Best Personal Loan Rates - September 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
- Location-Based Rate Tables
- Bank & Credit Union Star Ratings
- Finance Calculators
Current competitive personal loan options include: River Region Federal Credit UnionRiver Region Federal Credit Union1625 Lutcher Ave, Lutcher, LA, 70071A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.07%'s Signature Loans has an APR of 3.99%, Blue Flame Credit Union Charlotte, NCBlue Flame Credit Union Charlotte, NC2000 Continental Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28273A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.29%'s Personal Lending Loan has an APR of 3.99%, GPO Federal Credit UnionGPO Federal Credit Union4311 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY, 13413A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.97%'s Personal Unsecured Loans has an APR of 4.49%, Haverhill Fire Department Credit UnionHaverhill Fire Department Credit Union75 Kenoza Ave, Haverhill, MA, 01830 4132A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.00%'s Share Secured/Credit Building Loan has an APR of 4.49%, and Benton County Schools Credit UnionBenton County Schools Credit Union2101 NW Professional DR, Corvallis, OR, 97330A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.08%'s Consolidation loan has an APR of 4.50%. Personal loan rates as of September 1, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
Whether you need to consolidate high-interest debt, fund a home improvement project, or cover an unexpected expense, comparing personal loan rates across top-rated lenders can save you significantly over the life of your loan.
We empower borrowers with transparent, proprietary financial health metrics—including A-F Safety Grades, verified Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios—so you can confidently borrow from a stable, highly-rated institution.
Personal loan rates reflect recent market quotes and representative offers available to borrowers. Rates shown are typically “as low as” APRs for borrowers with excellent credit. Your final approved rate will depend on your credit history, credit score, income, and loan amount. Personal Loan Rates Last Updated and Verified: September 1, 2026
Personal Loan Rates
As Low As; Copy of invoice from school/college required
Rates listed are as low as. Actual rate based on individual credit.
As Low As; *
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Score: A+; Range: 730 and over
Optional - Start your Debt Diet with our FREE Financial Wellness Review. We'll schedule a one-on-one review with our Certified Financial Counselors to review your bills - current and past-due - as well as your credit report. After your review, you can choose to continue Free financial counseling to help you stay on your Debt Diet and keep your financaes in shape!
2
No additional details provided.
As low as; Rate listed reflects 760+ FICO 8 credit score.
Rate quoted based on 36 month term, $500 up to $30,000 for an Anything Loan or borrow $1,000 up to $30,000 for a Debt Consolidation Loan.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Balance: Up to 100% Collateralized Share Balance
As Low As
Rate/APR*
No additional details provided.
$3,000.00; *1 per member ** Not included in signature limit
No additional details provided.
Score: A; Range: 680-729
Credit Score: A 700 & Up
As Low As; ***
6.40% APR; 7.40% APR
As low as; Unsecured Personal Loan Max $2,500
As low as
As Low As
As low as
As Low As
Loan Amount: $6,000 to $9,999
No additional details provided.
2
Rates effective October 27, 2023
No additional details provided.
Interest Rate2 Months 13-84: 7.70%
No additional details provided.
As Low As
No additional details provided.
As Low As
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As Low As; Rates as low as 5.9% for up to 36 months.
Oferta valida hasta el 30/9/26
No additional details provided.
Interest Rate2 Months 0-12: 0.00%
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As low as
Secured Loan Pricing - Base Rates (as low as)
APR range: 5.99%, 5.99%, 5.99%, 7.24%, 8.49%
Credit Score: 730 and above; buy GAP
As Low As; Rates subject to change without notice.
Lowest listed rates include 0.25% discount for automatic payment from Eagle Checking.
up to $2,500.00; As Low As
Rates as low as
As Low As; Signature - $20,000 max.
Loan Amount: $10,000 to $19,999
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As Low As
As Low As; With Approved Credit
Rates as low as. From vacation travel, holiday spending, or even an appliance purchase, you can get the money you need without spending a fortune. Featuring a fixed low rate and an easy-to-make payment, apply for a personal loan today!
No additional details provided.
+2.00% above Share Savings Dividend Rate*
Rates From 6.00% APR*
May receive a 0.25% discount if loan payment is payroll deduction or autopay.
