Disclosures

Best Unsecured Loans

Unsecured loans can be used for almost any purpose and don’t require any collateral

Simplify your search

Find a personal loan today

Join over 8,000 people who received a free, no obligation quote in the last 30 days.
Enter details in under 3 minutes
+2 more
Author picture
Edited by: Liz Bingler
Author picture
Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin
Prosper, Best Egg, Achieve Personal Loans and Upstart
Coins on a table alongside a sack of coins

Unsecured loans are personal loans that aren’t backed by collateral, such as a car or home. Most personal loans are unsecured, and they can be used for almost any purpose, including consolidating debt or funding home renovations.

The best unsecured loans come with low interest rates, few fees and flexible repayment terms. Below, learn more about our top picks for the best unsecured loans.


Key insights

Our picks for the best unsecured loans come from Upgrade, Best Egg, Achieve and Prosper.

Jump to insight

Unsecured personal loans can be used for nearly any purpose, and they don’t require collateral.

Jump to insight

Before applying for a loan, research and compare offers to make sure you get the best deal.

Jump to insight

Our picks for best unsecured personal loans

To select our picks for the best unsecured loans, we examined 806 data points for popular lenders and lending marketplaces, including 26 individual data points for 31 lenders. We also considered customer reviews and overall ratings from ConsumerAffairs reviewers. We used these data points to evaluate factors that impact borrowers the most, such as credit score requirements, loan limits, repayment terms and annual percentage rates (APRs), to help us make our final selections.

Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us. This doesn’t affect our recommendations or evaluations, but it may affect the order in which the companies appear.

Our picks for the best unsecured personal loans are from:

Upgrade
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000
Term lenghts
2 to 7 years
Minimum credit score
Typically 620
Disclosures

Upgrade is an online lender that offers various products, including credit cards and unsecured personal loans. Borrowers can check their rate online with Upgrade without a hard inquiry on their credit reports, and they can access $1,000 to $50,000 in funding based on factors like creditworthiness and income. Borrowers can also choose to repay their loans over two to seven years.

Upgrade earns an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from ConsumerAffairs reviewers. Many reviewers appreciate Upgrade’s easy application, flexible credit requirements and fast funding. However, some reviewers complain about the company’s origination fees and high APRs.

Upgrade personal loans require an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99% of the loan amount, which is higher than some other lenders. However, this fee is deducted from the loan proceeds upfront, so applicants don't have to pay it out of pocket in order to borrow money.

Upgrade’s rates range from 7.74% to 35.99% APR (as of Feb. 10, 2026), but the lowest possible rates offered require autopay.

3x Award Winner
Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Loan Process, Best Experience with Staff and Best Value for Price
Best Egg
Loan amount
$2,000 to $50,000
Term lengths
3 to 5 years
Minimum credit score required
Typically 640
Disclosures

Best Egg is an online lender that offers unsecured loans in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $50,000. Borrowers can check their rate with no impact on their credit score before they apply, and funding can take place in as little as 24 hours.

While Best Egg loans can be used for a wide range of purposes, the lender advertises that its loans are great for debt consolidation or financing large expenses like adoption or home improvements.

While some reviewers said they struggled to get approved for a loan and were ultimately denied even with good credit, most Best Eggs reviews are positive.

Debrecca, a reviewer from Ohio, said: "Best Egg is very quick to get you approved and the funds into your account. Also, if you have to call [customer service] everyone is so friendly and eager to help. I will use [Best Egg] whenever I need a loan due to their great [customer service].”

A one-time origination fee of 0.99% to 9.99% of the loan amount applies to each loan from Best Egg, and APRs range from 6.99% to 35.99% (as of Feb. 10, 2026), based on creditworthiness.

1x Award Winner
Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
Achieve Personal Loans
Loan amount
$5,000 to $50,000
Term lengths
2 to 5 years
Minimum credit score required
600 to 660
Disclosures

Achieve, previously known as FreedomPlus, has a fast and easy loan process, and applicants can get prequalified online with no impact on their credit. Borrowers typically receive their funding within 24 to 72 hours. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000 and borrowers can repay their loan over two to five years.

Many ConsumerAffairs reviews praised Achieve for its seamless loan process and helpful customer service.

Shon, a reviewer from Nebraska, said: "This was by far the easiest and fastest loan process my wife and I have ever experienced! I have waited longer to be approved for a car with my local bank.”

Achieve personal loans come with an origination fee ranging from 1.99% to 9.99% of the loan amount. Its APRs range from 8.99% to 36.00% (as of Feb. 10, 2026).

4x Award Winner
Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Loan Process, Best Experience with Staff, Best Value for Price and Best Customer Service
Prosper
Loan amount
$2,000 to $50,000
Term lengths
2 to 5 years
Minimum credit score required
600
Disclosures

Prosper offers a range of loan products, including home equity loans and personal loans. Its unsecured personal loans are offered in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $50,000, and borrowers can choose to repay over two to five years. Prosper also lets applicants check their rate with no impact to their credit score, and funding can take place as soon as the next business day.

Carlitha, a reviewer from Colorado, said: "Prosper is a peer-to-peer loan company. Individuals helped finance the loan. It was a quick and easy process. Funds were available within [five] business days of my application. I recommend it to anyone with good to great credit.”

Prosper’s APRs range from 8.99% to 35.99% (as of Feb. 10, 2026), based on creditworthiness. An upfront origination fee of 1% to 9.99% will also be deducted from the loan amount.

