unable to offer you a loan but matches you for a loan with a participating bank, then your rate may be outside the range of rates listed above. Rates and Terms are subject to change at any time without notice. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2024 was around $33K. Information current as of 03/24/26. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details. See SoFi.com/eligibility for details and state restrictions.

*Fixed rates from 7.74% APR to 35.49% APR. APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% SoFi Plus interest rate discount. SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or , Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, operating from its Delaware branch, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 03/24/26 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/#eligibility-personal. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors.
Loan amounts range from $5,000–$100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.

Autopay: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.

SoFi Plus Discount: SoFi Plus members are eligible for an interest rate reduction of 0.25% on a Personal Loan. To be eligible for the discount, you must meet the SoFi Plus eligibility criteria within 31 days of the funding of your loan. For complete SoFi Plus eligibility, please see the SoFi Plus terms. When you enroll in SoFi Plus, the discount will lower the interest rate that applies to your loan only during periods in which you are enrolled in SoFi Plus. The discount will be removed during periods in which SoFi determines you are not enrolled in SoFi Plus. Each time your loan is re-amortized, your monthly payment amount will change based upon the interest rate that was in place. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this offer for unenrolled participants at any time. You are not required to enroll in SoFi Plus to be eligible for Loan approval.

Direct Deposit Discount: To be eligible to receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction on your Personal Loan (your “Loan”), you must set up Direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., or enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee, all within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled Direct Deposit to an eligible Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion, or during periods in which SoFi successfully receives payment of the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off Direct Deposit to your Checking and Savings account or in which you have not paid for the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. You are not required to enroll in Direct Deposit or to pay the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee to receive a Loan.

¹Terms and conditions apply. Offer good for personal loan customers with credit cards and personal loans in their name only and subject to lender approval. To receive the offer, you must: (1) register and/or apply through this landing page; (2) complete a loan application with SoFi within 90 days of your application submit date; (3) meet SoFi’s underwriting criteria; (4) apply 50% or more of your loan proceeds directly to your lenders/creditors. Once conditions are met and the loan has been disbursed, the interest rate shown in the Final Disclosure Statement will include an additional 0.25% rate discount. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the Direct Pay Rate Discount Program to unenrolled participants at any time with or without notice. It takes about 3 business days for your creditor/lender to receive payment after your loan is signed. You will be responsible for making all required payments to avoid credit card and other loan fees.

BEST FOR SMALL LOANS

Wells Fargo

3.5

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Minimum Credit Score

Does not disclose

APR range

6.74% to 26.49%

with autopay discount

Compare Rates Arrow

Via MoneyLion’s Website

Does not disclose

6.74% to 26.49%

with autopay discount

Editor’s Take

Wells Fargo offers fixed-rate personal loans with limits between $3,000 to $100,000 and repayment terms from 12 to 84 months. While longer term lengths, such as 84 months, will decrease your fixed monthly payment, you will pay more interest over the life of your loan compared to a loan with terms of, let’s say, 12 months.

Wells Fargo personal loans boast interest rates from 6.74% to 26.49% for customers who qualify for the 0.25% relationship discount. To qualify, you need to have a Wells Fargo checking account and make automatic payments from a Wells Fargo deposit account.

Although Wells Fargo is available to anyone in the United States, only current Wells Fargo customers will be able to apply online. New customers will need to visit a branch location. Wells Fargo does not have branch locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont or West Virginia.

Pros & Cons
  • Offers loan amounts of up to $100,000
  • Low minimum APR (6.74%)
  • Average 1-day funding timeline
  • No origination or prepayment fees
  • Requires borrowers to have a longstanding Wells Fargo checking account
  • Charges a $25 monthly account fee (unless waived)
  • No direct payment to creditors
  • No co-signer option

BEST FOR EXISTING U.S. BANK CUSTOMERS

U.S. Bank

3.2

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Minimum Credit Score

680

APR range

8.74% to 24.99%

with autopay

Compare Rates Arrow

Via MoneyLion’s Website

680

8.74% to 24.99%

with autopay

Editor’s Take

U.S. Bank is one of the largest banks in the country. In addition to banking, wealth management and business services, it also offers several lending products, including auto refinancing. Repayment terms range from 12 to 84 months.

Keep in mind that while you might get approved for refinancing through U.S. Bank with a credit score as low as 680, you’ll need a score of at least 800 to qualify for the lowest available interest rates. However, you could get a 0.50% rate discount if you have a U.S. Bank checking or savings account and sign up for automatic payments.

