Personal Loan Review✅ Best for Fair Credit

Upgrade Personal Loan

Upgrade

APR 7.74%–35.99% on loans from $1,000 to $50,000.

At a Glance

APR Range

7.74%–35.99%

Loan Amount

$1,000–$50,000

Term Length

24–84 months

Min. Credit Score

580

Origination Fee

1.85–9.99%

Funding Time

1–4 business days

Rates & Fees

APR Range

7.74%–35.99%

Origination Fee

1.85–9.99%

Prepayment Penalty

None

Late Fee

Up to $10, or 5% of the past-due amount (varies by state)

Funding Time

1–4 business days

Key Features

Direct creditor pay for debt consolidation

Free credit monitoring

Autopay discount available

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Accepts lower credit scores (580+)
  • Direct debt consolidation payments
  • Small loans from $1,000

Tradeoffs

  • Origination fee can be high
  • Higher APRs vs competitors
  • Fee reduces effective loan amount

How to Apply

Check your rate with Upgrade — most personal loan lenders let you pre-qualify with a soft credit check that doesn't affect your credit score.

Compare the estimated APR, term, and monthly payment against at least one other lender before committing.

Gather proof of income, identification, and bank account details for the formal application.

Submit the full application directly on Upgrade's site; approval typically requires a hard credit inquiry.

If approved, review the final loan agreement for the origination fee and funding time (1–4 business days) before signing.

How It Compares

Current product highlighted
ProductAPR RangeLoan AmountOrigination Fee
Upgrade Personal Loan7.74%–35.99%$1,000–$50,0001.85–9.99%
LightStream Personal Loan7.24%–24.89%$5,000–$100,000None
SoFi Personal Loan6.99%–35.49%$5,000–$100,000None (optional fee for lower rate)
LendingClub Personal Loan5.96%–35.96%$1,000–$75,0000–8%

Rates and terms shown are illustrative as of 2026 and vary based on creditworthiness, income, and loan amount — always confirm current terms directly with the lender.

Compare all personal loans