Best Unsecured Loans of December 2024

ElitePersonalFinance
Last Update: September 25, 2023 Loan Reviews Loans

Have you wondered why unsecured loans are rarely available at decent rates? It is because people who apply for unsecured loans likely don’t want to utilize real estate or other assets as collateral. Moreover, since these borrowers of unsecured loans do not offer a guarantee for repayment, this further complicates the loaning procedure. Let’s see the best unsecured loans of December 2024.

It is tough for lenders to put trust in borrowers based on their credit score and promise alone. But some still offer affordable unsecured loans and provide financing as high as $100,000 with APRs ranging from 2.49% to 35.99%, depending on various factors.

Bad credit scores are a big turnoff for most lenders. However, some offer high loans and flexible terms to browsers even with low credit scores. Taking a loan can be critical, especially if you do not want to place upfront collateral. Our marketplace eases this exhausting process in a matter of a few clicks. You can keep up-to-date on available options before you commit to an unsecured loan.

Let us now look at the best-unsecured loan options available of December 2024 and all the information you need to make the right choice.

Why Trust Us?

Our marketplace provides a one-stop solution to help you find the best lenders inclined to give you the best terms among the dozens available and reviewed by borrowers. We reach out and research the best lenders to provide you with only the most credible information, making no compromise on your finances.

Best Unsecured Loans of December 2024: Key Findings

Requirements

Unsecured loans have little to no requirements in terms of income and collateral. While lenders do not require collateral, some require proof of income before giving a loan.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a percentage of a borrower’s income paid towards debt. Some lenders use this to predict a borrower’s promise towards loan repayment.

Credit Score

Loan lenders have varying credit score requirements, with some not imposing any. A high credit score often means access to larger loan amounts and vice versa.

Loan Amount

As unsecured loans do not require any collateral, the loan amounts are limited and depend on the borrower’s credit score and return a promise. Some lenders offer loan amounts as high as $100,000.

Interest Rates

Unsecured loans are often followed by high-interest rates, which differ from the borrower’s credit score. Unsecured loan Lenders have an APR range of 2.49% to 35.99%, which varies depending on the lender and other related factors.

Best Lenders and Prices

When finding the best prices, it is best to consider all variables and do thorough research before making your choice. Consider consulting our marketplace to find the best lenders according to your credit score, loan amount, and preferred interest rates.

Best Unsecured Loans of December 2024

The following is a compilation of the best unsecured loan providers to help you.

Lender Types of Loans Amount APR Min. Credit Score DTI Best For
Avant Debt Consolidation Loan

Unsecured Personal Loan

Term loan

$2,000 – $35,000 9.95% – 35.99% 580 <70% Annual income as low as $20,000
Prosper Unsecured Personal Loan

Debt Consolidation Loan

$2,000 – $40,000 7.95% – 35.99% 640 <50% Obtaining multiple unsecured personal loans
Figure Unsecured personal loans $5,000 – $50,000 5.75% – 22.94% 620 <50% Higher loan amounts
Upgrade Unsecured personal loans

Credit consolidation loans

$1,000 – $50,000 8.49% to 35.99% 560 <75% No prepayment fees on an unsecured loan
Upstart Unsecured Personal Loans

Debt and Credit Consolidation Loans

$1,000 – $50,000 4.6% – 35.99% 300 <50% Low credit score limit for unsecured loans
TD Bank Unsecured personal installment loans $2,000 – $50,000 6.99% – 18.99% 700 <43% No origination, prepayment, application, or insufficient funds fees.
Wells Fargo Unsecured personal loan $3,000 – $100,000 5.74% – 19.99% 660 <43% Wells Fargo customers
LightStream Debt Consolidation

Unsecured Personal Loans

$5,000 – $100,000 2.49% – 19.99% 660 <45% Large unsecured personal loans
Navy Federal Credit Union Debt Consolidation

Unsecured Personal Loan

$250 – $50,000 Earnings rate plus 2%;

7.49% – 18.00%

Unlisted <43% Service members and affiliates.
SoFi Unsecured Personal Loans

Unsecured Student Loans

Credit Consolidation loan

$5,000 – $100,000 5.74% – 20.28% 680 <45% No-fee Unsecured loans
LendingTree Unsecured Personal Loans

