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Small personal loans, $200 – $5,000 · data from the Fed's Oct 7, 2026 release

UpStart LoansSmall personal loans, explained with numbers you can check

UpStart Loans is an independent guide to personal loans of $200–$5,000 in the US: what a loan costs today, how lenders decide your rate, and how to compare offers without getting caught by fees. Every figure is tied to a dated public source: the Federal Reserve, TransUnion, the CFPB and the FTC.

Check your rate & apply How personal loans work
  • Primary sources onlyFed, TransUnion, CFPB, FTC
  • Reviewed Nov 1, 2026Updated after each Fed release
  • Not a lenderNo one pays to change our numbers

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Soft check · won't affect your score

See personal loan offers from $200 to $5,000. Takes about two minutes; comparing offers is free and uses a soft credit check.

256-bit encrypted. Submitting a request does not obligate you to accept any offer. UpStart Loans is not a lender; your request is shared with participating lenders and marketplaces, who make all credit decisions. See our advertiser disclosure and privacy policy.
11.90%Average APR on a 24-month personal loan at US commercial banks, August 2026Federal Reserve G.19 · Oct 7, 2026
22.36%Average APR on credit card accounts that were assessed interest, August 2026Federal Reserve G.19 · Oct 7, 2026
$281BOutstanding unsecured personal loan balances, a record, up 9.6% year over yearTransUnion Q2 2026 CIIR
26.9MAmericans carrying an unsecured personal loan; average balance $11,694 per borrowerTransUnion Q2 2026 CIIR
Calculator

UpStart Loans calculator: what would a loan cost you?

Drag the sliders to match a quote. The calculator shows the monthly payment, total interest and how the same balance would compare on a credit card at the current 22.36% average.

  • APR, not rate. Enter the APR from your offer; it already includes origination fees.
  • Shorter is cheaper. A 36-month loan is usually priced 2–4 points below 60 months and costs far less interest.
  • Compare three offers. Pre-qualified offers for the same person routinely differ by 3–6 points.
Check your rate & apply

Loan cost calculator

Fixed rate · equal payments

Default is the Fed's August 2026 average bank rate on a 24-month loan. Drag to match your own quote.

Monthly payment$497
Total interest$2,910
Total repaid$17,910
PrincipalInterest · 16% of repayment
Same balance on a credit card at 22.36% APR, same term +$2,814 more interest
Estimates only. Excludes origination fees (commonly 1%–10%, deducted from proceeds), which raise your real APR. Credit-card comparison uses the Federal Reserve's August 2026 average for accounts assessed interest (22.36%) and assumes the same fixed payoff schedule.

Personal loan vs. credit card APR, 2021–2026

Average rates at US commercial banks. Annual figures are averages; 2026 is the August reading.

Average APR on 24-month personal loans versus credit cards, 2021 to 2026 Personal loan APR rose from 9.38 percent in 2021 to 11.90 percent in August 2026. Credit card APR rose from 16.45 percent to 22.36 percent over the same period. 0%5%10%15%20%25% 20212022202320242025Aug 2026 22.36%11.90% Credit cardsPersonal loans
24-month personal loan (banks)Credit cards, accounts assessed interest
View data table
PeriodPersonal loan APRCredit card APRGap
20219.38%16.45%7.07 pts
20229.87%17.91%8.04 pts
202311.87%22.15%10.28 pts
202412.27%22.89%10.62 pts
202511.50%22.32%10.82 pts
Aug 202611.90%22.36%10.46 pts

Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, G.19 Consumer Credit, series TERMCBPER24NS and TERMCBCCINTNS.

Why the gap matters

Cards got expensive faster than loans did

The spread between card and personal-loan APRs is the reason debt consolidation is the single most common stated purpose for a personal loan. In 2021 a bank personal loan was about 7 points cheaper than carrying a card balance. By August 2026 the gap had widened to roughly 10.5 points.

Two cautions keep the headline honest. The Fed's figure is a bank average; fintech and finance-company lenders, which now originate about 45% of new unsecured personal loans according to TransUnion, often price higher for subprime borrowers. And an origination fee of 5% on a three-year loan adds roughly 3 points to the effective APR.

Read the debt consolidation guide →

The basics

What is a personal loan?

