Upstart vs Personal Loans for October 2021

Item: Upstart vs Personal Loans
Rating: 5

Monday, October 18th

2021 Personal Loan Reviews

Upstart

Generous loan amounts
Terms range from 3 to 5 years
Very competitive APR's
"A" rated and accredited by the BBB
Over 95% of borrowers receive their funds very quickly once approved
Origination fees disclosed at the time of loan offer

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Upstart features extensive artificial intelligence to improve access to credit for borrowers of all types. Looking beyond your credit score makes it more likely you'll be approved for your loan. Thousands of people have used this platform to get personal loans very quickly once approved. For their innovative approach to lending, competitive interest rates, and high customer satisfaction, Upstart earns our highest rating.

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Personal Loans

Loans from $1,000 to $35,000
"A+" rating from the BBB
Personal loan referral service

With a name like Personal Loans, you'd think this referral service would be the best all-around choice for borrowing money. Not so much. You'll be asked to provide extremely detailed personal information, including your SSN and employer's contact information, only to be given a list of lenders you could choose to approach for a loan. Although Personal Loans' reputation has improved over the years, there are still much better options out there for getting the cash you need.

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The 12 Best Personal Loans

Where Can You Find the Best Personal Loans?

With inflation on the rise and an endless list of possibilities for unexpected expenses - car repairs, visits to the ER, and broken appliances, to name a few - it's no wonder that an increasing number of people are applying for personal loans.

Sound familiar? If you find yourself in need of some cash, you've probably considered borrowing from a friend or relative - but there's no guarantee that your loved ones are in a position to help, and who really wants to ask? Fortunately, you've got options that don't involve an awkward conversation with people you know. There are many lenders that specialize in personal loans ranging from $500 to as much as $100,000, with simple application processes that can be completed 100% online.

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Personal Loan FAQ

How can I use my personal loan?

Any way you like! Personal loans typically don't come with restrictions on how they're used. Paying off high-interest credit cards, splurging on a luxury item you've always wanted, taking a much-needed family vacation: you can use your personal loan for all of that and more.

Who funds these loans?

Most banks and credit unions offer personal loans, but your financial institution might not offer the most competitive rates. There are many lesser-known sources that want to earn your business with lower APRs and more personalized attention over the life of the loan.

Will I get a good rate?

That depends on a number of factors, such as your credit history and income. It's definitely worth shopping around, just like you would when buying a car or other big-ticket item. Consider using a service that allows you to get loan offers from multiple lenders with a single application: that will make it more likely that you'll get the best possible rate and terms on your personal loan.

Will it hurt my credit score to apply?

When you're making an initial inquiry to see if you qualify for a personal loan, it usually involves a "soft pull" on your credit - verifying your identity, credit score, and current debts. That will not lower your credit score. However, if you take the next step and apply for a specific loan, expect that your credit score may dip a (but only temporarily).

Can I apply online, or do I have to go to an in-person location?

Most lenders allow you to complete the process online, from beginning to end. That's a big perk for people who can't get to a brick-and-mortar bank during regular business hours.

How much can I borrow?

Personal loans are available in amounts ranging from $100 to $100,000. Before you get too excited and start planning how you'll spend the money, keep in mind that the amount you'll actually be approved for depends on your financial situation. The higher your credit score and the lower your outstanding debts, the more likely it is that you will qualify for a bigger loan.

How soon will I have the money in hand?

The application process can be extremely fast: some lenders can approve your loan in just a few minutes. Once you accept a personal loan offer, most providers will direct deposit the funds within 1-5 business days.

Is it risky to take out a personal loan?

As with any kind of loan, it's important to keep track of the details: don't borrow more money than you can comfortably repay, make on-time payments every month, and communicate with your lender if unforeseen circumstances arise (e.g. unemployment, natural disaster, disability) and you need forbearance or other accommodations. It's also wise to check out the reputation of the lender: reviews from previous clients and a rating from the Better Business Bureau can be very informative as you decide which provider to use for your personal loan.

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What's the catch? There isn't one, as long as you choose your lender carefully. Some providers of personal loans charge excessively high interest rates and offer shorter-than-average terms, making it harder for you to pay it back on time. On the other hand, most reputable sources of personal loans are completely transparent with their interest rates, give repayment terms of up to five years, and won't charge you any fees if you're able to pay off your loan earlier than anticipated.

How can you determine which lender is the best choice for your personal loan? That largely depends on your individual circumstances, but there are several factors to keep in mind as you consider your options. They include the following:

Loan amount. How much can you borrow? Some lenders offer a maximum loan of $4,000 or less, while others can fund loans of $25,000 or more. Make sure the provider you choose can actually give you the money you need.
Loan terms. How much will you pay in interest? How long will you have to repay the personal loan? Are there any origination fees, prepayment penalties, or other costs associated with the loan?
Eligibility. What is required to qualify for a loan? Some lenders have minimum credit score requirements, residency requirements, or other criteria you need to meet to be approved for a loan.
Referral service or direct lender. Some personal loan platforms work as a one-stop shop to compare offers from multiple institutions, while others fund your loan directly. A referral service is a great way to make sure you're getting the lowest possible interest rates, but you may still have to go through the application process with the lender itself.
Reputation. What do other borrowers say about their experience with the lender? Has the company gotten a positive evaluation from the Better Business Bureau?

TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best providers of personal loans available today. We're confident that this information will help you get the money you need, deposited quickly and at the lowest possible rates!