Credit Consolidation Loans

$1,000 – $50,000 2.49% – 35.99% 600 <43% Low APR on unsecured loans
PersonalLoans Unsecured Personal Loans $1,000 – $35,000 5.99% – 35.99% 580 <43% Short and long-term personal loans
PenFed Unsecured union personal loans $600 – $50,000 7.74% – 17.99% Undisclosed <50% Unsecured Personal Loans form Unions
PNC Bank Unsecured personal loans $1,000 – $35,000 5.99% – 35.99% 660 <55% Online and in-person service
OneMain Financial Unsecured personal loans $1,500 – $20,000 18% – 35.99% 600 – 650 <35.99% Low credit limit on unsecured personal loans

Avant

Loan Amount: $2,000 – $35,000
APR: 9.95% – 35.99%
Min. Credit Score: 580
Approval: 1 – 7 Days
Terms: 24 to 60 months
Fees:
  • Administration fee at an average of 2.38% – up to 4.75%
  • Late payment fee of up to $25, after a 10-day grace period
  • Insufficient funds fee of $15
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a credit score of at least 580
  • Have a DTI ratio that doesn’t exceed 70%
  • Have an annual income of $20,000
  • Have a monthly after-tax income of at least $1,200
  • Have a monthly cash surplus of $500
  • Fill out your information through Avant’s online portal
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Has a credit score of 644
  • Has a DTI ratio of 30%
  • Has a monthly after-tax income of $4,000
  • Has a monthly cash surplus of $2,800
Best For: Annual income as low as $20,000
Check rates

 

Avant offers an unsecured personal loan of amounts upto $35,000 and APR upto 35.99%, requiring a minimum credit score of only 580. Its flexible terms of upto 5 years and transparent fees make it a trustable option for an unsecured loan with low credit scores.

Though Avant doesn’t have any membership requirements, it requires the borrower to be above 18 years of age to obtain an unsecured personal loan. Some fees are associated with Avant’s unsecured loans, such as the administrative fees of up to 4.75% of the total loan amount.

Avant has the loan delivered to the borrower within one business day, making it an ideal unsecured loan option for urgent matters. Despite somewhat high fee rates, Avant offers flexible terms, credit score, monthly surplus, and DTI ratio criteria, making it a great option for your unsecured loan.

Pros:

Pros of Avant are that it:

  • Offers unsecured personal loans of up to $35,000.
  • Has flexible repayment terms of up to 5 years.
  • Gives loans to borrowers with a credit score as low as 580.
  • Does not impact your credit score to apply for a loan.
  • Has lenient underwriting.
  • Has no fees associated with early payoff.
  • Requires no hard credit checks for pre-qualification
  • Has fast loan lending, ideally within a day

Cons:

Cons of Avant are that it:

  • Has a high APR range of up to 35.95%.
  • Has high fees; loan origination fee is up to 4.75%, late payment fee of up to $25 after a 10-day grace period, and insufficient funds fee of $15.
  • Requires income documentation.
  • Has a low amount of loan, up to $35,000.

The impact of COVID-19

Avant’s unsecured loans support borrowers through the aftermath of Covid-19. It offers support programs to borrowers, such as schedule delays and extensions. Avant also has an online dashboard and app for borrowers to schedule payments, contact lenders, and keep up to date with their transactions, balances, and available credit.

Prosper

Loan Amount: $2,000 – $40,000
APR: 7.95% – 35.99%
Min. Credit Score: 640
Approval: 1 Day
Terms: 3 – 5 Years
Fees:
  • A loan origination fee of 2.41% – 5%
  • Late payment fee of 5% of the amount due, or $15, whichever is greater
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a FICO Score of at least 640
  • Have less than five inquiries into your credit profile over the last six months
  • Have a positive annual income
  • Have a DTI ratio that doesn’t exceed 50%
  • Have at least three open accounts listed on your credit report
  • Have not filed for bankruptcy over the preceding 12 months
  • Fill out your information through Prosper’s online portal
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Has a credit score of 714
  • Has a loan-to-income ratio of 5.34%.
  • Borrows $13,446
  • Incurs an APR of 13.49%
  • Has a DTI ratio of 16.90%
Best For: Obtaining multiple unsecured personal loans
Check rates

Prosper, with its unsecured loans ranging from $2,000 to $40,000, also provides the ability to take multiple loans simultaneously. An APR range of 7.95% to 35.99% and an extensive return term make it a viable option. Additional loans have regulations such as good standing and a strict balance limit of $40,000.