As Low As;*
As low as; New Money Only; MOVING SALE! Lower Loan Rates NOW through October 31, 2026
Score: B; Range: 640-679
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Regular APR: 6.00%
Rate with Maximum Discount*: 5.75% | Credit score 650 or >
2
As Low As
No additional details provided.
Get the money you need.
Rates as Low as 6.09% APR* Members are eligible after 6 months of employment Member can qualify for 2 times their gross monthly income not to exceed $10,000.00.
$3,000.00; *1 per member ** Not included in signature limit
No additional details provided.
Used Vehicle Loan; no cash out
Maximum $49,999.99 Available to: Parishes of the PNCC and non-profit associations and organizations associated with the Polish National Alliance
Up to $5,000
APR range: 6.25% 6.75%; CASH SECURED LOAN; Minimum $1,000; Max LTV 90%; Must be secured by Bank of Greene County Deposit Account
As Low As; 72-Month Eco Personal Loan ($5,000 min, $50,000 max)
As low as
Rates as low as 6.25% APR*
No additional details provided.
Credit Score: 730+
As Low As; Apply Now
No additional details provided.
Unsecured, As Low As
Interest Rate2 Months 0-12: 0.00%; Interest Rate2 Months 13-84: 8.70%
No additional details provided.
Fixed
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Includes .25% auto pay rate discount.
As low as
As low as
As low as; Unsecured
As Low As
Lowest listed rates include 0.25% discount for automatic payment from Eagle Checking.
Loan amount up to $75,000
As Low As; Auto Pay Discount: 6.39%
As Low As
Loan Amount: $20,000 to $49,999
As low as
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As Low As
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Credit Score: 660 and up
No additional details provided.
As Low As
As Low As
6.89% for up to 60 months when you purchase or refinance a vehicle loan from another financial institution to InvesTex Credit Union. Rates quoted are based on approved credit. Your APR may be higher based on your credit information obtained from consumer credit reporting agencies InvesTex Credit Union uses. Other terms and restrictions apply and are subject to approval.
No additional details provided.
The minimum loan amount for the 12 month term is $1,000.
up to $5,000.00 maximum with approved credit
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As Low As; 84-Month Eco Personal Loan ($10,000 min, $50,000 max)
No additional details provided.
As Low As; Please contact one of our friendly Member Service Representatives for more details. We calculate the interest you pay on loans based on your unpaid principal balance for the actual number of days you use the funds. There are no prepayment penalties or hidden charges. Your interest rate will be determined by your individual credit history and the credit union's underwriting standards. We offer a 0.25% rate discount on new and used vehicle loans when 20% cash down is made (the First-Time Buyer program is exempt from the discount).
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Credit Score: 600-639
As Low As*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
Amount: Up to $50,000; Credit Tier: 740 or greater
As Low As
As Needed
Rates are for qualified borrowers and are based on the credit worthiness of the individual. Actual rates may be different than the rates shown. As of 12/10/25 the Prime Rate was 6.75%.
Credit Score: A 700 & Up
As Low As
Unsecured Loan
APR range: 6.75% APR to 17.25%; Need extra money for life's unexpected expenses or planned purchases? Telco Plus Credit Union Personal Loans provide affordable financing with competitive rates, flexible terms, and quick local decisions to help you reach your financial goals. Whether you're looking to consolidate high-interest debt, finance a vacation, pay for home improvements, cover medical expenses, purchase appliances, or handle unexpected bills, our personal loans are designed to fit your needs and budget. Why Choose a Telco Plus Personal Loan? Competitive low interest rates. Fast local loan decisions and processing. Flexible repayment terms. Fixed monthly payments. No collateral required for qualified unsecured loans. Secured loan options available for even lower rates. Friendly local service from a trusted East Texas credit union. Our lending team works with members to find the financing option that best fits their situation. Whether you need a small personal loan or a larger loan for a major expense, we're here to help. Unsecured and Secured Personal Loan Options. Telco Plus Credit Union offers both unsecured personal loans and secured personal loans. Qualified borrowers may obtain an unsecured loan without collateral, while secured loans backed by savings or other collateral may qualify for lower interest rates. Current members can apply quickly through Online Banking, while new members can easily submit an application through our website. Our streamlined application process makes getting the money you need simple and convenient. If you're looking for low-interest personal loans in East Texas, let Telco Plus Credit Union help you borrow with confidence and save money compared to many high-rate lenders. Your rate, term, loan amount, and payments will vary based on creditworthiness and loan underwriting guidelines. Loan interest begins to accrue on the open date of the loan. Delaying the first payment for 30 days or more increases the amount of interest paid over the term of the loan. Loan Examples: A 12-month $1,000 loan with the best credit may have a low rate of 6.75% APR; and a payment of $87. Total loan payments will be $1,036.74; $1,000 paid towards the principal borrowed and $36.74 to interest. A 12-month $1,000 loan with less than perfect credit may have a rate as high as 17.25% APR; and a payment of $92. Total loan payments will be $1,095.28; $1,000 paid towards the principal borrowed and $95.28 to interest.
