Credible Takeaways
- There are ways to determine if a loan company is legitimate, such as checking if the company is registered in your state.
- Be aware of scam tactics, such as asking you to send them money upfront or pressuring you to make a decision quickly.
- In general, loan forgiveness companies are not legitimate.
While there are plenty of honest personal loan companies, there are also personal loan scams to keep your eye out for. But don’t worry — there are several ways to double-check if a loan company can be trusted.
How to check if a loan company is legitimate
If you’re looking to take out a personal loan, here are a few ways to vet a lender before giving them your personal information:
- Look for online reviews: Online reviews can be a great way to gauge what others’ experiences with the company have been like. If a company has either no reviews or only a tiny amount of glowing reviews that all seem to be written by the same person, it could be a major red flag.
- Make sure the company is registered in your state: Before a lender can do business in a state, they must first have licenses from state regulatory agencies. You can check with your individual state’s agency to see if the lender is able to work with you.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau: While the Better Business Bureau (BBB) isn’t a definitive source for checking if a loan company is legitimate, it can help you see if the company has a history of treating other customers fairly. Watch out for companies with zero reviews — these might be loan scams.
- Make sure the company’s website is secure: Look for the padlock symbol in the URL bar of your browser and check that it starts with “HTTPS” as opposed to “HTTP.” Both of these indicate that communications between your device and the site are encrypted and therefore secure.
- Check its contact details: If the company has a phone number, call and ask verifying questions. If there’s a physical address listed, look it up with Google Maps to see if the result is actually a business.
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Are loan forgiveness companies real?
There are some companies and organizations that can help you manage your debt, such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
However, none of these companies can grant you loan forgiveness, regardless of the type of loan you have.
The only type of loan forgiveness available is for federal student loans. Generally, you’ll have to work in a certain field and make payments for a specific amount of time to qualify.
Learn More: The Complete List of Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
Keep in mind
You can pursue student loan forgiveness on your own without the help of a company. And you don’t have to pay for it. If a company tries to charge you fees for loan forgiveness help, run the other way — it’s a scam.
How do loan scams work?
Loan scams can show up in a variety of ways, but the basic idea is the same: They trick you into paying money and then don’t come through with the loan funds.
Some common tactics of scammers include:
- Not requiring a credit check
- Demanding upfront payment (such as an application or credit check fee) before processing your application
- Asking you to send them money in a way that’s harder to trace and doesn’t involve bank accounts, such as with a prepaid gift card
- Pressuring you to make an instant decision
Warning
Borrowers with bad credit who can’t qualify for other loans could be especially at risk from scammers looking to prey on desperation.
However, there are legitimate lenders who offer bad credit loans. While these loans generally come with higher interest rates, you won’t have to worry about being taken advantage of.
How to spot a personal loan scam
As you shop around for a personal loan, ask yourself the following questions to detect any potential scams:
Do they ask for money upfront? You should never have to pay money before you get your loan funds. A scammer might also require unusual payment methods, such as a prepaid credit card that can’t be tracked. Keep in mind that many legitimate personal loans come with an origination fee, which is normal. But if the lender is demanding other fees before you get your money, it’s likely a scam.
Are they using high-pressure sales tactics? Claiming that it’s a “limited-time offer” and that you need to “act now” are just a couple of ways a scammer might pressure you to make a fast, uninformed decision.
Do they check your credit? Personal loan lenders typically use a credit check to determine your creditworthiness. While there are some no-credit-check personal loans (like payday loans, pawn shop loans, and car title loans), other companies promising not to check your credit are likely a scam.
Did they approach you about the loan? Some lenders do advertise by mail with preapproved loan offers. But if a company approaches you out of the blue with an offer for a loan, it could be a scam.
Do they have a physical address? A legitimate company should be able to provide a physical address that you can verify. If you can’t find location information for the supposed company, it could be a front for a scam.
Do you feel comfortable with the company? Go with your gut. If something feels fishy to you, it probably is.
Learn More: Where To Get a Personal Loan
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What to do if you have been scammed
Even after taking all of these precautions, it’s still possible to fall victim to personal loan fraud. If you’ve been scammed, follow these steps:
- Collect evidence: Document every piece of information you can about the loan, such as any agreements you signed, emails, letters, or phone calls. Also document your bank account statements, if applicable.
- File a police report with your local police department: You might need this report going forward to prove to businesses and organizations that you were targeted by a loan scam.
