8 Easiest Personal Loans To Get: Top Lenders Compared

Getting a personal loan can be challenging if you have less-than-perfect credit or limited credit history, but several lenders offer more flexible qualification requirements. While these “easier” loans typically come with higher interest rates, they can provide access to funds when traditional lenders aren’t an option. 

Read on to learn some of the easiest personal loans to get, including options for easy approval loans for fair credit, low income or no credit history.

With MoneyLion, you can access offers up to $100,000 from top lenders. Compare rates, terms, and fees to find the deal that fits your needs. 

Key Takeaways

• Several lenders offer personal loans to borrowers with fair, limited or bad credit. Options like Upgrade and Upstart have lower credit score minimums and more flexible approval criteria than traditional banks.

• Easier approval usually means higher costs. Lenders that take on more risk typically charge higher annual percentage rates (APRs) and origination fees, so comparing the full cost of each loan matters.

• Prequalifying with multiple lenders lets you compare offers without hurting your credit score. Most lenders use a soft credit check during prequalification, so you can shop around before committing.

• Personal loans are not the only option. Cash advance apps, credit builder loans and credit cards with 0% APR intro periods can all provide access to funds depending on your situation and credit profile.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Best for Bad Credit: Upgrade Personal Loans

Upgrade shines as an option for easy approval loans for bad credit borrowers or those with less-than-perfect credit. With competitive rates and no prepayment penalties, this loan is designed to help you consolidate debt or cover unexpected expenses.

Best for No Fees: SoFi® Personal Loans

SoFi stands out for its no-fee personal loans, offering borrowers competitive rates and flexible terms. Ideal for those who value transparency, SoFi provides additional perks like unemployment protection and access to financial planning tools.

Best for Same-Day Approval: LightStream

LightStream delivers speed and flexibility with same-day approval and funding for borrowers with strong credit. Known for its competitive rates and zero fees, it's a good option for major expenses like auto purchases or home improvement projects.

Best for Small Loan Amounts: Upstart Personal Loans

Upstart stands out for its AI-driven approval process that looks beyond credit scores to consider your education and work history. This approach makes it ideal for borrowers who may still need to establish credit. With loan amounts starting as low as $1,000, Upstart is perfect for smaller financial needs, and funds are often available within one business day.

Best for Fast Funding: Avant Personal Loans

Avant specializes in loans for borrowers with fair credit, offering fast funding and a simple application process. With flexible terms and an easy-to-navigate platform, Avant ensures you can manage your loan without complications. It’s an excellent choice for those needing quick access to funds for emergencies or other short-term needs.

Best for Large Loan Amounts: Discover Personal Loans

Discover combines flexibility with simplicity, offering personal loans with no fees and competitive rates. With loan amounts up to $40,000, it's a great choice for significant expenses like medical bills or major home repairs. Borrowers benefit from a streamlined application process and reliable customer service.

Best for Debt Consolidation: Happy Money Personal Loans

Happy Money is designed specifically for consolidating credit card debt, offering tailored solutions to simplify your payments and reduce your interest rates. With no fees and tools to track your financial progress, Happy Money makes it easy to stay focused on achieving your debt-free goals.

Best for Flexible Terms: LendingClub Personal Loans

Whether you’re consolidating debt or funding a major purchase, LendingClub allows for joint applications and offers tailored options to suit your financial needs. The platform’s transparency and user-friendly tools make it a reliable choice for borrowers looking for relatively easy approval loans.

4 Loan Factors To Pay Attention To

“Easy” personal loans often come with a hidden catch – but knowing the right factors to evaluate can help avoid costly mistakes and find a loan that truly fits your needs.

Interest Rates and APR

Don’t be blinded by promises of quick approval – your APR is the key. Easy approval loans may feature higher interest rates than traditional lending products.

You’ll want to compare multiple lenders to find competitive rates for your credit profile.

Remember: A few small percentage points can mean thousands in savings over your loan term.

Credit Requirements

Sometimes, lending labeled as “easy approval,” may still have basic eligibility criteria. Look for lenders who advertise flexible credit score minimums.

Some lenders also offer prequalification with a soft credit check, letting you gauge approval chances without impacting your score.

Loan Terms

Don’t get sold on just the loan amount! The entire loan structure needs to work for your financial situation. While longer repayment terms may make monthly payments more manageable, they could cost you more in interest over time. 

Documentation Requirements

Be prepared to provide a variety of personal verification documents, including proof of income, government-issued photo ID, and proof of address like utility bills.

Alternatives To Quick and Easy Personal Loans

Looking for other ways to access funds? While quick personal loans can be a solid choice for many borrowers, it’s worth exploring all your options to find the best fit for your situation.

Cash Advances

You can get access to wages you’ve already earned before your scheduled payday, typically for a small flat fee rather than interest charges. MoneyLion’s Instacash^® allows you to access up to $500 of your paycheck before you get paid — without interest or mandatory fees*. 

Credit Cards

You may be able to gain immediate access to funds with a revolving credit line. Some credit cards have 0% APR promotional periods for new purchases or balance transfers. However, the better offers come to those with good credit. 

Credit Builder Loans

Credit builder loans can be a smart alternative when you need to build credit. Instead of giving you immediate access to funds, they can help you establish a positive payment history while building a savings cushion that you can access later, potentially allowing you to qualify for better loan terms in the future when you truly need to borrow.

The Bottom Line 

• While “quick and easy loans” can provide immediate financial relief, the smartest choice isn’t always the easiest one. 

• Take time to compare multiple lenders, understand their true costs and read the fine print before signing. Remember, even with less-than-perfect credit, you have options – whether it’s online lenders or secured loans. 

• The right lender won’t just offer easy approval, but terms that set you up for financial success rather than a cycle of debt. 

FAQs

Which personal loans are the easiest to get approved for?

Loans from lenders like Upgrade and LightStream are known for their fast approvals and relatively lenient credit requirements.

Can you get a personal loan with bad credit?

Yes, lenders like Upgrade specialize in providing personal loans to borrowers with lower credit scores.

What do lenders look for when approving a personal loan?

Lenders typically evaluate your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and employment status.

How fast can I get a personal loan?

Some lenders, like LightStream, offer same-day approval and funding.

Are there personal loans that don’t require a credit check?

Some lenders provide no-credit-check loans, but they often come with higher fees and interest rates.

Key Terms

• APR: The yearly cost of borrowing expressed as a percentage, including both interest and fees. Comparing APRs across lenders is the most reliable way to evaluate the true cost of a loan.

• Origination fee: A one-time upfront charge some lenders deduct from your loan proceeds before funding. It adds to the total cost of borrowing and should be factored into any loan comparison.

• Prequalification: A soft credit check that lets you preview estimated loan rates and terms without affecting your credit score. It allows you to compare multiple lenders before formally applying.

• Credit builder loan: A loan designed to help borrowers establish or improve their credit score through reported on-time payments. Funds are held in reserve and released once the loan is fully repaid.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Methodology

For our take on the easiest personal loans to get, we researched lenders to identify the most accessible personal loans, evaluating their minimum credit score requirements, income thresholds and similar information to help you find realistic borrowing options for your situation.

Data is accurate as of May 29, 2026, and is subject to change.

*Fixed rates from 8.74% APR to 35.49% APR. APR reflects the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or, Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 11/03/25 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/#eligibility-personal. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors. Loan amounts range from $5,000– $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.

Sources

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2023. "What is a credit score?"

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "Loan Estimate Explainer."

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2024. "What is a prepayment penalty?"

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2024. "What is the difference between credit counseling and debt settlement, debt consolidation, or credit repair?"