Compare personal loan rates — 2026
One fixed payment, one payoff date. Start with the Federal Reserve's bank average, then check what lenders will actually offer you — all four below use a soft credit pull.
24-month personal loan national average
11.86%
Federal Reserve Board (G.19) via FRED • 2026-05-01
Bank average across approved borrowers. Online lenders spread far wider — excellent credit prices below this line, fair credit well above it.
Consolidation only works if you stop the bleeding
Rolling credit card balances into a fixed loan lowers the interest and gives you a real end date. It fails when the cards get used again, because you then carry both debts at once.
Some lenders will pay your creditors directly. Take that option where it exists — it removes the temptation and closes the balances the same week.
Compare APR, term and fees together
A lower rate over a longer term can cost more in total. Multiply the monthly payment by the number of months to see the real price before you sign anything.
Check for prepayment penalties and late fees. Two of the lenders listed charge neither, which matters if you plan to clear the balance early.
Where to check your own rate
Editorial disclosure — Some companies listed here are commercial brands. We select them editorially from public regulatory data and are never paid for placement or ranking. Read our full disclosure.
SoFi
No fees at all
Min. credit score 680
Check your rate
Rates from sofi.com
National average: 11.86% (FRED)
Credible
Compare 17+ lenders
Min. credit score 620
Compare real rates
Soft credit pull — 17 lenders
National average: 11.86% (FRED)
Upgrade
Best for fair credit
Min. credit score 580
Check your rate
Rates from upgrade.com
National average: 11.86% (FRED)
LightStream
Best for excellent credit
Min. credit score 660
Check your rate
Rates from lightstream.com
National average: 11.86% (FRED)
Rates shown are indicative or national averages. Your actual rate will depend on your credit score, income, loan amount and the provider’s current pricing. Think Bigger Today is not a lender, bank or insurer. The buttons above open each company’s official website in a new tab, or a partner link where one exists and is labelled as such. Whether a company pays us has no bearing on its data, its score or its position in the ranking above.
Carrying more debt than a loan can fix?
If your balances are past the point where consolidation helps, a short assessment will show whether a structured payoff plan makes more sense.
Assess my debtEditorial disclosure — Some companies listed here are commercial brands. We select them editorially from public regulatory data and are never paid for placement or ranking. Read our full disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
What credit score do I need for a personal loan?
Most online lenders start around 580 to 620. Below that, a credit union or a secured loan is usually the realistic route. Above 720, expect the lowest advertised rates.
Is a personal loan cheaper than a credit card?
Usually yes. Personal loans run well below typical credit card APRs and have a fixed payoff date, which is why consolidation is the most common use.
What is an origination fee?
A one-off charge, often 1% to 8%, deducted from the amount you receive. A 6% fee on a $10,000 loan means $9,400 hits your account while you repay the full $10,000, so always compare APR rather than the headline rate.
How fast can I get the money?
Several lenders here fund within one business day of approval. Same-day funding is possible when you accept early and your bank posts transfers quickly.
Other comparisons
Think Bigger Today keeps its editorial standards independent of commercial relationships. This review was written by our team using publicly available information, including regulatory filings and published rate sheets. the named company did not review, approve or endorse it, and is not responsible for its accuracy. Companies that work with us commercially get no preferential coverage, scoring or placement. This page may link to our free matching service, for which we can be paid a referral fee — that fee never decides what we publish, and you may or may not be matched with the named company. Figures can change without notice; always confirm the current terms with the provider. Nothing here is financial, legal or tax advice.