Why You Can Trust the MarketWatch Guides Team
Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated top personal loan providers
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Providers RatedOur team researched more than two dozen of the country’s most popular personal lenders, including large online companies like SoFi, big banks like Wells Fargo, and peer-to-peer lenders like Upstart.
660
Data Points AnalyzedTo create our rating system, we analyzed each personal loan company’s disclosures, licensing documents, marketing materials, sample loan agreements and websites to understand their loan offerings and terms.
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Loan Features TrackedOur team regularly collects data on each company’s loan offerings and terms, such as minimum and maximum loan amounts, origination fees and discounts.
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Professionals ConsultedBefore we began our research process, we consulted with financial advisors and industry experts to ensure our evaluations covered the banking product aspects that matter most to potential customers.
The Best Lenders for a $20,000 Personal Loan
We at the MarketWatch Guides team rounded up our top choices for $20,000 personal loans based on interest rates, funding times, term flexibility and more. Compare the following loans to find the right one for you.
LightStream
Our Top Pick
5.0
Our Rating
Affordability: 33/35
Loan Features: 29/35
Customer Experience: 18/20
Company Reputation: 10/10
Term Options24 months to 144 monthsLoan Size Offered$5k to $100k
LightStream Overview
LightStream offers loans of up to $100,000 at competitive rates. LightStream even promises to beat your lowest qualifying rate with its Rate Beat Program. You must have good credit to qualify, but if you do, you can receive your funds within a day.
Pros & Cons
Pros No fees or prepayment penalties Borrow up to $100,000 Rate Beat Program offers to bet competing unsecured lenders’ rates by 0.10 percentage points A+ Better Business Bureau rating Can get an autopay discount Cons Borrowers typically have at least several years of credit history Must have good to excellent credit to qualify No option for preapproval
LightStream Eligibility Requirements
You must have good to excellent credit to qualify for a LightStream loan, though a high credit score doesn’t guarantee approval. LightStream notes that their borrowers tend to have several years of credit history, a stable income, liquid assets and a good payment history.
SoFi
Best Customer Service
4.9
Our Rating
Affordability: 30/35
Loan Features: 29/35
Customer Experience: 19/20
Company Reputation: 10/10
Term Options24 months to 84 monthsLoan Size Offered$5k to $100k
SoFi Overview
SoFi stands out for its customer service, with an A+score from the Better Business Bureau and a rating of4.7 out of 5 starson Trustpilot. Another significant benefit is their unemployment protection feature, which modifies your monthly payments in the case of a job loss and even helps you find new employment. In addition to highly rated customer service, SoFi offers quick prequalification, flexible loan terms and rate discounts.
Pros & Cons
Pros Modified payments in case of unemployment Prequalify online in minutes Flexible repayment terms from two to seven years No origination, prepayment, or late fees Autopay and direct deposit discounts Cons No option to apply with a co-signer $5,000 minimum loan amount Restrictions on changing your loan payment due dates
SoFi Eligibility Requirements
SoFi doesn’t disclose complete requirements for getting a personal loan, but they do state you need to be employed, have an employment offer to start within 90 days or have sufficient income from another source in order to be eligible. They also state that loan eligibility and interest rates depend on your financial history, credit score and monthly income versus expenses.
PenFed Credit Union
Best for Small Loans
4.8
Our Rating
Affordability: 35/35
Loan Features: 24/35
Customer Experience: 17/20
Company Reputation: 10/10
Term Options12 months to 60 monthsLoan Size Offered$600 to $50k
PenFed Overview
PenFed, the country’s second-largest credit union, offers personal loans of up to $50,000 at competitive rates. Though you don’t need to be a member to apply for a loan, you do need to apply for membership if you qualify and want to move forward with funding. Prequalification for PenFed personal loans is available, and you don’t have to worry about origination or early payment fees.
Pros & Cons
Pros Prequalification available Don’t have to be a PenFed member to apply Competitive interest rates No origination or prepayment fees Co-borrowers allowed Cons Late fees for payments more than five days late Must become a PenFed member to accept a loan Loan terms are capped at five years
PenFed Eligibility Requirements
PenFed doesn’t disclose all eligibility requirements, such as minimum credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which measures your monthly income against existing loan payments. But you do have to apply for PenFed membership if you qualify for a loan and wish to move forward.
