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Best Personal Loans with Low Interest Rates in the United States for 2025

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Finding a personal loan with a low interest rate can make all the difference when you need funds for big expenses like consolidating debt, tackling home repairs, or covering unexpected medical bills. A lower rate means less money paid over time, especially if you’ve got solid credit. I’ve put together a straightforward guide to the best personal loan options in the U.S. for 2025, focusing on lenders with competitive rates, minimal fees, and terms that work for real people. These picks are based on the latest info from trusted sources like Bankrate, NerdWallet, and Forbes, as of August 2025.

What to Look for in a Low-Rate Personal Loan

Before we jump into the lenders, here’s what matters when hunting for a low-rate loan:

  • Your Credit Score: If your FICO score is 720 or higher, you’re in the driver’s seat for rates as low as 5–7%. Lower scores might push you toward 20% or more.
  • Loan Term: Shorter terms (2–3 years) often come with lower rates but higher monthly payments. Longer terms ease the monthly hit but cost more in interest.
  • Fees: Watch out for origination fees, which bump up the APR. No-fee lenders are your best bet.
  • Prequalification: Many lenders let you check rates with a soft credit pull, so your score stays safe.
  • Debt-to-Income (DTI): Keep your DTI below 36% for the best shot at approval and low rates.
  • Discounts: Some lenders, like SoFi or Wells Fargo, shave off a bit of the rate if you set up autopay.

The average personal loan rate in July 2025 hovers around 12.64%, but the best lenders offer rates starting as low as 5.91% for top-tier borrowers.

Top Picks for Low-Interest Personal Loans in 2025

Here’s my rundown of the best lenders offering low-rate personal loans, with details on their APRs, loan sizes, terms, and what makes them stand out. These are tailored for different needs, whether you’re consolidating debt or funding a big project.

1. LightStream

  • APR: 6.49%–17.54% (with autopay)
  • Loan Amounts: $5,000–$100,000
  • Terms: 2–7 years (up to 20 years for home improvement)
  • Fees: None—no origination, no prepayment penalties
  • Who Qualifies: 695+ credit score, strong income, solid credit history
  • Why I Like It: LightStream’s rates start super low at 6.49%, perfect for folks with great credit. You can borrow up to $100,000, which is great for big-ticket items like renovations or weddings. Plus, they can fund your loan the same day you apply. No fees sweeten the deal.
  • Best For: Big loans with no fees for excellent-credit borrowers.

2. SoFi

  • APR: 8.99%–29.49% (with autopay and direct deposit discounts)
  • Loan Amounts: $5,000–$100,000
  • Terms: 2–7 years
  • Fees: None—no origination, late, or prepayment penalties
  • Who Qualifies: 650+ credit score, $45,000+ annual income
  • Why I Like It: SoFi’s a favorite for its no-fee structure and perks like unemployment protection, which pauses payments if you lose your job. Rates are competitive, and you can apply with a co-borrower to boost your chances. Their app makes the process smooth, and funding can happen same-day.
  • Best For: Debt consolidation or large loans for good-credit borrowers.

3. PenFed Credit Union

  • APR: 7.99%–17.99%
  • Loan Amounts: $600–$50,000
  • Terms: 1–5 years
  • Fees: None—no origination or prepayment penalties
  • Who Qualifies: Open to all with a $5 savings account deposit for membership
  • Why I Like It: PenFed’s rates are solid, and they offer smaller loans starting at $600, which is rare. You don’t need to be a military member to join—just open a savings account. No fees and a cap on rates at 18% make it a great pick for credit union fans.
  • Best For: Smaller loans or credit union members.

4. Discover

  • APR: 6.99%–24.99%
  • Loan Amounts: $2,500–$40,000
  • Terms: 3–7 years
  • Fees: No origination or prepayment fees, $39 late fee
  • Who Qualifies: 660+ credit score, sufficient income
  • Why I Like It: Discover’s rates are competitive, starting at 6.99%, and they don’t charge origination fees. Funding is quick—often next business day—and the loan works for almost anything, from medical bills to vacations. It’s a reliable choice for solid credit scores.
  • Best For: Moderate loans for borrowers with good credit.

