Best Moving Loans of 2026: Compare Top Personal Loans for Relocation

A moving loan is a personal loan you use to pay for relocation costs like movers, a truck rental, deposits or travel. The top moving loan picks for 2026 are SoFi® for good credit, Upgrade for fair credit, Upstart for thin credit files, LightStream for low rates and Discover®, a division of Capital One, N.A., Member FDIC, for no fees. Rates start around 7% annual percentage rate (APR) and go up to 36% APR based on your credit and lender.

Moving is an expensive, but sometimes unavoidable, part of life. If you need help covering the cost of movers, boxes, and bubble wrap, a personal loan could help.

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MoneyLion is here to help you by offering a service to help you find personal loan offers. You could qualify for offers of up to $100,000 from our top providers. You get to compare rates, terms, and fees from different lenders and choose the best offer for you.

Key Takeaways

• What are the best personal loans for moving in 2026? SoFi leads for good-to-excellent credit: Fixed APRs from 6.99% to 35.49% with autopay and loans up to $100,000.

• Rates run roughly 6% to 36% based on credit: Borrowers with scores of 720 or higher often see 6% to 12%, while fair-credit borrowers see 18% to 36%.

• A $10,000 loan at 12% APR over three years costs about $332 a month: That's roughly $1,957 in total interest, or about $11,957 repaid.

• No-fee options exist: LightStream and Discover charge no origination fees, while Upstart and Upgrade do.

• Ask your employer first: Many companies offer relocation assistance of $2,000 to $10,000, which can shrink the loan you actually need.

• Prequalify before you apply: A soft-check preview lets you compare rates across lenders without hurting your score.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

How Much Does It Cost to Move?

Moving costs depend on distance, home size and how much help you hire. Here are typical price ranges to plan around.

• Local move (under 100 miles): $900 to $2,500 for a professional mover

• Long-distance move (over 100 miles): $2,700 to $10,000, depending on weight and distance

• Cross-country move: $4,000 to $15,000 for a full-service mover

• DIY truck rental: $150 to $2,000 plus fuel, boxes and insurance

• Extras to budget for: Security deposits, utility setup fees, storage and travel

Recent 2026 industry estimates put the average long-distance move in the range of roughly $2,700 to $10,000, with a typical cross-country move for a two- to three-bedroom home landing around $4,500 to $5,000, depending on distance, shipment weight and the services you add.

How Do Moving Loans and Relocation Loans Work?

Moving loan annual percentage rates (APRs) typically range from about 6% to 36%, based on rate data from the Federal Reserve G.19 consumer credit report. Borrowers with credit scores of 720 or higher usually see APRs between 6% and 12%, while those with scores in the 580 to 669 range often see APRs between 18% and 36%.

The stronger your credit score and the lower your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, the better the amount, rate and terms you may be able to qualify for.

Most lenders allow you to apply online and receive a decision in a short turnaround, with funds often deposited into your account shortly after approval.

Before you take out a moving loan, it’s important to calculate whether you can afford the monthly payments and compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best rates.

What a $10,000 Moving Loan Costs

Say you borrow $10,000 at a 12% APR and pay it back over three years. Here’s what that looks like.

• Monthly payment: about $332

• Total interest paid: about $1,957

• Total repaid over three years: about $11,957

Your real number changes with your credit score, loan term and lender fees.

Secured vs. Unsecured Moving Loans

Most moving loans are unsecured, meaning you qualify based on your credit and income with no collateral. Some lenders let you back the loan with a car title or savings account, which can lower your APR but puts that asset at risk if you miss payments.

• Unsecured moving loan: No collateral needed, higher APRs, faster approval

• Secured moving loan: Backed by a car, savings or CD, lower APRs, longer approval

Best Moving Loans Compared

Here’s a side-by-side look at popular lenders that offer personal loans you can use for moving.

Rates, lender details and eligibility requirements were last reviewed in August 2026.

Top 5 Moving Loan Lenders Ranked by Best Use in 2026

1. SoFi: Best for good to excellent credit 

2. Upgrade: Best for fair credit and fast funding

3. Upstart: Best for thin credit files and first-time borrowers

4. LightStream: Best for the lowest APRs on large loan amounts

5. Discover: Best for no fees

How MoneyLion Chose These Lenders

MoneyLion reviewed moving loan options based on annual percentage rate ranges, loan amount limits, origination fees and other charges, funding speed and minimum credit score requirements. Lenders that offered same-day or next-day funding, low or no fees and flexible loan sizes ranked highest.

Pros and Cons of Moving Loans

However, before taking out any type of financing, you want to consider the potential drawbacks.

How To Get a Personal Loan for Moving

Here's the best way to find a loan that's right for your situation:

1. Research Different Lenders

You can prequalify for a personal loan to move without affecting your credit score. Doing so allows you to compare offers from several lenders. You’ll want to compare the loan amount, APR, monthly payment and repayment period.

2. Check Your Credit Score

Before prequalifying, check your credit reports and credit scores. A score of 670 or above on the FICO scale can get you better loan terms, including a lower interest rate. Improving your credit score can take time, but is worth it for better loan terms.

MoneyLion offers a free and convenient way to find offers from our trusted partners to help you improve your credit — such as credit monitoring, credit report disputes, and getting credit by paying bills.

3. Gather Necessary Documents

Once you’ve determined which loan will work best for you, gather the information the lender will need to fund your loan. This includes your personal details, Social Security number, proof of address, W-2s and pay stubs. Having your documentation in order will streamline the application process and help you get funded faster.