As Low As
Daily Periodic Rate: 0.018493%
As Low As
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Maximum $49,999.99 Available to: Parishes of the PNCC and non-profit associations and organizations associated with the Polish National Alliance
No additional details provided.
new rates require a minimum advance of $1,000.00
Borrow $11,000 to $20,000. Limited-time promotion runs June 1 through August 31, 2026! Rates effective 08/17/2026. Rates may vary based on the term of the loan and the applicant's credit history. Rates are shown "as low as" and are subject to credit worthiness and loan term.
Rates As Low As
As Low As; Borrow $11,000 to $20,000 with predictable, fixed terms from 48 to 60 months. This limited-time promotion runs June 1 through August 31, 2026!
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Limit of $10,000.00
As Low As
As Low As
APR with Discount as low as*; 6.45%
Rates subject to change. Call to confirm rates shown.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As Low As
As Low As
As low as; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and other factors.
Two Signatures - $10,000.00
As low as
As Low As
As low as; $8,500 Maximum
As Low As; Rates
As low as
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As low as
As Low As; Loan Amount: Up to $40,000
No additional details provided.
Rates are tiered, rate shown as low as. APR is subject to change without notice.
$5,000 limit
Credit Score: 730 and above; buy GAP
No additional details provided.
As Low As
No additional details provided.
Special Rate; As Low As
Loan amounts of $500 - $30,000
As low as
As Low As; Repayment terms available up to 60 months. Maximum loan about $20,000.00.
Offer valid on new money only and cannot be used on existing First Capital Federal Credit Union loans. 700 credit score and above. Minimum loan amount is $500.00, maximum loan amount is $15,000.00. Cannot be combined with any other offer other than the 3-star discount. Promotion may be cancelled at any time. Effective July 1 - September 30, 2026.
Interest Rate: 6.99% - 16.99%
Rates are based on your credit history and credit qualifications. Minimum loan amount is $250. Maximum loan repayment period is 48 months or 12 months per $1,000 borrowed. (For loans under $1,000 maximum loan repayment period is 1 month per $100 borrowed.) Available on new purchases only. Total purchase price, including accessories, cannot exceed 120% of the retail price of the bicycle.
As Low As
As Low As
Lowest listed rates include 0.25% discount for automatic payment from Eagle Checking.
Rates quoted 'as low as' are subject to change without notice. Actual loan rate determined by credit score & term. All loan applications are subject to approval.
Secured by Share Certificate
As Low As*
From
No additional details provided.
As low as
No additional details provided.
A signature loan based on income and credit history.
As Low As; Signature - $20,000 max.
Personal Loan Rates
No additional details provided.
As Low As; ***
6.40% APR; 7.40% APR
As low as; Unsecured Personal Loan Max $2,500
As low as
As Low As
As low as
As Low As
Rates effective October 27, 2023
As Low As
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As Low As; Rates as low as 5.9% for up to 36 months.
As low as
Credit Score: 730 and above; buy GAP
Lowest listed rates include 0.25% discount for automatic payment from Eagle Checking.
Rates as low as
As Low As; Signature - $20,000 max.
No additional details provided.
As Low As
Rates as low as. From vacation travel, holiday spending, or even an appliance purchase, you can get the money you need without spending a fortune. Featuring a fixed low rate and an easy-to-make payment, apply for a personal loan today!
