Westside Lending is a free connector, not a lender: one request form can put you in front of lenders and lending partners who may make an offer, but we never set rates or fund loans. This westside lending comparison looks at 16 smaller and online U.S. personal loan lenders so you can see how published amounts, terms, APRs and fees differ before you apply anywhere. The comparisons are informational, not endorsements, and no lender pays for placement or ranking on this page.
Some lenders below may be part of the network a west side lending request reaches, and many are not. Either way, the same rule applies: the lender alone decides approval, rate and fees. All figures are as published by each lender or, where noted, as reported by independent review sites at the time of writing, and they can change at any time. Always read the final loan agreement before you sign.
How westside lending compared these lenders
Westside Lending compared each lender on five published facts: loan amount range, repayment term range, APR range, origination or administration fee policy, and stated credit or income requirements, plus funding speed and borrower-friendly features.
We started with lenders that serve everyday borrowers online or through local branches, and we left out big national banks because they rarely make small personal loans to fair-credit applicants. We then checked each lender's own published rates and terms page. Where a lender does not publish a figure, we say so instead of guessing.
- Loan amounts: Can you borrow a small sum, such as $1,000 or $2,500, or does the lender start at $5,000?
- Terms: Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less total interest.
- APR range: The APR includes interest and most fees, so it is the best single number for comparing personal loans.
- Origination fee: A fee taken out of your proceeds means you receive less than you borrow. See our plain-English definition of an origination fee.
- Credit notes and speed: Published minimum scores, income floors, prequalification with a soft inquiry, and how fast funds usually arrive.
We did not score lenders with stars or rank them from best to worst. A borrower with a 720 score who wants $15,000 and a borrower with a 590 score who needs $1,200 for a car repair are looking for completely different things, so a single ranking would mislead both of them. Westside Lending editors repeat these checks regularly, because personal loan pricing shifts often, and the west side lending team updates this page when a lender changes its published personal loan terms.
Personal loan lenders at a glance
The summary table lists each lender's published loan amounts, terms, APR range and fee policy in one place, so you can quickly narrow 16 personal loan lenders to the two or three that fit your situation.
| Lender | Loan amounts | Terms | APR range | Origination fee | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade | $1,000–$50,000 | 24–84 months | 7.74%–35.99% | 1.85%–9.99% | Fair credit, debt payoff |
| Avant | $2,000–$35,000 | 24–60 months | 9.95%–35.99% | Administration fee up to 9.99% | Fair credit, quick funding |
| LendingPoint | $1,000–$36,500 | 24–72 months | 7.99%–35.99% | Up to 10%, varies by state | Steady income, fair credit |
| Upstart | $1,000–$75,000 | 3 or 5 years | 6.3%–35.99% | May apply; varies | Thin credit files |
| Universal Credit | $1,000–$50,000 | 3 or 5 years | About 11.69%–35.99% | About 5.25%–9.99% | Fair credit, debt payoff |
| Best Egg | $2,000–$50,000 | 36–60 months | 6.99%–35.99% | 0.99%–9.99% | Good credit, consolidation |
| LendingClub (Happen Bank) | $1,000–$75,000 | 24–84 months | 5.96%–35.99% | 0%–8% | Good credit, larger amounts |
| Prosper | $2,000–$50,000 | 2–6 years | 8.99%–35.99% | About 1%–9.99% | Good credit, fixed payments |
| Achieve | $5,000–$50,000 | 2–5 years | 6.25%–35.99% | Not published; may apply | Larger debt consolidation |
| OneMain Financial | $1,500–$30,000 | 24–60 months | 11.99%–35.99% | Charged; flat or percentage by state | Branch help, secured option |
| Mariner Finance | $1,000–$25,000 | 12–72 months | 15.99%–35.99% | May apply | Branch help, fair credit |
| Lendmark Financial | Not published as a range | 12–72 months | Up to 35.99% | May apply by state | Branch help, same-day options |
| Reprise Financial | $2,500–$35,000 | Not published | 9.5%–36% | Not published | Mid-size loans, wide credit range |
| Oportun | $300–$10,000 unsecured | Varies (about 30 months in examples) | Up to about 35.95% in examples | Administrative fee up to 10% | Small amounts, limited credit history |
| NetCredit | $1,000–$10,000 | 6–60 months | 34.99%–99.99% | No application or prepayment fee; state charges may apply | Poor credit, last-resort option |
| OppLoans | About $500–$5,000 | About 9–24 months | About 99%–195% | None reported | Poor credit, last-resort option |
Figures are as published by each lender (or reported by independent reviewers where a lender does not publish them) and can change at any time. State rules set many minimums and maximums, so the amount or fee you see may differ from the table. Westside lending requests start at $500, so the small-amount rows matter most for many west side lending users looking for a personal loan under $5,000.
