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Best Personal Loans for Good Credit

Top picks include Best Egg, Upgrade and LightStream

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By: Aja McClanahan
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Best Egg, LightStream and Upgrade
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A good credit score can net you a better interest rate, a more favorable loan term and even special perks like autopay discounts or no prepayment penalties. Luckily, the average American has a good credit score, according to 2024 Experian data.

If you have a credit score from 670 to 739 and are in need of extra funds, these are the best lenders.

Our 3 picks for personal loans for good credit

Best Egg

Best Egg
4.5
2,313 reviews
Loan amounts
$2,000 to $50,000
Starting APR
6.99%
Repayment terms
36 to 60 months
Origination fee
0.99% to 9.99%
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Disclosures

Best Egg is an online loan servicer that provides personal loans for a variety of purposes. The platform lets borrowers access funds quickly with minimal hassle. You can borrow from $2,000 to $50,000 and pay it back in fixed monthly payments over three to five years.

Best Egg has a fast turnaround time, with some loans gaining approval and funding in just one business day. Most borrowers, however, can expect it to take a few business days before funds are deposited into their accounts.

“Best Egg was extremely responsive, and I was blown away by their customer service. I received my loan within 2 days of applying and was set up with an account immediately. … I highly recommend this company if you are looking for a personal loan. Their rates are competitive, they offer a variety of loans for your comfort level, and I can't say enough how amazed I was at the customer service and overall experience from start to finish.”
Cherry Wilbraham, MA

With annual percentage rates (APRs) as high as 35.99% for some borrowers, Best Egg may not be ideal for those without great credit histories.

Best Egg also charges an origination fee between 0.99% and 9.99% of the loan total. If you get a term of four years or longer, the origination fee will be at least 4.99%. This fee is deducted from the funds deposited into your bank account.

2x Award Winner
Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Overall Loan Process and Best Staff Experience

Upgrade

Upgrade
4.5
890 reviews
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
Starting APR
7.99%
Repayment terms
24 to 84 months
Origination fee
1.85% to 9.99%
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Disclosures

Upgrade is a financial technology (fintech) company that offers personal loans, checking accounts, credit monitoring and financial education. It also offers a hybrid credit card that works like a personal line of credit, with fixed monthly payments on balances.

Personal loans from Upgrade can be used to consolidate debt, refinance credit cards, make home improvements or pay for a major purchase. You can choose a loan term ranging from two years up to seven years. Upgrade also lets you change your payment date to better suit your budget.

Like most other personal loan companies, Upgrade lets you check your rate online without affecting your credit score. You can review your loan offers — including amounts, rates and terms — before deciding to move forward. Once approved, funds are sent to your bank account within one business day.

“Easy application process. They will even do a soft credit pull to tell you what your likelihood is of being preapproved and at what rate. Once your process is approved, they deposit the funds directly into your bank account. Customer service is helpful, knowledgeable and professional. I have had multiple loans. [I am] happy and would continue doing business with them. I highly recommend them.”
Susie Las Vegas, NV

Upgrade offers a low starting APR at 7.99%. If you have excellent credit and enroll in automatic payments, you should get a fairly good rate.

However, Upgrade does have a high origination fee. These administrative costs can range from 1.85% to 9.99% of the loan value — the highest on our list. This fee is deducted from the loan funds you receive.

LightStream

LightStream
3.4
38 reviews
Loan amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
Starting APR
6.49% with autopay and excellent credit
Repayment terms
24 to 240 months
Origination fee
None
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Disclosures

LightStream is a division of Truist, a bank formed by the merger of SunTrust Bank and BB&T. It offers personal loans for a variety of purposes, including home improvement, vehicle purchases, recreation, family life and debt consolidation.

LightStream offers unsecured personal loans up to $100,000 and typically has lower rates than many competitors. The company also has a program that will beat a competitor’s approved rate by 0.10 percentage points if you submit proof two business days before funding. LightStream includes a satisfaction guarantee, and same-day funding is possible.

