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Compare SoFi Loans & Best Personal Loans 2025

Compare SoFi loans, LightStream, Upstart and other top lenders. SoFi personal loans offer rates from 8.99% APR with no fees. Get pre-qualified for a SoFi loan or other personal loan in minutes with no impact on your credit score. We've helped over 500,000 borrowers find the right personal loan.

6.49%

Lowest APR Available

50+

Lenders Compared

$100K

Max Loan Amount

Apply Now - Check Rates Free → See Best Lenders

✓ No credit impact to pre-qualify

✓ 100% free service

✓ Expert reviews since 2018

Today's Best Personal Loan Rates

6.49% APR

As low as with excellent credit

LightStream

★★★★★ 4.5/5

6.49%

Marcus

★★★★☆ 4.1/5

6.99%

SoFi

★★★★☆ 4.2/5

8.99%

What Is a Personal Loan and How Does It Work?

A personal loan is an unsecured installment loan that allows you to borrow a fixed amount of money and repay it over a set period with fixed monthly payments. Unlike credit cards, personal loans have a defined payoff date and typically offer lower interest rates.

Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning you don't need collateral like a car or home to qualify. Lenders evaluate your creditworthiness based on your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history.

Personal loans can be used for almost any purpose: debt consolidation, home improvements, medical expenses, weddings, vacations, or large purchases. The flexibility makes them one of the most popular borrowing options in America.

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Fixed Interest Rates

Your rate stays the same throughout the loan term, making payments predictable

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Set Repayment Terms

Know exactly when you'll be debt-free with terms from 2-7 years

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Flexible Use of Funds

Use the money for almost any purpose without restrictions

Personal Loan Market 2025

$222B

Total Outstanding

23M+

Americans with Loans

$8,400

Average Loan Size

12.35%

Average APR

Types of Personal Loans Available

Understanding the different types of personal loans helps you choose the right option

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Unsecured Personal Loans

The most common type. No collateral required. Approval based on creditworthiness. Rates typically 6-36% APR depending on credit score.

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Secured Personal Loans

Backed by collateral like a car or savings. Lower rates because lender has less risk. Good option if you have lower credit scores.

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Debt Consolidation Loans

Specifically designed to pay off multiple debts. Often includes direct payment to creditors. Can save thousands in interest.

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Home Improvement Loans

Personal loans for renovation projects. No home equity required. Fixed rates and terms make budgeting easy.

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Medical Loans

Cover healthcare expenses not covered by insurance. Often have promotional 0% APR periods. Accepted at many providers.

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Wedding Loans

Finance your special day without draining savings. Average wedding costs $30,000+. Fixed payments help budget.

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Co-Signed Loans

A creditworthy co-signer helps you qualify. Get better rates with a strong co-borrower. Both parties are responsible for repayment.

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Emergency Loans

Fast funding for unexpected expenses. Many lenders offer same-day or next-day funding. Pre-qualify without credit impact.

Best Personal Loan Lenders of January 2025

Expertly reviewed and ranked by rates, fees, and customer experience

LightStream

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Best Rates No Fees

APR Range

6.49% - 25.99%

Loan Amount

$5K - $100K

Min Credit

~660

Funding

Same Day

Check Rates → Read Review

SoFi

★★★★☆ 4.2/5

Large Loans No Fees

APR Range

8.99% - 29.49%

Loan Amount

$5K - $100K

Min Credit

~680

Funding

Same Day

Check Rates → Read Review

Upstart

★★★★☆ 4.3/5

Fair Credit AI-Powered

APR Range

7.80% - 35.99%

Loan Amount

$1K - $50K

Min Credit

~620

Funding

1 Day

Check Rates → Read Review

Marcus by GS

★★★★☆ 4.1/5

No Fees Trusted Brand

APR Range

6.99% - 29.99%

Loan Amount

$3.5K - $40K

Min Credit

~660

Funding

1-4 Days

Check Rates → Read Review

Best Egg

★★★★☆ 4.2/5

Fast Funding Great Service

APR Range

8.99% - 35.99%

Loan Amount

$2K - $50K

Min Credit

~640

Funding

Next Day

Check Rates → Read Review

Upgrade

★★★★☆ 3.9/5

Bad Credit OK Secured Option

APR Range

8.49% - 35.99%

Loan Amount

$1K - $50K

Min Credit

~580

Funding

1-2 Days

Check Rates → Read Review

View All Lender Reviews →

⭐ Featured Lender

SoFi Loans: Our Top Pick for No-Fee Personal Loans

SoFi personal loans stand out as one of the best options in 2025. With no origination fees, no prepayment penalties, and competitive SoFi loan rates starting at 8.99% APR, SoFi loans offer exceptional value for qualified borrowers. The SoFi personal loan is ideal for debt consolidation, home improvement, and major purchases.

8.99%

Starting APR

$100K

Max Loan Amount

Fees

Read SoFi Loans Review → Apply Now - Check Rates

Why Choose SoFi Personal Loans?