A personal loan is a fixed amount of money, from a few hundred dollars up to $50,000 or more (this site focuses on loans of $200 to $5,000), that you borrow from a bank, credit union or online lender and repay in equal monthly installments over a set term, usually two to seven years. Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral such as a car or home backs the debt; the lender relies on your credit history, income and existing obligations to price the risk.

Because the rate is almost always fixed, your payment never changes, which is the feature that distinguishes a personal loan from a credit card. The trade-off is flexibility: you receive the money once, as a lump sum, and you cannot re-borrow as you pay it down.

Secured vs. unsecured personal loans

A minority of personal loans are secured by a savings account, certificate of deposit or vehicle title. Secured loans carry lower APRs because the lender can claim the collateral if you default, and they are one of the few routes to a sub-10% rate with fair credit. Experian's 2025 data put total US personal loan balances at $597.6 billion, of which $390.4 billion was secured and $207.1 billion unsecured, so secured products are a larger share of the market than most borrowers assume.

Plain-English rule: if you could not comfortably make the payment if your income dropped for three months, the loan is too large or the term is too short, whatever the APR.

What a personal loan is not

  • Not a payday loan. Payday and some storefront "installment" products carry APRs of 200% to 400%+ and two-to-four-week terms. The Military Lending Act caps rates for active-duty service members at 36% MAPR; many consumer advocates treat 36% as the ceiling for affordable credit generally.
  • Not a line of credit. A personal line of credit or HELOC lets you draw repeatedly up to a limit, usually at a variable rate.
  • Not a buy-now-pay-later plan. BNPL splits a single purchase into a few payments and is tied to that merchant.

Full guide: personal loans from application to final payment →

The process

How a personal loan works, in five steps

The process is the same whether you apply at a 100-year-old bank or a fintech founded last year. Where it differs is speed and documentation.

  1. 1

    Check your credit first

    Pull your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, dispute errors, and know your score band before any lender does.

  2. 2

    Pre-qualify with several lenders

    A soft inquiry shows an estimated APR and term with no score impact. Three to five quotes is a reasonable sample.

  3. 3

    Compare the APR, not the rate

    APR folds in origination fees. Line up total interest plus fees over the full term; the lowest payment is rarely the cheapest loan.

  4. 4

    Apply and verify

    A hard inquiry is placed now. Expect to upload pay stubs or bank statements and an ID. Decisions range from minutes to a few days.

  5. 5

    Fund, then set up autopay

    Proceeds (minus any origination fee) arrive by ACH. Many lenders discount the APR by 0.25%–0.50% for automatic payments.

Rates

Personal loan rates by credit score, 2026

Your credit score moves your APR more than any other single factor. These are typical ranges for unsecured loans from mainstream US lenders, compiled from published lender rate sheets and marketplace data.

Typical APR ranges by FICO score band
Credit tierFICO rangeTypical APRRange on a 0–40% scale$10,000 over 36 months
Excellent720–8506.5% – 12%
≈ $307–$332 / mo
Good690–71910% – 17%
≈ $323–$357 / mo
Fair630–68917% – 28%
≈ $357–$414 / mo
Poor300–62928% – 36%
≈ $414–$458 / mo

Ranges reflect 2026 published APRs from bank, credit-union and online lenders and prequalified-offer data reported by Bankrate (Sept 2026 average 12.21% for a 700 FICO, $5,000, 3-year loan), NerdWallet and Financer. Payments are our own amortization math and exclude fees. Lenders use different scoring models; your offer may fall outside these bands.

Where the Fed average sits

Each bar spans the typical low-to-high APR for that tier. The dashed line is the Fed's August 2026 bank average.

Typical personal loan APR range by credit tier Excellent 6.5 to 12 percent, good 10 to 17, fair 17 to 28, poor 28 to 36. The Federal Reserve bank average of 11.90 percent sits inside the excellent and good ranges. 0%10%20%30%40% ExcellentGoodFairPoor 6.5%12% 10%17% 17%28% 28%36% Fed bank avg 11.90%

Same report, different tier

Two scores on the same report can land in different tiers. Lenders may use FICO 8, FICO 9 or VantageScore 4.0, and each weights late payments and collections differently. Our bad-credit loan guide covers lenders that look past the score to income and bank-account history.

Term length is the second lever. Moving from a 60-month to a 36-month term on the same $10,000 at 12% APR raises the payment from about $222 to $332 but cuts total interest from roughly $3,350 to $1,960. If the higher payment fits, the shorter term is almost always the cheaper loan.