4. Fill Out a Loan Application With the Chosen Lender

Applying for a personal loan is pretty straightforward — just give your lender of choice the documentation you gathered when preparing to fill out your loan application. Your lender will check your credit score, payment history, annual income and debt-to-income ratio and decide whether to approve your request.

5. Review the Terms Before Signing the Agreement

You must understand the loan’s agreement terms to know whether you’ll be able to pay it back. Take your time and review the terms carefully before signing the agreement.

6. Use the Approved Funds for Moving Expenses

Once you receive the money, you can begin paying for the services and supplies you need to carry out your move.

Ask About Employer Relocation Assistance First

If you are moving for a new job or a transfer, ask your employer about relocation assistance before taking on debt. Many companies offer lump-sum payments of $2,000 to $10,000, reimburse specific moving expenses or cover a full-service move through a third-party vendor. Getting even part of your move paid for can shrink the loan amount you actually need.

Other Ways To Pay for a Move

Loans are not your only option. Here is how the main choices stack up.

Personal Loan

• Best for: Big moves you need to pay off over time

• Pros: Fixed rate, fixed monthly payment, funds in one to three days

• Cons: Interest costs, credit check required

• Takeaway: A solid pick if your move costs more than you can cover in cash and you want a set payoff date

Credit Card

• Best for: Small moves or short-term financing you can pay off fast

• Pros: No application, potential rewards, 0% intro annual percentage rate offers

• Cons: APRs of 20% to 29% after intro periods, easy to overspend

• Takeaway: Works well only if you can pay the balance before interest kicks in

Savings

• Best for: Anyone with three to six months of expenses already set aside

• Pros: No debt, no interest, no application

• Cons: Drains your cushion, slower to rebuild

• Takeaway: The cheapest way to move if you can leave a buffer for emergencies

Relocation Grants and Assistance

• Best for: Movers relocating for work, school or specific programs

• Pros: Free money, no repayment

• Cons: Limited eligibility, application process, funds may be taxable

Takeaway: Worth checking employer, city and nonprofit programs before you borrow

MoneyLion offers a convenient marketplace to compare high-yield savings accounts from our trusted partners that could help grow your money.

Recap: Top Moving Loan Picks for 2026

If you remember only three lenders from this guide, make them these.

• SoFi: Best for good credit. You need a minimum credit score of about 680 and steady income. APRs start at 6.99%.

• Upgrade: Best for fair credit. You need a minimum credit score of about 580 and $30,000 in yearly income. Funding often arrives within one business day.

• Upstart: Best for thin credit files. In some states, you can qualify with a score as low as 300 if you have a steady income or a job offer.

Compare your prequalified offers side by side before you sign, and pick the loan with the lowest total cost — not just the lowest monthly payment.

Moving and Relocation Loan FAQs

What credit score do you need for a moving loan?

Most lenders want a credit score of at least 580 to 660. You can qualify with a lower score at lenders like Upstart or Upgrade, but your APR will be higher. A score of 720 or above helps you land the lowest rates from SoFi and LightStream.

What is the average interest rate on a moving loan?

The average annual percentage rate on a personal loan used for moving falls between 12% and 15% for borrowers with good credit. Rates run lower for excellent credit and higher for fair or bad credit.

Can you get a moving loan with bad credit?

Yes. Lenders like Upstart and Upgrade work with credit scores in the low 500s. Expect a higher APR, a shorter loan term and possible origination fees. Adding a co-signer or choosing a secured loan can help you get a better rate.

How fast can you get a moving loan?

Many online lenders fund a moving loan in one to three business days. SoFi, Upgrade and LightStream offer same-day or next-day funding for approved borrowers.

Is a personal loan or a credit card better for moving costs?

A personal loan is often better if your move costs more than you can pay off in a few months. Personal loans have fixed rates, fixed monthly payments and set payoff dates. A credit card can work for small moves under $2,000 if you can pay it off before interest kicks in or you have a 0% intro APR offer.

Are moving expenses tax deductible?

For most people, no. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — made permanent by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 — moving expenses aren't deductible for the 2026 tax year. The main exceptions are active-duty military members moving under a permanent change of station order and, starting in 2026, certain members of the U.S. intelligence community. A few states still allow their own moving-expense deduction, so check your state's rules.

How much can you borrow for a move?

Most moving loans range from $1,000 to $50,000, with some lenders going up to $100,000 for borrowers with strong credit and income.

Does applying for a moving loan hurt your credit?

Prequalifying uses a soft credit check and does not hurt your score. A full application triggers a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points.

Key Terms

• Moving loan: An unsecured personal loan used to cover relocation costs like movers, a truck rental, deposits or travel.

• Annual percentage rate (APR): The yearly cost of the loan, including interest and most fees.

• Unsecured loan: A loan approved on credit and income, with no collateral required — the most common type of moving loan.

• Secured loan: A loan backed by a car, savings or CD, which can lower your APR but risks the asset.

• Origination fee: A one-time processing fee some lenders deduct from your loan proceeds.

• Autopay discount: A rate reduction for enrolling in automatic payments, often required for the lowest advertised APR.

• Relocation assistance: Employer-provided help with moving costs, sometimes a lump sum or reimbursed expenses.

• Prequalification: A soft-check estimate of your rate that doesn't affect your score.

Sources

• Federal Reserve: G.19 Consumer Credit 

• CFPB: What is a personal installment loan? 

• IRS:  Moving expenses (Topic No. 455) 

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Emily Gadd, CCC™, contributed to editing this article.

Photo credit: Morsa Images / iStock.com

_{*Fixed rates from 6.99% 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 to $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% to 7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.}