Best Personal Loans of 2026

If you need cash fast—whether it’s for an emergency, a big purchase, or paying off debt—a personal loan can get you the money you need.

We’ve ranked the best personal loan options of 2026 based on interest rates, loan terms, and how quickly you can get funded. Each lender on this list is legit and caters to different financial situations.

Check out the options and see what works for your budget. Just keep in mind that rates and terms depend on your credit score and the lender’s requirements.

Get Help Paying Off Your Debt

Drowning in high interest credit card debt can feel like your money is working against you. But what if part of that balance could simply disappear?

National Debt Relief helps people with at least $15,000 in unsecured debt potentially settle for less than what they owe. That means instead of paying back every dollar plus interest, their team negotiates with creditors to reduce the total amount. In many cases, that reduction can feel like getting free money because it is debt you no longer have to repay.

There is no cost to see if you qualify. It takes about a minute to sign up and check your eligibility, then you complete a short assessment and speak with a specialist to review your options. If you are approved, you could move toward becoming debt free in as little as 12 to 48 months while paying back less than your original balance.

Best Personal Loans of 2026

SoFi

SoFi is a solid option for personal loans, offering competitive rates and no fees. You can borrow between $5,000 and $100,000 with repayment terms from 2 to 7 years.

To qualify, you’ll need a credit score of at least 650 and an annual income of $45,000 or more. SoFi doesn’t charge origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties, and their APRs are among the lowest.

One downside? If you’re consolidating debt, SoFi won’t pay creditors directly—you’ll have to do that yourself. But perks like unemployment protection and the ability to adjust your payment due date once a year make it a strong choice.

Upstart

Upstart is a solid option if you need a personal loan but don’t have the best credit. You can borrow as little as $1,000, and they look beyond just your credit score—considering your education and job history—to decide if you qualify.

The application is quick and easy, taking just a few minutes online, with instant decisions in most cases. If approved, you could get your money as soon as the next business day.

Upstart’s interest rates are competitive, and repayment terms are flexible, making it a good choice if you’re trying to manage debt or cover an unexpected expense. If your credit isn’t great and you need a small loan fast, Upstart is worth checking out.

Upgrade

Upgrade is a good option if you have fair to bad credit and need a personal loan. They look at more than just your credit score—factors like income and expenses matter too—so approval is easier for those with less-than-perfect credit.

You can borrow between $1,000 and $75,000 for things like debt consolidation, home projects, or medical bills. Loan terms are three or five years, and while rates are competitive, there is an origination fee (1.85% to 9.99%) and a $10 late fee if you miss a payment. There are no autopay discounts.

The application is quick and online, with loan decisions in minutes. If you need a personal loan and have average credit, Upgrade is worth considering.

Alternatives to Personal Loans to Get Cash

Whether you need money to cover an expense to avoid overdraft fees or just need access to money in a rush, these cash advance apps can help you get paid today:

5 Things to Know Before Applying for a Personal Loan

Check your credit report: Lenders look at your credit history to decide if they’ll approve your loan and what interest rate you’ll get. If you have missed payments or too many loan applications, your score could be lower than you think. Review your credit report first to fix any issues and improve your chances.

Pay your bills on time: Late payments stay on your credit report for years and make lenders doubt your ability to repay. Before taking on a new loan, make sure you can handle your current financial obligations so you don’t end up struggling with more debt.

Don’t apply for multiple loans at once: Every time you apply for a loan, it gets recorded on your credit history. Too many applications can make lenders think you’re desperate for money or can’t manage debt well. This can hurt your approval chances and even get your application denied.

Only borrow what you need: Taking out a bigger loan than necessary means paying more in interest on money you didn’t need in the first place. Be smart—borrow only what’s required to cover your expenses and nothing more.

Compare loan options: Not all lenders offer the same interest rates and terms. Before applying, shop around and compare loans to find the best deal. Look beyond interest rates—consider loan terms, fees, and repayment flexibility to get the best overall offer.

FAQs

Best Personal Loans Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best personal loan depends on a variety of factors, including interest rates, loan amounts, and repayment terms.

The lenders reviewed in this article, including SoFi, Upgrade, and Upstart, offer competitive rates and flexible terms.

However, it’s important to carefully consider your financial situation and needs before choosing a lender and signing a loan agreement.

By doing your research and comparing options, you can find a personal loan that fits your budget and helps you achieve your financial goals.