May receive a 0.25% discount if loan payment is payroll deduction or autopay.
As Low As;*
No additional details provided.
Rate with Maximum Discount*: 5.75% | Credit score 650 or >
Get the money you need.
Up to $5,000
APR range: 6.25% 6.75%; CASH SECURED LOAN; Minimum $1,000; Max LTV 90%; Must be secured by Bank of Greene County Deposit Account
As Low As; 72-Month Eco Personal Loan ($5,000 min, $50,000 max)
Rates as low as 6.25% APR*
No additional details provided.
Credit Score: 730+
No additional details provided.
Unsecured, As Low As
No additional details provided.
Includes .25% auto pay rate discount.
As low as
As low as
Lowest listed rates include 0.25% discount for automatic payment from Eagle Checking.
Loan amount up to $75,000
As Low As; Auto Pay Discount: 6.39%
As Low As
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
The minimum loan amount for the 12 month term is $1,000.
up to $5,000.00 maximum with approved credit
As Low As; 84-Month Eco Personal Loan ($10,000 min, $50,000 max)
As Low As; Please contact one of our friendly Member Service Representatives for more details. We calculate the interest you pay on loans based on your unpaid principal balance for the actual number of days you use the funds. There are no prepayment penalties or hidden charges. Your interest rate will be determined by your individual credit history and the credit union's underwriting standards. We offer a 0.25% rate discount on new and used vehicle loans when 20% cash down is made (the First-Time Buyer program is exempt from the discount).
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Credit Score: 600-639
As Low As*; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and loan term.
Amount: Up to $50,000; Credit Tier: 740 or greater
As Needed
Rates are for qualified borrowers and are based on the credit worthiness of the individual. Actual rates may be different than the rates shown. As of 12/10/25 the Prime Rate was 6.75%.
APR range: 6.75% APR to 17.25%; Need extra money for life's unexpected expenses or planned purchases? Telco Plus Credit Union Personal Loans provide affordable financing with competitive rates, flexible terms, and quick local decisions to help you reach your financial goals. Whether you're looking to consolidate high-interest debt, finance a vacation, pay for home improvements, cover medical expenses, purchase appliances, or handle unexpected bills, our personal loans are designed to fit your needs and budget. Why Choose a Telco Plus Personal Loan? Competitive low interest rates. Fast local loan decisions and processing. Flexible repayment terms. Fixed monthly payments. No collateral required for qualified unsecured loans. Secured loan options available for even lower rates. Friendly local service from a trusted East Texas credit union. Our lending team works with members to find the financing option that best fits their situation. Whether you need a small personal loan or a larger loan for a major expense, we're here to help. Unsecured and Secured Personal Loan Options. Telco Plus Credit Union offers both unsecured personal loans and secured personal loans. Qualified borrowers may obtain an unsecured loan without collateral, while secured loans backed by savings or other collateral may qualify for lower interest rates. Current members can apply quickly through Online Banking, while new members can easily submit an application through our website. Our streamlined application process makes getting the money you need simple and convenient. If you're looking for low-interest personal loans in East Texas, let Telco Plus Credit Union help you borrow with confidence and save money compared to many high-rate lenders. Your rate, term, loan amount, and payments will vary based on creditworthiness and loan underwriting guidelines. Loan interest begins to accrue on the open date of the loan. Delaying the first payment for 30 days or more increases the amount of interest paid over the term of the loan. Loan Examples: A 12-month $1,000 loan with the best credit may have a low rate of 6.75% APR; and a payment of $87. Total loan payments will be $1,036.74; $1,000 paid towards the principal borrowed and $36.74 to interest. A 12-month $1,000 loan with less than perfect credit may have a rate as high as 17.25% APR; and a payment of $92. Total loan payments will be $1,095.28; $1,000 paid towards the principal borrowed and $95.28 to interest.
As Low As
No additional details provided.
Borrow $11,000 to $20,000. Limited-time promotion runs June 1 through August 31, 2026! Rates effective 08/17/2026. Rates may vary based on the term of the loan and the applicant's credit history. Rates are shown "as low as" and are subject to credit worthiness and loan term.