A late payment fee is applied 15 days after the due date, which is 5% or $15 depending on which is larger. Prosper offers terms ranging from three to five years and has a DTI ratio of no larger than 50%. Though Prosper has a loan origination fee of 2.41% to 5%, no prepayment is required on your unsecured loan.

Pros

Pros of Prosper are that it:

  • Has a flexible loan range of $2,000 to $40,000.
  • Allows borrowers to take multiple loans at a time.
  • Has an APR range of 7.95% to 35.99%.
  • Accepts a low credit score of 640.
  • Has extensive terms of 3 – 5 years.
  • Requires no prepayment and also offers pre-approval.
  • Offers a 15-day grace period.
  • Does not affect your credit score to take a loan.

Cons

Cons of Prosper are that it:

  • Has late payment fees and loan origination fees.
  • Does not consider alternative credit data.
  • Requires a positive annual income and supports strict bankruptcy and credit profile inquiry regulations.

The impact of COVID-19

Prosper offers leverage to borrowers during the pandemic and its aftermath. Prosper assists borrowers suffering from financial hardships with its extensive terms and 15-day grace period. Further support is available on the company’s online portal and help center.

Figure

Loan Amount: Unsecured Loan:

  • $5,000 to $50,000

Home Equity Line:

  • $15,000 – $400,000 (depending on the location and the property).

Crypto Mortgage Plus (New):

  • $75,000 – $3 million (depending on the crypto collateral).
APR: Unsecured Loan:

  • 5.75% – 22.94%

Home Equity Line:

  • 3.99% – 11.5%

(must be a member and should activate autopay to get a discount of 0.75%)

Crypto Mortgage Plus:

  • 6.99% fixed rate.
Min. Credit Score: At least 620 – 660.

A credit score of 800 is necessary to get the best rates for Home Equity Line.

Approval: Within the same day.

Funding takes 5 days.

Terms: Up to 30 years.
Fees:
  • There is a loan origination fee of 4.99% on the initial draw (based on the state).
  • Recording fees are applicable.
  • Subordination fees are applicable when you ask to change the lien position.
  • No closing costs.
  • No prepayment penalties.
Qualification Criteria: Home Equity Line:

  • Must be a resident of one of the 42 states mentioned in Figure.
  • A credit score of at least 620.

Mortgage Crypto Plus:

  • Must have enough cryptocurrency to keep as collateral.
  • Only available in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and New Jersey.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • The figure doesn’t disclose average personal loan statistics.
Best For: The higher loan amount for unsecured personal loans
Check rates

 

Figure provides an unsecured loan ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The APR for a secured loan is around 3.99% to 11.5%, which is lower than the unsecured loan APR of 5.75% to 22.94%. A loan origination fee, recording fee, and subordinating fee may be applicable depending on the conditions of your unsecured loan.

Pros

Pros of Figure are that it:

  • Has a low unsecured loan APR of 5.75%.
  • Has a fast loan approval and distribution process; ideally, approval is within a day.
  • Offers flexible loan terms.

Cons

Cons of Figure are that it:

  • Has origination fees, autopay, subordination fees, and recording fees associated with the loan.
  • Has an extensive funding process taking 5 days or longer.
  • Offers unsecured loans to borrowers from a limited number of states
  • Associates a low credit score with higher APR and lower loan amounts.

The Impact of COVID -19

While Figure has a blog to raise awareness about financial well-being during the pandemic, no official support or leverage is listed for the borrowers. You can contact the support center for further details regarding their policies.

Upgrade

Loan Amount: $1,000 – $50,000
APR: 8.49% – 35.99%
Min. Credit Score: 560
Approval: 1 Day
Terms: 2 – 7 Years
Fees:
  • Loan origination fee of 1.85% – 9.99%
  • Late payment fee of $10, after a 15-day grace period
  • Insufficient funds fee of $10
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a credit score of at least 560
  • Have a DTI ratio that doesn’t exceed 75%
  • Have recurring employment income or government benefits
  • Fill out your information through Upgrade’s online portal
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Has a credit score of 678
  • Has an annual income of $78,000
Best For: High DTI ratios
Check rates

Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 8.49% – 35.99%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. The lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36 – month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower, and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. The actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed-rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early.