Underwriting

What lenders look at besides your score

Underwriting is a checklist. Knowing the items lets you fix the ones you can before you apply.

  • Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)Monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income. Most lenders prefer under 36%; some approve to 45%–50% at higher APRs.
  • Verifiable incomeW-2 pay stubs, tax returns if self-employed, or bank statements. Many online lenders set minimums of $20,000–$30,000 a year.
  • Payment historyA 30-day late payment in the last 12 months weighs more than an older one. Recent collections or a bankruptcy within 2–7 years are common decline reasons.
  • Credit utilizationCard balances above 30% of limits lower your score. Paying a card down before applying can move you into a cheaper tier.
  • Length and mix of creditA thin file (fewer than three accounts or under two years of history) limits options; some fintechs also weigh education and employment data.
  • Loan amount and termLonger terms usually carry higher APRs. A $5,000 request is often priced differently from $35,000 with the same profile.

Your legal right if declined: under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B), a lender must send an adverse action notice stating the specific reasons for denial, or how to request them, generally within 30 days. If a credit report was used, the Fair Credit Reporting Act entitles you to a free copy of that report.

Use cases

What Americans use personal loans for

Lenders rarely restrict use beyond excluding tuition, gambling and (in most cases) business expenses. These six purposes account for most originations.

Debt consolidation

Roll several card balances into one fixed payment at a lower APR. The most common use, and the one with the clearest math.

Consolidation guide

Home improvement

Unsecured alternative to a HELOC when you lack equity or want a fixed rate and no lien on the house.

Home improvement loans

Medical and dental bills

Covers deductibles, procedures and dental work. Compare against a provider payment plan, which is often interest-free.

Medical financing

Emergency expenses

Car repairs, a furnace, a funeral. Fast funding matters; so does avoiding payday products that cost 10× more.

Emergency loan options

Weddings and major events

Average US wedding costs exceed $30,000. A fixed-term loan beats a card balance, but a smaller budget beats both.

Wedding financing

Moving and relocation

Deposits, movers and overlap rent add up quickly. Short terms (12–24 months) keep total interest small.

Relocation loans
Lender reviews

Six major US lenders, reviewed on cost, fees and access

Published terms as of November 1, 2026, taken from each lender's own disclosures and cross-checked against independent review sites. Scores are ours and are not influenced by compensation.

40%Cost: APR floor, APR ceiling and the typical rate borrowers actually receive
20%Fees: origination, late, returned-payment and prepayment charges
20%Access: minimum score, income and history requirements, pre-qualification
20%Flexibility: amounts, terms, discounts, joint or secured options, funding speed

LightStream

Best for excellent credit and zero fees
4.7/5
Upstart Loans USA
editorial score
APR range6.49% – 24.89%with autopay
Loan amounts$5,000 – $100,000
Terms2 – 7 yrs
Origination feeNone
Min. credit score660+ (good–excellent)
FundingSame day
  • No origination, late or prepayment fees
  • Lowest APR ceiling of the six; Rate Beat program
  • No pre-qualification: applying is a hard inquiry
  • $5,000 minimum; needs several years of credit history
Read the full LightStream review

SoFi

Best for large loans and member perks
4.6/5
Upstart Loans USA
editorial score
APR range7.74% – 35.49%with discounts
Loan amounts$5,000 – $100,000
Terms2 – 7 yrs
Origination fee0% – 7% (optional)
Min. credit scoreNot published (mid-600s typical)
FundingSame day
  • Optional origination fee: pay it only to buy down the rate
  • No late fees; unemployment protection on payments
  • APR ceiling of 35.49% for weaker profiles
  • $5,000 minimum loan
Read the full SoFi review

Discover

Best for fee-free debt consolidation
4.6/5
Upstart Loans USA
editorial score
APR range7.99% – 24.99%fixed
Loan amounts$2,500 – $40,000
Terms3 – 7 yrs
Origination feeNone
Min. credit score660+
FundingNext business day
  • No fees of any kind and a 24.99% APR cap
  • Pays credit-card issuers directly; 30-day return guarantee
  • $40,000 maximum
  • No rate discounts, secured or joint loans
Read the full Discover review

