US Personal Loans
Personal Loans in the US: How to Compare Rates and Offers in 2026
Advertised from-rates are marketing. APR, origination fee and term length are the three numbers that decide cost.
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- Advertised rates
- From 6.99%, best profiles only
- Realistic range
- 10%-24%
- Origination fee
- 1%-8% of principal
- Term range
- 24-84 months
The advertised rate is a floor
A 6.99% headline applies to the top of the credit file. Most approved borrowers land 10%-24%, so compare the APR you are actually offered, not the banner.
Origination fee is inside the APR
A 6% fee on a 12% loan is an effective 15%-16%. Because it is deducted, you also receive less than you borrow - budget for the shortfall.
Term length cuts the payment, not the cost
Stretching from 36 to 60 months drops the monthly figure and raises total interest by roughly a third. Choose the shortest term you can service.
Prepay penalties are rare, so check anyway
Most US personal loans allow early repayment without penalty. Confirm it in writing, because the few that do not make overpayment expensive.
FAQ
Do these loans need collateral?▾
Usually unsecured.
How fast is funding?▾
Often same or next business day once verified.
Does applying hurt my score?▾
Each application is a hard inquiry, though rate-shopping windows can group them.
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