5. Wells Fargo

  • APR: 6.99%–24.49% (with relationship discount)
  • Loan Amounts: $3,000–$100,000
  • Terms: 1–7 years
  • Fees: No origination fees, $39 late fee
  • Who Qualifies: Existing customers get discounts with autopay and a checking account
  • Why I Like It: Wells Fargo offers low rates, especially if you’re a customer and set up autopay (0.25%–0.5% off). You can borrow up to $100,000, but non-customers need to apply in-person, and it’s not available in 12 states. Still, it’s a strong option for big loans.
  • Best For: Wells Fargo customers needing large loans.

6. American Express

  • APR: 5.91%–17.97%
  • Loan Amounts: $3,500–$40,000
  • Terms: 1–3 years
  • Fees: No origination or prepayment fees
  • Who Qualifies: American Express cardholders with 720+ credit
  • Why I Like It: Amex has some of the lowest rates, starting at 5.91%, and funds loans in 1–2 days. The catch? You need to be an Amex cardholder, so it’s not for everyone. Still, if you qualify, it’s a fantastic deal.
  • Best For: Amex cardholders with excellent credit.

7. Upstart

  • APR: 7.80%–35.99% (includes origination fees up to 12%)
  • Loan Amounts: $1,000–$50,000
  • Terms: 3–5 years
  • Fees: Origination fees up to 12%, $15 late fee
  • Who Qualifies: 300+ credit score, considers education and job history
  • Why I Like It: Upstart is a lifeline for folks with lower credit scores, using factors like education to approve loans. Rates can be high, and origination fees sting, but it’s a good option if you’re rebuilding credit.
  • Best For: Fair or poor credit borrowers.

8. Happy Money (Payoff Loan)

  • APR: 8.99%–29.99%
  • Loan Amounts: $5,000–$40,000
  • Terms: 2–5 years
  • Fees: No origination, late, or prepayment fees
  • Who Qualifies: Good credit, focused on debt consolidation
  • Why I Like It: Happy Money is built for debt consolidation, sending funds directly to your creditors to streamline payments. No fees and decent rates make it a great choice for tackling high-interest credit card debt.
  • Best For: Consolidating credit card debt.

How to Snag the Lowest Rates

Here are some practical tips to get the best deal:

  • Boost Your Credit: Pay down debt and fix any credit report errors before applying.
  • Shop Around: Prequalify with at least three lenders to compare rates without dinging your score.
  • Go Short-Term: If you can swing higher monthly payments, a 2–3 year term usually has lower rates.
  • Grab Discounts: Set up autopay or use a lender where you already bank for rate cuts.
  • Skip Fees: Stick to lenders like LightStream or SoFi with no origination fees to keep costs down.
  • Try Credit Unions: Places like PenFed often beat bank rates and have borrower-friendly terms.

Other Options to Consider

If personal loan rates don’t work for you, here are some alternatives:

  • 0% APR Credit Cards: Great for smaller purchases, with interest-free periods up to 24 months.
  • Home Equity Loans/HELOCs: Rates around 8–10%, but you’ll need home equity and it’s riskier.
  • Borrow from Family: No interest, but put terms in writing to avoid drama.
  • Cash Advance Apps: Some offer small, no-interest loans for quick cash, but check eligibility.

Wrapping It Up

If your credit is stellar, LightStream and American Express lead with rates as low as 5.91%–6.49%. SoFi and PenFed are great for flexibility and no fees, while Upstart helps if your credit’s shaky. Always prequalify to compare offers, use a loan calculator to check monthly payments, and make sure the loan fits your budget. Rates and terms can shift, so double-check with lenders for the latest details.

