How to get an $80,000 personal loan

Very few lenders offer personal loans over $50,000, which can make finding an $80,000 loan difficult. In fact, the average personal loan amount was just $6,200 in the first quarter of 2025, according to TransUnion, which is why a personal loan as high as $80,000 is so rare. While you should always compare at least three lenders, it may not be possible — and that means you should consider alternatives even when you apply.

In addition, an $80,000 personal loan is a large responsibility, and because it’s such a large amount, these loans can be harder to qualify for. Before moving forward, assess your needs, assess your budget and determine how you’ll keep up with monthly payments.

Lenders that offer $80,000 personal loans

Personal loans are commonly available from banks, credit unions and online lenders. But fewer lenders offer loans of this size, so it’s especially important to compare options to ensure you qualify and can receive a competitive APR.

Best personal loans of 2025

Explore Bankrate's top picks for the best personal loans to find the right lender for you.

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Wells Fargo

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5

4.6

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Bankrate's view

You must be a Wells Fargo customer for at least a year before you’re eligible to borrow. This lender offers loans between $3,000 and $100,000, with repayment terms as long as 84 months. Interest rate discounts of 0.25 percent are also available if you have certain checking or savings accounts.

Pros

• Long repayment terms
• Quick funding
• No fees

Cons

• Only available to current account holders
• Doesn’t disclose credit requirements
• History of regulatory action

Alliant Credit Union

Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5

3.8

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Bankrate's view

Alliant Credit Union is an online-only credit union that offers personal loans to members across the country. It stands out against other lenders for its minimal fees and fast funding. Amounts go up to $100,000, but Alliant’s maximum repayment term is just five years, which could result in a high monthly payment on an $80,000 loan.

Pros

• Quick funding
• Wide range of loan amounts
• No origination fee
• Generous autopay discount (0.4 percentage points)

Cons

• Comparatively short repayment terms
• No joint borrowers
• Doesn’t disclose credit requirements
• No prequalification option

LightStream

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

4.5

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Bankrate's view

LightStream offers funding of up to $100,000. If you qualify for a lower interest rate on the same loan amount and term from another lender, LightStream will beat that rate by 0.1 percentage points. The application process only takes a few minutes, and if approved, you may get the funds in your account as soon as the same day.

Pros

• Rate Beat program
• Quick loan decisions and funding
• No fees
• Generous autopay discount (0.5 percentage points)

Cons

• No prequalification
• Long credit history required

SoFi

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5

4.7

Learn more in our Bankrate review

Bankrate's view

SoFi is an online lender that offers personal loans up to $100,000. It doesn’t charge any required fees, but you may have to agree to an optional origination fee of up to 7 percent to qualify for SoFi’s lowest rates. This lender also offers a handful of unique borrower benefits, including travel discounts, free financial planning and discounts on subsequent SoFi loans.

Pros

• Quick decisions and funding
• No required fees
• Co-borrowers allowed

Cons

• May have to pay origination fee (up to 7 percent) to unlock lowest rates
• May not be available in all states

How to get an $80,000 personal loan

Borrowing an $80,000 loan requires more forethought and care than a smaller loan, but the general process is the same.

1. Check your credit. Your credit profile and score significantly impact approval and loan terms. Borrowers with fair or poor credit are unlikely to qualify for an $80,000 personal loan. Reviewing your score before applying can help you determine your eligibility and identify the best lenders.
2. Review eligibility criteria. Lenders consider factors beyond credit scores to evaluate your application, including your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), annual income and employment history.
3. Research lenders. When comparing the best personal loans, be sure to pay close attention to loan amount restrictions, as you will be borrowing on the higher end. Most lenders don’t offer unsecured personal loans above $50,000. Once you crunch the numbers and compare lenders, you can apply for funding.
4. Submit a loan application. Complete the application and supply any required documentation. Most lenders offer online applications, which are often the fastest way to receive a lending decision.
5. Finalize the deal. If approved, review the loan terms carefully and sign the contract.
6. Receive the loan and begin repayment. Loan proceeds are typically disbursed electronically to your bank account within a few business days of approval. Be sure to make note of your first payment due date, and understand how to submit your monthly payments.

Common personal loan requirements

Your lender will likely require a few common documents and have minimum guidelines you will need to meet. Generally, you must provide a government-issued ID, proof of income through pay stubs, tax returns or bank statements, and agree to a credit check.

You should also calculate your debt-to-income ratio, which compares the amount of debt you have versus your gross monthly income. Having a stable employment history and a positive credit history can also boost the likelihood of getting loan approval.

How much does an $80,000 loan really cost?

An $80,000 loan is going to cost quite a bit of money — both as a monthly payment and overall in interest. You’ll pay interest on the amount you borrow, which can vary based on the terms you receive. Even with a lower-than-average personal loan rate, you’ll pay tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan.

This is how the loan varies on different terms for an $80,000 personal loan with a 12.64 percent interest rate. Even at the longest possible repayment term, an $80,000 personal loan will cost over $1,400 each month.

There are also fees that may apply. Some lenders assess origination fees, which can sometimes total up to 12 percent of the loan amount. This fee comes out of your loan funds before you receive them, so be sure to account for this cost when deciding how much cash you need in hand.

A personal loan calculator can help pinpoint how different interest rates and loan terms affect the cost of the loan. You’ll want to have a firm understanding of the loan and any fees that come with it ahead of signing the agreement.

How to determine whether you need an $80,000 personal loan

Taking out an $80,000 loan involves committing to a substantial monthly payment over an extended period and risking repercussions to your credit score if you struggle to meet the monthly amount. Before applying, carefully evaluate the purpose behind your funding needs to determine whether postponing and saving up is a feasible alternative.

Instances where an $80,000 loan could be a good option:

1. Genuine need and credit building: Consistently meeting your loan repayment requirements can enhance your credit profile over time.
2. Return on investment: Investing in significant home improvement projects that can potentially raise your property’s value can lead to a return on investment.
3. Consolidate debt: Rolling high-interest debt into a lower-interest personal loan may save money in the long run.

Before committing to a personal loan, ensure you understand the monthly repayment requirements and have a solid plan in place. It’s crucial that you’re able to comfortably manage the monthly installments to avoid any financial setbacks.

Alternatives to $80,000 personal loans

If you are unable to find a personal loan that fits your needs, it is best to find alternatives rather than signing off on a loan that could lead to future financial troubles. Consider personal loan alternatives like tapping into your home equity.

• Home equity loan or HELOC: The primary benefit of this borrowing option is the ability to get funding for longer terms than personal loans allow, but it doesn’t come without risk — your home is on the line, and you must have significant equity in your home in order to qualify. A home equity loan is disbursed in a lump sum, while a home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to draw multiple times during a set period.
• Cash-out mortgage refinance: A cash-out refinance also requires significant equity in your home. You replace your mortgage with one for more than you owe and get the difference in cash. It is a potentially costly option, and isn’t recommended if you can’t get the same rate or lower than your current mortgage.
• Peer-to-peer lending: Unlike a personal loan where you borrow from a financial institution, peer-to-peer loans are originated by a group of investors that lends money. This can increase your approval odds but also could result in a higher interest rate and fees.

Bottom line

There are many reasons why taking out a personal loan might make sense. Personal loans can help you consolidate debt at a low rate and save a bundle in interest or cover large expenses like home renovations, vacations or weddings. But an $80,000 personal loan is costly and shouldn’t be considered lightly.

It’s vital to understand how much of a loan you need and why you need it before applying. You may find that a lower loan amount covers your needs and is more suitable for your financial situation. Plus, you’ll pay less in interest and fees if you opt for a lower amount.