Best Personal Loans of January 2025

We analyzed 50+ lenders to find the best personal loans for every credit profile. Here are our top picks.

📅 Updated: January 2, 2025 👤 By Michael Chen, CFA ⏱️ 15 min read
🏆 Best Overall
LightStream
Lowest rates (6.49% APR)
Read Review →
💳 Best for Fair Credit
Upstart
620+ credit score
Read Review →
⚡ Best for Fast Funding
Best Egg
Next-day funding
Read Review →

Our Top Personal Loan Picks

1

LightStream

Best Overall — Lowest Rates Available

4.5/5
★★★★★
6.49%
Starting APR
$5K-$100K
Loan Amount
660+
Min Credit
Same Day
Funding
$0
Fees

Pros

  • Lowest starting APR in market
  • Rate Beat Program
  • Zero fees
  • Same-day funding

Cons

  • No pre-qualification (hard pull)
  • Requires good credit
2

SoFi

Best for Large Loans & Member Benefits

4.2/5
★★★★☆
8.99%
Starting APR
$5K-$100K
Loan Amount
680+
Min Credit
Same Day
Funding
$0
Fees

Pros

  • Pre-qualify with soft pull
  • Unemployment protection
  • Great member benefits
  • No fees

Cons

  • Higher starting APR than competitors
  • Requires 680+ credit
3

Upstart

Best for Fair Credit & Young Borrowers

4.3/5
★★★★☆
7.80%
Starting APR
$1K-$50K
Loan Amount
620+
Min Credit
1 Day
Funding
0-12%
Orig. Fee

Pros

  • AI considers education & job
  • Low credit requirement (620)
  • $1K minimum loan
  • Fast approval

Cons

  • Origination fee up to 12%
  • Max $50K loan
4

Best Egg

Best Customer Service & Fast Funding

4.2/5
★★★★☆
8.99%
Starting APR
$2K-$50K
Loan Amount
640+
Min Credit
Next Day
Funding
0.99-8.99%
Orig. Fee

Pros

  • Best customer reviews
  • Next-day funding
  • Lower credit requirement
  • Flexible loan purposes

Cons

  • Origination fee
  • Shorter terms (3-5 years)
5

Marcus by Goldman Sachs

Best No-Fee Option with Bank Backing

4.1/5
★★★★☆
6.99%
Starting APR
$3.5K-$40K
Loan Amount
660+
Min Credit
1-4 Days
Funding
$0
Fees

Pros

  • Zero fees
  • On-time payment reward
  • Goldman Sachs backing
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Max $40K loan
  • Slower funding