As Low As; Borrow $11,000 to $20,000 with predictable, fixed terms from 48 to 60 months. This limited-time promotion runs June 1 through August 31, 2026!
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Limit of $10,000.00
No additional details provided.
As Low As
As Low As
As low as
As Low As; Rates
As low as
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As low as
As Low As; Loan Amount: Up to $40,000
Credit Score: 730 and above; buy GAP
As Low As
Special Rate; As Low As
Loan amounts of $500 - $30,000
Offer valid on new money only and cannot be used on existing First Capital Federal Credit Union loans. 700 credit score and above. Minimum loan amount is $500.00, maximum loan amount is $15,000.00. Cannot be combined with any other offer other than the 3-star discount. Promotion may be cancelled at any time. Effective July 1 - September 30, 2026.
Interest Rate: 6.99% - 16.99%
Rates are based on your credit history and credit qualifications. Minimum loan amount is $250. Maximum loan repayment period is 48 months or 12 months per $1,000 borrowed. (For loans under $1,000 maximum loan repayment period is 1 month per $100 borrowed.) Available on new purchases only. Total purchase price, including accessories, cannot exceed 120% of the retail price of the bicycle.
As Low As
As Low As
Lowest listed rates include 0.25% discount for automatic payment from Eagle Checking.
Rates quoted 'as low as' are subject to change without notice. Actual loan rate determined by credit score & term. All loan applications are subject to approval.
Secured by Share Certificate
As Low As*
As low as
As Low As; Signature - $20,000 max.
Debt Consolidation Loan Rates
No additional details provided.
Optional - Start your Debt Diet with our FREE Financial Wellness Review. We'll schedule a one-on-one review with our Certified Financial Counselors to review your bills - current and past-due - as well as your credit report. After your review, you can choose to continue Free financial counseling to help you stay on your Debt Diet and keep your financaes in shape!
2
Rate quoted based on 36 month term, $500 up to $30,000 for an Anything Loan or borrow $1,000 up to $30,000 for a Debt Consolidation Loan.
As Low As
Rate/APR*
No additional details provided.
2
As Low As
No additional details provided.
2
Used Vehicle Loan; no cash out
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Rates are tiered, rate shown as low as. APR is subject to change without notice.
No additional details provided.
Signature Loan Rates
As Low As; Copy of invoice from school/college required
Score: A+; Range: 730 and over
No additional details provided.
As low as; Rate listed reflects 760+ FICO 8 credit score.
No additional details provided.
Balance: Up to 100% Collateralized Share Balance
Score: A; Range: 680-729
Credit Score: A 700 & Up
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Secured Loan Pricing - Base Rates (as low as)
APR range: 5.99%, 5.99%, 5.99%, 7.24%, 8.49%
As Low As; Rates subject to change without notice.
up to $2,500.00; As Low As
As Low As; With Approved Credit
Rates From 6.00% APR*
Score: B; Range: 640-679
No additional details provided.
As Low As
No additional details provided.
Rates as Low as 6.09% APR* Members are eligible after 6 months of employment Member can qualify for 2 times their gross monthly income not to exceed $10,000.00.
No additional details provided.
Maximum $49,999.99 Available to: Parishes of the PNCC and non-profit associations and organizations associated with the Polish National Alliance
As low as
As Low As; Apply Now
Fixed
As low as; Unsecured
As Low As
As low as
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Credit Score: 660 and up
6.89% for up to 60 months when you purchase or refinance a vehicle loan from another financial institution to InvesTex Credit Union. Rates quoted are based on approved credit. Your APR may be higher based on your credit information obtained from consumer credit reporting agencies InvesTex Credit Union uses. Other terms and restrictions apply and are subject to approval.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
As Low As
Credit Score: A 700 & Up
No additional details provided.
Maximum $49,999.99 Available to: Parishes of the PNCC and non-profit associations and organizations associated with the Polish National Alliance
No additional details provided.
new rates require a minimum advance of $1,000.00
Rates As Low As
As Low As
No additional details provided.
As low as; Rate may vary based on creditworthiness and other factors.
Two Signatures - $10,000.00
As Low As
As low as; $8,500 Maximum
$5,000 limit
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Personal Loan Rate Trends
Weekly average APRs — compiled from 8,500+ banks & credit unions, updated nightly.