Pros & Cons
  • Does not charge origination, late payment or prepayment fees
  • Direct payment to creditors is available
  • Offers relationship banking benefits
  • Offers both co-signer and co-borrower options
  • Minimum credit score of 680 required
  • No live chat support option
  • Extended phone hours only (not available 24/7)
  • Average 2-day funding timeline

BEST FOR CURRENT WELLS FARGO ACCOUNT HOLDERS

PenFed

3.0

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Minimum Credit Score

Not disclosed

APR range

8.99% to 17.99%

Compare Rates Arrow

Via MoneyLion’s Website

Not disclosed

8.99% to 17.99%

Editor’s Take

Although PenFed was originally created to serve U.S. military members and veterans, in addition to federal employees and retirees, it has expanded its membership to non-military members. PenFed has several federal partners, including the American Society of Military Comptrollers, Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Navy League of the United States and United States Army Warrant Officers Association.

PenFed offers fixed-rate, low-interest loans that start $600 to $50,000. If you’re looking for a mix of low interest rates and high loan limits, PenFed may not be the choice for you; look toward LightStream for higher limits.

PenFed personal loans carry rates from 8.99% to 17.99%, based on your application and credit information. Applicants with higher credit scores can typically snag the lowest rates. What’s more, PenFed also boasts no title or deed requirements, no early payoff penalty and no origination or hidden fees. Although PenFed is located on the East Coast, borrowers will have around-the-clock access to their accounts through the PenFed mobile app.

Anyone can apply for a loan through PenFed; however, if you’re approved and choose to move forward with your loan, you’ll need to become a member of the credit union. Becoming a member is easy, and it typically only takes a few minutes. While the membership is free, you’ll need to make a deposit of at least $5 into a new PenFed savings account.

Pros & Cons
  • Interest rate cap lower than many other lenders
  • No origination fee
  • Must become a member to qualify
  • No discount for using autopay

Lender details

 Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
  • Co-signers/co-borrowers: Yes

Funding Speed

Next-day funding may be available. The speed of funding may be longer or shorter depending on what time of day you apply for a loan.

Most Popular is calculated from the number of times each affiliate product was selected by Forbes Advisor users over a six month time period.

Tips for Comparing Low-interest Personal Loans

Consider these tips when comparing low-interest personal loans:

  • Look for autopay discounts. Not all providers offer interest rate discounts when you set up automatic payments, but most top providers do. When looking at different low-interest personal loans, take into consideration which ones offer an additional rate discount to help you receive the lowest rate possible.
  • If possible, prequalify with a provider. Several providers offer the opportunity to prequalify you for a personal loan. This means you can submit details like your income, desired loan use, housing situation and other information to learn about potential loan limits, rates and repayment options. Prequalifying also only requires a soft credit check, which doesn’t hurt your credit score, so you can safely find the best rates.
  • Check for additional fees. Some personal loan providers charge no origination fees, late payment fees or prepayment penalties. However, there are some that may charge all or a few of these fees. When comparing low-interest personal loans, be sure to look at the fee structure beyond the potential interest rate you can receive.
  • Evaluate the lender’s customer support options. If you’ve found a lender, there’s one more thing to consider before signing the loan agreement. While customer support may not seem like a big deal, it can make a huge difference if you encounter issues with payments or face a financial hardship during your repayment period. Review the lender’s customer service resources and read reviews to make sure it’s a good fit.
Pro Tip

Average Personal Loan Interest Rates

Having good credit saves you money. If you have poor credit, you’ll pay more than twice as much in interest as someone with an excellent credit score.

Factors That Affect Your Personal Loan Rate

Lenders calculate personal loan interest rates based on a number of variables ranging from the borrower’s creditworthiness and income to the size of the loan and repayment term. Factors that can impact personal loan interest rates include:

  • Credit score. Borrowers with higher credit scores—ideally at least 720—are more likely to qualify for the lowest interest rates than applicants with low scores.
  • Debt-to-income ratio. A borrower’s debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is the percentage of their income that goes toward their monthly debt obligations. The higher a borrower’s DTI, the riskier they are to the lender, and the higher the interest rate the lender will likely offer. Lenders prefer a DTI of 36% or less.
  • Employment. Applicants who are employed in a salaried role generally qualify for lower interest rates than those who freelance, have a new small business or are otherwise self-employed. This is because lenders consider traditional employment more stable from an income and repayment standpoint.
  • Income. Lenders also evaluate the sufficiency of an applicant’s income. Minimum income requirements are generally low—around $20,000 annually—but the lowest rates are reserved for those with higher incomes.
  • Loan amount. The size of a loan can impact interest rates because the larger it is, the more risk to the lender. For that reason, high-principal loans often come with higher interest rates than smaller loans.
  • Loan term. The length of a personal loan repayment period also may impact the interest rate. Generally speaking, the longer the loan term, the higher the interest rate. Borrowers also encounter greater costs with long-term loans because they pay interest over a longer period of time.
  • Benchmark rates. Underlying benchmark rates like the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and its predecessor, the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor), dictate the interest rates available to lenders. The SOFR is based on the interest rates paid among large financial institutions for overnight loans—essentially the costs of short-term borrowing.