Discover
Best for Low Rates
4.6
Our Rating
Affordability: 35/35
Loan Features: 21/35
Customer Experience: 16/20
Company Reputation: 10/10
Term Options36 months to 84 monthsLoan Size Offered$2.5k to $40k
Discover Overview
Popular for its credit card products, Discover also offers personal loans with attractive features. Discover loans have few fees, easy prequalification and flexible terms. However, loans are capped at $40,000, and Discover only accepts individual applications.
Pros & Cons
Pros Borrow as little as $2,500 Loan terms range from three to seven years No fees as long as you make on-time payments Next-day funding Prequalification available Cons Loans capped at $40,000 No co-signers or co-borrowers permitted Late fees can be high
Discover Eligibility Requirements
Discover doesn’t disclose a minimum credit score or DTI ratio required to qualify for a loan. You don’t need to be employed, but you need a household income of at least $25,000 to be eligible for a loan.
Upstart
Best for Bad Credit
4.4
Our Rating
Affordability: 28/35
Loan Features: 25/35
Customer Experience: 17/20
Company Reputation: 10/10
Term Options36 months to 60 monthsLoan Size Offered$1k to $50k
Upstart Overview
Not only does Upstart advertise very low starting rates*, but this lender has a minimum credit score requirement of just 300 — meaning borrowers with bad or no credit may be able to qualify. While Upstart isn’t a no-fee lender, it does offer prequalification and next-day funding**. Plus, there are no prepayment penalties.
Pros & Cons
Pros Borrow as little as $1,000*** No prepayment penalties Prequalification available Next-day funding available You may be able to qualify with bad credit. Cons Only three- and five-year terms are available. No co-signers You may have to pay an origination fee up to 12%.
Upstart Eligibility Requirements
Upstart has no credit score requirements, so you can even get afair credit loan. When reviewing your application, this lender will consider your DTI ratio, education and employment along with your credit history.
U.S. Bank
Best for Bank Switchers
4.4
Our Rating
Affordability: 34/35
Loan Features: 28/35
Customer Experience: 12/20
Company Reputation: 5/10
Term Options12 months to 60 months (for non-customers)Size Offered$1k to $50k
U.S. Bank Overview
If you’re not already a member, switching to U.S. Bank means getting some upgrades to your personal loan. For instance, members get more flexibility when it comes to payment terms and loan amounts, and they also have a lower minimum credit score requirement to meet. But both U.S. Bank members and non-members benefit from no prepayment or origination fees.
Pros & Cons
Pros No origination fees or prepayment penalties Flexible repayment terms Can borrow as little as $1,000 Prequalification available Members can receive funds within hours. Cons Non-members have more limitations on loan amounts and terms. Funding to non-U.S. Bank accounts can take up to four business days. Non-members have to meet a higher minimum credit score requirement.
U.S. Bank Eligibility Requirements
Existing U.S. Bank members need a credit score of 660 to qualify for a loan, while non-members need a score of 720. However, you need a credit score of at least 800 to get the lowest rates advertised.
Upgrade
Best Discounts
4.3
Our Rating
Affordability: 22/35
Loan Features: 28/35
Customer Experience: 18/20
Company Reputation: 10/10
Term Options24 months to 84 monthsLoan Size Offered$1k to $50k
Upgrade Overview
With Upgrade, you can earn a cash bonus if you open a qualifying checking account and personal loan at the same time. Upgrade also offers fast funding and loan prequalification. With a Trustpilot rating of4.5 out of 5 stars, many customers find this lender easy to work with.
Pros & Cons
Pros Fast funding — within one day No prepayment fees Earn a cash reward when you also open a checking account and meet the direct deposit minimum. Prequalification available Flexible repayment terms between 24 and 84 months Cons Borrowers must pay an origination fee. You may have to pay late payment fees. Loans capped at $50,000
Upgrade Eligibility Requirements
Upgrade requires a minimum credit score of 620, and while your credit score is certainly considered, the rest of the information present in your credit profile is also reviewed during Upgrade’s approval process.
