Best Personal Loans in Chicago (IL)
We have found 115 personal loans to apply for in Chicago, IL. Add more criteria to compare personal loans and find the best one for you.
- 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 Chicago
- Bank name
- Total Assets
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How to Choose the Ideal Personal Loan in Chicago, Illinois?
Opting for a personal loan can prove beneficial in bridging financial gaps and enhancing overall financial well-being. However, it is essential to choose a loan that aligns with your financial situation. Here are some strategies to compare and select the most suitable personal loan in Chicago.
Annual Percentage Rates (APR)
The APR is a vital factor to assess when evaluating loan options. Unlike the interest rate, the APR provides a more comprehensive view of the total cost, incorporating fees and other charges. By comparing APRs instead of simple interest rates, you can identify which loan will be more expensive in the long run. In Chicago, APRs range from 4.49% to 36%.
Loan Amount
Research various loan amount options to find a lender that offers the desired sum of money. In Chicago, loans range from $100 to $500,000. Additionally, consider lenders that allow withdrawing loans in parts, enabling interest payments only on the utilized amount. This flexibility is suitable for projects where the required funds may vary over time, such as home renovations or car repairs.
Monthly Payments
Ensure that the monthly payment amount comfortably fits within your budget. It is crucial to manage general expenses while also repaying the loan along with interest.
Credit Requirements
Most lenders prefer borrowers with good to excellent credit scores (typically 670 or higher). However, certain lenders may accept individuals with poor to fair credit. While a higher credit score improves approval chances, it does not guarantee better interest rates. In Chicago, the minimum acceptable credit score is Poor (300 - 579). Tailor your loan search to match your credit score for favorable terms.
Collateral
Personal loans are typically unsecured, meaning they do not require collateral. However, some loans may necessitate collateral, which often results in lower interest rates due to reduced lender risk. Unsecured loans generally have higher interest rates. Opting for a secured personal loan can help avoid high interest rates, which can reach up to 36% in Chicago.
Origination Fee
Many lenders charge origination fees alongside interest charges. These fees, expressed as a percentage of the total loan amount, vary among lenders. Opting for a personal loan with lower processing fees can lead to long-term cost savings.
Compare and choose the best personal loan in Chicago (IL)
When comparing personal loans, consider the table provided, as it outlines crucial loan characteristics for informed decision-making. Assess the APR, loan amount, loan term, origination fee, required credit score, and application process.
| 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 |
Tips to Increase Your Personal Loan Approval Odds in Chicago, Illinois
- Improve Your Credit. Enhance your credit score to increase the likelihood of loan approval. Ensure timely debt payments, maintain a low total credit utilization ratio, limit new credit applications, and dispute any errors on your credit report.
- Increase Income. Raising your income improves your debt-to-income ratio, enhancing approval chances. Request a raise at your current job or explore part-time job opportunities to supplement your income.
- Avoid New Debt. Refrain from acquiring new debt while applying for a personal loan. Lenders perceive additional debt as a risk, reducing approval odds. Focus on paying off existing debts to decrease your overall debt load.
- Be Realistic with Loan Amounts. Lenders prefer lower loan amounts to mitigate risk. Determine the precise amount you require and request the minimum necessary. Smaller loan amounts are more likely to be approved and easier to repay.
- Consider Joint Applicants. Exploring joint applicants or co-signers allows lenders to consider both credit scores and incomes, potentially improving approval chances. Ensure the reliability of joint applicants or co-signers, as your finances will be interconnected.
Conclusion
By following all the recommendations, you can maximize your chances of obtaining a personal loan in Chicago. Initiating the process early and taking proactive measures will enhance your likelihood of approval and enable you to secure a personal loan that suits your needs.