The Importance of Low-interest Personal Loans

While personal loans are a handy way to access financing, they can be costly. In addition to repaying your loan amount, you’ll also owe interest every month—higher interest rates result in more expensive loans. This means low-interest personal loans can help reduce the total cost of your loan.

For example, let’s compare three interest rates on a 36-month, $10,000 loan to understand how rates impact the cost of a loan, according to the Forbes Advisor personal loan calculator.

Loan amountInterest rateLoan termTotal interest paidTotal amount paid, including interest
$10,000
3%
36 months
$469.24
$10,469.24
$10,000
12%
36 months
$1,957.15
$11,957.15
$10,000
21%
36 months
$3,563.02
$13,563.02

Pros and Cons of Personal Loans with Low Interest

Low-interest loans aren’t right for everyone, but if you need them, they can really help you out. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider as you make a decision.

Pros

  • Offers access to more affordable debt
  • Fewer interest charges over the life of your loan
  • Quick funding within a matter of a few business days
  • Can help you build credit if you make all your payments on time

Cons

  • Reduces flexibility in your monthly budget
  • You could be sued if you default
  • Causes a small temporary dip in credit score when you apply
  • Diverts money that you could use elsewhere, like building an emergency fund

Where To Get Low-Interest Personal Loans

You can find low-interest personal loans from many different lenders, so shop around before you apply for a loan.  

Typically, credit unions and online lenders offer the lowest personal loan interest rates. Getting pre-approval from various lenders can allow you to see which rates you qualify for without impacting your credit score. 

You can then compare your offers and submit an application where you are offered the lowest interest rates on a personal loan.

How To Qualify

The best rates on personal loans go to applicants who can demonstrate they’ll be able to easily repay a loan. Here’s how you can boost your odds of getting the lowest possible rate on a loan:

  • Build your credit. The lowest-rate personal loans go to applicants with excellent credit scores, often 800 or higher. Building your credit history can take time, but it can pay off with lower interest rates.
  • Pay off high-interest debt. Lenders often charge higher rates for applicants with higher debt-to-income ratios, which shows how much of your income goes to debt payments each month. If you pay off some of your debt—especially credit card debt—you can lower this number and increase your odds of getting a lower rate.
  • Increase your income. You can also lower your debt-to-income ratio by increasing your income, which shows lenders you can fit debt payments into your budget.
  • Use collateral. Collateral, or something of value your lender can repossess if you default on the loan, can help you qualify for a lower rate on your loan if you’re applying for a secured loan.
  • Find a creditworthy cosigner. A quick way to become a more attractive borrower is to ask someone with good credit to co-sign your loan. Keep in mind, if you fail to repay the loan, your co-signer will be expected to repay the debt.
  • Shop around. Each lender offers different rates. The more lenders you check your rate with, the better your odds of finding the lowest-cost loan.
  • Choose a shorter term length. Shorter-term loans come with higher monthly payments, but lower overall loan costs. Shorter-term loans are less risky for the lender, so they often come with lower interest rates.

How to Get a Low-interest Personal Loan

While the process varies by lender, follow these general steps to apply for a personal loan:

1. Check your credit score. Check your credit score for free through your credit card issuer or another website that offers free scores. This will give you an understanding of your creditworthiness and your qualification chances. While you can qualify for a low-interest personal loan with a credit score as low as 650, you won’t receive the lowest possible rates; a score of at least 720 will yield the most favorable terms.

2. If necessary, take steps to improve your credit score. If your score falls below 650 or you want to boost your score to receive the best terms possible, take time to improve your score before applying, such as lowering your credit usage or paying off unpaid debts.

3. Determine how much you need to borrow. Once you check your credit score, calculate how much money you want to borrow. Remember, though, you’ll receive your money as a lump sum, and you’ll have to pay interest on the entire amount—so only borrow what you need.

4. Shop around for the best terms and interest rates. Many lenders will let you prequalify prior to submitting your application, which lets you see the terms you would receive with just a soft credit inquiry. Prequalifying lets you shop around for the best rates without hurting your credit score.

