Best Unsecured Personal Loans of May 2024 (2024)

An unsecured loan may be more challenging to get approved for than a secured loan. But it’s still possible to qualify for one, even with minimal credit history or a poor credit score. Typically, borrowers with a solid financial footing will qualify for lower APRs and more generous terms.

When you apply for an unsecured loan, a lender typically reviews your credit profile, income and other factors to determine whether you qualify, your loan amount and your interest rate. Once approved, the lender issues you a lump sum, which you pay back in fixed monthly installments, including interest. If you repay what you borrow on time, it can help improve your credit score, as lenders generally report payments to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. But if you default on the loan, it can cause serious damage to your credit.

The credit score needed to qualify varies depending on the lender. Some lenders, like SoFi, require applicants to have good credit, which is generally defined as a FICO score of 670 or higher. However, a few lenders have minimum credit score requirements below 600. If a lender approves you for a personal loan with bad credit, note that it’ll likely charge you a higher APR than someone with good credit.

Maximum loan amounts vary by lender, and the amount you can borrow if you qualify depends on various factors, such as your credit score, income and debt-to-income ratio (DTI). That said, lenders such as SoFi and LightStream offer unsecured loans up to $100,000 to well-qualified borrowers.

Best Unsecured Personal Loans of May 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Best Unsecured Personal Loans of May 2024? ›

The best unsecured personal loans are from LightStream, SoFi and PenFed. Unsecured personal loans don't require collateral like a bank account or a car but may have higher interest rates than secured personal loans. Our top picks offer attractive interest rates and low or no origination fees.

What is the best unsecured personal loan company? ›

The best unsecured personal loans are from LightStream, SoFi and PenFed. Unsecured personal loans don't require collateral like a bank account or a car but may have higher interest rates than secured personal loans. Our top picks offer attractive interest rates and low or no origination fees.

What is the easiest loan to get approved for? ›

What is the easiest loan to get approved for? The easiest types of loans to get approved for don't require a credit check and include payday loans, car title loans and pawnshop loans — but they're also highly predatory due to outrageously high interest rates and fees.

Will personal loan rates go down in 2024? ›

According to the most recent Federal Reserve projections (made in December 2023), the median expectation is for three quarter-percentage-point cuts to the federal funds rate in 2024.

How to get a loan when no one will approve you? ›

If you need money fast, here are some alternatives to consider when you can't get a loan.
  1. Research peer-to-peer lending.
  2. Explore loans from friends and family.
  3. Look at pawnshop loan options.
  4. Compare credit card cash loans.
  5. Seek information about government assistance programs.
Mar 20, 2024

Who is most likely to get approved for personal loan? ›

Borrowers with multiple credit cards, a mortgage, or an auto loan showing regular on-time payments may be more likely to qualify. Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders seek borrowers who make enough money to meet their current monthly financial obligations, plus loan payments.

What is a good enough credit score for an unsecured loan? ›

Ideal credit score to avail a personal loan

The minimum CIBIL score for a personal loan is between 720 and 750. Having this score means you are creditworthy, and lenders will approve your personal loan application quickly. They may also offer you your chosen loan amount at a nominal interest.

Which bank gives a loan easily? ›

HDFC Bank offers pre-approved loans to customers in 10 seconds flat*. Non – HDFC Bank customers can get loans in 4 hours.

What is a hardship loan? ›

What Is A Hardship Loan? A hardship loan is a type of financing that helps people dealing with a financial crisis caused by an emergency expense or an income shortfall. You can use a hardship loan to cover everything from a surprise medical or car repair bill to necessities like food and rent.

What bank personal loan is easiest to get? ›

Personal loans with fast approval by banks
BankApproval TimeInterest Rate
Hong Leong Bank2 days9.00% - 12.50% p.a.
CIMB1 day upon complete submission4.38% - 19.88% p.a.
Maybank1 day upon complete submission6.50% - 8.00% p.a.
RHB1 day approval and disbursem*nt8.59% - 13.76% p.a.
1 more row

What is a good APR for a personal loan? ›

A good personal loan interest rate depends on your credit score: 740 and above: Below 8% (look for loans for excellent credit) 670 to 739: Around 14% (look for loans for good credit) 580 to 669: Around 18% (look for loans for fair credit)

What should interest rates be in 2024? ›

NAR: Rates Will Decline to 6.5% The National Association of Realtors expects mortgage rates will average 6.8% in the first quarter of 2024, rising to 7.1% in the second quarter, according to its latest Quarterly U.S. Economic Forecast.

Is now a good time to get a personal loan? ›

You might get a better deal in 2024

While interest rates are up right now, things could start to change in 2024 if the Fed decides to cut rates. So next year might be a better time to put a personal loan in place. Let's say you're looking to borrow $10,000 and pay it back over a five-year period.

How to get a loan when everyone denies you? ›

Paying down debts, increasing your income, applying with a co-signer or co-borrower and looking for lenders that specialize in loans within your credit band could increase your approval odds.

Which loan company is easiest to get? ›

Easiest-to-get personal loans compared 2024
TitleAPRMin. credit score
Upstart5.2% to 35.99%300
Avant9.95% to 35.99%580
LendingClub8.98% to 35.99%600
OneMain18% to 35.99%Undisclosed
6 more rows
May 7, 2024

Who is the best company to borrow money from? ›

Best Personal Loan Lenders of June 2024
  • 2024 Best Personal Loan Overall. SoFi Personal Loan. ...
  • Upgrade. Best for Personal loans for bad to fair credit. ...
  • Discover® Personal Loans. Best for Debt consolidation loans. ...
  • LightStream. Best for Home improvement loans. ...
  • Upstart. ...
  • Happy Money. ...
  • Best Egg. ...
  • LendingClub.
May 13, 2024

Which is the most common unsecured loan? ›

Here are some common types of unsecured loans:
  • Personal loans: These are general-purpose loans that can be used for various personal expenses, such as weddings, home improvements, medical expenses or any other unexpected expenses. ...
  • Credit cards: Credit cards are a form of unsecured revolving credit.

What credit score do you need for an unsecured personal loan? ›

Payment history is weighed the most heavily in determining your credit score, along with your total outstanding debt. Generally, borrowers need a credit score of at least 610 to 640 to even qualify for a personal loan.

What is the safest place to get a personal loan? ›

Best Places to Get a Personal Loan in 2024
LenderPros
BankBig loans, in-person applications, and likely to have no origination fee
Credit unionLow maximum APRs, in-person applications, and many work with bad credit
Online lenderFastest approval and funding timelines with plenty of options for bad credit
Apr 16, 2024

Which company is best for a personal loan? ›

  • HDFC Bank Personal Loan.
  • State Bank of India Personal Loan.
  • Axis Bank Personal Loan.
  • IDFC FIRST Bank Personal Loan.
  • ICICI Bank Personal Loan.
  • Federal Bank Personal Loan.
  • Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan.
  • IndusInd Bank Personal Loan.
May 15, 2024

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