Upgrade

Best for fair credit and small loans
4.3/5
Upstart Loans USA
editorial score
APR range7.74% – 35.99%fixed
Loan amounts$1,000 – $50,000
Terms2 – 7 yrs
Origination fee1.85% – 9.99%
Min. credit score≈ 580 – 600
Funding1 business day
  • Loans from $1,000; secured and joint options
  • Autopay and direct-pay discounts; 3-year credit history accepted
  • Origination fee on every loan
  • Top-of-range APR is expensive for fair credit
Read the full Upgrade review

Upstart

Best for thin credit files
4.1/5
Upstart Loans USA
editorial score
APR range6.20% – 35.99%incl. fee
Loan amounts$1,000 – $75,000
Terms3 or 5 yrs
Origination fee0% – 12%
Min. credit scoreNo minimum (300+)
Funding1 business day
  • Underwriting weighs education and employment, not just score
  • Funds most approved loans next business day
  • Origination fee can reach 12%, the highest here
  • Only two term options; late fee 5% or $15
Read the full Upstart review

Avant

Best for bad credit with fast funding
3.9/5
Upstart Loans USA
editorial score
APR range9.95% – 35.99%incl. fee
Loan amounts$2,000 – $35,000
Terms1 – 5 yrs
Origination feeUp to 9.99% (administration)
Min. credit score≈ 550 – 580
FundingNext business day
  • Accepts scores around 550; most borrowers are 600–700
  • Soft-pull pre-qualification; next-day funding
  • Highest starting APR of the six
  • Administration fee plus late and returned-payment fees
Read the full Avant review

APR ranges include any origination fee and assume autopay where the lender offers a discount. Ranges, minimums and availability vary by state and change frequently; confirm on the lender's site before applying. Upstart Loans USA is not affiliated with any lender listed, including Upstart Network, Inc. Some links may be affiliate links; see our advertiser disclosure.

Compare all lenders side by side
Alternatives

Personal loan vs. the alternatives

No product is cheapest in every situation. This table compares the five ways Americans most often borrow a few thousand dollars.

Borrowing options compared, typical US terms in 2026
FeaturePersonal loanCredit card0% balance-transfer cardHELOCPayday loan
Typical APR6% – 36%20% – 30%0% for 12–21 mo, then 20%+7% – 11% (variable)300% – 400%+
Rate typeFixedVariablePromo, then variableVariableFlat fee per $100
CollateralNone (usually)NoneNoneYour homePost-dated check / bank access
Typical amount$1,000 – $50,000Credit limitCredit limitUp to ~85% of equity$100 – $1,000
Repayment2–7 yrs, fixedRevolving, minimum dueRevolving; pay before promo ends10-yr draw, 20-yr repay2–4 weeks, lump sum
Common feesOrigination 1%–10%Annual, lateTransfer fee 3%–5%Closing costs, annual$10–$30 per $100
Credit needed580+ (660+ for best rates)VariesGood to excellentGood + home equityNone
Best whenYou want a fixed payoff date at a known costBalance is paid in full monthlyYou can clear the balance inside the promo windowLarge project, strong equity, comfortable with variable ratesRarely; exhaust other options first

APR ranges are indicative of mainstream US products in 2026. Credit card figure reflects Federal Reserve G.19 averages for accounts assessed interest (22.36%, Aug 2026) and typical issuer ranges. Payday cost per $100 per the CFPB's description of typical two-week loans. HELOC rates move with the prime rate.

Comparing offers

Read the Truth in Lending disclosure

Every closed-end consumer loan in the United States comes with a standardized federal disclosure required by the Truth in Lending Act and its implementing rule, Regulation Z (12 CFR 1026.18), enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Lenders must give it to you before you are legally bound. Five boxes do most of the work:

  1. Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The cost of credit as a yearly rate, including the interest rate and most fees, especially the origination fee. The only number that lets you compare two lenders fairly.
  2. Finance charge. The total dollar amount the credit will cost you over the full term if you pay as scheduled.
  3. Amount financed. What you actually receive, after any fees deducted from the proceeds. A "$15,000 loan" with a 5% origination fee puts $14,250 in your account.
  4. Total of payments. Amount financed plus finance charge: everything you will have paid when the loan is done.
  5. Payment schedule. Number, amount and timing of payments. Confirm there is no balloon payment and whether any prepayment penalty applies.

