Here are 10 of the best personal‐loan companies in the U.S. in 2025, along with a summary of their strengths and what kind of borrower each one is best for. You’ll still need to compare your own rate, term, fees and credit profile — but this gives a good starting list.
| # | Lender | What makes them stand out | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SoFi | Strong online lender, good for solid credit, large loan amounts, good reputation. (Anika Ay Integration) | Borrowers with good to excellent credit who want a larger loan or nicer features. |
| 2 | LightStream | Low interest options for very good credit, wide variety of loan uses. (Money) | Borrowers with strong credit looking for lower APRs and flexibility. |
| 3 | Marcus by Goldman Sachs | No‐fee loans, backed by a strong brand, good online experience. (Anika Ay Integration) | Borrowers who want clean terms, no hidden fees, and a brand they trust. |
| 4 | Upstart | Uses AI/non‑traditional credit factors; can help those who don’t have perfect credit. (Anika Ay Integration) | Borrowers with fair credit, limited credit history, or non‑traditional employment/income. |
| 5 | LendingClub | Peer‑to‑peer model, good for debt consolidation; well established. (Vocal) | Borrowers looking for moderate amounts ($1k‑$40k), especially for consolidation. |
| 6 | Avant | More accessible for average credit; transparent about rates. (Vocal) | Borrowers who have credit that isn’t great, but still want a legitimate loan. |
| 7 | Discover Personal Loans | Big well‐known bank, good service, decent rates for good credit. (Vocal) | Borrowers who prefer a bank vs purely online lender and have good credit. |
| 8 | Upgrade | Recognised for flexible repayment terms, serving a range of credit profiles. (ConsumerAffairs) | Borrowers who want flexibility and maybe don’t have the strongest credit. |
| 9 | Best Egg | A solid lender especially for debt‑consolidation, good user reviews. (Vocal) | Borrowers focused on consolidating debt and want straightforward terms. |
| 10 | PenFed Credit Union | Credit‑union option; can have good rates if you qualify. (Money) | Borrowers who are (or can become) members of the credit union and have good credit. |
🔍 Some notes & caveats
- These lenders generally require decent to good credit (though some are more flexible than others).
- APRs vary widely: While some advertise rates in the single digits, actual APR you get depends strongly on your credit, income, loan amount and term. (Anika Ay Integration)
- Check for fees (origination, late payment, prepayment) and whether the lender offers direct payment to creditors (if you’re consolidating debt) or other useful features. (WalletHub)
- Compare not just rate but term: A longer term means lower monthly payment but more total interest paid.
- Even the “best” lenders may not be best for your situation (e.g., fair credit, specific loan purpose, state laws) — always compare.
- Beware of scams: Legitimate lenders will not ask you for large upfront fees before loan approval. (reddit.com)