Lenders for fair credit
Fair-credit borrowers, roughly those with scores in the 580 to 669 range, often find the widest choice among online lenders that weigh income and payment history alongside the credit score and allow a soft-inquiry rate check.
The five lenders in this group publish no minimum credit score on their main loan pages, which usually signals that they consider borrowers below the prime tier. Expect APRs toward the upper half of each range if your score sits in the low 600s. A west side lending request can also reach fair-credit personal loan offers, but westside lending cannot predict which lender, if any, will respond.
Upgrade
Upgrade offers personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000 with terms of 24 to 84 months and published APRs of 7.74% to 35.99%. The origination fee runs from 1.85% to 9.99% and is deducted from your proceeds, so a $5,000 loan with a 6% fee would put about $4,700 in your account. Checking your rate uses a soft inquiry, and Upgrade states that borrowers with bad credit may still be eligible.
Upgrade can send funds within one business day after verifications clear, and for debt consolidation it can pay creditors directly, which may take up to two weeks. This personal loan fits fair-credit borrowers who want a long term to keep payments low. The main thing to watch is the fee: on longer terms, a high origination fee plus years of interest can make the total cost much larger than the headline APR suggests.
Avant
Avant publishes personal loans from $2,000 to $35,000, terms of 24 to 60 months, and APRs from 9.95% to 35.99%. Instead of an origination fee it charges an administration fee of up to 9.99%, deducted from the loan proceeds. Minimum loan amounts vary by state, and Avant does not lend in every state.
Checking your options does not affect your credit score, and approved borrowers are generally funded by ACH the next business day if approved before 4:30 p.m. Central on a weekday. An Avant personal loan fits fair-credit borrowers who need mid-size funding quickly and value a mobile app for managing payments. Watch for document requests that can slow the decision, and compare the amount you actually receive after the administration fee with what you need to cover. Someone needing only $800 should look elsewhere, since the minimum starts at $2,000.
LendingPoint
LendingPoint offers personal loans from $1,000 to $36,500 with terms of 24 to 72 months and APRs of 7.99% to 35.99%. Origination or other fees of up to 10% may apply depending on your state. The lender does not publish a minimum credit score, but it does publish a minimum annual income of $35,000 from work, retirement or another source, plus a verifiable bank account in your name.
If approved, funds can arrive as soon as the next business day; when more documents are needed, decisions usually take one to three business days after you send them. LendingPoint does not lend in Nevada or West Virginia, and some states carry higher minimums, such as $3,500 in Georgia. A LendingPoint personal loan fits fair-credit borrowers with steady, documented income. The income floor is the main hurdle, and the fee can be high in some states, so check the disclosed amount before signing.
Upstart
Upstart is a lending marketplace whose bank partners offer personal loans from $1,000 to $75,000 with terms of three or five years and fixed APRs of 6.3% to 35.99%. Upstart does not publish a single origination fee; its representative example shows an 8.15% fee, and some borrowers pay none. State minimums apply, such as $3,100 in Georgia and $7,000 in Massachusetts.
Upstart's model looks beyond the credit score at employment and other factors, which can help borrowers with short credit histories, such as recent graduates or people new to the U.S. Funds can arrive the next business day if you accept by 5 p.m. Eastern on a weekday. The trade-off is limited term choice: only 36 or 60 months, which makes a small personal loan of $1,500 harder to pay off quickly. Lower credit may still qualify, but at a higher rate.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit, a brand tied to the Upgrade platform, is aimed at fair-credit borrowers. Independent reviewers list loan amounts of $1,000 to $50,000, three- or five-year terms, estimated APRs of about 11.69% to 35.99%, and an origination fee of about 5.25% to 9.99% deducted from proceeds. The lender does not publish a minimum credit score on the pages we could check.
Funds may arrive within one business day after approval, and direct payments to creditors for debt consolidation can take up to two weeks. A Universal Credit personal loan fits borrowers whose credit is fair rather than good and who want to consolidate a few card balances into one payment. The fee floor is higher than at many peers, so on a $3,000 loan you might lose $157 to $300 upfront. Compare that cost against your current card interest before you commit to a five-year term.