Three things the disclosure will not tell you

  • Whether a shorter term with a higher payment would save you more. Run both through the calculator above.
  • Whether the lender reports to all three credit bureaus (it should, if you want the loan to help your score).
  • Whether the rate includes an autopay discount that disappears if you switch to manual payments.

Origination fees in practice: a 5% fee on a $15,000, 36-month loan quoted at 11.9% interest produces an APR of roughly 15.5%. Two lenders with the same "rate" can differ by several points of APR.

Stay safe

Red flags: how to recognize a personal loan scam

The Federal Trade Commission's guidance on advance-fee loan fraud comes down to a handful of patterns. If you see one, stop and verify the lender through your state's financial regulator before sending any money or documents.

Fees before funding

Real lenders deduct origination fees from the loan or add them to the balance. Anyone who asks you to pay "insurance," "processing" or "first payment" by gift card, wire or payment app before you receive money is running an advance-fee scam.

"Guaranteed approval" or "no credit check"

Legitimate lenders cannot promise approval before reviewing an application, and federal rules require them to assess ability to repay. Guarantees are a sales hook for products that cost far more than 36% APR, or for no product at all.

No state license, no physical address

Most states require consumer lenders to be licensed. Check NMLS Consumer Access and your state regulator. Unsolicited calls, pressure to decide today and a website with no street address complete the pattern.

If you have been targeted, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and file a complaint with the CFPB. Full guide: Personal loan scams and how to verify a lender.

Go deeper

Guides for every stage of borrowing

Longer reads, each updated on its own schedule and dated at the top of the page.

Person reviewing a personal loan rate chart on a tablet
Rates

Current personal loan rates, updated monthly

Bank, credit union and online lender averages, with the Fed series behind each number.

12 min read
 Three credit cards beside a single loan statement, illustrating debt consolidation
Debt

Debt consolidation loans: when the math works

A worked example with fees, plus the three situations where consolidating makes things worse.

15 min read
 Person checking their credit score on a phone at home
Bad credit

Personal loans for bad credit: realistic options

What a 580–640 score can qualify for, which lenders look beyond the score, and what to avoid.

14 min read
 Pay stubs, bank statement and ID gathered in a folder for a loan application
How-to

How to get a personal loan in 7 steps

Documents to gather, how pre-qualification works, and what to do if you are declined.

10 min read
 Magnifying glass over a loan fee schedule showing origination and late fees
Costs

Personal loan fees explained

Origination, late, returned-payment and prepayment fees, and how each one changes your APR.

8 min read
 Person comparing three lender offer sheets side by side
Lenders

Lender reviews and comparisons

Published APR ranges, fees, minimum scores and funding times for major US lenders, side by side.

Updated monthly
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Short answers with the source behind each one.

What is the average personal loan interest rate in the US right now?

According to the Federal Reserve's G.19 Consumer Credit release of October 7, 2026, the average rate on a 24-month personal loan at commercial banks was 11.90% in August 2026. Bankrate's September 2026 survey (700 FICO, $5,000, three-year term) puts the average at 12.21%. Individual offers typically range from about 6% to 36% APR.

What credit score do I need for a personal loan?

There is no single minimum. Many banks and credit unions look for roughly 660 or higher, while some online lenders accept scores in the 580s or lower at higher APRs. Borrowers at 720+ typically see 6.5%–12% APR in 2026; below 580 usually means 28%–36% if approved at all. See our bad-credit guide.

Is a personal loan cheaper than a credit card?

On average, yes. The Fed's August 2026 data shows 11.90% for a 24-month bank personal loan versus 22.36% on credit card accounts assessed interest, a gap of about 10.5 points. Origination fees, a long term or a weak credit profile can shrink or erase that advantage, so compare APR and total cost over the full term.

Does checking personal loan rates hurt my credit score?

Pre-qualification uses a soft inquiry and does not affect your score. A hard inquiry is placed only when you formally apply; it typically lowers a FICO score by fewer than five points.

What fees come with a personal loan?

The most common is an origination fee, usually 1%–10% of the loan and deducted from proceeds. Some lenders charge late or returned-payment fees; prepayment penalties are now uncommon among major lenders. Under the Truth in Lending Act these costs must be reflected in the disclosed APR.

How fast can I get the money?

Many online lenders fund within one to three business days after verification, and some offer same- or next-day funding. Banks and credit unions may take several business days. Having pay stubs, ID and bank statements ready is the biggest factor you control.