Note: All rates and terms are current as of August 2025. Visit lender websites for up-to-date offers and eligibility.

Best Personal Loans with Low Interest Rates in the United States for 2025

Finding a personal loan with a low interest rate can make all the difference when you need funds for big expenses like consolidating debt, tackling home repairs, or covering unexpected medical bills. A lower rate means less money paid over time, especially if you’ve got solid credit. I’ve put together a straightforward guide to the best personal loan options in the U.S. for 2025, focusing on lenders with competitive rates, minimal fees, and terms that work for real people. These picks are based on the latest info from trusted sources like Bankrate, NerdWallet, and Forbes, as of August 2025.

What to Look for in a Low-Rate Personal Loan

Before we jump into the lenders, here’s what matters when hunting for a low-rate loan:

  • Your Credit Score: If your FICO score is 720 or higher, you’re in the driver’s seat for rates as low as 5–7%. Lower scores might push you toward 20% or more.
  • Loan Term: Shorter terms (2–3 years) often come with lower rates but higher monthly payments. Longer terms ease the monthly hit but cost more in interest.
  • Fees: Watch out for origination fees, which bump up the APR. No-fee lenders are your best bet.
  • Prequalification: Many lenders let you check rates with a soft credit pull, so your score stays safe.
  • Debt-to-Income (DTI): Keep your DTI below 36% for the best shot at approval and low rates.
  • Discounts: Some lenders, like SoFi or Wells Fargo, shave off a bit of the rate if you set up autopay.

The average personal loan rate in July 2025 hovers around 12.64%, but the best lenders offer rates starting as low as 5.91% for top-tier borrowers.

Top Picks for Low-Interest Personal Loans in 2025

Here’s my rundown of the best lenders offering low-rate personal loans, with details on their APRs, loan sizes, terms, and what makes them stand out. These are tailored for different needs, whether you’re consolidating debt or funding a big project.

1. LightStream

  • APR: 6.49%–17.54% (with autopay)
  • Loan Amounts: $5,000–$100,000
  • Terms: 2–7 years (up to 20 years for home improvement)
  • Fees: None—no origination, no prepayment penalties
  • Who Qualifies: 695+ credit score, strong income, solid credit history
  • Why I Like It: LightStream’s rates start super low at 6.49%, perfect for folks with great credit. You can borrow up to $100,000, which is great for big-ticket items like renovations or weddings. Plus, they can fund your loan the same day you apply. No fees sweeten the deal.
  • Best For: Big loans with no fees for excellent-credit borrowers.

2. SoFi

  • APR: 8.99%–29.49% (with autopay and direct deposit discounts)
  • Loan Amounts: $5,000–$100,000
  • Terms: 2–7 years
  • Fees: None—no origination, late, or prepayment penalties
  • Who Qualifies: 650+ credit score, $45,000+ annual income
  • Why I Like It: SoFi’s a favorite for its no-fee structure and perks like unemployment protection, which pauses payments if you lose your job. Rates are competitive, and you can apply with a co-borrower to boost your chances. Their app makes the process smooth, and funding can happen same-day.
  • Best For: Debt consolidation or large loans for good-credit borrowers.

3. PenFed Credit Union

  • APR: 7.99%–17.99%
  • Loan Amounts: $600–$50,000
  • Terms: 1–5 years
  • Fees: None—no origination or prepayment penalties
  • Who Qualifies: Open to all with a $5 savings account deposit for membership
  • Why I Like It: PenFed’s rates are solid, and they offer smaller loans starting at $600, which is rare. You don’t need to be a military member to join—just open a savings account. No fees and a cap on rates at 18% make it a great pick for credit union fans.
  • Best For: Smaller loans or credit union members.