The company doesn’t disclose credit score or income requirements for personal loans, but it does state that it approves borrowers with several years of credit history, reliable income, assets and a track record of on-time payments.

“Lightstream could not be any more user-friendly and customer-driven! They plant a tree for every loan! They offer lots of repayment options and allow you to change payment time and amount whenever you need to make it more convenient.”
Julie Cape Coral, FL
LightStream’s APR ranges from 6.49% to 25.14% with autopay. According to its site, at least 25% of applicants applying for the lowest rate qualified. LightStream doesn’t charge any fees.

Personal loans for good credit: the basics

Good credit can put you in a strong position, but to take full advantage, you’ll want a lender that caters to borrowers with good scores. Most banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, but requirements vary far and wide. Some lenders stand out above others when it comes to key factors, like loan amounts, terms, fees and accessibility.

Key insights

A personal loan may carry a variable interest rate that changes or a fixed interest rate that remains the same over the life of the loan.

Jump to insight

You may qualify for better rates if you boost your credit, pay down debt, set up autopay, add a cosigner or pledge collateral.

Jump to insight

To find the best loan, compare APRs, fees, terms, amounts and funding speed across multiple lenders.

Jump to insight

Understanding interest rates: fixed vs. variable

Personal loans come with either a fixed or variable interest rate.

  • Fixed interest rate: A fixed rate stays the same for the life of the loan unless the lender notifies you of a change. This makes your monthly payments predictable and easier to budget for.
  • Variable interest rate: A variable rate can go up or down over time based on a benchmark interest rate, such as the prime rate or SOFR (the Secured Overnight Financing Rate). Your loan agreement explains how and when the rate may adjust.

Fixed interest rates can sometimes be higher than variable rates, but they can provide greater stability through regular payment amounts. Some lenders may let you switch to a variable rate later, but if interest rates rise, you could end up paying more in the long run.

How to qualify for the best personal loan rates

There are a few things you can do to qualify for the best personal loan rates.

Improve your credit score

The higher your credit score, the better interest rate you’re likely to receive. Most Americans have a good credit score (717 on average), but those with very good credit (740 or higher) are more likely to qualify for the most competitive rates. If you're not there yet, improving your score can help you save money over the life of a loan.

Take the time to obtain a free credit report and review it for errors. Also, consider signing up with a credit monitoring service to help track changes to your score.

Pay off debt

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio shows lenders how much of your income goes to debt each month. Those with a DTI ratio of 35% or less will generally be eligible for the best personal loan rates, although those with a DTI under 43% don’t typically have a hard time receiving approval. Do your best to pay off debt so you can improve your DTI ratio before you apply.

Sign up for autopay

To help ensure you make your payments in full and on time, consider signing up for autopay. This will automatically take your payments from your account on the due date so you don’t have to remember to make your payment each month.

Some lenders, such as Lightstream, Upgrade and SoFi, even offer a discount if you sign up for autopay. Just make sure your account can support automatic withdrawals to avoid overdraft fees.

Add collateral

Instead of taking out an unsecured personal loan, you could instead opt for a secured loan by putting up collateral, such as your car or house. This lowers the lender’s risk because it can seize and sell the collateral if you default on your loan. In return for the lower risk, you receive a more competitive interest rate than you would with an unsecured loan.

Consider a co-borrower

If you aren’t able to qualify for a competitive rate, consider using a co-borrower or cosigner. This person — often a family member or close friend — shares responsibility for the loan. If you miss payments, their credit can be damaged too, so it’s important to repay the loan as agreed.

Comparing personal loan options

Before applying for a loan, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you find the best personal loan for good credit.