5. Submit a formal application and await a lending decision. After you find a lender that offers you the best terms for your situation, submit your application online or in person. Depending on the lender, this process can take a few hours to a few days.

Related: 5 Personal Loan Requirements To Know Before Applying

Can You Get Low-interest Personal Loans With Bad Credit?

The best low-interest personal loans require a minimum credit score of 650. However, a bad credit score, according to FICO, is between 350 and 579. Applicants with bad credit scores shouldn’t expect to qualify for low-interest personal loans, or even the lowest rates on bad credit loans. The best rates, regardless of the type of loan, are reserved for highly qualified applicants.

If you have bad credit but want to get a low-interest personal loan, take time to improve your credit score before applying. This extra step can lower the cost of your loan and make your repayment easier to handle.

Alternatives to Consider

If you need to borrow money to consolidate debt or make other purchases, a low-interest personal loan is one of the best tools for the job. However, if it doesn’t seem right for your situation, consider other alternatives.

1. 0% APR Credit Card

Some credit cards have special 0% annual percentage rate (APR) introductory offers for up to nearly two years. If you pay off your balance before the introductory period ends, it’s essentially a free loan. However, any unpaid balances once the introductory period closes will be charged with the normal interest rate.

2. Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit

If you’re a homeowner, one option might be a home equity loan or line of credit. If you have substantial equity in your home, these allow you to borrow against that equity at a relatively low interest rate. However, if you default on the loan, you risk losing your home because it serves as the collateral that backs the transaction.

3. Friends and Family

If you’re not able to take out any debt at all and you absolutely need some cash to tide you over, consider turning to your social system for support. Reach out to family and friends and ask to borrow some cash. You can even offer to write and sign a loan agreement to show you’re serious about paying it back in a timely manner.

4. Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance involves replacing your existing mortgage with a new, larger mortgage. You then pocket the difference between the two mortgages, and you can use that money for any expense. 

This can be a good option if you can qualify for lower interest rates on the cash-out refinance and have sufficient equity in your home. Keep in mind, even if interest rates are lower, you’ll pay closing costs of 2% to 6% of the total amount.

How We Picked the Best Low-Interest Personal Loans

The best low-interest personal loan is the one with the lowest cost and the best terms for your needs. Our team assessed dozens of top lenders across 15 different metrics, including loan rates, credit score requirements and minimum time to funding. We based editorial conclusions solely on information we gathered from providers and through independent research. Advertisers do not influence our ratings. Read our editorial guidelines and the full personal loans methodology.

Read More

How We Evaluate the Best Low-Interest Personal Loans

  • 58

    Lenders researched

    We chose which lenders to review based on loan volume and availability 

  • 5

    Methodology factors considered

    Includes cost, loan details, accessibility, customer experience and application proc

  • 15

    Metrics examined

    Most weight given to loan costs and accessibility 

We analyzed 58 personal loan offers from 58 popular lenders. We started our research by reviewing relevant details about each loan on a lender’s website. When a lender did not offer loan details required for our analysis on its website, our team utilized phone research and a common script to complete data gathering. We used a secret shopper approach during phone research to get an unbiased understanding of a typical customer experience.

The pie chart below displays the five core factors we considered in our analysis: Loan costs, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and the application process. Each of these factors were weighted separately based on our team’s experience reviewing personal loan products and by using personas that helped us determine what the typical consumer may find most important in choosing a personal loan. In the case of personal loans, we believe cost is an overriding factor in a consumer’s decision. 

Within each factor, we examined various metrics: 

Loan Costs and Details

Lenders who offered minimum APRs below 5% and maximum APRs below 18% scored highest in our analysis. We also considered, among other data points, minimum and maximum loan amounts. We favored loans that offered minimums below $2,000 and maximum amounts above $75,000. 

Eligibility and Accessibility

Your credit score is often an important factor in determining whether you’re eligible for a personal loan. For this analysis, we gave the highest scores to lenders who required minimum credit scores under 620. 

Customer Experience

The interaction between a customer and a lender should be as seamless as possible. Borrowers should expect to be able to have their questions answered promptly and with little hassle. That’s why we favor lenders who offer live support seven days a week until at least 6 p.m. ET and multiple ways for customers to interact with the company (phone, chat, etc.). We also examined customer reviews on Trustpilot, giving the highest marks to companies with four- and five-star reviews. 

Application Process

Finally, we evaluated each provider’s application process, including average turnaround time from application to loan funding. While most lenders we evaluated offer an online application, a few do not. Lenders requiring an office visit earned the lowest scores in our analysis. We also reserved our highest marks in this component for lenders who offer the opportunity for same-day funding.