- File a report with appropriate agencies: After filing a police report, file a complaint with other relevant authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, your State Attorney General, and the BBB. These organizations might be able to help you get your money back or at least prevent the scammers from harming other people.
- Check your credit report: If you provided sensitive information (such as your Social Security number), check your credit to make sure the scammers don’t also steal your identity. You can use Credible's credit monitoring tool to review your credit reports from each of the credit bureaus. You might also consider placing a freeze on your credit report just in case.
Can you get your money back from a scam?
Unfortunately, if you sent money to a scam company through a prepaid credit card or similarly untrackable method, you likely won’t get your money back.
If the scammers got ahold of your credit card information, you might be protected by your card issuer. Under the Fair Credit Bill Act, you’re liable for only $50 of unauthorized credit card charges. But depending on your card issuer, you might not be liable for any of the charges at all.
Compare legitimate loan companies
If you decide to get a personal loan, it’s essential to make sure that the loan companies you’re considering are legitimate.
4.24.2
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
6.99% - 25.49%
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
Min. Credit Score
700
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
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Overview
Lightstream is one of three Credible partner lenders to offer loan amounts up to $100,000, which makes it ideal for financing large expenses like home improvements or weddings. Funds are available as soon as the same day you apply, and you'll have up to 20 years to repay certain types of loans, including home improvement loans, RV loans, and boat loans. There are no origination fees, and rates are low — Lightstream's lowest APR beats SoFi's advertised lowest APR by 1 percentage point. But you'll need good credit to qualify.
Unlike most lenders, Lightstream does not let you prequalify on its site. Nor does it provide a contact phone number next to its customer service hours on its website.
Loan amount
$5,000 to $100,000
Repayment terms
2 - 20 years, depending on loan purpose
Fees
None
Discounts
Autopay
Eligibility
Available in all states except RI and VT
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Soft credit check
No
Time to get funds
As soon as the same business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full review
3.93.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
7.80% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
Min. Credit Score
620
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
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Overview
Upstart has one of the lowest available APRs of Credible partner lenders and of all non-partners we reviewed, making it a good choice for well-qualified applicants. However, it's also is one of few lenders that doesn't have a minimum credit score requirement (if you apply on the lender's website), which makes it an option if you have bad credit or no credit history. Upstart may charge an origination fee as high as 12%, but good-credit borrowers may not be charged one at all.
Trustpilot gives Upstart 4.9 stars, which is the highest of all lenders we reviewed.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available nationwide
Min. income
$12,000
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days
Loan uses
Pay off credit cards, consolidate debt, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes
Read full review
4.44.4
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
-
Loan Amounts
$2,500 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
660
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
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Overview
Discover Personal Loans offers low APRs, repayment terms up to seven years, no origination fees, nationwide availability, and doesn't require your Social Security number to prequalify on its site. You'll need to have an annual income of at least $40,000, and a FICO score 660 or higher, to be eligible. If your credit score is fair or poor, you'll need to go elsewhere, as Discover doesn't allow cosigners.
Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Loan amount
$2,500 - $40,000
Repayment terms
3 - 7 years
Fees
Late fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Min. income
$40,000
Customer service
Phone
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Funds can be sent as soon as the next business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding
Read full review
Fixed (APR)
8.98% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
660
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
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Overview
LendingClub is a solid lender for good credit borrowers and some fair credit borrowers that apply directly on its website. It's easy to prequalify with LendingClub, especially if you're uncomfortable providing your Social Security number, as the company doesn't require it at the prequalification stage. (You will need to provide it if you move forward with a full application.)
While prequalification is not a guarantee that you'll be approved for a loan, LendingClub does a better job than most other Credible partner lenders at approving applicants that have successfully prequalified. In other words, you're less likely to have your application declined once you apply (if you've already prequalified). LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $40,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Within 3 days
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Read full review
4.94.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
8.99% - 29.99%1
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
Min. Credit Score
Does not disclose
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
SoFi stands out for offering no-fee personal loans with competitive rates, high loan amounts, long loan terms, discounts for autopay and direct pay, and funding as soon as the same day. Plus, SoFi prioritizes convenience for existing and potential customers with features like live chat and an easy prequalification process that doesn't require your Social Security number.
The main catch is that you need to qualify for a loan with SoFi, which can be hard to do if you don't have good credit. You also won't be able to apply with a cosigner, since SoFi doesn't accept cosigners; nor does it offer secured personal loans.
