Best Personal Loans in California
We have found 122 personal loans in California. Compare and choose the best loan for your purpose.
- Minimum credit:Fair (580-669)
- Autopay discount:0.5%
- Origination fee:No origination fee.
- Funds available in:1 business day.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- Low rates
- No fees
- Fast approval and funding
- Rate discount for autopay
- Digital experience
- Cons:
- Minimum loan amount is a bit high
- Requires a long credit history
LightStream is the online lending division of Truist (formerly SunTrust Bank).
The key feature of LightStream's online personal loans is that they can be up to $100,000 and used for nearly any reason.
LightStream charges no fees on its personal loans. Plus, it offers to send you $100 if you’re unsatisfied with the loan process.
- Minimum credit:Fair (580-669)
- Autopay discount:0.25%
- Origination fee:No origination fee.
- Funds available in:5 business days.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- No fees
- Autopay discount
- Cons:
- Long time to receive funds
- No Cosigner Option
Marcus offers unsecured personal loans up to $40,000 with rates from 6.99% to 24.99%.
Marcus does not charge origination, late payment and check processing fees.
- Minimum credit:Poor (300-579)
- Origination fee:10%
- Funds available in:1 business day.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- No prepayment penalty
- Next day funding
- Cons:
- Origination Fee
- Extra Fees
Upstart loans range from $1,000 to $50,000. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount.
The minimum loan amount: $7,000 (MA), $6,000 (Ohio), $5,100 (NM), $3,100 (GA), $2,100 (HI).
Borrowers need credit scores of 580 or higher.
Upstart offers fixed-rate APRs that vary from 5.60% to 35.99%. Loan terms are available for 3 or 5 years.
The origination fee ranges from 0% to 8%.
- Minimum credit:Good (670-739)
- Origination fee:5%
- Funds available in:3-6 business days.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- No prepayment or late fees
- Free monthly FICO score updates
- Cons:
- Co-signers are not accepted
- Origination Fee
- Slow funding
- Not available in all states
The Payoff Loan™ is an unsecured personal loan designed to consolidate your credit cards into one monthly payment. Payoff requires a minimum FICO credit score of 640 or higher. It provides loans of up to $40,000.
The Payoff platform provides loans with rates between 8.99% and 29.99% APR. Minimum loan amount and APR may vary in certain states.
- Minimum credit:Poor (300-579)
- Origination fee:3 - 6%
- Funds available in:1 business day.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- Quick, easy online application
- Fast funding
- Cons:
- Origination fee
LendingClub offers loans of $1,000 to $40,000.
The APR range is from 8.30% to 36.00%. Loan terms are available for 3 or 5 years.
LendingClub charges an origination fee of 3% to 6% on personal loans.
- Minimum credit:Good (670-739)
- Autopay discount:0.25%
- Origination fee:No origination fee.
- Funds available in:1 business day.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- Fast approval and funding
- Rate discount for autopay
- No Fees
- Cons:
- Not available to residents of Mississippi
- No secured loan option
SoFi loans range between $5,000 to $100,000.
The APR range is from 7.99% to 23.43% (with discounts). Loan terms are available for 2 or 7 years.
The loan is not available in Mississippi.
SoFi personal loans have no fees: no origination fees, no late fees, no prepayment penalties.
- Minimum credit:Poor (300-579)
- Origination fee:4.75%
- Funds available in:1 business day.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- Fast approval and funding
- Low minimum credit score requirements
- No prepayment fees
- Cons:
- Fees
- No Autopay discount
- No Cosigner Option
Avant offers unsecured loans of $2,000 to $35,000. Rates range from 9.95% to 35.95%.
Avant charges an origination fee up to 4.75%.
Avant personal loans are not available in Colorado, Iowa, West Virginia, New York, Vermont, Hawaii, and Nevada.
- Minimum credit:Fair (580-669)
- Origination fee:2.41 - 5%
- Funds available in:1 business day.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- Fast approval and funding
- Simple application process
- Cons:
- Origination fee
- Extra Fees
- No Autopay Discount
- Not available in all states
Prosper offers fixed-rate APRs that vary from 7.95% to 35.99%. Loan terms are available for 3 or 5 years.
The origination fee ranges from 2.41% to 5%. Prosper charges $15 for failed payments or returned checks. Payments that are 15 or more days late are assessed a late fee.
If you don't qualify for a personal loan with Prosper, consider applying with a co-applicant.
- Minimum credit:Good (670-739)
- Origination fee:0.99 - 8.99%
- Funds available in:1-3 business days.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- Fast approval
- Low fixed rates
- Fast funding
- Cons:
- Fee charged
Best Egg is a national online lending platform offering personal loans starting at $2,000 for a variety of purposes.
Best Egg’s personal loans are ideal for consolidating debt or funding major expenses. Borrowers cannot use loans toward securities or postsecondary educational expenses.
There are no prepayment penalties, so you can pay off the loan ahead of schedule without extra fees.
Best Egg origination fees vary from 0.99% to 8.99%.
