Top 10 Secured Personal Loans
Secured personal loans are a type of loan where the borrower pledges an asset, such as a car, savings account, or other valuable property, as collateral to secure the loan. This collateral acts as a safety net for the lender, reducing their risk and often resulting in lower interest rates or more favorable loan terms for the borrower.
Advertisement
These loans are often more accessible to individuals with less-than-perfect credit scores because the collateral provides assurance to the lender. However, the stakes are higher for the borrower since failure to repay the loan can lead to the loss of the pledged asset. The process of securing a personal loan involves evaluating the value of the collateral and ensuring it meets the lender's requirements. Borrowers need to be cautious and evaluate their financial stability before opting for a secured loan, considering both the potential benefits and the risks involved. This type of loan can be a practical solution for those in need of funds who are confident in their ability to repay, but it requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the terms and conditions.
SoFiView AllSoFi - SoFi: Financial services platform for loans, investments, banking.
Marcus by Goldman SachsView AllMarcus by Goldman Sachs - Online consumer banking and lending platform by Goldman Sachs.
Discover Personal LoansView AllDiscover Personal Loans - Flexible, fixed-rate loans with no fees or prepayment penalties.
LightStreamView AllLightStream - Online lender offering unsecured personal loans.
UpstartView AllUpstart - Upstart: AI-driven lending platform improving loan access.
AvantView AllAvant - Avant: Online lender offering personal loans with flexible terms.
Best EggView AllBest Egg - Best Egg offers personal loans and financial services.
ProsperView AllProsper - Prosper: Collaborative lending platform for peer-to-peer loans.
LendingClubView AllLendingClub - LendingClub: Peer-to-peer lending platform.
Top 10 Secured Personal Loans
1.
SoFi
SoFi, or Social Finance, Inc., is an American online personal finance company that offers a range of financial products and services, including student and personal loans, mortgages, investment management, and banking services. Founded in 2011, SoFi aims to help its members achieve financial independence by providing innovative solutions and tools for borrowing, saving, spending, and investing. The company is known for its user-friendly digital platform and a strong focus on customer experience and financial education.
Pros
No account fees- High-interest rates
- Comprehensive financial services
- User-friendly app
- Access to financial advisors.
Cons
Limited physical branches- Potential for high loan rates
- Strict eligibility criteria
- Customer service variability
- Limited cash deposit options.
2.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Marcus by Goldman Sachs is the consumer banking and lending arm of Goldman Sachs, launched in 2016. It offers a range of financial products including high-yield savings accounts, personal loans, and certificates of deposit. Aimed at providing straightforward, user-friendly financial solutions, Marcus focuses on leveraging technology to offer competitive rates and no-fee services. It embodies Goldman Sachs' commitment to expanding its reach to everyday consumers, providing them with transparent and accessible banking options.
Pros
- High-yield savings
-
No fees
-
Competitive loan rates
-
User-friendly app
-
Strong customer service.
Cons
- No physical branches
-
Limited product range
-
No checking accounts
-
No investment services
-
No cash deposits.
3.
Discover Personal Loans
Discover Personal Loans offers a flexible financing solution with competitive fixed interest rates, no origination fees, and loan amounts ranging from $2,500 to $35,000. Designed to cover a variety of needs such as debt consolidation, home improvements, or major purchases, these loans provide a straightforward application process and quick funding. Borrowers benefit from flexible repayment terms between 36 to 84 months and access to U.S.-based 24/7 customer service, making it a convenient choice for personal financial needs.
Pros
- Competitive interest rates
- No origination fees
- Flexible repayment terms
- Simple online application
- Excellent customer service.
Cons
- Strict credit requirements
- No co-signer option
- Limited loan amounts
- No rate discount for autopay
- Prepayment penalty.
4.
LightStream
LightStream is an online lending division of Truist Bank, offering unsecured personal loans for a variety of purposes, such as home improvement, auto financing, and debt consolidation. Known for its competitive interest rates and no fees, LightStream provides an efficient, user-friendly application process with quick funding. The company emphasizes customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility, pledging to plant a tree for every loan funded. Borrowers with strong credit profiles are particularly well-suited to benefit from LightStream's offerings.
Pros
- Competitive rates
- no fees
- quick approval
- flexible terms
- good customer service.
Cons
- High credit score required
- no pre-qualification
- limited to personal loans
- no direct payment to creditors
- no mobile app.
5.
Upstart
Upstart is a financial technology company that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to offer more inclusive and accurate credit risk assessments. Founded in 2012, Upstart aims to improve access to affordable credit by partnering with banks and credit unions. The company's platform evaluates non-traditional factors such as education, employment history, and other personal data to predict loan repayment ability, thereby enabling more personalized and potentially lower-cost lending solutions for consumers.
Pros
- Fast approval
- No prepayment fees
- Competitive rates
- Soft credit check
- Flexible loan amounts.
Cons
- High rates for some
- Origination fee
- Limited repayment terms
- Requires good credit
- Not available in all states.
6.
Avant
Avant is a financial technology company that specializes in providing personal loans and credit cards to consumers. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Avant leverages advanced algorithms and data analytics to offer customized credit solutions, often to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit histories. The company aims to simplify the borrowing process with its user-friendly online platform, making it easier for individuals to access the funds they need quickly and efficiently. Avant is known for its commitment to transparency and customer-centric service.
Pros
- Innovative design
- High performance
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable options
- Strong customer support.
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited availability
- Steep learning curve
- Requires regular updates
- Potential compatibility issues.
7.
Best Egg
Best Egg is a financial technology company that offers personal loans and credit card products to help consumers achieve their financial goals. Founded in 2014, Best Egg provides a streamlined, user-friendly online platform that makes accessing funds quick and straightforward. The company is known for its competitive interest rates, flexible loan terms, and transparent fee structures. Best Egg aims to empower individuals with financial solutions that are both accessible and supportive, helping them manage debt, make home improvements, or cover unexpected expenses.
Pros
- Competitive interest rates
- Fast funding
- No prepayment penalties
- Simple online application
- Fixed monthly payments.
Cons
- Origination fee
- No joint applications
- Requires good credit
- Limited loan uses
- No in-person support.
8.
Prosper
Prosper is a leading peer-to-peer lending platform based in the United States, founded in 2005. It connects borrowers looking for personal loans with individual and institutional investors willing to fund them. Prosper offers an alternative to traditional banking by providing more accessible loan options and potentially higher returns for investors. Borrowers can apply for loans ranging from $2,000 to $40,000, while investors can diversify their portfolios with fractional loan shares, fostering a collaborative financial ecosystem.
Pros
- Peer-to-peer lending
- Quick application process
- Competitive rates
- No prepayment penalties
- Flexible loan terms.
Cons
-
Origination fees
- Credit score impact
- Limited availability
- Potential for high-interest rates
- Strict eligibility criteria.
9.
LendingClub
LendingClub is a prominent financial services company that pioneered peer-to-peer lending in the United States. Founded in 2006, it facilitates personal loans, business loans, and auto refinancing, connecting borrowers with investors through an online platform. By leveraging technology and data analytics, LendingClub aims to offer more affordable credit options and attractive investment opportunities, streamlining the lending process while maintaining a focus on transparency and customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Easy application
- competitive rates
- flexible terms
- no prepayment penalties
- quick funding.
Cons
- Origination fees
- potential high interest rates for low credit
- limited customer service
- risk of rejection
- possible credit impact.