Upgrade offers unsecured loans as high as $50,000 with flexible terms of two to seven years. It has a minimum credit score limit of only 560. The loan origination fee ranges from 1.85% to 9.99%. Failure to pay loan payments on time can result in a fee of $10.

Upgrade has a high DTI ratio, requiring borrowers not to exceed 75%. It has no prepayment fees, but the aforementioned late fee and an insufficient funds fee of $10 apply. The late fee has a 15-day grace period. Upgrade’s unsecured loans are also not available in some states.

Pros

Pros of Upgrade are that it:

  • Provides an unsecured loan of $1,000 to $50,000.
  • Low APR.
  • Offers a 15-day grace period before applying a late payment fee.
  • Has flexible repayment terms.
  • Offers high DTI rates and has a low minimum credit score requirement.
  • Does not impact your credit score to apply for a loan.

Cons

Cons of Upgrade are that it:

  • Has a loan origination fee, insufficient funds fee, and late payment fee.
  • Does not offer unsecured loans in every state.

The impact of COVID-19

Assistance is provided to financially struggling borrowers during the pandemic. A grace period is also offered before late payment fees are applied. For further assistance, you directly contact or email the Upgrade support center.

Upstart

Loan Amount: $1,000 – $50,000
APR: 4.6% – 35.99%
Min. Credit Score: 300
Approval: 1 – 7 Days
Terms: 3 – 5 Years
Fees:
  • Loan origination fee of 0% – 12%
  • Late payment fee of 5% of the amount due, or $15, whichever is greater, after a 15-day grace period
  • Insufficient funds fee of $15
  • Paper documents fee of $10
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Minimum age: 18
  • Residing in the United States (don’t have to be a citizen or permanent resident) (exception for military)
  • Minimum credit score of 300 in most states
  • No bankruptcies or public records on your credit report
  • No accounts that are currently in collections or delinquent
  • Living in the 50 US states
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Borrows roughly $8,600.
  • Incurs an APR of 23.98% on a five-year term
  • Achieves approval nearly twice as often than traditional lenders with a FICO Score of 620 to 660
  • The CFPB found Upstart’s AI risk model approves 27% more borrowers and they incur APRs 16% lower than traditional lenders
Best For: Low credit scores, high DTI ratios
Check rates

Terms: Your loan amount will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount. Minimum loan amounts vary by state: GA ($3,100), HI ($2,100), MA ($7,000).

Although educational information is collected as part of Upstart’s rate check process, neither Upstart nor its bank partners have a minimum educational attainment requirement in order to be eligible for a loan.

The full range of available rates varies by state. A representative example of payment terms for a Personal Loan is as follows: a borrower receives a loan of $10,000 for a term of 60 months, with an interest rate of 18.44% and a 8.64% origination fee of $864, for an APR of 22.88%. In this example, the borrower will receive $9136 and will make 60 monthly payments of $257. APR is calculated based on 5-year rates offered in March 2023.  Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will be approved.

If you accept your loan by 5pm EST (not including weekends or holidays), you will receive your funds the next business day. Loans used to fund education related expenses are subject to a 3 business day wait period between loan acceptance and funding in accordance with federal law.

While most loans through Upstart are unsecured, certain lenders may place a lien on other accounts you hold with the same institution. It is important to review your promissory note for these details before accepting your loan.

When you check your rate, we check your credit report. This initial (soft) inquiry will not affect your credit score. If you accept your rate and proceed with your application, we do another (hard) credit inquiry that will impact your credit score. If you take out a loan, repayment information may be reported to the credit bureaus.

The APR calculation compares the two models based on the average APR offered to borrowers up to the same approval rate. The hypothetical credit-score only model used in Upstart’s analysis was developed in connection with the CFPB No Action Letter access-to-credit testing program and was built from a traditional credit score only model trained on Upstart platform data. APR for the scorecard was averaged for each given traditional credit score grouping.

While automated recurring payments are easy to set up, payments by check or one time electronic payments can also be used to repay a loan. Borrowers have the flexibility to choose the repayment method that works best for them.