4. Discover

  • APR: 6.99%–24.99%
  • Loan Amounts: $2,500–$40,000
  • Terms: 3–7 years
  • Fees: No origination or prepayment fees, $39 late fee
  • Who Qualifies: 660+ credit score, sufficient income
  • Why I Like It: Discover’s rates are competitive, starting at 6.99%, and they don’t charge origination fees. Funding is quick—often next business day—and the loan works for almost anything, from medical bills to vacations. It’s a reliable choice for solid credit scores.
  • Best For: Moderate loans for borrowers with good credit.

5. Wells Fargo

  • APR: 6.99%–24.49% (with relationship discount)
  • Loan Amounts: $3,000–$100,000
  • Terms: 1–7 years
  • Fees: No origination fees, $39 late fee
  • Who Qualifies: Existing customers get discounts with autopay and a checking account
  • Why I Like It: Wells Fargo offers low rates, especially if you’re a customer and set up autopay (0.25%–0.5% off). You can borrow up to $100,000, but non-customers need to apply in-person, and it’s not available in 12 states. Still, it’s a strong option for big loans.
  • Best For: Wells Fargo customers needing large loans.

6. American Express

  • APR: 5.91%–17.97%
  • Loan Amounts: $3,500–$40,000
  • Terms: 1–3 years
  • Fees: No origination or prepayment fees
  • Who Qualifies: American Express cardholders with 720+ credit
  • Why I Like It: Amex has some of the lowest rates, starting at 5.91%, and funds loans in 1–2 days. The catch? You need to be an Amex cardholder, so it’s not for everyone. Still, if you qualify, it’s a fantastic deal.
  • Best For: Amex cardholders with excellent credit.

7. Upstart

  • APR: 7.80%–35.99% (includes origination fees up to 12%)
  • Loan Amounts: $1,000–$50,000
  • Terms: 3–5 years
  • Fees: Origination fees up to 12%, $15 late fee
  • Who Qualifies: 300+ credit score, considers education and job history
  • Why I Like It: Upstart is a lifeline for folks with lower credit scores, using factors like education to approve loans. Rates can be high, and origination fees sting, but it’s a good option if you’re rebuilding credit.
  • Best For: Fair or poor credit borrowers.

8. Happy Money (Payoff Loan)

  • APR: 8.99%–29.99%
  • Loan Amounts: $5,000–$40,000
  • Terms: 2–5 years
  • Fees: No origination, late, or prepayment fees
  • Who Qualifies: Good credit, focused on debt consolidation
  • Why I Like It: Happy Money is built for debt consolidation, sending funds directly to your creditors to streamline payments. No fees and decent rates make it a great choice for tackling high-interest credit card debt.
  • Best For: Consolidating credit card debt.

How to Snag the Lowest Rates

Here are some practical tips to get the best deal:

  • Boost Your Credit: Pay down debt and fix any credit report errors before applying.
  • Shop Around: Prequalify with at least three lenders to compare rates without dinging your score.
  • Go Short-Term: If you can swing higher monthly payments, a 2–3 year term usually has lower rates.
  • Grab Discounts: Set up autopay or use a lender where you already bank for rate cuts.
  • Skip Fees: Stick to lenders like LightStream or SoFi with no origination fees to keep costs down.
  • Try Credit Unions: Places like PenFed often beat bank rates and have borrower-friendly terms.

Other Options to Consider

If personal loan rates don’t work for you, here are some alternatives:

  • 0% APR Credit Cards: Great for smaller purchases, with interest-free periods up to 24 months.
  • Home Equity Loans/HELOCs: Rates around 8–10%, but you’ll need home equity and it’s riskier.
  • Borrow from Family: No interest, but put terms in writing to avoid drama.
  • Cash Advance Apps: Some offer small, no-interest loans for quick cash, but check eligibility.

Wrapping It Up

If your credit is stellar, LightStream and American Express lead with rates as low as 5.91%–6.49%. SoFi and PenFed are great for flexibility and no fees, while Upstart helps if your credit’s shaky. Always prequalify to compare offers, use a loan calculator to check monthly payments, and make sure the loan fits your budget. Rates and terms can shift, so double-check with lenders for the latest details.

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