✓

No Origination Fees

Unlike many lenders, SoFi loans have zero origination fees, saving you hundreds

✓

SoFi Member Benefits

Free career coaching, financial planning, and unemployment protection

✓

Large SoFi Loan Amounts

Borrow up to $100,000 with SoFi personal loans - more than most competitors

✓

Same-Day SoFi Loan Funding

Get your SoFi loan funds deposited the same day after approval

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SoFi Debt Consolidation

SoFi can pay creditors directly, streamlining your debt consolidation loan

SoFi Loans vs Other Personal Loan Lenders

See how SoFi personal loans compare to LightStream, Marcus, and Upstart

Feature	SoFi Loans	LightStream	Marcus	Upstart
APR Range	8.99% - 29.49%	6.49% - 25.99%	6.99% - 29.99%	7.80% - 35.99%
Max Loan Amount	$100,000	$100,000	$40,000	$50,000
Origination Fee	$0	$0	$0	0-12%
Min Credit Score	~680	~660	~660	~620
Funding Speed	Same Day	Same Day	1-4 Days	1 Day
Member Benefits	✓ Yes	✗	Payment Reward	✗
Unemployment Protection	✓ Yes	✗	✗	Hardship Program
Direct Creditor Payment	✓ Yes	✗	✗	✗

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SoFi vs LightStream

Compare SoFi loans with LightStream rates

⚔️

SoFi vs Marcus

SoFi personal loan vs Goldman Sachs

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SoFi Alternatives

10 lenders like SoFi to consider

SoFi Loan Requirements & How to Apply

Everything you need to know about SoFi personal loan application process

📋 SoFi Loan Requirements

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Credit Score: Minimum ~680 for SoFi personal loans (good to excellent credit preferred)
✓
Income: Stable employment or sufficient income to repay the SoFi loan
✓
Debt-to-Income: SoFi prefers DTI under 35% for best SoFi loan rates
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Age & Residency: 18+ years old, U.S. citizen or permanent resident
✓
Bank Account: Valid checking account for SoFi loan disbursement

📝 How to Apply for SoFi Loans

1
Pre-qualify for SoFi loan - Check your SoFi loan rates with a soft credit pull (no impact on credit score)
2
Choose your SoFi loan terms - Select loan amount ($5K-$100K) and repayment term (2-7 years)
3
Complete SoFi loan application - Submit income verification and other documents online
4
Get SoFi loan approval - Receive your final SoFi loan offer and sign documents
5
Receive SoFi loan funds - Same-day funding available after approval!

Ready to Apply for a SoFi Personal Loan?

Check your SoFi loan rates in 2 minutes. No impact on your credit score to pre-qualify.

Apply Now - Check Rates → Read Full SoFi Review

SoFi Loans FAQ: Common Questions About SoFi Personal Loans

Answers to frequently asked questions about SoFi loans

Is SoFi good for personal loans?

Yes, SoFi is one of the best personal loan lenders in 2025. SoFi loans offer competitive rates (8.99-29.49% APR), no origination fees, no prepayment penalties, and unique member benefits like unemployment protection and career coaching. SoFi personal loans are especially good for borrowers with good to excellent credit who need larger loan amounts up to $100,000.

What credit score do you need for a SoFi loan?

SoFi generally requires a credit score of 680 or higher for their personal loans. However, SoFi considers your entire financial profile, not just credit score. Strong income, low debt-to-income ratio, and stable employment can help you qualify for SoFi loans even if your score is on the lower end of their range.

What are the current SoFi loan rates?

SoFi personal loan rates range from 8.99% to 29.49% APR as of January 2025. Your actual SoFi loan rate depends on your credit score, income, loan amount, and loan term. SoFi offers a 0.25% autopay discount, so the effective APR can be as low as 8.74% with automatic payments.

How fast can I get a SoFi loan?

SoFi offers same-day funding for qualified borrowers. After you complete your SoFi loan application and provide all required documents, approval can happen within minutes. Funds are typically deposited into your bank account the same business day if approved early enough.

Can I use a SoFi loan for debt consolidation?

Yes, SoFi debt consolidation loans are very popular. SoFi can even pay your creditors directly, which simplifies the debt consolidation process. Many borrowers use SoFi personal loans to consolidate high-interest credit card debt and save thousands in interest over the loan term.

Does SoFi charge origination fees?

No, SoFi personal loans have zero origination fees. This is one of the biggest advantages of SoFi loans compared to other lenders like Upstart (0-12% fee) or Best Egg (0.99-8.99% fee). SoFi also has no prepayment penalties, late fees are reasonable, and there are no hidden charges.

Is SoFi legit and safe?

Yes, SoFi is a legitimate, well-established financial company. SoFi (Social Finance, Inc.) was founded in 2011 and has funded over $50 billion in loans. They're a licensed lender, FDIC-insured bank, and publicly traded company (NASDAQ: SOFI). SoFi personal loans are safe and secure.

What are SoFi member benefits?

SoFi members get exclusive benefits not offered by other lenders: unemployment protection (forbearance if you lose your job), free career coaching, financial planning sessions with CFPs, member events, and referral bonuses. These SoFi member benefits add significant value beyond just the loan.