This information is based on actual borrowers as of 4/1/2023 who identified “credit card refinancing” as their primary use of funds and paid off at least 51% of their outstanding credit card debt within 3 months of taking out the loan. Out of these actual borrowers, some could have experienced an increase or decrease in their credit score. This information reflects the overall average change in credit score points experienced by this group of borrowers as identified above.

The majority of borrowers on the Upstart marketplace are able to receive an instant decision upon submitting a completed application, without providing additional supporting documents, however final approval is conditioned upon passing the hard credit inquiry. Loan processing may be subject to longer wait times if additional documentation is required for review.

Upstart lets borrowers apply for an unsecured loan as high as $50,000 with an APR range of 4.6% to 35.99%. This lender has a loan origination fee of 0% to 12% and offers flexible terms of three to five years Upstart uses state-of-the-art underwriting algorithms to help approve loans for borrowers with low credit scores.

Upstart charges an insufficient fee of $15, a late payment fee of 15$ or 5% of the due amount, and a documents fee of $10 per request.

Pros:

Pros of Upstart are that it:

  • Does not require a commitment for a loan inquiry.
  • Provides APR rates considering many factors, making it possible for borrowers with bad credit scores to obtain lower rates.
  • Has a loan range as high as $50,000.
  • Offers flexible repayment terms.
  • Allows borrowers from all states to apply for loans.
  • Does not impact your credit score to apply for a loan.
  • Considers factors such as job history and education
  • Offers loans to individuals with credit score as low as 300

Cons:

Cons of Upstart are that it:

  • Offers a loan origination as low as 0%.
  • Charges late payment, insufficient funds, and paper documents fees.
  • Has varying loan amounts for different states.

The impact of COVID-19:

Upstart supports its borrowers through the pandemic by providing the ability to pause their loan payments if they suffer from financial difficulties. Requests can be submitted online, and you can contact the Upstart support team directly.

TD Bank

Loan Amount: $2,000 – $50,000
APR: 6.99% – 18.99%
Min. Credit Score: 700
Approval: 1 – 7 Days
Terms: 1 – 5 Years
Fees:
  • Late payment fee of 5% of the amount due, or $10, whichever is less
  • There are no loan origination fees
  • There are no prepayment fees
  • There are no application fees
  • There are no insufficient funds fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a credit score of at least 700
  • The maximum DTI ratio is often 43%
  • Have recurring employment income or government benefits
  • Apply online or at a TD Bank branch
Average Borrower Profile: TD Bank doesn’t disclose average personal loan statistics
Best For: No origination, prepayment, application, or insufficient funds fees.
Check rates

TD Bank has 1,100 branches throughout the states allowing borrowers to loan amounts as high as $50,000. It has flexible return terms for up to five years and a minimum APR of 6.99%. TD Bank requires borrowers to have a minimum credit score of 700 to obtain a loan.

No loan origination fee is applied when taking a loan, and the bank also provides APR discounts based on certain conditions. Late payment fees are applicable on unsecured loans of 10$ or %5 of the payable amount, depending on which is less. The bank also does not have an insufficient funds fee. These factors contribute to TD Bank’s mention in this list of best unsecured loans of December 2024.

Pros

Pros of TD Bank are that it:

  • Offers unsecured loans as high as $50,000 with a maximum APR of 18.99%.
  • Has flexible repayment terms of up to five years.
  • Has no loan origination fees, application fees, prepayment fees, and insufficient fees.
  • Offers APR discounts
  • Does not hurt your credit score when applying for a loan.

Cons

Cons of TD Bank are that it:

  • Has late payment fees.
  • Has a minimum credit score of 700
  • Is only available in 16 states.
  • Has a high relative minimum loan limit.

The Impact of COVID-19

TD Bank allows qualified borrowers to defer loan payments during the times of the pandemic and also provides personal banking relief. Along with its business banking relief, TD Bank supports its borrowers through financial struggles, and you can obtain further details by contacting TD Bank’s support team.

