Top 10 Unsecured Personal Loans

Unsecured personal loans are a type of loan that does not require the borrower to provide any collateral, such as a house or car, to secure the loan. Lenders approve these loans based on the borrower’s creditworthiness, income, and other financial factors, rather than any physical asset.

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These loans are often used for a variety of purposes, including debt consolidation, home improvements, medical expenses, or major purchases. Because they are not backed by collateral, unsecured personal loans typically come with higher interest rates compared to secured loans, reflecting the increased risk to the lender. Borrowers with strong credit histories are more likely to receive favorable terms, such as lower interest rates and higher loan amounts. The application process is usually straightforward, often requiring just a credit check and proof of income. However, failure to repay the loan can severely impact the borrower's credit score and may lead to legal action from the lender. Additionally, the repayment period for unsecured personal loans can range from a few months to several years, depending on the amount borrowed and the terms agreed upon.

  • SoFi
    SoFi

    SoFi - SoFi: Financial services platform for loans, investments, banking.

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  • LightStream
    LightStream

    LightStream - Online lender offering unsecured personal loans.

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  • Marcus by Goldman Sachs
    Marcus by Goldman Sachs

    Marcus by Goldman Sachs - Online consumer banking and lending platform by Goldman Sachs.

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  • Discover Personal Loans
    Discover Personal Loans

    Discover Personal Loans - Flexible, fixed-rate loans with no fees or prepayment penalties.

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  • Avant
    Avant

    Avant - Avant: Online lender offering personal loans with flexible terms.

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  • Upstart
    Upstart

    Upstart - Upstart: AI-driven lending platform improving loan access.

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  • Best Egg
    Best Egg

    Best Egg - Best Egg offers personal loans and financial services.

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  • OneMain Financial
    OneMain Financial

    OneMain Financial - OneMain Financial: Consumer lending and personal loan provider.

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  • LendingClub
    LendingClub

    LendingClub - LendingClub: Peer-to-peer lending platform.

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Top 10 Unsecured Personal Loans

1.

SoFi

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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

  • pros No account fees
  • pros High-interest rates
  • pros Comprehensive financial services
  • pros User-friendly app
  • pros Access to financial advisors.

Cons

  • consLimited physical branches
  • cons Potential for high loan rates
  • cons Strict eligibility criteria
  • cons Customer service variability
  • cons Limited cash deposit options.
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2.

LightStream

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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

  • pros Competitive rates
  • pros no fees
  • pros quick approval
  • pros flexible terms
  • pros good customer service.

Cons

  • consHigh credit score required
  • cons no pre-qualification
  • cons limited to personal loans
  • cons no direct payment to creditors
  • cons no mobile app.
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3.

Marcus by Goldman Sachs

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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

  • pros High-yield savings
  • pros No fees
  • pros Competitive loan rates
  • pros User-friendly app
  • pros Strong customer service.

Cons

  • consNo physical branches
  • cons Limited product range
  • cons No checking accounts
  • cons No investment services
  • cons No cash deposits.
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4.

Discover Personal Loans

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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

  • pros Competitive interest rates
  • pros No origination fees
  • pros Flexible repayment terms
  • pros Simple online application
  • pros Excellent customer service.

Cons

  • consStrict credit requirements
  • cons No co-signer option
  • cons Limited loan amounts
  • cons No rate discount for autopay
  • cons Prepayment penalty.
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5.

Avant

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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

  • pros Innovative design
  • pros High performance
  • pros User-friendly interface
  • pros Customizable options
  • pros Strong customer support.

Cons

  • consExpensive
  • cons Limited availability
  • cons Steep learning curve
  • cons Requires regular updates
  • cons Potential compatibility issues.
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6.

Upstart

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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

  • pros Fast approval
  • pros No prepayment fees
  • pros Competitive rates
  • pros Soft credit check
  • pros Flexible loan amounts.

Cons

  • consHigh rates for some
  • cons Origination fee
  • cons Limited repayment terms
  • cons Requires good credit
  • cons Not available in all states.
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7.

Best Egg

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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

  • pros Competitive interest rates
  • pros Fast funding
  • pros No prepayment penalties
  • pros Simple online application
  • pros Fixed monthly payments.

Cons

  • consOrigination fee
  • cons No joint applications
  • cons Requires good credit
  • cons Limited loan uses
  • cons No in-person support.
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8.

OneMain Financial

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OneMain Financial is a consumer finance company in the United States, specializing in providing personal loans and insurance products. With a history dating back to 1912, the company serves a wide range of customers through its extensive network of branches and online services. OneMain Financial focuses on offering tailored financial solutions, including debt consolidation, home improvement loans, and auto loans, aiming to help individuals achieve their financial goals and improve their creditworthiness.

Pros

  • pros Quick approval
  • pros Flexible loan terms
  • pros No prepayment penalty
  • pros Available to bad credit
  • pros Offers secured loans.

Cons

  • consHigh interest rates
  • cons Origination fees
  • cons Limited online services
  • cons In-person visit required
  • cons Potential for upselling.
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9.

LendingClub

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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

  • pros Easy application
  • pros competitive rates
  • pros flexible terms
  • pros no prepayment penalties
  • pros quick funding.

Cons

  • consOrigination fees
  • cons potential high interest rates for low credit
  • cons limited customer service
  • cons risk of rejection
  • cons possible credit impact.
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