Read Complete SoFi Loans Review →

How to Get a Personal Loan in 4 Easy Steps

The personal loan application process is simple and can be completed online in minutes

Check Your Credit Score

Review your credit report and score before applying. Know where you stand to find the right lenders for your profile.

→

Compare Multiple Lenders

Pre-qualify with several lenders to compare rates. Most offer soft credit checks that won't hurt your score.

→

Submit Your Application

Complete a full application with your chosen lender. Provide income verification and other required documents.

→

Receive Your Funds

Once approved, funds are deposited directly to your bank account. Many lenders offer same-day funding.

Personal Loan Comparison: Top Lenders Side-by-Side

Quick comparison of the best personal loan companies

Lender	APR Range	Loan Amount	Min Credit	Origination Fee	Funding Speed
LightStream	6.49% - 25.99%	$5K - $100K	~660	$0	Same Day
Marcus	6.99% - 29.99%	$3.5K - $40K	~660	$0	1-4 Days
SoFi	8.99% - 29.49%	$5K - $100K	~680	$0	Same Day
Upstart	7.80% - 35.99%	$1K - $50K	~620	0-12%	1 Day
Best Egg	8.99% - 35.99%	$2K - $50K	~640	0.99-8.99%	Next Day
Upgrade	8.49% - 35.99%	$1K - $50K	~580	1.85-9.99%	1-2 Days

Personal Loan Rates by Credit Score

Your credit score significantly impacts the interest rate you'll receive

800-850

Excellent Credit

APR: 6.49% - 12%

LightStream, SoFi, Marcus

740-799

Very Good Credit

APR: 9% - 15%

All major lenders

670-739

Good Credit

APR: 12% - 20%

Most lenders

580-669

Fair Credit

APR: 18% - 30%

Upstart, Upgrade, Best Egg

300-579

Poor Credit

APR: 25% - 36%

Limited options, consider secured

Learn How to Improve Your Credit Score →

What Can You Use a Personal Loan For?

Personal loans are versatile and can be used for almost any purpose

💳

Debt Consolidation

Combine multiple high-interest debts into one lower-rate payment. The most popular use for personal loans, potentially saving thousands in interest.

🏠

Home Improvement

Finance renovations, repairs, or upgrades without tapping home equity. Great for projects that increase your home's value.

🏥

Medical Expenses

Cover unexpected medical bills, procedures, or treatments not fully covered by insurance. Better rates than medical credit cards.

💒

Wedding Expenses

Finance your dream wedding without draining savings. Average wedding costs $30,000 - a personal loan can help spread the cost.

🚗

Major Purchases

Buy a car, appliances, furniture, or electronics. Often better rates than store financing or credit cards.

✈️

Vacation Financing

Fund that dream vacation or family trip. Fixed payments help you budget while enjoying your travels.

🚨

Emergency Expenses

Cover unexpected costs like car repairs, home emergencies, or job loss. Fast funding when you need it most.

🏢

Moving Costs

Finance relocation expenses including movers, deposits, and new furnishings. Smooth your transition to a new home.

🎓

Education Expenses

Cover tuition, books, or professional certifications. Can supplement or replace student loans in some cases.

Personal Loan Calculator

Estimate your monthly payment and total interest before you apply. Use our calculator to compare different loan amounts, rates, and terms.

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See monthly payments instantly

💰

Calculate total interest paid

📅

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🎯

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Personal Loan FAQs

Common questions about personal loans answered

What credit score do I need for a personal loan?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 580-680. However, for the best rates (under 10% APR), you'll typically need a score of 720 or higher. Lenders like Upstart and Upgrade work with scores as low as 580-620.

How much can I borrow with a personal loan?

Personal loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on the lender and your qualifications. Most borrowers take out loans between $5,000 and $35,000. Your income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio determine your limit.

Does applying for a personal loan hurt my credit?

Pre-qualification uses a soft credit check that doesn't affect your score. A formal application triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily lower your score by 5-10 points. Multiple applications within 14-45 days typically count as one inquiry.

How long does it take to get a personal loan?

Many online lenders offer approval within minutes and funding within 1-3 business days. Some, like LightStream and SoFi, offer same-day funding for approved borrowers. Traditional banks may take 1-2 weeks.

What's the difference between fixed and variable rates?

Fixed rates stay the same throughout your loan term, making payments predictable. Variable rates can change based on market conditions—they may start lower but could increase. Most personal loans have fixed rates.

Can I pay off a personal loan early?

Yes, most lenders allow early payoff without prepayment penalties. This can save you significant interest. Always check your loan terms—some lenders charge early payoff fees, though this is becoming less common.

What's an origination fee?

An origination fee is a one-time charge (typically 1-8% of the loan amount) deducted from your loan proceeds. Some lenders like SoFi, LightStream, and Marcus charge no origination fees, which can save you hundreds.

Is a personal loan better than a credit card?

Personal loans typically have lower interest rates (6-36% vs 15-29% for credit cards), fixed payments, and a set payoff date. They're usually better for large expenses or debt consolidation. Credit cards offer more flexibility for ongoing purchases.

See All FAQs →