Wells Fargo

Loan Amount: $3,000 – $100,000
APR: 5.74% – 19.99%
Min. Credit Score: 620 – 660
Approval: 1 – 7 Days
Terms: 1 – 7 Years
Fees:
  • Late payment fee of $39.
  • Insufficient funds fee of $39.
  • There are no loan origination fees.
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Late payment fee of $39.
  • Insufficient funds fee of $39.
  • There are no loan origination fees.
  • There are no prepayment fees.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Excellent credit scores often get APRs of 5.74% to 8.22% on a three-year term.
  • Good credit scores often get APRs of 9.47% to 11.96% on a three-year term.
  • Fair credit scores often get APRs of 11.96% to 14.46% on a three-year term.
Best For: Wells Fargo customers
Check rates

 

Wells Fargo has APR rates for unsecured loans starting from 5.74% and a minimum credit score requirement of 620. The bank has 7,200 branches in different states, making it an easily accessible lender for borrowers in states.

Wells Fargo offers a maximum unsecured loan amount of up to $100,000 on flexible payment return terms ranging from one to seven years, with varying maturities. This bank has no origination fees or prepayment fees on the loans. APR discounts are also provided to Wells Forge account holders. The bank does charge late payment and insufficient funds fees of $39 and performs hard credit checks on applicants.

Pros

Pros of Wells Fargo are that it:

  • Has a competitive APR as high as 19.99%.
  • Allows changing of payment dates.
  • Has flexible repayment terms ranging from one to seven years.
  • Allows loan borrowers to loan amounts as high as $100,000.
  • Allows borrowers from all states to apply.
  • Gives APR discounts to select customers.
  • Has no loan origination or prepayment fees.

Cons

Cons of Wells Fargo are that it:

  • Has a late payment fee and an insufficient funds fee on the loans.
  • Only accepts online applications from current customers.
  • Impacts your credit score when applying for a loan.

The impact of COVID-19

Wells Fargo supports its borrowers through the hardships of the pandemic with its payment deferrals and loan exemptions. You can obtain further information and support by contacting Wells Fargo help center.

LightStream

Loan Amount: $5,000 – $100,000
APR: 2.49% – 19.99%
Min. Credit Score: 660
Approval: 1 – 7 Days
Terms: 3 – 12 Years
Fees:
  • There are no loan origination fees
  • There are no late payment fees
  • There are no closing fees
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a credit score of at least 660
  • The maximum DTI ratio is often 45%
  • Have recurring employment income or government benefits
  • Fill out your information through LightStream’s online portal
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Has stable income
  • Has few or no delinquencies
  • Has a long credit history across many accounts
  • Has liquid assets, savings, or

retirement assets

  • Does not overuse revolving credit lines
Best For: Large unsecured personal loans
Check rates

 

LightStream offers high loan amounts up to $100,000 and APRs as low as 2.49%. This lender offers flexible terms for as long as 12 years. But a good and trustable profile, including long credit history, repayment history and income, is necessary to qualify for the loan. The company provides loans to borrowers from all states.

The minimum loans start from $5,000, making it unsuitable for borrowers that require smaller unsecured loans. On the other hand, Light stream has no application, origination, prepayment, or late payment fees and provides long maturities. The low maximum APR makes it affordable for borrowers who meet the minimum criteria.

Pros

Pros of LightStream are that it:

  • Offers large unsecured loans as high as $100,000.
  • Has a low maximum APR of 19.99%.
  • Offers flexible terms for as long as 12 years.
  • Has no origination, late payment, or application fees.
  • Provides loans to browsers from all states.
  • Does not hurt your credit score when applying for a loan.

Cons

Cons of LightStream are that it:

  • Offers the minimum loan amount of $5,000.
  • Has strict approval criteria.

The impact of COVID-19

LightStream has no support policies for financially struggling borrowers during the pandemic. You can obtain further information and support by contacting the LightStream help team or visiting your account online.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Loan Amount: $250 to $50,000
APR: 7.49% – 18.00%
Min. Credit Score: Unlisted
Approval: 1 – 7 Days
Terms: Up to 15 Years
Fees:
  • Late payment fee of $29.
  • There are no loan origination fees.
  • There are no prepayment fees.
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be a member.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Have recurring employment income or government benefits.
  • Fill out your information through Navy Federal Credit Union’s online portal.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Navy Federal Credit Union doesn’t disclose average personal loan statistics.
Best For: Service members and affiliates.
Check rates

 

Navy Federal Credit Union offers personal unsecured loans and unsecured debt consolidation loans. The APR is as high as 18%, depending on the type of loan, going at a maximum of $50,000 for unsecured loans. Navy Federal Credit Union offers extensive and flexible payment return terms going as high as 180 months, depending on the type and amount of the loan. The loan is only offered to service members and affiliates.