Lenders for good credit
Good-credit borrowers, usually those with scores of 670 or higher and moderate debt, can unlock the lowest published APRs, lower fees and larger amounts from the online lenders in this group.
These lenders still accept some fair-credit applicants, but their best pricing goes to strong files. If your score is above 700, compare at least two of them, because a difference of five APR points on a $10,000 loan can mean well over $1,000 in interest. Good-credit applicants who use westside lending face the same rule: the personal loan rate depends on the lender's review, not on west side lending.
Best Egg
Best Egg publishes personal loans from $2,000 to $50,000, terms of 36 to 60 months, and APRs of 6.99% to 35.99%. The origination fee ranges from 0.99% to 9.99%, and loans of four years or longer carry a fee of at least 4.99%. Some states have higher minimums, such as $6,500 in Massachusetts, and Best Egg does not lend in Iowa, Nebraska, Vermont, West Virginia or Washington, D.C.
Best Egg says funding can happen in as little as 24 hours and that about half of its customers get money the next day; others wait one to three business days after verification. A Best Egg personal loan fits good-credit borrowers consolidating card balances who want a moderate fee. Watch the minimum 36-month term: if you only need $2,000, three years of payments may cost more interest than a shorter loan from another lender.
LendingClub (Happen Bank)
LendingClub, which has rebranded its bank as Happen Bank, publishes personal loans from $1,000 to $75,000, terms of 24 to 84 months, and APRs of 5.96% to 35.99%. Its origination fee runs from 0% to 8% of the loan amount, and it accepts applications from all U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
The lender says funds can be sent in as little as 24 hours after approval, and it reports that a majority of loans approved on a business day are disbursed within that window. No minimum score is published, but a higher score, a low debt-to-income ratio and clean history earn the best rates. A LendingClub personal loan fits good-credit borrowers who want a bank lender, a wide term range, and the chance of a zero fee. Joint applications can help, too. Watch for the brand change when you look up account details, so you know you are dealing with the right company.
Prosper
Prosper publishes personal loans from $2,000 to $50,000, terms of two to six years, and fixed APRs of 8.99% to 35.99%. Independent reviewers report an origination fee of about 1% to 9.99%, deducted from proceeds. Prosper states that borrowers who accept an offer must have a credit score of 640 or higher, and that a score under 600 may not qualify.
Funds may be available as soon as one business day after you complete the requirements. A Prosper personal loan fits good-credit borrowers who want a predictable fixed payment and a mid-range term, and it allows joint applications. The published 640 floor is the key filter: if your score is in the high 500s, start with a fair-credit lender instead. As with any fee-based loan, compare the net amount you receive with the amount you actually need to cover.
Achieve
Achieve publishes personal loans from $5,000 to $50,000 with terms of two to five years and APRs of 6.25% to 35.99%. Its general minimum credit score is 560, rising to 660 for debt consolidation loans of $35,000 or more. Achieve does not list an origination fee on its main loan page, so ask for the full fee disclosure before you accept.
Funds are typically sent within 24 to 72 hours of approval. An Achieve personal loan fits borrowers with larger balances to consolidate, especially those who may benefit from rate discounts tied to paying creditors directly or adding a co-borrower. The $5,000 minimum is the main limit: someone who needs $1,200 for a dental bill will not find a fit here. Read the loan agreement carefully for the fee, since a few percentage points on a $20,000 loan is a meaningful sum.
Lenders with in-branch options
Branch-based installment lenders let you apply online and then sit down with a loan officer, which helps borrowers who want to ask questions face to face, pledge a vehicle for a lower rate, or close the same day.
These lenders usually price higher than prime online lenders, and fees vary sharply by state. In exchange, they tend to accept a wider range of credit and offer more help if a payment problem comes up. Westside Lending does not operate branches; a west side lending request is completed entirely online, and any branch visit would be with the lender that offers your personal loan.
OneMain Financial
OneMain Financial publishes personal loans from $1,500 to $30,000, terms of 24 to 60 months, and fixed APRs of 11.99% to 35.99%. Its loans include origination fees, which are a flat amount or a percentage depending on your state. OneMain operates more than 1,300 branches and offers both unsecured loans and loans secured by a vehicle; secured loans usually carry lower APRs.
Funds can arrive as soon as one hour after signing when sent to a bank-issued debit card, or in about one to two business days by ACH or check. Approval considers credit history, income left after monthly expenses, and available collateral. A OneMain personal loan fits borrowers with fair or limited credit who value in-person help. Watch the fee on small loans, since a flat fee takes a bigger bite out of $1,500 than out of $10,000, and think hard before pledging a car you rely on.