Loan Amount
$5,000 to $100,000
Repayment terms
2 - 7 years
Fees
Option to pay an origination fee in exchange for a lower rate
Discounts
Autopay, direct pay
Eligibility
Available in all states
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Phone, email, live chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Typically within a few days, given approval and bank account verification, but sometimes within the same day
Loan uses
Solely for personal, family, or household uses
Read full review
44
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
8.99% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$2,000 to $50,000
Min. Credit Score
600
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Best Egg is a solid lender for a wide range of borrowers and, notably, scored second for personal loan satisfaction in J.D. Power's Consumer Lending Study. It offers competitive rates, reasonable loan terms and amounts, and personal loans for fair credit. You'll need a FICO score of at least 600 to qualify, but the lower your score, the higher your APR may be. The APR includes the interest rate and origination fees, which range from 0.99% to 9.99% with Best Egg.
Note that if you successfully prequalify with Best Egg, you may be more likely to be approved for the loan relative to other lenders you prequalify with. Based on Credible data, borrowers who chose to apply for a loan with Best Egg were more than twice as likely to be approved (relative to most other Credible partners).
Loan amount
$2,000 to $50,000
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, unsuccessful payment fee, check processing fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days after successful verification
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full review
3.93.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
9.95% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$2,000 to $35,000
Min. Credit Score
550
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Avant personal loans are a good choice for borrowers with bad credit looking for small- to moderate-sized personal loans. Loans are available up to $35,000 and you could get the money as soon as the next business day after approval. Plus, Avant is more likely than some lenders to approve the applications of borrowers who've prequalified with Avant. However, the lender charges an origination fee up to 9.99%, and its top-range interest rates are among the highest of the lenders we reviewed.
Loan amount
$2,000 to $35,000**
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, dishonored payment fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, and WV
Min. income
$1,200 monthly
Customer service
Phone, email
Time to get funds
As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
Repayment terms
2 to 5 years
Read full review
4.54.5
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
9.99% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
Min. Credit Score
600
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Upgrade has a suite of features that make it a very attractive lender: competitive interest rates, discounts for direct pay and autopay, as soon as same-day funding, up to seven-year repayment terms, and nationwide availability. Plus, loans are available to fair-credit borrowers, and you don't need to input your Social Security number to prequalify on the website. Upgrade even offers secured personal loans, which is not common among lenders.
However, Upgrade does charge an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%. You must have a FICO score of at least 600 and a minimum income of $25,000 annually to qualify.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000 ($3,005 minimum in GA; $6,600 minimum in MA)
Repayment terms
2 to 7 years
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
Autopay and direct pay
Eligibility
Available in all states
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
1 business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Read full review
4.34.3
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
-
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $35,000
Min. Credit Score
700
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
It’s worth considering a personal loan through Splash if you have good credit (ideally, a FICO score above 700). The platform offers loans from a wide range of lenders, and next-day funding is available. Plus, Splash has a live chat feature so you can get real-time answers without having to wait on hold or for an email. Loans are available up to $100,000 if you apply via Splash’s website.
Rates are competitive, but borrowers with excellent credit may find lower APRs elsewhere. If you need a repayment term longer than five years, you’ll need to look elsewhere as well.
Loan amount
$5,000 - $100,000 (up to $35,000 on Credible)
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except VT. OH and NM net disbursed amount must be greater than $5,000. MA must be greater than $6,000
Min. income
$45,000
Customer service
Live chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Same day available, typically 1-3 days
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, home improvement, medical expenses, major purchases
Read full review
4.34.3
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
11.69% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
Min. Credit Score
560
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Universal Credit is one of a handful of lenders that offers personal loans for bad credit. If your FICO credit score is at least 560, you may be eligible for a Universal Credit personal loan. It offers loan amounts up to $50,000, repayment terms up to seven years, and discounts for direct pay and autopay. Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Note that rates and fees can be relatively high — you may pay an origination fee from 5.25% to 9.99%, and APRs start at 11.69%. If you get a loan with a high interest rate, consider refinancing your personal loan at a lower rate once you've improved your credit score.