The quote you receive is based on multiple factors, including: Credit score and history, Income, Debt obligations, Loan amount, Repayment term (36 vs. 60 months).
- Minimum credit:Poor (300-579)
- Origination fee:$25 - $500
- Funds available in:1 business day.
- Loan Purpose:Personal Loan
- Pros:
- Secured and unsecured options
- Poor-credit applicants considered
- Cons:
- Origination fee
- Extra Fees
- High Rates
OneMain Financial offers loans that range from $1,500 to $20,000. The annual percentage rate ranges from 18.00% to 35.99%.
You may be approved for an unsecured or a secured loan. A secured loan requires you to provide collateral, such as a motor vehicle, while an unsecured loan doesn’t require any collateral at all.
OneMain charges late payment fees. These fees may range from a flat amount of $5 to $30 per late payment, or they may be a percentage of your entire monthly payment amount or a percentage of the delinquent portion of your monthly payment amount, ranging from 1.5% to 15%.
The lender charges an origination fee. Flat fees vary by state and range from $25 to $500. Percentage fees range from 1% to 10% of the loan.
TOP 5 banks offering personal loans in California
- Bank name
- Total Assets
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How to choose the best personal loan in California?
Are you looking for the best personal loan in California? Personal loans can provide financial flexibility and help manage your budget. To choose the right loan for your needs, consider the following strategies:
- Compare Annual Percentage Rates (APR). Look beyond the interest rate and focus on the APR, which includes fees. California's APR ranges from 4.49% to 36%.
- Determine Loan Amount. Research lenders offering a range of loan amounts. In California, loans range from $100 to $500,000. Flexible options that allow you to withdraw funds as needed can be ideal for projects with uncertain costs.
- Assess Monthly Payments. Ensure that the monthly payment fits comfortably within your budget, considering your other financial obligations.
- Check Credit Requirements. While higher credit scores increase approval chances, some lenders accept poor to fair credit. In California, the lowest acceptable score is Poor (300 - 579). Find lenders that cater to your credit score for better loan terms.
- Consider Collateral. Unsecured loans are common in California, but secured loans with collateral can offer lower interest rates. Assess your preference for risk and choose accordingly.
- Evaluate Origination Fees. Many lenders charge origination fees, typically a percentage of the loan amount. Opt for loans with lower fees to save money in the long run.
Compare and choose the best personal loan in California
To simplify your search, compare available personal loan offers side by side:
| Lender | APR | Loan Amount | Loan term | Origination Fee | Score Required | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LightStream | 6.49 - 21.99% | $5,000 - $100,000 | 2 - 6 years | No origination fee. | From Fair (580-669) to Fair (580-669) | Check rates On partner's site |
Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 7.24 - 25.24% | $3,500 - $40,000 | 3 - 6 years | No origination fee. | From Fair (580-669) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
Upstart | 5.6 - 35.99% | $1,000 - $50,000 | 3 - 5 years | 10% | From Poor (300-579) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
Payoff® | 8.99 - 29.99% | $5,000 - $40,000 | 2 - 5 years | 5% | From Good (670-739) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
LendingClub | 8.3 - 36% | $1,000 - $40,000 | 3 - 5 years | 3 - 6% | From Poor (300-579) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
SoFi | 8.24 - 23.68% | $5,000 - $100,000 | 2 - 7 years | No origination fee. | From Good (670-739) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
Avant | 9.95 - 35.95% | $2,000 - $35,000 | 1 - 5 years | 4.75% | From Poor (300-579) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
Prosper | 7.95 - 35.99% | $2,000 - $40,000 | 3 - 5 years | 2.41 - 5% | From Fair (580-669) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
Best Egg | 7.99 - 35.99% | $2,000 - $50,000 | 3 - 5 years | 0.99 - 8.99% | From Good (670-739) to Good (670-739) | Check rates On partner's site |
OneMain Financial | 18 - 35.99% | $1,500 - $20,000 | 2 - 5 years | $25 - $500 | From Poor (300-579) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
Increase your personal loan approval odds in California with these five tips:
- Improve Your Credit. Make timely debt payments, maintain low credit utilization, avoid excessive credit applications, and dispute any errors in your credit report.
- Boost Your Income. Increasing your income reduces your debt-to-income ratio, improving your chances of approval. Seek raises or consider part-time jobs.
- Minimize New Debt. Avoid acquiring new debt during the loan application process. Focus on paying off existing debts to lower your debt load.
- Be Realistic About Loan Amounts. Requesting smaller loan amounts increases your chances of approval. Determine your precise funding needs and aim for the minimum required amount.
- Consider Joint Applicants or Co-Signers. Applying with a joint applicant or finding a co-signer can improve your approval odds. Ensure you trust their financial reliability.
By following these strategies, you can maximize your chances of being approved for a personal loan in California.
Conclusion
When obtaining a personal loan, be prepared for the process and take proactive steps to maximize your chances of approval. By focusing on improving your credit score, increasing your income, minimizing debt, requesting realistic loan amounts, and considering a joint applicant or co-signer, you enhance your likelihood of being approved for a personal loan in California.