Personal Loan rates rose 0.140 points this week to 10.944%, up from 10.804% last week.
Signature Loan rates fell 0.005 points this week to 11.030%, down from 11.035% last week.
Personal Loan Rate Trends
Weekly average APRs. Hover to see exact rates for each week.
What Would Your Monthly Payment Be?
Estimated monthly payments at today’s average personal loan APR of 10.94%, across the terms lenders most commonly offer. Personal loans are fixed-rate and fully amortizing, so the payment never changes and the balance reaches zero on schedule.
| Loan Amount | 24 Months | 36 Months | 48 Months | 60 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $232.91/mo | $163.56/mo | $129.09/mo | $108.57/mo |
| $10,000 | $465.82/mo | $327.12/mo | $258.18/mo | $217.15/mo |
| $15,000 | $698.73/mo | $490.68/mo | $387.28/mo | $325.72/mo |
| $25,000 | $1,164.55/mo | $817.81/mo | $645.46/mo | $542.86/mo |
| $35,000 | $1,630.36/mo | $1,144.93/mo | $903.64/mo | $760.01/mo |
Principal and interest only, calculated from the current average APR. Does not include any origination fee, which some lenders deduct from your loan proceeds. Your APR depends on credit score, income, loan amount, term, and lender underwriting.
Consolidating Credit Card Debt: What You Could Save
Debt consolidation is the single most common reason people take a personal loan, and the math is usually straightforward: credit cards carry variable double-digit APRs, while a personal loan locks in a fixed rate and a fixed payoff date. Below is the total interest on a $15,000 balance repaid over 48 months at the current personal loan average versus a range of typical credit card APRs.
| Repayment Option | APR | Monthly Payment | Total Interest | Interest Saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Loan — current average | 10.94% | $387.28 | $3,589 | — |
| Credit card at 18% APR | 18.00% | $440.62 | $6,150 | $2,561 |
| Credit card at 22% APR | 22.00% | $472.59 | $7,684 | $4,095 |
| Credit card at 26% APR | 26.00% | $505.76 | $9,276 | $5,687 |
The 18%, 22%, and 26% figures are illustrative points across the range card issuers commonly charge, not a published average — check your own statement for your actual APR, then use the calculator below to run your real numbers. This comparison assumes a fixed 48-month payoff in both cases; paying only the card minimum would stretch the timeline and increase interest substantially. Consolidation only helps if you avoid rebuilding a balance on the paid-off cards.
About Our Personal Loan Rate Database
The tables on this page surface the lowest-APR personal loan offers we track — unsecured personal loans, debt consolidation loans, and signature loans — drawn from the thousands of verified rates in our database. Every APR is sourced directly from the lender’s own website and re-verified regularly, so what you compare here is what lenders are actually advertising today.
The lowest verified personal loan APR in our database right now is 3.99% APR from River Region Federal Credit Union. Advertised APRs are the lender’s best-qualified rate and generally require strong credit, so treat them as the floor of a range rather than a quote. Prequalifying with a soft credit check is the only way to see the rate you would actually receive.
How to Get the Best Personal Loan Rate
Prequalify With a Soft Credit Check
Most lenders will show you an estimated APR using a soft inquiry that does not touch your credit score. Prequalify with several lenders before formally applying — the advertised rate is the best-qualified rate, and the number you personally get can differ by many points.
Compare APR, Not the Interest Rate
Origination fees run as high as 10% of the amount borrowed and are deducted from your proceeds, so a loan with a lower interest rate can easily cost more than one with a higher rate and no fee. APR folds the fee in, which makes it the only number worth comparing across lenders.
Check Credit Unions First
Credit unions consistently publish the lowest personal loan APRs in our database, and many charge no origination fee at all. Federal credit unions are also capped by regulation on what they may charge, which puts a ceiling on your rate that most other lenders don’t have.
Borrow Only What You Need, for as Short a Term as You Can
Lenders often price longer terms at higher APRs, so a 60-month loan can cost more per dollar than a 36-month loan on top of accruing interest for longer. Take the shortest term whose payment comfortably fits your budget, and resist rounding the amount up.