  • Annual percentage rate (APR): The APR determines how much you pay in interest and fees. A personal loan calculator can help you estimate monthly payments based on your loan amount, the interest rate and the term.
  • Fees: There are some fees that commonly apply to personal loans, such as loan origination fees. Other fees that may apply include late fees, processing fees and prepayment penalties if you pay off your loan early.
  • Amount: Most personal loans range from $1,000 to $50,000, but every lender has its own requirements. For example, Wells Fargo offers personal loans for $3,000 to $100,000, while Achieve offers loans of $100,000 or more.
  • Term: Just as loan amounts can vary by lender, so can the term. Personal loans often range from 12 to 84 months, but every lender is different. Discover offers personal loans from 36 to 84 months, while Navy Federal Credit Union specializes in short-term loans, maxing out at 60 months.
  • Funding: If you are in a hurry, you may not have time to wait for a long, drawn-out application process. Some lenders like Alliant Credit Union and U.S. Bank offer same-day funding so you can get the money you need without delay.

» MORE: 5 things you should know about personal loans

Tips for maintaining good credit

Financial experts say maintaining good credit starts with paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low and regularly checking your credit report.

“My number one tip for qualifying for a personal loan is to be familiar with your credit report in advance and take proper steps to clean up any issues,” said Phil Orwig, CFP and owner of Fair Asset Management. “This could mean cleaning up clerical issues like name misspellings or something more involved, like paying down existing debt to improve your debt-to-income ratio. The cleaner your credit report appears to a potential lender, the better terms for a loan you’re going to get.”

Don’t forget to pay your bills either. “If you want to boost or protect your score, focus on paying bills on time and keeping your credit card balances low,” said Joseph Camberato, CEO at National Business Capital. “Your job is to show the lender that you don’t pose a risk of default or missed payments,” Camberato explained. “With a good credit score, you’re already in a good place. That shows you have a history of responsible borrowing and repaying.”

Don’t forget about the income requirements either, Camberato said. “You need to demonstrate consistent income to cover the loan repayment. Keyword is: 'consistent.' Irregular income streams are a red flag to lenders because what happens if that irregular stream dries up and you don’t have the money to cover your next payment?”

With proper budgeting, you can plan for your current debt obligations while also accounting for your future loan payment.

Simplify your search

Find a personal loan today

FAQ

What is a good personal loan rate for excellent credit?

A good personal loan rate for excellent credit is typically below 7%. As of publication, LightStream offers rates starting at 6.49% and Upstart at 6.6%.

What's a good credit score to get a personal loan?

A good credit score for personal loans ranges from 670 to 739. If you fall in or above this threshold, you stand to receive more competitive rates than someone with bad credit.

Why is a good credit score important for personal loans?

When you have a good credit score, you show a potential lender that you are trustworthy. It means you are more likely to repay your debts in full and on time, so lenders often reward you with better interest rates and terms in return.

What documents are needed to apply for a personal loan?

Applying for a personal loan requires several documents, such as ID, proof of income and employment, and bank account information. Before applying, ask your lender what documents are required so you can gather them in advance.

Article sources

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

  1. Experian, “What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  2. Experian, “What Is a Good Credit Score?” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  3. Best Egg, “Personal Loans: Easily Apply Online & Check Rates.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  4. Upgrade, “Personal Loans up to $50,000.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  5. LightStream, “Consumer Loans.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  6. LightStream, “FAQ.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  7. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “What is the difference between a fixed APR and a variable APR?” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  8. SoFi, “Fixed vs. Variable: Choosing the Right Personal Loan Rates.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  9. FICO, “Average U.S. FICO Score stays at 717 even as consumers are faced with economic uncertainty.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  10. Navy Federal Credit Union, “Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Why It’s Important and How to Calculate It.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  11. SoFi, “What is the Autopay Discount?” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  12. Rocket Loans, “How Much Personal Loan Can You Get?” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  13. Wells Fargo, “Personal loans: See options and apply online.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  14. Achieve, “Personal Loans.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  15. TD Bank, “Personal Loan Terms: What You Need to Know.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  16. Discover, “Online Personal Loans from $2,500 to $40,000.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  17. Navy Federal Credit Union, “Personal Loans at Great Rates.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
  18. Upstart, “Personal Loans.” Accessed June 28, 2025.
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