What is a Truth in Lending disclosure?

A standardized federal disclosure required by the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z (12 CFR 1026.18) for closed-end consumer loans. It must state the APR, finance charge, amount financed, total of payments and payment schedule before you are bound. See the annotated example above.

How do I spot a personal loan scam?

Per FTC guidance: a lender that guarantees approval before reviewing your application, demands an upfront fee (especially by gift card, wire or payment app), is not licensed in your state, pressures you to act immediately or contacts you unsolicited. Legitimate lenders disclose fees in writing and deduct them from the loan.

Can I pay a personal loan off early?

Usually yes, and because interest accrues on the remaining balance, early payoff reduces total interest. Check the disclosure for a prepayment penalty; most large US lenders no longer charge one.

Will a personal loan help or hurt my credit?

Both, in sequence. The hard inquiry and new account cause a small initial dip. Over time, on-time payments build history, and if the loan pays off card balances your utilization ratio falls, which often raises the score within a few months. Missed payments are reported after 30 days and have the opposite effect.

Glossary

Key terms

The vocabulary you will meet on every rate sheet. Full glossary: Personal loan glossary.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
The yearly cost of a loan including interest and most fees. Required by federal law; the number to compare across lenders.
Origination fee
A one-time charge for processing the loan, typically 1%–10%, usually deducted from the amount you receive.
Amortization
The schedule by which each fixed payment is split between interest and principal; early payments are interest-heavy.
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
Total monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income. Lenders commonly prefer under 36%.
Soft vs. hard inquiry
A soft pull (pre-qualification) does not affect your score; a hard pull (formal application) can lower it slightly.
Prepayment penalty
A fee for paying the loan off early. Uncommon among major US personal lenders, but check the disclosure.
Unsecured loan
A loan with no collateral; the lender relies on your creditworthiness. Most personal loans are unsecured.
Adverse action notice
The written explanation a lender must send when it declines you or offers worse terms, required by ECOA/Regulation B.
Autopay discount
A rate reduction, commonly 0.25%–0.50%, for enrolling in automatic payments. May be removed if you cancel autopay.
Editorial standards

How UpStart Loans researches and updates this page

Last reviewed Nov 1, 2026 · Next review after the Fed's January 2027 G.19 release

Upstart Loans USA is an independent educational publisher. We are not a lender, broker or credit-repair service, and we do not make or arrange loans. Every market statistic on this page is drawn from a primary source, named and dated next to the figure. Where we use our own calculations, such as the payment examples, we state the assumptions.

We update rate figures after each quarterly Federal Reserve G.19 release and each TransUnion Credit Industry Insights Report. Lender-specific APR ranges are checked against lenders' published rate disclosures monthly. If you find an error, write to [email protected] and we will correct it with a visible note.

Some links on this site may be affiliate links. Compensation never affects which statistics we publish or how we rank lenders; our advertiser disclosure and editorial policy explain the details.

Sources cited on this page

  1. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Consumer Credit – G.19, release of October 7, 2026 (August 2026 data). Series TERMCBPER24NS and TERMCBCCINTNS. federalreserve.gov/releases/g19
  2. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, FRED. Historical values for the above series, 2021–2026. fred.stlouisfed.org
  3. TransUnion. Q2 2026 Credit Industry Insights Report, August 6, 2026: balances ($281B), borrowers (26.9M), average debt per borrower ($11,694), 60+ DPD rate (3.81%), fintech origination share (45.0%, Q1 2026). newsroom.transunion.com
  4. Bankrate. Average personal loan interest rates, September 2026 (12.21%, 700 FICO, $5,000, 36 months). bankrate.com
  5. Experian. Consumer Credit Review, 2025 personal loan balances by secured/unsecured type.
  6. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Regulation Z, 12 CFR §1026.18, content of closed-end credit disclosures. consumerfinance.gov
  7. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Regulation B (Equal Credit Opportunity Act), 12 CFR §1002.9, adverse action notices.
  8. Federal Trade Commission. Consumer advice on advance-fee loan scams. consumer.ftc.gov
  9. U.S. Department of Defense. Military Lending Act, 32 CFR Part 232 (36% MAPR cap).

UpStart Loans: know your number before a lender tells you theirs

Start with the current rate tables, then pre-qualify with several lenders using soft inquiries. The order matters.

See current rates by credit score