Pros and cons of unsecured loans

Personal loans that don't require collateral have their share of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

  • Easy online application process
  • Fast funding usually available
  • Won't put your assets at risk
  • Can be used for almost any purpose

Cons

  • Origination fees or other fees sometimes required
  • High APRs for imperfect credit
  • Minimum credit score requirements

What can unsecured personal loans be used for?

You can use an unsecured personal loan for nearly any type of expense. Some of the most common uses for personal loans include:

  • Debt consolidation
  • Home improvement
  • New or used vehicle purchase
  • Boats, motorcycles or RVs
  • Family planning, such as adoption or in vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • Medical expenses
  • Vacations
  • Weddings

What unsecured personal loans can’t be used for

Personal loans, whether they’re secured or unsecured, generally can’t be used for:

  • Educational expenses, such as paying tuition
  • Business expenses
  • Purchasing investments, such as stocks or bonds
  • A down payment on a home

Average unsecured loan interest rates

The average rate for a 24-month personal loan is 11.65% as of the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the Federal Reserve. This is down from 12.32% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Average unsecured personal loan rates vary from lender to lender and also by loan term and borrower credit profile. For the best personal loan companies, most rates start at around 7% to 9% APR and can climb as high as 35.99% APR, depending on the lender.

» MORE: Average personal loan interest rates

Who is an unsecured loan best for?

Unsecured loans can work for almost anyone, but there are some consumers they might work for more than others.

People who want fixed payments

Unsecured personal loans tend to be best for people who want a fixed interest rate and a fixed monthly payment that will not change.

People who have good credit

These loans are also best for applicants who have good credit and a strong income to qualify for the best rates and terms.

People who need flexible funding

If you want to pay for a new vacation, a minor kitchen remodel and some new clothes all at once, unsecured loans will let you apply for the funding you need for these items and pay it back in a single monthly payment.

People who want to consolidate debt

Because average unsecured loan rates are typically lower than average credit card rates, these loans are also good for debt consolidation. With a personal loan, you may be able to consolidate credit card debt with a lower rate.

How to get an unsecured loan

To get an unsecured personal loan, you’ll generally take the following steps.

1. Research and compare offers

You should take the time to compare all the best unsecured loan options side by side before applying. This means looking at each lenders’ loan limits, terms and rates, plus reading over the fine print.

2. Get prequalified

The best personal loan lenders let you check your rate without a hard inquiry on your credit report. This makes it considerably easier to compare offers from multiple lenders so you see the rates and terms you might qualify for if you apply.

3. Fill out an application

Once you find a loan offer that suits your needs, you can move forward with an application. You’ll typically provide information like your full name and address, Social Security number, employment and income information, and monthly mortgage or rent amount.

In some cases, you may be required to provide supporting documentation, such as recent pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns or utility bills.

4. Wait for funding

Once you’re approved, the lender should provide the funds within one to seven business days.

Alternatives to unsecured loans

Unsecured personal loans are not the only type of funding out there, and it's possible another type of loan could work better for your needs. Consider these unsecured loan alternatives and how they might work in your situation.

Secured personal loans

If you’re unable to qualify for an unsecured personal loan, you may need to consider a secured loan. Secured loans require putting down collateral to get approved, which could come in the form of a home, a car or money in the bank. Secured personal loans are usually best for people with bad credit or no credit history.

Home equity loans

Home equity loans let you borrow against the value of your home. They come with fixed interest rates and monthly payments, which makes them similar to personal loans. However, home equity loans also require you to use your home as collateral, meaning you could lose your property if you fail to repay the loan.

Home equity lines of credit

Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) also let you borrow against your home equity, though they come with variable interest rates. Your monthly payment is based on how much of your credit line you access.

Credit cards

Credit cards can also work in place of unsecured loans, and they can even provide financial savings if you pick a credit card that offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for a limited time. Keep in mind that the variable rate after a 0% intro APR offer ends is usually much higher than average rate for personal loans.

401(k) loans

Some 401(k) plan administrators let customers borrow against the funds they have saved for retirement. In this case, the borrower pays interest back to themselves as they make monthly payments on the loan. However, maximum loan amounts apply with 401(k) loans, and borrowers may be required to pay back the full amounts borrowed right away if they lose their job or move to a new company.

» MORE: Best ways to borrow money

Simplify your search

Find a personal loan today

FAQ

Can you get an unsecured loan if you have bad credit?

Some lenders offer unsecured loans for people with bad credit or fair credit. However, individuals with poor or fair credit typically pay higher loan fees and interest rates if they’re able to get an unsecured loan. If you’re unable to get an unsecured loan, you may need to consider a secured loan.

How does a personal loan affect your credit score?

Borrowing money with a personal loan can impact your credit score in several ways. First, applying for a loan results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can negatively impact your credit score in the short term. Opening a personal loan also might improve your credit mix, which can increase your credit score. Over time, a personal loan can help your credit score if you make on-time payments.

What are the eligibility requirements for unsecured loans?

Typically, you’ll need to have good to excellent credit, stable income and a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to be eligible for an unsecured loan. However, requirements vary from lender to lender, and some lenders may accept fair credit.

Bottom line

The best unsecured personal loans can help you get the funding you need at a rate that makes repayment affordable. An unsecured personal loan lets you spend the money on virtually anything you want, whether you need to consolidate and pay down debt or you want to finance a large purchase like a vacation or wedding.

Whatever your reasoning is for needing funding, you'll want to take the time to compare loan options to find the best deal. This means checking around for the best rate you can qualify for and comparing loans based on how much you can borrow and how long you have to pay the money back.


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. Federal Reserve, “Consumer Credit - G.19, Terms of Credit at Commercial Banks and Finance Companies.” Accessed Feb. 10, 2026.
Did you find this article helpful? |
Share this article