9
Best Banks For Personal Loans: From 6.74% APR

Compare the Best Banks for Personal Loans
| COMPANY | FORBES ADVISOR RATING | CURRENT APR RANGE | LOAN AMOUNTS | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8.99% to 17.99%
|
$600 to $50,000
|
Via MoneyLion’s Website
| ||
|
Rates may vary by ZIP code
|
$1,000 to $35,000
|
Via MoneyLion’s Website
| ||
|
6.74% to 26.49%
|
$3,000 to $100,000
|
Via Moneylion's Website
| ||
|
7.99% to 23.99%
|
$2,000 to $50,000
|
Via MoneyLion’s Website
| ||
|
8.74% to 24.99%
|
$1,000 to $50,000 for existing U.S. Bank customers and up to $25,000 for new customers
|
Via MoneyLion’s Website
| ||
|
9.99% to 17.49%**
|
$2,000 to $30,000
|
On Citi's Website
|
Best Banks That Offer Personal Loans: A Closer Look
How We Picked the Best Banks for Personal Loans
How We Evaluate the Best Banks for Personal Loans
-
40
Lenders researched
We chose which lenders to review based on loan volume and availability.
-
6
Methodology factors considered
Cost, loan details, eligibility, customer experience, application process & CSI.
-
20
Metrics examined
Most weight given to Consumer Sentiment Index, eligibility and loan cost.
| Product Name | Consumer Sentiment Index | Interest Rates and Fees | Customer Service | Loan Terms and Flexibility | Ease of Approval and Process | Overall Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PenFed
|
|
5/7
|
3/7
|
4/7
|
5/7
|
5/12
|
|
PNC Bank
|
|
2/7
|
1/7
|
6/7
|
5/7
|
4/12
|
|
Wells Fargo
|
|
3/7
|
3/7
|
4/7
|
5/7
|
7/12
|
|
TD Bank
|
|
2/7
|
4/7
|
4/7
|
6/7
|
7/12
|
|
U.S. Bank
|
|
2/7
|
1/7
|
4/7
|
3/7
|
4/12
|
Former Staff Editor
Former Staff Editor
Colin Beresford
Colin Beresford is a writer and editor experienced in helping people make the best decisions with their money, whether it’s buying a car or taking on a loan. He has written for Bloomberg, The Associated Press, NerdWallet, Car and Driver magazine, among many others covering various financial topics.
How To Compare Personal Loans from Banks
To find the loan that fits your financial needs, it’s best to compare financing options from different lenders. Although lenders often disclose the information you need to compare options, prequalifying with various lenders can give you a better view of the best loan choice for you. Prequalification doesn’t impact your credit score and lets you see the rates and terms a lender may offer you.
Once you’re ready to compare your options, consider these loan features:
- Annual percentage rate (APR). APR, which includes both interest and fees, represents the total cost of borrowing money. In most cases, lower APRs are reserved for borrowers with high credit scores. Keep in mind that other loan features can be just as essential when determining which lender is best for you.
- Terms. A loan’s terms refer to how long you have to repay the loan. Longer loan terms mean lower monthly payments but higher interest costs; shorter loan terms mean lower interest costs but higher monthly payments. A personal loan calculator can help you determine the monthly payments you can afford and, as a result, the terms you need.
- Loan amounts. Loan amounts vary by lender, so compare lenders based on the amount you intend to borrow. Personal loans typically range from $1,000 to $100,000; however, several lenders may offer smaller or larger loan amounts.
- Fees and penalties. Late payment fees, prepayment penalties and origination fees are just some of the additional costs lenders add to loans. If you may miss a payment or intend to repay your loan early, find lenders that don’t impose penalties.
- Perks. Some lenders offer features such as rate discounts for automatic payments or payment deferral if you need forbearance. Depending on your financial situation, these features may set some lenders apart from others.
- Availability. Banks that offer personal loans often don’t have branches in every state. If you’re looking for a lender with brick-and-mortar locations, be sure a location is easily accessible.
Although banks can be a familiar lender type, there are other options available that you can consider to find the best financing choice. There are many reputable online personal loan lenders. In many cases, these lenders offer lower interest rates or fewer qualification requirements compared to banks.
Pros and Cons of Using a Bank To Get a Personal Loan
Before accepting a loan from a bank, consider the pros and cons of doing so.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
|
In-person customer service is available
|
May have higher interest rates compared to online lenders
|
|
Often reputable lenders
|
Limited branch availability
|
|
Full-service lenders
|
Often have strict qualification requirements
|
|
Can offer relationship discounts
|
Fewer lender options
|
Qualification and Eligibility for Loans From Banks
Qualifying for a personal loan from a bank can be more challenging than from other lenders. You must meet the requirements for each of these categories:
- Credit score. The minimum credit score requirement varies between banks, but many don’t disclose this information. Your approval odds are higher if you have a score above 670.
- Income. Minimum income requirements vary widely between lenders and many don’t disclose them. In most cases, you’ll have to show that you have a steady, reliable income and can afford to repay your loan.
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Lenders will often use your DTI ratio to determine if you can afford to make additional debt payments. Lenders generally look for a DTI ratio of less than 36%.
- Location. Some lenders aren’t qualified to lend in all states. Before submitting an application, confirm whether you’re in a state where the lender does business.
How To Get a Personal Loan From a Bank
Although the qualification requirements for getting a personal loan from banks can be strict, the steps you need to take to apply are typically straightforward:
- Check your credit. Step one of getting a loan is understanding your credit score and which lenders you can qualify with. Check your credit report and contact the credit bureaus to correct any errors or information. You can also take steps to quickly improve your credit, if necessary, including paying down existing debt.
- Shop around. First, look for lenders where you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Once you’ve determined where you can qualify, identify the lenders that offer the terms and loan amounts you need.
- Prequalify. Before applying, prequalify with any lenders you’re considering. Prequalification doesn’t impact your credit score and can help determine which lender will offer you the best rates and terms.
- Submit a formal application. Once you’ve found the lender that’s best for you, gather all the necessary information and apply. Be sure to look for any communication from the lender regarding additional information.
- Sign loan agreement. If your loan application is approved, you’ll be sent a loan agreement. Once you’ve signed the agreement, the lender will send your loan funds and you’ll begin repayment.
Related: How To Apply For A Personal Loan In 5 Steps
Alternatives to Loans from Banks
Although banks can be a safe option to borrow money, there are alternative ways to get the funding you need, including:
Credit unions
Online lenders
Home equity
Credit cards
Cash advance apps
Friends and family
Savings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it better to get a loan from a bank or online lender?
The best loan for you depends on you and your financial situation. Online personal loan lenders often offer lower interest rates and have less strict qualification requirements than banks. However, if you can qualify for a competitive loan from a bank, that may be your best option.
What is the easiest bank to get a personal loan from?
In many cases, banks don’t disclose their qualification requirements. If you’re looking for the easiest bank to qualify for a loan from, look for a credit union where you can become a member, such as PenFed.





