Best Personal Loan Companies in 2026: 9 Lenders Compared

Discover's headline is simple: no fees, period. Its page says that includes no fees of any kind on the loan, and a comparison table on the page lists an APR range of 6.99% to 24.99%. Loan amounts run from $2,500 to $40,000, and repayment terms from 36 to 84 months. Funds can be sent as early as the business day after you accept, and most people get a decision the same day.

Eligibility is spelled out. You need a valid US Social Security number, to be at least 18, a physical address, an active email address and a minimum individual or household income of $25,000. Discover also lets you have it pay many of your creditors directly, though not Capital One accounts, secured loans or education expenses.

We like this one for anyone with good credit who wants predictable costs. The catch is the same as for any no-fee lender: the table's APR range is an estimate, and you only find out your real rate after checking, so compare it to an offer with a fee included.

Wells Fargo is the pick for a bigger loan from a large bank. Its page lists amounts from $3,000 to $100,000 and terms of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 months, with rates as low as 6.74% APR. It states there is no origination fee, no closing fee and no prepayment penalty, and that most customers receive their funds the same day they are approved.

The rate discounts are the part to read closely. The page says discounts apply with Autopay from qualifying Wells Fargo accounts, so the lowest advertised rate may be easier to reach if you already bank there. Checking your rate does not affect your credit score, according to the page.

It suits people who prefer a familiar name and a large borrowing ceiling. Without a Wells Fargo account, compare your offer with online lenders, because the discount may not apply.

Upgrade lists APRs of 7.74% to 35.99%, loan terms from 24 to 84 months and an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%, which is deducted from your loan proceeds. Its example shows a $10,000 loan with a 16.28% APR over 36 months: a 5% fee of $500 is taken out, so you receive $9,500 and still repay on the full $10,000.

Two features stand out. Upgrade accepts joint applications, which it says can help you qualify for a bigger loan or a better rate because both credit profiles are considered, and both applicants are responsible for repayment. It also says funds should arrive within one business day after verifications clear, and early payoff carries no fee. Its lowest rates require Autopay and paying off part of your existing debt directly.

Upgrade is a good option if you need money soon or have a partner who can apply with you. The fee is the main thing to compare. A loan with a 5% fee costs more than the headline APR suggests until you read the offer.

Best Egg lists APRs from 6.99% to 35.99%, which reflect both the interest rate and an origination fee of 0.99% to 9.99% deducted from your proceeds. Loan amounts run from $2,000 to $50,000, with terms of 36 to 60 months. Residents of Massachusetts, Ohio and Georgia face higher minimum amounts. The page highlights funding in as little as 24 hours and says loans can be prepaid at any time without penalty.

The company says it considers more than your credit score, and its page includes a payment estimator. Checking your rate does not affect your credit score.

Best Egg suits people who want speed. The wide fee range means two applicants can see very different costs, so compare the final offer, not the headline.

Achieve markets itself to people consolidating debt. It offers fixed rates as low as 6.25% APR, loan amounts from $5,000 to $50,000, and terms of two to five years. A dedicated loan specialist stays with you through the process, and funds can arrive in as little as one to three days after approval.

Its page says you can get a lower rate if you let Achieve pay your creditors directly, or if you have a co-borrower or retirement asset. It also says there are no hidden fees or early prepayment fees but charges an origination fee of 1.99% to 9.99%. Achieve is worth checking if you want a human to help structure the loan and plan to pay off cards. If you need under $5,000, look elsewhere.

Happy Money's Payoff Loan is built for one job: rolling credit card balances into a single fixed monthly payment with a set payoff date. It lists loan amounts of $5,000 to $50,000, rates as low as 8.95% APR, fixed rates for the life of the loan, and terms of two to seven years. Its calculator assumes a 3% origination fee, which is charged by the lender that funds your loan.

Checking your rate is a soft inquiry, and a hard inquiry occurs when you sign the loan agreement. Rates depend on Autopay enrollment, and the page says loans are not offered in Iowa.

This is a strong fit if card interest is your problem. It is a poor fit for a home repair or a medical bill, since the product is designed around card payoff.

Avant lists APRs of 9.95% to 35.99%, loan amounts of $2,000 to $35,000 and terms of 24 to 60 months. It charges an administration fee of up to 9.99% that is deducted from the proceeds and counted as part of the principal, so interest accrues on it. Its example shows a $5,700 loan with a 9.99% fee, an amount financed of $5,130.57 and a 29.95% APR over 36 months, with payments of $217.66.

Avant is issued through WebBank and says applications in some states are not accepted. The page says checking loan options does not affect your credit score. It does not state a minimum credit score, so you will need to see an offer.

It suits borrowers who may not get the best rates and want a clear look at the fee. Because costs can reach the high 20s or 30s in APR, compare it with cheaper options first.

LendingPoint lists personal loans from $1,000 to $36,500 with APRs of 7.99% to 35.99% and terms of 24 to 72 months. To apply you need a government photo ID, a Social Security number, a bank account in your name, and at least $35,000 in annual income. Applicants cannot live in Nevada.

The fine print matters. LendingPoint says origination or other fees of up to 10% may apply depending on your state, and its example shows a $10,000 loan with a 26.59% APR and a 10% origination fee. You may be able to have the fee deducted from the proceeds, in which case you receive less than you requested. Funds are often sent the next non-holiday business day after final approval.

It is worth a look if you want a smaller loan and an online application. The catch is cost: a 10% fee and a high APR add up quickly, so check the total repayment.

OneMain offers loans from $1,500 to $30,000 with fixed payments, and its page stresses real people in branches, on the phone and online. It says money can arrive as soon as one hour after loan closing. Checking offers does not affect your credit score, according to the page.

The page notes that APRs are generally higher on loans not secured by a vehicle, which means pledging a car can lower your rate but puts it at risk if you cannot repay. Its example shows a $6,000 loan at 24.99% APR over 60 months with a $176.07 payment, based on an average customer with good credit. State minimum and maximum loan sizes and fees apply, so check its loan amounts and fees page.

We would consider OneMain if you want face-to-face help or can offer a vehicle as security. Because a secured loan puts your vehicle at stake, borrow only what you are confident you can repay.