Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Credible Review

Thursday, April 17th

2025 Home Improvement Loan Reviews

Credible Review 4.5 Star Rating

Credible

4.5 Star Rating
  • Loan amounts available from $600 to $200,000
  • Connect with up to 10 different lenders at once
  • Funds can be used for any type of home improvement project
  • Checking rates won't impact credit score
  • Best Rate Guarantee
  • "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
  • Thousands of five-star reviews
  • In business since 2012

In today's fast-paced world, convenience is key, especially when it comes to financing your home improvement projects. That's where Credible comes in. With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Credible has made a name for itself by simplifying the borrowing process and connecting consumers with reputable lenders. Whether you're looking to remodel your kitchen, update your bathroom, or add a new deck to your backyard, Credible offers a hassle-free solution to securing the funds you need through lenders you can trust.

One application to match with many lenders

Credible's approach is simple yet effective. By filling out a single online form, you can apply to multiple lenders simultaneously, saving you time and effort. No more filling out endless applications or comparing rates from various lenders - Credible does the hard work for you. Plus, their platform is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and understand the borrowing process.

Works with well-established financial institutions

But what sets Credible apart from other loan marketplaces? For starters, their broad network of lending partners includes some of the most reputable names in the industry, such as Discover, Zable, LightStream, and SoFi, among others. Each lender in Credible's network has its own set of criteria for approving home improvement loans, so that you're matched with lenders willing to work with you based on your unique situation.

Best Home Improvement Loans

All loan offers are prequalified

To begin the process, simply complete Credible's online form, providing details about your education, employment status, contact information, and Social Security number. This information is necessary for a "soft pull" of your credit, which won't impact your credit score. Shortly after, you'll receive a list of lenders that are tentatively offering you home improvement financing, pending your application completion and acceptance of the loan terms. But, you're prequalified with any lender you're matched with, so it should be easy-breezy to take the final few steps and get your loan funded.

Impressive rate guarantee

One of the standout features of Credible's service is their Best Rate Guarantee. If you find a better rate with another lender and close on that loan, you might qualify for a payment of up to $200. This guarantee gives Credible's borrowers peace of mind, knowing that they're getting the most competitive rates available on their home improvement loans.

You'll still need to take a few steps

Despite these impressive features, it's essential to remember that Credible is a loan marketplace, not a direct lender. While they streamline the initial application process and connect you with reputable lenders, you'll still need to complete the borrowing process with another company once connected through your Credible account. This means that your home improvement loan terms, rates, and fees will depend solely on the lending partners, requiring additional research once you're matched with them.

Best Home Improvement Loans

Fantastic reputation

In terms of reputation, Credible has maintained an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and received thousands of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. Clients praise the platform for delivering on its promise: a quick and easy way to compare loan offers from multiple lenders at once, resulting in a positive borrowing experience when loans are funded through partner companies. Any complaints typically relate to the lender itself rather than the reliability or usefulness of Credible.

Top pick among home improvement loan referral platforms

In conclusion, Credible is a convenient, trustworthy, and user-friendly option for securing funds for your home improvement projects. Whether you're looking to renovate your kitchen, update your bathroom, or add a new deck to your backyard, Credible's broad network of lending partners and Best Rate Guarantee make it a top choice for borrowers. Credible should be one of the first places you look when you're ready to make that home improvement project a done deal.

Where Can You Get the Best Home Improvement Loans?

Need some extra cash to make some changes to your house? Home improvement loans are here to help you tackle those renovation projects. Whether you're planning to overhaul the kitchen with all-new cabinets and countertops, get rid of that 70s-style bathroom, or add curb appeal to your property, these loans provide the financial support you need to make it happen.

When it comes to applying for a home improvement loan, going online offers you a convenient and accessible option. It's no wonder that online home improvement loans have become so popular. With just a few clicks, you can explore a variety of lenders and loan terms from the comfort of your own home.