Personal Loan vs. Other Ways to Borrow
A personal loan is fast and requires no collateral, but it is not always the cheapest option. Here is how it compares to the main alternatives.
| Feature | Personal Loan | Credit Card | 0% Balance Transfer | Home Equity Loan / HELOC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical APR Level | ● Mid — fixed | ✗ Highest — variable | ✓ 0% for a promo window | ✓ Usually lowest |
| Collateral Required | ✓ None | ✓ None | ✓ None | ✗ Your home is at risk |
| Payment Predictability | ✓ Fixed payment, fixed payoff date | ✗ Revolving, can last indefinitely | ● Rate jumps when promo ends | ● Fixed for loans, variable for HELOCs |
| Speed to Funding | ✓ Often 1–3 business days | ✓ Immediate if you hold the card | ● Card approval plus transfer time | ✗ Weeks — appraisal and closing |
| Upfront Costs | ● Origination fee up to ~10% | ✓ None | ● Transfer fee, typically 3–5% | ● Closing costs possible |
| Best For | Consolidation and one-off costs, no collateral | Small balances paid off in full monthly | Debt you can clear inside the promo window | Large projects when you have equity and time |
General comparison for educational purposes; terms, eligibility, and pricing vary by lender and borrower credit profile. Borrowing against your home converts unsecured debt into secured debt — missed payments can put the property at risk. MonitorBankRates is not a lender or financial advisor.
Personal Loan Payment Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment, total interest, and what an origination fee actually costs you. We’ve prefilled the APR with today’s personal loan average — or click any current rate on the right to apply it instantly.
Estimates assume a fixed-rate, fully amortizing loan with equal monthly payments and no prepayment. “Cash you actually receive” subtracts any origination fee deducted from proceeds — you still repay, and pay interest on, the full loan amount. Advertised APRs typically require strong credit; your approved rate may differ. This tool is for illustration and is not a loan offer.
Methodology & Data Sources
Independent, Free, and Unbiased Rate Comparisons: MonitorBankRates.com is an independent rate comparison service. Our personal loan rate tables are free for consumers to use, and we do not receive payment from any lender to be included or to be ranked in any particular order. Listings are based solely on the rates each lender publicly advertises on its own website.
A Note on Third-Party Rate Tools: Some pages on our site also feature rate comparison widgets and tools provided by third-party partners. These tools may include sponsored listings or affiliate links, and we may receive compensation when users click through them. We clearly label these widgets so you can tell at a glance which rates come from our independent MonitorBankRates.com tables and which come from our advertising partners.
Direct-Sourced & Verified Personal Loan Rate Data: We aggregate personal loan rates directly from the official websites of banks, credit unions, and online lenders using our proprietary rate aggregation technology and a dedicated team of rate updaters. By sourcing data from the lenders’ own digital properties and verifying APRs regularly, every rate on MonitorBankRates.com is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Comprehensive Coverage: Our systems constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available personal loan products across the country. We feature a comprehensive mix of lenders — from neighborhood credit unions and regional banks to large online lenders available to borrowers in all 50 states.
Regularly Updated APRs: Our rate updaters verify and update personal loan rates regularly. Because APRs can change based on market conditions and lender policies, every product features its own “last updated” date for full transparency. Personal loan APRs shown typically represent “as low as” rates for borrowers with excellent credit; your actual rate will depend on your credit history, credit score, income, loan amount, term, and other underwriting factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to get a personal loan from a bank or credit union?
What credit score do I need to get a personal loan?
What is the difference between a secured and unsecured personal loan?
Can I use a personal loan to consolidate credit card debt?
What is an origination fee and how does it affect my cost?
Does checking personal loan rates hurt my credit score?
Can I pay off a personal loan early?
Top Personal Loan Rates
- River Region Federal Credit Union: 3.99% APR (Signature Loans)
- Blue Flame Credit Union Charlotte, NC: 3.99% APR (Personal Lending Loan)
- GPO Federal Credit Union: 4.49% APR (Personal Unsecured Loans)
- Haverhill Fire Department Credit Union: 4.49% APR (Share Secured/Credit Building Loan)
- Benton County Schools Credit Union: 4.50% APR (Consolidation loan)
Personal Loan Rates by State
