Skip to Main Content

Best low-interest personal loans for September 2025

Updated Sep. 12, 2025

What to know first: Borrowers with excellent credit may qualify for rates below 7 percent. The lowest rates are typically offered for shorter terms if you can afford the higher monthly payment.

Compare and prequalify for low rate loans

  • Checkmark Compare rates in less than 2 minutes
  • Checkmark Checking will not impact your credit score
Bankrate has helped thousands of consumers secure low-interest funding for their needs
How Bankrate works

Filter results

Close X
|
Best overall
PERSONAL LOAN
LightStream
4.5
6.99- 24.89%
* with AutoPay
Min credit score
660
$464
Loan amount
$5k-$100k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best transparent experience
PERSONAL LOAN
Upstart
4.7
6.70- 35.99%
Min credit score
300
$462
Loan amount
$1k-$75k
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Best for debt consolidation
PERSONAL LOAN
Upgrade
4.6
7.99- 35.99%
with AutoPay
Min credit score
600
$470
Loan amount
$1k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best for peer-to-peer loans
PERSONAL LOAN
Prosper
4.5
8.99- 35.99%
Min credit score
600
$477
Loan amount
$2k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Best for borrower perks
PERSONAL LOAN
SoFi
4.7
3.43- 15.99%
with all discounts
Min credit score
300
$440
Loan amount
$5k-$100k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best secured option
PERSONAL LOAN
Best Egg
4.6
6.99- 35.99%
Min credit score
600
$464
Loan amount
$2k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best for fast funding
PERSONAL LOAN
Achieve
4.5
8.99- 29.99%
Min credit score
640
$477
Loan amount
$5k-$50k
Read our reviewArrow Right
on Bankrate
See details
|
Best for customer experience
PERSONAL LOAN
Discover
4.8
7.99- 24.99%
Min credit score
660
$470
Loan amount
$2.5k-$40k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best for a credit union loan
PERSONAL LOAN
PenFed
4.8
8.99- 17.99%
Min credit score
0
$477
Loan amount
$600-$50k
Read our reviewArrow Right
See details
Best for lowest rates
PERSONAL LOAN
Reach Financial
4.4
5.99- 35.99%
Min credit score
Not disclosed
$457
Loan amount
$3.5k-$40k
Read our reviewArrow Right
See details

How Bankrate works

Woman looking for rates
01

Compare rates

Our team researched the best low-interest personal loan options available so you can compare lenders in one place.

02

Tell us the basics

Fill out a quick form to be matched with lenders that meet your needs. The details you provide are for prequalification purposes only and will not impact your credit score.

03

Get matched and receive funding

Choose a loan from a Bankrate partner and receive your funds if you qualify.

A closer look at our top low-interest loans

Here's a deep dive into each lender, why they're the best in each category and specifically who would benefit most from borrowing from the lender.

LightStream: Best overall

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
6.99%–24.89%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
660
Loan term
2-20 yrs
Origination fee
None
Pros
  • Winner of Bankrate Award for best home improvement loan
  • High loan amount maximum and no fees
  • Offers a rate-matching program
Cons
  • High credit score minimum
  • No online prequalification
  • High minimum loan amount
WHO'S IT FOR:

LightStream is known for its low rates, lack of fees and large loan amounts. And if you qualify for a lower rate on a comparable loan with a competitor, LightStream will beat that rate by 0.1 percentage points.

Upstart: Best transparent experience

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
6.70%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$75k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 12%
Pros
  • Flexible qualifying requirements beyond credit score
  • Competitive APRs
  • Bankrate Award-winner for bad credit loans
Cons
  • High origination fees compared to competitors
  • Limited repayment terms
  • Pricey maximum APRs
WHO'S IT FOR:

Upstart is highly transparent about its loan terms and eligibility criteria, helping you know what to expect before you borrow. This lender utilizes AI and alternative underwriting criteria to approve borrowers with bad or thin credit, but if you have great credit, you may receive one of the lowest rates among personal loan lenders. 

Upgrade: Best for debt consolidation

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
1.85%-9.99%
Pros
  • Direct payment to creditors
  • Joint applications available
  • Rate discounts for autopay and debt consolidation
Cons
  • High potential origination fees
  • High maximum APR
  • Late and returned check fees
WHO'S IT FOR:

Upgrade loans are best for consolidating debt into one predictable monthly payment. With direct payment to creditors and discounts for autopay and debt payoff, Upgrade is a strong choice if you qualify for a low rate.

 

SoFi: Best for borrower perks

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
3.43%–15.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Optional fee up to 7%
Pros
  • Mobile app and seven-day-a-week customer service
  • Unique borrower perks
  • Joint applications allowed
Cons
  • High minimum loan amount
  • High maximum APR
  • Optional fees up to 7 percent
WHO'S IT FOR:

SoFi personal loans provide large amounts, fast funding, and no required fees, but this lender really shines for its members-only perks. SoFi borrowers can access free financial planning, discounts on estate planning and travel, cash rewards and discounts on subsequent SoFi loans.

Best Egg: Best secured option

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
6.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
0.99%-9.99%
Pros
  • Lower rates for loans secured by home fixtures or your vehicle
  • Low minimum rates for qualified borrowers
  • Low minimum credit score
Cons
  • High origination fees
  • Fewer repayment options
  • Higher minimum loan amount
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with excellent credit who are seeking loan amounts up to $50,000. Home and vehicle owners may also benefit from checking out Best Egg's unique secured loan options.