Consumer Sentiment Index 

In addition to evaluating the star rating from Trustpilot, we also analyzed thousands of opinions and reviews from online forums and summarized how consumers rated each using our proprietary Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI). For this analysis, we did not include CSI in the overall methodology, but will add it in future updates.

Read More

40%
20%
15%
15%
10%

(40%) Loan costs
(20%) Eligibility and accessibility
(15%) Loan details
(15%) Customer experience
(10%) Application process

How CSI Works

The Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) from Forbes Advisor uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.

Each lender is assigned an overall CSI score derived from four different components scored on a 10-point scale: interest rates and fees, customer service, loan terms and flexibility and ease of approval and process.

Read More

Product NameConsumer Sentiment IndexInterest Rates and FeesCustomer ServiceLoan Terms and FlexibilityEase of Approval and ProcessOverall Satisfaction
LightStream

6.6

3/10
2/10
4/10
3/10
3/10
SoFi

6.3

3/10
3/10
3/10
4/10
3/10
Wells Fargo

4.8

2/10
2/10
3/10
2/10
3/10
U.S. Bank

6.4

3/10
3/10
1/10
4/10
3/10
PenFed

6.6

3/10
3/10
3/10
4/10
3/10

Our team has decades of experience in the personal finance space. We’re passionate about helping you make the financial decisions and choose the financial products that are right for your life and goals.

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Jordan Tarver
Jordan Tarver

Former Staff Editor

Mike Cetera
Mike Cetera

Staff Editor

Jordan Tarver

Jordan Tarver

Jordan Tarver has spent seven years covering mortgage, personal loan and business loan content for leading financial publications such as Forbes Advisor. He blends knowledge from his bachelor’s degree in business finance, his experience as a top performer in the mortgage industry and his entrepreneurial success to simplify complex financial topics.

Mike Cetera

Mike Cetera

Mike Cetera is the editor in chief for Forbes Marketplace U.S. Mike has written and edited articles about mortgages, savings accounts, CD rates and credit cards for more than a decade. Prior to joining Marketplace, his work appeared on Bankrate, The Points Guy and Fit Small Business. He also has offered his expertise in numerous TV, radio and print interviews. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a good interest rate on a personal loan?

Personal loan interest rates vary depending on your lender and credit score. If you have a high credit score, you could see interest rates as low as 2.49%, depending on where you get your loan. However, if you have poor credit scores, you may only qualify for loans that charge interest rates of 20% or more. Before you apply, improve your credit as much as possible to increase your odds of landing the best interest rate possible.

Which bank has the lowest interest rate on a personal loan?

If you have a strong credit score, you can receive the lowest interest rate through LightStream. LightStream has rates as low as 2.49% if you enroll in autopay. Other lenders, like SoFi, PenFed, Wells Fargo, Marcus and U.S. Bank, offer rates as low as 5.99%. Although not as low as LightStream, rates that low still beat out other methods of financing, including credit cards.

How can I get a low-interest personal loan?

Before applying for a low-interest personal loan, check your credit score. If your score is low, look to improve it first. Some lenders let you prequalify with a soft credit check, which lets you see what type of loan terms you could receive with your current score. Once you find a loan that offers favorable terms for your financing needs, apply with the provider. If you qualify, be sure to set up autopay to earn potential discounts and avoid any late payment fees.

How can you get a low-interest personal loan with great credit but no job?

Unfortunately, loan qualification is not solely based on your credit. Most lenders require you to provide proof of your income with past tax returns, bank statements and pay stubs. Your income demonstrates your ability to repay your loan and helps determine the amount of money you qualify to borrow.

If you don’t have a job but have other income sources, you might be able to use those to qualify for the loan. Lenders might accept income from the following sources:

• Interest and dividends
• Social Security
• Long-term disability
• Alimony or child support
• Trust fund
• Rental property
• Retirement or pension

While some lenders will let you take out a loan with no income or allow you to use nonemployment income to qualify, it’s still not a good idea to take one out if you can’t afford to repay it.

Related: Can You Get A Personal Loan Without A Job?

How do you consolidate credit card debt with a low-interest personal loan?

If you have debt on multiple credit cards, you can apply for a debt consolidation loan to help lower your interest rate, streamline payments and improve loan terms. Many debt consolidation lenders pay off your other debts directly—or you’ll take the cash and pay off your outstanding balances. After your pre-existing debts are repaid with the new loan funds, you’ll make a single payment on the new loan each month.

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