Oportun vs. Upstart
Oportun for smaller loans, Upstart for larger ones
Partner Disclosures
The full range of available rates varies by state. A representative example of payment terms for a Personal Loan is as follows: a borrower receives a loan of $10,000 for a term of 60 months, with an interest rate of 21.58% and a 9.84% origination fee of $984, for an APR of 26.82%. In this example, the borrower will receive $9016 and will make 60 monthly payments of $275. APR is calculated based on 5-year rates offered in December 2023. There is no downpayment and no prepayment penalty. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will be approved. While most loans through Upstart are unsecured, certain lenders may place a lien on other accounts you hold with the same institution. There may be an option to secure your personal loan through Upstart with your vehicle, which will require a lien to be placed on the vehicle. It is important to review your promissory note for these details before accepting your loan.
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The rise of artificial intelligence has changed how many lenders evaluate borrowers, including Oportun and Upstart. Both companies use AI and machine learning to look beyond traditional credit scores, but they take different approaches to the loan approval process. If you’re considering a personal loan, here are some key differences between Oportun and Upstart.
Both companies use AI to expand access to credit for borrowers with imperfect credit histories.
Jump to insightOportun specializes in smaller secured and unsecured loans, while Upstart offers larger loans, including car refinancing.
Jump to insightOportun provides in-person and phone support, but Upstart offers faster approvals through online-only service.
Jump to insightOportun vs. Upstart at a glance
Here’s a look at Oportun and Upstart side by side:
| Oportun | Upstart | |
|---|---|---|
| APR | Up to 36% | 6.7% to 35.99% |
| Loan term | Varies | 36 or 60 months |
| Loan amount | Secured: $2,525 to $18,500 Unsecured: $300 to $10,000 |
$1,000 to $75,000 Georgia: $3,100 minimum Hawaii: $2,100 minimum Massachusetts: $7,000 minimum |
| Allows co-signers | ✔ | X |
| Fees | Administrative fee: Up to 10% of principal Origination fee: Varies Prepayment penalty: None Application fee: None | Prepayment penalty: $0 Origination fee: Varies based on loan Paper copies: $10 Term extension fee: Varies |
| Funding timeline | Not disclosed | Next day |
| Minimum credit score | Not disclosed | None |
Oportun overview
Oportun went public in 2019 and today has two million members that it serves with both savings accounts and personal loans. The company offers both secured and unsecured loans.
Oportun is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a U.S. Department of the Treasury designation for lenders that serve low-income and underserved borrowers.
Upstart overview
Upstart, founded in 2012, focuses exclusively on loans, including personal loans, car refinance loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). It isn’t a direct lender but partners with more than 100 banks and credit unions. Using AI, Upstart evaluates applications and connects borrowers with offers, aiming to deliver faster approvals and more flexible terms.
Loan offerings
Oportun and Upstart both provide personal loans but serve very different borrower needs. Oportun specializes in smaller secured and unsecured loans, while Upstart offers larger loan amounts and more variety, including car refinancing and short-term loans.
- Oportun is better for smaller loans or borrowers who want a co-signer. Its loans start as low as $300, and secured loans are available in select states if you use your car as collateral. It does charge an administrative fee of up to 10% of the loan amount.
- Upstart is better for larger loans and faster funding. Loan amounts go up to $75,000, and most borrowers receive money the next business day. While it charges origination and other minor fees, its starting APR is typically lower than Oportun’s.
» THIS YEAR’S TOP LENDERS: Did Oportun or Upstart make the list?
Borrower experience and approval process
Both lenders let you prequalify online with no hit to your credit score, but the experience differs once you apply.
- Oportun is better for borrowers who want hands-on support. You can apply online, by phone or in person at branch locations in states like California and Texas. Oportun also accepts co-signers and offers customer service by phone, chat or text.
- Upstart is better for speed and simplicity. Applications are fully online, and most borrowers receive a decision within minutes and funding the next business day. Upstart doesn’t allow co-signers or phone applications, but its online portal and app make it easy to manage your account.
AI technology in lending
Both Oportun and Upstart use AI to expand access to credit, especially for borrowers with limited or imperfect credit histories.
Oportun uses machine learning and years of borrower data to evaluate applications beyond credit scores. Its AI approach has earned industry recognition, including a 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Award for “Best Use of AI in FinTech.”
Upstart also uses AI to make lending decisions based on more than just credit scores, factoring in details like income, debt-to-income ratio and employment.
» MORE: Who are the best online lenders?
FAQ
What are the main differences between Oportun and Upstart?
Oportun doesn’t share the same online transparency as Upstart, with unspecified loan minimums and terms. It also offers much smaller loans, even if you opt for a secured loan. However, you can get a joint loan with Oportun, which Upstart doesn’t offer.
How do Oportun and Upstart handle borrowers with bad credit?
Both platforms use AI and machine learning to analyze borrowers based on a wider set of factors than traditional scoring models, resulting in more loan approvals.
Are Oportun and Upstart loans available in every state?
No, Oportun loans aren’t available nationwide. Unsecured loans are available in most states, but not all. In states like Alaska, Florida and New Jersey, unsecured loans are issued by Oportun’s partner bank, Pathward. Its secured loans are limited to the following eight states:
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- Illinois
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Texas
- Utah
Upstart loans are available in all 50 states, though some have higher minimum amounts, such as $3,100 in Georgia, $2,100 in Hawaii and $7,000 in Massachusetts.
Does either company allow co-signers?
Yes, Oportun allows co-signers on a case-by-case basis, which can help applicants with limited or poor credit. Upstart doesn’t accept co-signers or joint applications.
What fees should I expect?
Oportun charges an administrative fee of up to 10% of the loan amount. Upstart charges an origination fee and smaller administrative costs, such as a $10 paper statement fee. Neither company charges prepayment penalties.
How quickly do funds arrive?
Upstart typically funds the next business day after approval. Oportun says it can deliver funds quickly, but it doesn’t publish a specific timeline online.
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:
- Oportun, “FAQ.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Upstart, “How our platform partners with banks and credit unions.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Oportun, “Questions.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Upstart, “Loan funds usage: what’s allowed and what’s not.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Upstart, “Loan fees: what to expect and how they’re calculated.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Upstart, “2023 Access to Credit Report.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Upstart, “Minimum credit requirements for loan approval.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Upstart, “Loan eligibility: how to determine if you qualify.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Upstart, “Can I apply for a loan over the phone? (No, here’s how to apply online).” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Upstart, “AI-powered lending: how it works and what to expect,” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Upstart, “Using the Upstart mobile app: features and availability.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Oportun, “Oportun surpasses 4 million loans and $10 billion in originations.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
- Oportun, “Oportun Wins ‘Best Use of AI in FinTech’ at 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Awards.” Accessed August 6, 2025.
