Choose the best loan for you

Best for: emergencies, small medical bills, car or home fixes, or consolidating one or two credit cards.

• Pre-qualify first (soft inquiry) to compare APRs without hurting your score.
• Keep your DTI below ~35–40% (debt-to-income). Pay down a card if you’re close.
• Set up autopay—many lenders discount APR for automatic payments.
• Credit not perfect? Consider a credit union or a co-signer for better terms.
• Have docs ready: government ID, proof of income, bank statements.

Payment math (fixed loans): Payment = P × r / (1 − (1 + r)⁻ⁿ), where r = monthly rate, n = months.

Lender	Why it fits this range
Upstart	Thin files welcome AI-driven underwriting; good for smaller tickets and newer credit profiles.
U.S. Bank	Personal loans often start around $1k; clear online flow for small needs.
TD Bank (TD Fit Loan)	Fixed, unsecured loan; predictable payments for small budgets.
LendingClub	Online application; soft pre-qualification for quick rate checks.
Discover	No origination fee positioning; quick funding after approval (minimums apply).
PenFed Credit Union	Member rates Minimums from a few hundred dollars; competitive for small loans.

Best for: home projects, multi-card consolidation, tuition gaps, or larger purchases.

• Aim for a credit utilization < 30% on revolving cards before applying.
• Choose the shortest term you can afford—lower total interest vs. very long terms.
• Compare at least 3 APR offers (APR includes certain fees; it’s the cleanest cost signal).
• Consider credit-union membership for potentially lower rates.
• Watch for origination fees and confirm there’s no prepayment penalty.

Lender	Why it fits this range
SoFi	No origination fee Strong for $5k+ tickets; soft rate check and fast digital process.
Discover	Transparent terms; next-day funding possible for qualified borrowers.
Wells Fargo	Large national bank; higher limits for qualified existing customers.
LightStream (Truist)	No fees Competitive for well-qualified borrowers in mid-range amounts.
Citibank	Fixed APR with potential auto-pay discount; widely recognized brand.
U.S. Bank	Solid option for consolidation with predictable fixed payments.

Best for: major home repairs, used-car purchases, education gaps, or consolidating multiple balances at once.

• Boost score by paying down utilization and fixing any reporting errors 30–60 days before applying.
• DTI matters: keep total monthly debts under ~35% of gross income when possible.
• Ask about auto-pay and direct-deposit discounts—they stack in some cases.
• Consider a co-signer or co-applicant to access lower APR tiers.
• For home projects, compare a personal loan vs. 0% promo cards or a HELOC (when available) for overall cost.

Lender	Why it fits this range
LightStream (Truist)	High loan amounts No fees; excellent for larger, well-qualified tickets.
SoFi	No origination fee; competitive APRs at higher amounts for strong profiles.
Wells Fargo	High maximums for qualified customers; predictable fixed terms.
Discover	Fast funding and clear disclosures; good brand trust at $10k–$20k.
LendingClub	Online convenience; check rates with a soft pull before committing.
PenFed Credit Union	Member-oriented pricing; often competitive vs. big banks for larger loans.