Loan amount
$1,000 - $50,000
Repayment terms
3, 5, or 7 years
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
Autopay and direct pay
Eligibility
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; not available in DC, IA, SC, WV
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
Read full review
3.93.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
11.72% - 17.99%
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
640
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Happy Money has been in operation since 2009 (formerly known as Payoff). It's an option for fair-credit borrowers (plus those with better credit), and notably has a relatively low top-end APR. In other words, you could qualify for a lower rate with Happy Money with fair credit, relative to other lenders that offer fair-credit loans. The company does charge an origination fee on some loans, up to 5%, but that's not as high as some other lenders' origination fees.
You should be prepared to wait a few days to get your money, as funding can take three to five days once approved. And loans aren't available in Massachusetts or Nevada. Happy Money has an A+ rating with the BBB and is ideal for debt consolidation and credit card consolidation loans.
Loan amount
$3,000 to $40,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except MA, MS, NV, and OH
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email, chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification
Loan uses
Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation only
Read full review
44
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
-
Loan Amounts
$20,000 to $200,000
Min. Credit Score
660
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
BHG Financial stands out for offering the largest loan amounts — up to $200,0001 — of any Credible partner lenders. Simply put, if you need an unsecured personal loan over $100,000, there are very few places to look, but BHG is one. You'll have up to 10 years to repay the loan, but you'll need an annual income of at least $100,000 to qualify and a FICO score that's 6601,2 or higher.
Loan amounts start at $20,000, so look elsewhere for small loans. And BHG charges a modest origination fee between 3% and 4%, depending on your financial profile. Loan funds are available within five to 14 days of loan approval. Note that you can't prequalify with BHG.
Loan amount
$20,000 - $200,0001
Repayment terms
3 - 10 years1,2
Fees
Origination fees, late fees, other fees may apply
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except Illinois, North Dakota, and Montana
Min. income
$100,000
Customer service
Email, phone
Soft credit check
Not on lender's site
Time to get funds
In as few as 5 days3
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, baby (adoption), engagement ring financing, moving (relocation), business, home improvement, special occasion, cosmetic procedures, major purchase, taxes, credit card refinancing, medical expenses, vacation, wedding, other
Read full review
3.73.7
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
14.30% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$3,500 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
640
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Reach is an option if you have fair credit, especially if you need money fast. According to the company, 90% of Reach personal loans are funded within one day of approval.
It's a good choice for debt consolidation and credit card refinancing, but borrowers with excellent credit may not find the lowest rates with Reach. The company also charges more fees than some of its competitors and doesn't offer direct pay or autopay discounts. If you need a 7-year term loan, you'll need to look elsewhere. Reach personal loans are not available in all states.
Loan amount
$3,500 to $40,000
Fees
Origination Fee, $15 Late Fee, $25 NSF Fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except CO, CT, ME, NV, NH, TN, VT, WV, WY, and all U.S. Territories
Min. income
$1,000 monthly
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Funds typically deposited into your account in 1 business day13
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing
Read full review
3.93.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
18.00% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,500 to $20,000
Min. Credit Score
540
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
OneMain Financial has multiple options for bad-credit personal loans. There is no minimum credit score required (if you apply directly with OneMain), which means you could get a loan with bad credit (FICO below 580). Plus, cosigners are allowed — a cosigner is someone (ideally, with good credit) who promises to repay the loan if you can't, which can make it easier to qualify or lower your rate. And, secured personal loans are available. You secure a loan with collateral, which may also help you qualify or lower your rate.
Rates are higher than competitors and OneMain charges origination fees as either a flat fee up to $500, or a percentage from 1% to 10% (depending on your state of residence). Note that even if you prequalify for a personal loan with OneMain, getting approved isn't a given.
Loan amount
$1,500 to $20,000
Fees
Origination fee, unsuccessful payment fee, late fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Must have photo I.D. issued by U.S. federal, state or local government
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 2 days after acceptance
Loan use
All except business, and education
Read full review
All APRs reflect autopay and loyalty discounts where available | LightStream disclosure | SoFi Disclosures | Read more about Rates and Terms
Keep Reading:
- Guide To Personal Loans
- How Do Personal Loans Work?
- How To Get a Personal Loan
- How Long Does It Take To Get a Personal Loan?
- How Big of a Personal Loan Can I Get?
- Best Personal Loan Rates
- Best Emergency Loans
- Pawn Shop Loans
- Car Title Loans
Meet the expert:
Lindsay VanSomeren
Lindsay VanSomeren specializes in credit and loans. Her work has appeared on Credit Karma, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, and more.