Achieve: Best for fast funding

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
8.99%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$50k
Min credit score
640
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
1.99%-8.99%
Pros
  • Poor credit debt consolidation options
  • Fast funding
  • Debt management and financial health resources
Cons
  • Not available in every state
  • High minimum loan amount
  • Expensive origination fees
WHO'S IT FOR:

Achieve personal loans are best for borrowers who need quick access to funds — you may receive a same-day loan decision with funds disbursed the following business day. There's also the added benefit of working with a loan consultant for more hands-on guidance. 

Discover: Best for customer experience

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Est. APR
7.99%–24.99%
Loan amount
$2.5k–$40k
Min credit score
660
Loan term
3-7 yrs
Origination fee
None
Pros
  • Option to pay creditors directly
  • Low fees
  • Prequalification offered
Cons
  • Can't be used on a Discover card
  • No discounts
  • No joint applications
WHO'S IT FOR:

Discover ranked highly on J.D. Power's 2025 Consumer Lending Satisfaction Survey, coming in third in a field of 23 popular lenders. Its U.S.-based customer service agents are available seven days a week, and Discover loans offer low rates and no fees.

PenFed Credit Union: Best for a credit union loan

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Est. APR
8.99%–17.99%
Loan amount
$600–$50k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
1-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • No origination fee
  • Small loans available
  • Fast funding
  • Joint loans available
Cons
  • Credit union membership required
  • Eligibility requirements not disclosed
  • Does not offer direct payment to creditors for debt consolidation
WHO'S IT FOR:

PenFed loans are best for borrowers who want the competitive rates and community-focused benefits of a credit union — rates at federal credit unions are capped at 17.99 percent. You will have to join the credit union to qualify, but membership is available to join the credit union to qualify, but gaining membership is as simple as opening a savings account with a minimum $5 deposit.

Reach Financial: Best for lowest rates

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Est. APR
5.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$3.5k–$40k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 8 percent
Pros
  • Lowest starting APR on our list
  • Free credit monitoring
  • Customizable payment dates
Cons
  • Requirements not clearly disclosed
  • Origination fee up to 8 percent
  • Only available in 36 states
WHO'S IT FOR:

Reach Financial personal loans are best for excellent-credit borrowers who can qualify for the ultra-low starting APR. With built-in credit monitoring, flexible payment dates and debt-focused loan options, Reach can help borrowers prioritize rate savings and long-term credit growth.

Calculate your low-interest personal loan payment

Use Bankrate's loan calculator to compare interest rates and repayment terms to find the best repayment plan for your budget. Check what factors provide the most affordable estimated monthly payment and see how much total interest you may need to pay.

How to compare low-interest personal loans

Every lender and product is different. When it comes to comparing personal loans, there are several factors to consider, not just which product has the lowest annual percentage rate (APR). When shopping for a low-interest personal loan, keep the following factors in mind to determine the best options for your situation.

  • Lender requirements: Review each lender's income, credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) requirements to make sure you qualify for the loan. You'll also want to make sure the lender's minimum or maximum loan amounts meet your needs.
  • Interest rates and fees: The APR you are offered will vary widely by lender and your financial situation. Some lenders also charge certain fees — like origination fees, prepayment penalties and late fees — that other lenders do not.
  • Repayment terms: Each lender may offer different repayment terms, typically ranging from one to seven years. Consider the monthly payment you can afford and how long you want to pay for a loan.
  • Approval and funding timeline: Think about how quickly you need a personal loan and match that timeline with lenders that are able to process and fund loans as quickly as you need them to.
  • Discounts and perks: Some lenders offer perks and discounts to certain borrowers, including those who may already have accounts with the lender or those who sign up for autopay.
  • Lender reviews: Read through lender reviews to learn more about customer service and what to expect when working with the lender.

Pros and cons of low-interest personal loans

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • A lower monthly payment gives you more room in your budget.
  • You'll save more money on interest than you'd pay with other types of debt, such as credit cards.
  • No risk of losing an asset like a home or car, since most low-interest personal loans are unsecured.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Harder to qualify for if you have an unstable income or credit issues.
  • The lowest APRs are typically offered for shorter repayment terms with higher monthly payments.
  • May require more paperwork to prove creditworthiness.
Bankrate's image file
See related

How to qualify for competitive rates on low-interest personal loans

Learn what steps you need to take to qualify for a low-interest personal loan.

Arrow Right Icon

How much a low-interest personal loan can save you

You could be saving thousands of dollars in interest accrual with a low-interest personal loan. Let's look at how much you could save on a $15,000 loan with a low interest rate compared to the same loan with a rate that is close to average and one with a higher rate.

Interest rate Loan term Monthly payment Interest paid Total amount paid
6% (close to the lowest available rate) 24 months $665 $955 $15,955
10% 24 months $692 $1,612 $16,612
12.5% (close to the average personal loan rate) 24 months $710 $2,031 $17,031
25% 24 months $801 $4,214 $19,214

FAQs

How we choose our best low-interest personal loan lenders 

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

45

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

900

data points collected

To select the best personal loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 50 lenders. To earn a spot on our low-interest loan list, a lender must offer a starting rate below 9 percent and originate loans in at least 25 states. The best overall lender meets additional criteria, including a starting rate (at the time of evaluation) below 7 percent, no fees and a Bankrate score of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars.

To select the best low-interest personal loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 30 lenders. Each lender was ranked using a meticulous 20-point system, focusing on four main categories:


Jane Nam writes about consumer loans for Bankrate and holds certificates in data science, math and research.
Ribbon Icon
Expertise
  • Loans
  • Surveys

Katie Lowery
Edited by
Katie Lowery
Editor II, Loans
Mark Kantrowitz
Reviewed by
Mark Kantrowitz
Bankrate Expert Contributor, Student Loans