Mariner Finance
Mariner Finance publishes personal loans from $1,000 to $25,000, terms of 12 to 72 months, and APRs of 15.99% to 35.99%. Loans may include origination fees, which are not specified on the main loan page. Online loans originated through its bank partner run from $1,500 to $14,000; other amounts may be handled through a branch, and Georgia carries a $3,000 minimum.
Checking offers uses a soft inquiry, and a hard inquiry happens only if you accept. The largest amounts and lowest rates may require a lien on a vehicle that is no more than ten years old. A Mariner personal loan fits fair-credit borrowers who live near a branch and want a 12-month option for a smaller loan. The APR floor is higher than at online lenders, so good-credit borrowers will usually find cheaper offers elsewhere. Mariner does not publish funding speed, so ask when you apply.
Lendmark Financial
Lendmark Financial Services operates more than 550 branches and is licensed in 24 states. It publishes terms of 12 to 72 months and a maximum APR of 35.99% on new loans, but no general loan amount range; its representative example is a $4,500 loan over 42 months at a 33.10% APR. Origination or other fees may apply depending on state law.
Lendmark reports that roughly two-thirds of recent personal loan applications were approved and funded within one business day, and same-day loans may be available if you prequalify online or apply at a branch. Collateral may be required on some loans, and active-duty service members covered by the Military Lending Act cannot pledge a vehicle. A Lendmark personal loan fits borrowers who want local service and quick closing. Watch the APR, which with fees can sit in the 30% range, and confirm the fee amount before you sign.
Reprise Financial
Reprise Financial publishes personal loans from $2,500 to $35,000 and APRs of 9.5% to 36%, with higher APRs on loans not secured by a vehicle. Minimums vary by state, including $3,500 in Georgia. Reprise does not publish its term range or origination fee policy on its main page, so request the full disclosure before you commit.
Loans are originated through a bank partner in select states, and approval considers credit history, income, debt payments and any collateral. Funds can be available the next business day after approval for loans funded by 3 p.m. Central on a weekday. Reprise says its personal loans serve a wide range of credit scores, which makes it worth a look for borrowers who need a mid-size amount and are open to securing the loan with a car. Its limited state coverage means it may not be available where you live.
Lenders for small amounts and poor credit
Small-amount and poor-credit lenders can approve loans of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for borrowers with low scores or thin files, but two of the four charge APRs far above the 36% level most consumer advocates treat as a ceiling.
Treat the high-cost options in this group as a last resort after you have checked credit unions, payment plans with the provider you owe, and fair-credit lenders. If you do borrow, keep the amount and term as small as you can. Before taking a high-cost personal loan, some borrowers submit a westside lending request to see whether a lower-APR personal loan offer appears; west side lending cannot promise that one will.
Oportun
Oportun publishes unsecured personal loans from $300 to $10,000, with typical amounts of $500 to $4,000 for new customers, and vehicle-secured loans from $2,525 to $18,500. It does not publish a full APR range; its unsecured example uses a 35.95% APR over 30 months. Oportun charges an administrative fee of up to 10% of the principal, which may be lower depending on amount and term.
A prior credit history is not required, although credit reports are requested for all applicants, and prequalification does not affect your score until you submit a full application. Funds arrive by direct deposit or check. An Oportun personal loan fits borrowers who need a small amount and have little or no credit history, including many first-time borrowers. Watch the total cost: an APR near 36% plus a fee on a small loan adds up quickly, so borrow only what you need.
NetCredit
NetCredit publishes personal loans from $1,000 to $10,000, terms of 6 to 60 months, and APRs of 34.99% to 99.99%, depending on state and creditworthiness. It says it does not charge application, prepayment, insufficient-funds or late fees, though state-specific charges can apply. No minimum score is listed; applicants need a checking account, an email address and verifiable income.
Eligibility checks use a soft inquiry, with a hard inquiry at final approval, and loans approved before the weekday cutoff can be funded the same day. A NetCredit personal loan fits borrowers with poor credit who have been turned down by lower-cost lenders. The APR is the critical warning: at the top of the range, interest on a two-year loan can exceed the amount borrowed. Use it only when the expense is truly unavoidable and you have a clear plan to repay early.
OppLoans
OppLoans is a platform whose bank partners originate installment loans for borrowers with bad or no credit. Its main page advertises loans of up to $4,000; independent reviewers report amounts of about $500 to $5,000 depending on state, terms of about 9 to 24 months, and APRs of about 99% to 195%, with no origination fee. Reviewers also note a minimum income requirement and that OppLoans is not available in several states.