Pros

Pros of Navy Federal Credit Union are that it:

  • Offers unsecured loans as high as $50,000
  • Has no loan origination, early closure, or prepayment fees.
  • Offers low APRs.
  • Provides a fast funding and approval process.

Cons

Cons of Navy Federal Credit Union are that it:

  • Has late payment fees.
  • Only provides unsecured loans if the borrower is associated with the armed forces.
  • Does not provide loans in all states

The impact of COVID-19

Navy Federal Credit Union supports borrowers suffering financially due to the pandemic by providing payment date extensions, deferrals, and increased credit limits. You can obtain further information by visiting the lender’s website on contacting Navy Federal Credit Union’s support team.

SoFi Bank

Loan Amount: $5,000 – $100,000
APR: 5.74% – 20.28%
Min. Credit Score: 680
Approval: 1 – 7 Days
Terms: 2 – 7 Years
Fees:
  • There are no loan origination fees
  • There are no late payment fees
  • There are no closing fees
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a credit score of at least 680.
  • Be employed, have an employment offer that starts in 60 days, or have recurring income from other sources.
  • Fill out your information through SoFi’s online portal
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Has a FICO Score of 753
  • Has gross income of $151,144
  • Has free cash flow of $5,696 per month
  • Borrows $31,634
  • Excellent credit scores incur an APR of 6.59%
  • Good credit scores incur an APR of 15.56%.
Best For: No fee unsecured loans
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SoFi has an APR ranging from 5.74% to 20.28% and a maximum loan amount of $100,000. It offers flexible payment return terms of as long as seven years. Eligibility for the loan requires a SoFi account, and the company conducts a soft credit and does not impact your credit score. Loans are available for borrowers from all states.

SoFI does not have any origination, late payment, closing, or prepayment fees. The minimum credit score limit is 680 for loan approval.

Pros

Pros of Sofi are that it:

  • Has a maximum secured loan amount of $100,000.
  • Offers flexible terms ranging as long as 7 years.
  • Has no origination, prepayment, closing, or late payment fees.
  • Does not impact your credit score to apply for a loan
  • Has a maximum APR of 20.28%.

Cons

Cons of Sofi are that it:

  • Has a minimum loan amount of $5,000.
  • Has an above-normal credit score requirement.

The impact of COVID-19

SoFi supports its borrowers through the pandemic by providing loan support. Financially struggling borrowers can contact the SoFi support team for further information.

LendingTree

Loan Amount: $1,000 – $50,000
APR: 2.49% – 35.99%
Min. Credit Score: 600
Approval: 1 Day
Terms: 1 – 5 Years
Fees:
  • Loan origination fee of 0% – 3%
  • You may incur late payment fees
  • Most lenders don’t charge prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a credit score of at least 600
  • The maximum DTI ratio is often 43%
  • Have recurring employment income or government benefits
  • Fill out your information through LendingTree’s online portal
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Excellent credit scores borrow $20,128 at an APR of 8.83%
  • Good credit scores borrow $9,818 at an APR of 17.54%
  • Full-time employees borrow $11,016
  • Self-employed persons borrow $12,266
  • Part-time employees borrow $7.944
  • Unemployed persons borrow $8,254
  • The majority of personal loans are used for credit card refinancing and debt consolidation
Best For: Low APR on unsecured loans
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LendingTree has an unsecured loan amount of up to $50,000 with a minimum APR of 2.49%. It provides flexible payment return terms ranging as long as five years. It has a loan origination fee of up to 3%. LendingTree provides loans to borrowers from all states, and credit score is a major factor in determining the applicable APR, with a minimum credit score requirement of 600.

Pros

Pros of LendingTree are that it:

  • Offers loans of amounts as high as $50,000.
  • Provides loans to borrowers from all states.
  • Offers flexible repayment schedules up to five years long.
  • Does not impact your credit score when taking a loan.
  • Offers APRs as low as 2.49%.

Cons

Cons of Lending Tree are that it:

  • Has loan origination fees, prepayment fees, and late payment fees. Some may vary depending on the lender.

The impact of COVID-19

As LendingTree is only a comparison site featuring a large number of lenders, policies regarding the pandemic can vary depending on the product. You can contact the lenders directly for further information.

What is an Unsecured Loan?