The Best Home Improvement Loans Compare Home Improvement Loans Compare Home Improvement Loan Reviews What are the best Home Improvement Loans Best Home Improvement Loan Reviews

Home Improvement Loan FAQ

In general, there are four types of financing for home improvement: home improvement loans, which don't depend on having any equity in your home, cash-out refinancing, home equity loans (HEL), and home equity lines of credit (HELOC). The loan that's right for you will be affected by several factors, such as current interest rates, the amount that you want to borrow, and your credit history.
Great question! Both types of loan assume that you've got some equity built up in your property, and you use that property to "secure” your loan. Home equity loans are more like a traditional loan: you get an upfront lump sum and make fixed payments over your repayment term. On the other hand, a home equity line of credit lets you borrow as needed, up to a predetermined limit: your interest rate may be variable, so your payments can increase or decrease over time.
Basically, yes. Your loan is rarely tied to any particular use. Maybe you thought you wanted a new kitchen, but now an in-ground pool sounds more fun. Or, perhaps you planned to upgrade your bathroom, and then all of your appliances died after a lightning strike. No problem! The money is yours to use as you see fit.
That depends. With a traditional home improvement loan, the amount you can borrow will largely be determined by your credit history, current amount of debt, and your income. If you're borrowing against the equity in your home, you may be able to get a loan for up to 85% of your equity. For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you've got $200,000 left to pay, then your equity is $100,000: you may be able to borrow up to $85,000.
If you need money fast, your best bet is a home improvement loan rather than a home equity loan. With a home improvmeent loan, you could get funds deposited within a day or two of being approved. Any lending tied to the equity in your home takes much longer, often including a (new) house inspection and underwriting. But, keep in mind that home improvement loans often have higher interest rates than home equity loans.
The home improvement loan process is much easier than an equity-based loan, and you'll receive your money much faster - but you're likely to get the best rates and terms with a cash-out refinance (if interest rates now are lower than when you obtained your current mortgage) or a home equity loan. Keep in mind, though, you can get your money with a home improvement loan in just a day or two, while an equity-based loan can take weeks.
It's not impossible. You're more likely to qualify for a home equity loan or line of credit, because your home's value can secure the loan. But, there are also some home improvement loan providers that work with individuals that have less-than-perfect credit.
You can... but unless you've got a 0% APR card with a high credit limit and you can pay it all off within the introductory no-interest period (usually 12-21 months), you're going to wind up paying a lot more in interest. A LOT more. Check out your other options, which are tailored for this type of project, before using a credit card to fund home improvements or repairs!
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Online applications streamline the process, eliminating the hassle of in-person appointments and extensive paperwork. Instead, you can submit your application quickly and easily, receiving loan offers and getting funds deposited - all without ever leaving your computer or smartphone.

Before you start filling out applications, it's important to understand that not all loans labeled as "home improvement loans" are structured the same way. Some are specifically tailored for home-related projects, while others, particularly those offered online, are often personal loans.

Personal loans provide you with a lump sum of money that you can use for various purposes, including home improvements. Unlike home equity loans or lines of credit (HELOCs), which are secured by the equity in your home, personal loans are unsecured and don't require collateral.

The distinction between personal loans and HELOCs is crucial for you to understand. HELOCs allow homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes, making them ideal for large-scale renovations or projects that require substantial funding. While HELOCs may offer lower interest rates and tax benefits, they also come with the risk of losing your home if you default on payments.

On the other hand, personal loans offer you flexibility and accessibility. They don't require equity in your home, making them accessible to homeowners with limited equity or those who don't want to put their homes at risk. Personal loans often come with fixed interest rates and repayment terms, simplifying budgeting and planning for you. Additionally, the application process is typically faster, with funds disbursed quickly - sometimes within a few days of approval.

So, with all of the options out there, how can you tell where to start your search for a home improvement loan? Here are some ideas for sifting through the various platforms and choosing the right one for you:

  • Referral service or direct lender. Do you want to compare loan offers from multiple financial institutions at once? Then choose a site that serves as a referral platform. But, if you'd prefer the peace of mind that comes from a single application with a lender you already know and trust, you've got solid options that way as well. It's a matter of personal preference.
  • Borrower qualifications. Does the lender or platform have any minimum criteria you'll need to meet, in order to be eligible for a home improvement loan? That could be a particular credit score, monthly income, or even a particular state of residence.
  • Maximum loan amount. If you've got a major home improvement project in mind, you may need more than a few thousand bucks to get it done. Some lenders cap their loans at $35,000 (or less), so check that out first.
  • Reputation. Have other homeowners successfully used the site to get the funding they needed? Were there any surprises during the application process or afterwards? Has the lender or the referral platform been rated by the BBB?

Ready for renovations? The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked some of today's most frequently-used sites for home improvement loans, so that you can turn your ho-hum house into something truly Insta-worthy in no time.

The Best Reviews of Home Improvement Loans