If approved, money may arrive as soon as the same business day. An OppLoans personal loan fits borrowers with very low or no credit scores who need a small amount quickly and can repay over months rather than weeks. The APR is extremely high, so a $1,000 loan can cost more in interest than the original amount over a full term. Compare it against every lower-cost option, and repay early if you can, since there is no prepayment penalty reported.
How to choose among personal loan lenders
Choosing among personal loan lenders comes down to matching the published amount, term and credit focus to your needs, then comparing the total cost of real offers rather than advertised rate floors.
- Start with the amount. Cross off lenders whose minimum is above what you need. If you need $1,500, lenders that start at $5,000 are not a fit, no matter how low their APR.
- Prequalify where you can. Many lenders show estimated offers with a soft inquiry that does not affect your score; a hard inquiry usually comes only if you accept.
- Compare APR and total repaid. A $2,000 loan for 12 months at 24.99% APR is about $190 per month and about $2,281 repaid in total (estimate only). At 35.99% APR the same loan is about $201 per month and about $2,411 in total (estimate).
- Net out the fee. Subtract the origination fee from the loan amount to see what lands in your account, and borrow slightly more only if you truly need the full sum.
- Check the payment against your budget. Our personal loan calculator shows how term length changes the monthly payment and the total cost.
If you would rather not visit a dozen sites, a westside lending request lets you submit one form and see whether lenders in our network make an offer. People who search for west side lend options often want exactly that shortcut, and many west side lending users compare a westside lending offer side by side with a personal loan quote from a lender's own site. You can read typical ranges on our current personal loan rates page and check the common requirements on our loan eligibility page before you apply.
Matching a lender to a real situation
Consider a home health aide in Columbus with a 610 score who needs $2,500 for brake and transmission work. Good-credit lenders with $5,000 minimums are out. Fair-credit online lenders and branch lenders are realistic, and comparing two or three offers could save a few hundred dollars. A software tester in Denver with a 760 score consolidating $18,000 in card debt faces the opposite choice: the good-credit group is the place to start, and a zero-fee offer could beat a slightly lower APR with a 6% fee.
West side lending works the same way for both of them: the request is free, there is no obligation to accept, and each lender decides independently whether to make an offer. Westside Lending never sees a lender's final decision before you do.
Red flags when comparing personal loan lenders
Red flags in a personal loan offer include upfront fees paid before funding, pressure to sign immediately, promises of approval regardless of credit, and lenders that will not show the APR and total cost in writing.
- Fees before you get the money. Legitimate lenders deduct origination fees from proceeds or add them to the balance. They do not ask for a gift card, wire or "insurance deposit" first.
- Approval promised to everyone. Real lenders review credit, income and identity. Claims that everyone is approved are a warning sign, not a perk.
- No APR in writing. Federal law requires lenders to disclose the APR and finance charge before you sign. If a company only quotes a monthly payment, walk away. A real westside lending partner shows the personal loan APR before you sign.
- Unlicensed in your state. Check your state financial regulator's license lookup. Installment lenders that operate legally will appear there or will name a bank partner.
- Rollovers and renewals. Offers that encourage you to refinance repeatedly before the balance falls can trap you in fees.
- Unsolicited calls or texts. Westside Lending partners only contact people who submitted a request; anyone claiming to be from westside lending who asks for passwords or bank logins is not us.
If you see a term you do not recognize in an offer, look it up before signing, and remember that you can decline any offer at no cost. Questions about how the westside lending service works can go to [email protected] or (888) 245-7685.
How westside lending relates to these lenders
Westside Lending is not one of the 16 lenders above and does not rank them for pay; it is a free request service that may pass your information to lenders and lending partners who can make an offer of their own.
Loan amounts requested through westside lending run from $500 to $5,000. That range overlaps with the small and mid-size options in this guide, but not with lenders whose minimums start at $5,000. If a partner makes an offer, the APR, fees and term are set by that partner and shown to you before you accept. Submitting a West Side Lend request is free, and the service never charges a fee for connecting you.
The bottom line: use this comparison to learn what is normal in today's personal loan market, then compare the real offers you receive, whether they come from a lender's own site or through a westside lending request. The cheapest offer is the one with the lowest total repaid that still fits your monthly budget. Westside lending also keeps its own guides current, and the west side lending help team can explain any personal loan term you find confusing, though only the lender can change it.