Personal loans have become a go-to financial tool for everything from consolidating debt to funding home improvements or covering emergency expenses. But with so many lenders out there, how do you find the best loan with low interest rates and fast approval?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 personal loans available right now in 2025, focusing on lenders offering low APRs, quick approval processes, and flexible terms. Whether you have excellent credit or you’re rebuilding your score, there’s a solution here for you.
What to Look for in a Personal Loan
Before diving into the top picks, it’s important to understand what makes a personal loan a great choice:
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Low Interest Rates: APRs can range from 5% to over 35%, depending on credit and the lender.
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Fast Approval & Funding: Some lenders approve applications in minutes and fund the loan the same or next business day.
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No Hidden Fees: Look for loans with no origination, prepayment, or late fees.
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Flexible Repayment Terms: Most personal loans offer terms between 12 to 84 months.
1. SoFi – Best Overall Personal Loan
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APR: 7.99% – 23.43% (with AutoPay)
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Loan Amounts: $5,000 – $100,000
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Funding Time: 1–2 days
SoFi stands out for its competitive rates, no fees, and exclusive perks like unemployment protection and career coaching. Their user-friendly app makes managing your loan effortless, and they offer fast online approval.
Why Choose SoFi: Ideal for high-credit borrowers who want large loan amounts with zero fees.
2. LightStream – Best for Low Rates
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APR: 7.49% – 25.49% (with AutoPay)
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Loan Amounts: $5,000 – $100,000
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Funding Time: Same-day funding available
LightStream, a division of Truist Bank, offers some of the lowest APRs for borrowers with good to excellent credit. They also provide a Rate Beat Program, promising to beat any competitor’s rate by 0.10% (terms apply).
Why Choose LightStream: Best for borrowers with strong credit who want low rates and quick cash.
3. Upstart – Best for Fair Credit and Fast Approval
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APR: 6.40% – 35.99%
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Loan Amounts: $1,000 – $50,000
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Funding Time: As fast as 1 business day
Upstart uses AI and non-traditional factors like education and job history to evaluate borrowers. This makes it an excellent choice for people with fair or limited credit history.
Why Choose Upstart: Great for those with limited credit who need quick funding.
4. LendingClub – Best for Debt Consolidation
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APR: 8.98% – 35.99%
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Loan Amounts: $1,000 – $40,000
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Funding Time: In as little as 24 hours
LendingClub is a peer-to-peer lender known for debt consolidation loans. You can have payments sent directly to creditors, making it easy to streamline your finances.
Why Choose LendingClub: Perfect for consolidating high-interest credit card debt.
5. Marcus by Goldman Sachs – Best for No Fees
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APR: 6.99% – 24.99%
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Loan Amounts: $3,500 – $40,000
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Funding Time: 1–4 days
Marcus offers solid rates with no fees whatsoever—no sign-up, prepayment, or late fees. You can also defer a payment after making 12 consecutive on-time payments.
Why Choose Marcus: A solid no-fee option from a trusted name in finance.
6. Discover Personal Loans – Best for Customer Support
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APR: 7.99% – 24.99%
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Loan Amounts: $2,500 – $40,000
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Funding Time: Next business day
Discover offers competitive rates and award-winning customer support. Their repayment terms are flexible, and there’s no origination fee.
Why Choose Discover: Excellent customer service plus fast funding.
7. Avant – Best for Bad Credit
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APR: 9.95% – 35.99%
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Loan Amounts: $2,000 – $35,000
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Funding Time: As fast as the next day
Avant targets borrowers with credit scores in the 580 to 700 range, offering a rare lifeline to those with poor or average credit. They also provide a mobile app to track your loan in real-time.
Why Choose Avant: Best choice for borrowers working on rebuilding credit.
8. Best Egg – Best for Fast Funding
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APR: 8.99% – 35.99%
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Loan Amounts: $2,000 – $50,000
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Funding Time: 1–2 business days
Best Egg makes applying for a loan easy and quick. Prequalification takes minutes, and funds are often deposited the next day. They also offer secured loans for added borrowing power.
Why Choose Best Egg: When you need cash fast with a simple application.
9. Happy Money – Best for Credit Card Refinancing
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APR: 11.72% – 17.99%
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Loan Amounts: $5,000 – $40,000
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Funding Time: 1–3 business days
Happy Money (formerly Payoff) focuses on credit card debt consolidation. Their loans are designed to help you improve your financial well-being, not just give you quick cash.
Why Choose Happy Money: Tailored for credit card debt payoff with a mindful approach.
10. Upgrade – Best for Flexible Repayment Options
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APR: 8.49% – 35.99%
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Loan Amounts: $1,000 – $50,000
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Funding Time: As fast as 1 day
Upgrade offers flexible loans with fixed monthly payments and has free credit monitoring built into the platform. You can check your rate without affecting your credit score.
Why Choose Upgrade: Good for small-to-medium loans with helpful digital tools.
How to Qualify for the Best Personal Loan
To land the best rate and terms, here are a few tips:
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Improve Your Credit Score: Pay off debts, reduce credit usage, and check your credit report.
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Compare Offers: Use prequalification tools to see personalized rates without hurting your score.
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Watch for Fees: Read the fine print for origination, prepayment, or late fees.
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Borrow Only What You Need: Bigger loans mean more interest paid over time.
Final Thoughts
A personal loan can be a powerful tool—whether you’re consolidating debt, covering emergency expenses, or investing in yourself. The key is to shop smart, compare offers, and know what you’re signing up for.
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From SoFi’s perks to Upstart’s AI-powered approvals, these top 10 personal loans give you a range of options for nearly every credit profile and borrowing need.