Unsecured loans are those that do not require applicants to have a security deposit or collateral. Banks, lenders, or credit unions, offer this loan based on the financial history and income source. Applicants can obtain this loan without pledging their assets. However, they should have a strong cash flow history so lenders can minimize their risk of lending money without asset security.

How do Unsecured Loans Work?

Unsecured loans focus more on strong credit and financial history as there is no collateral. When you apply for an unsecured loan, lenders will review your credit reports to determine your track record of timely loan repayment.

Additionally, they will check your income to make sure you are earning enough to pay back the loans. Lenders can determine your debt-to-income ratio as part of the application process by comparing the loan amount to your income. You can be required to submit tax records, pay stubs, and bank statements as evidence of your financial stability.

Your credit history also affects the conditions of unsecured loans. If you have a credit score in a very good or excellent category, you are able to get the best unsecured loan of December 2024 with lower interest rates. If the person who applied for an unsecured loan does not pay it back, the lender cannot repossess any collateral. However, the lender has other legal options to recover the loan. Even though the loan is unsecured, the borrower may still have their earnings withheld.

What are some Benefits of Unsecured Loans of December 2024?

Unsecured loans can provide a variety of benefits, such as:

Personal Asset Protection

Most important benefit of an unsecured loan over other loans is that your personal assets are protected as you don’t have to pledge them. Hence, your property or other assets won’t be in danger if you can’t make your loan payments due to unforeseeable circumstances.

Swift Application Acceptance

Application processes for unsecured financing are simpler, less rigorous, and quicker as compared to secured financing. In certain circumstances, you might receive the money the same day as being authorized because there is no title or other collateral to examine.

Usage Variety

You can use money from an unsecured loan in various ways, from paying for a vacation or covering medical costs to paying off debt. You get the money in the full amount, which helps make big necessary purchases easy.

Flexibility and Ease of Management

Applying for an unsecured loan gives you control over your payments. You may pick the repayment period and sum that is ideal for you. It is also easier to manage as you have to pay a fixed amount after a fixed interval instead of various credit card loans with varying payment dates, interest rates, and other factors.

What are the Disadvantages of Unsecured Loans?

If you’re considering an unsecured loan, there are still a few drawbacks to consider.

High Interest Rates than Secured Loans

Interest rates are generally higher as you provide no collateral. Lenders take more risks with their money in unsecured loans to ensure they receive more value. Thus, for applicants with a poorer credit history, interest rates and conditions of unsecured loans are less advantageous.

Difficulty in Qualifying

Lenders frequently set a higher minimum credit score requirement for unsecured loans compared to secured loans because of the higher level of risk. The businesses that have lower trading points are less likely to get approved for best unsecured loans of December 2024 since the ability to repay the loan is taken into account when deciding whether or not to approve a loan. You can improve the odds of getting an unsecured loan by arranging a trustworthy guarantor.

Negative Impact on Credit History

A borrower’s credit rating will suffer if they make late payments or default on their loans. Accordingly, if there is a default, legal action may be taken that can further result in the withholding of income.

How to Apply for an Unsecured Loan?

The application process for an unsecured loan is fairly simple than for a secure loan. You can apply for an unsecured loan by following these steps:

  • Verify your credit score
  • Check your budget and ensure that your debt-to-income ratio is adequate
  • Look for lenders that give the best unsecured loans of December 2024 and get prequalified
  • Compile documentation
  • Submit a formal application online or in-person

Who Benefits Most From an Unsecured Loan?

The borrowers with good credit scores can easily avail of the best unsecured loans of December 2024 with the lowest interest rates. Borrowers that are debt consolidating or making a large payment can benefit the most from an unsecured loan. As a result, unsecured loans can be a godsend for them as they are a good option without heavy requirements.

Conclusion

Taking an unsecured loan can be an intricate process as both lenders and borrowers consider many factors. With such a wide range of options available in the marketplace, however, it is unwise to make a decision without proper research. A good unsecured loan lender will provide affordable rates to meet customer expectations.

It is best to find a lender that provides the amount, fees, and APR that is affordable. Our marketplace provides you with all the information you need to make a good choice. All information presented is up to date and accurate to our knowledge. Any information or policies may be subject to change by the lender, but rest assured, as we ensure that all data is updated regularly. We make no compromise on your financials.

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