Wells Fargo
Best for In-Person Service
4.3
Our Rating
Affordability: 35/35
Loan Features: 26/35
Customer Experience: 17/20
Company Reputation: 0/10
Term Options12 months to 84 monthsLoan Size Offered$3k to $100k
Wells Fargo Overview
Wells Fargo may appeal to you if you’re uncomfortable with a digital loan application. While you can apply for a Wells Fargo personal loan online, you can also do so in person. However, you have to be a member to be eligible. On the plus side, you can borrow up to $100,000 with no prepayment penalties or origination fees.
Pros & Cons
Pros Loan amounts up to $100,000 No prepayment penalties or origination fees Interest rate discounts for Wells Fargo checking account holders You can apply for a loan in person if desired. Prequalification available Cons Funding can take up to three business days. You may have to pay late fees. You must be an existing Wells Fargo customer to be eligible for a personal loan.
Wells Fargo Eligibility Requirements
Wells Fargo doesn’t disclose full personal loan eligibility requirements, but it does limit eligibility to existing Wells Fargo customers. When you apply, the bank will consider your employment and income information in addition to your intended use for the loan.
Check out ourreview of Wells Fargo.
How To Get a $20,000 Personal Loan
Getting a $20,000 loan requires filling out an application and providing your financial and personal information. You’ll also need to meet certain eligibility requirements if you want to borrow such a large amount of money.
Applying for a $20,000 Personal Loan
The application and approval process for a $20,000 loan may take as little as a day — especially when working with online lenders — or as long as a week. Here’s what the process looks like from start to finish:
- Research and compare lenders: Before applying for a loan, compare different lenders based on interest rates, term options, maximum loan amounts, funding times and more. Remember, choosing a loan with a slightly lower interest rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of a loan.
- Prequalify: When a lender allows it, prequalifying for a loan can give you a better idea of the expected interest rate and terms you could qualify for — without hurting your credit score. Prequalifying doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the same offer when you formally apply, but it can help you compare various lenders more accurately.
- Submit an application: After choosing a loan — or loans — you want to apply for, fill out an application and submit the necessary information. Lenders usually require you to submit your personal and financial information, including ID, proof of employment and proof of income. They’ll also check your credit history.
- Sign the loan agreement and receive funding: If a lender approves your loan application, you’ll receive a loan agreement to review and sign. Depending on your lender’s funding time, you may have the money in your account within a day.
These days, many lenders allow you to complete the loan application process entirely online. Some even require it. If you’re not comfortable applying online, choose a lender that lets you apply in person or over the phone.
Requirements for a $20,000 Personal Loan
Getting a $20,000 personal loan isn’t as simple as signing a loan agreement. Before offering you a loan, a lender wants to see evidence of good credit history. This means they’ll want to see your credit score, income level and DTI ratio.
Requirements vary by lender, but most lenders require borrowers to have a credit score in the good to excellent range — meaning a score of at least 670. Some lenders state they require stable, consistent income, while others list a minimum income requirement. For example, Discover requires a household income of at least $25,000. Finally, personal loan lenders consider your DTI ratio or your ratio of debt to gross income. Lenders like to see a lower DTI — typically no higher than 35% and 40% — because it shows you have income available to put toward a new loan.
Loan approval, rates and terms vary by lender, but credit history, income and DTI ratio all impact your loan offer. A lower credit score, higher income and lower DTI ratio generally increase your chances of being approved for a loan with a lower interest rate.
Alternatives to a $20,000 Personal Loan
Taking out a $20,000 personal loan is a major commitment that can last for years. And sometimes, it’s not the best way to finance a project or expense, especially if you have bad credit. Before taking out a personal loan, you may want to consider other financing options, such as home equity lines of credit, home equity loans and peer-to-peer lending.
Ahome equity line of credit (HELOC)allows you to borrow against the equity in your house. After qualifying for a HELOC, you can borrow up to your approved limit throughout the duration of your draw period. You have to start repaying the loan only once the repayment period kicks in.
Your home secures HELOCs, so they tend to have lower interest rates and are usually easier to qualify for with bad credit.
Pros and Cons of HELOCs
Pros
HELOCs offer a revolving line of credit you can access as needed.
The interest rates are generally lower than those of personal loans.
Only borrow — and repay — what you need
May be easier to qualify for than an unsecured loan
Cons
You must have equity in your house to qualify.
You risk losing your house if you miss payments.
Rising interest rates could impact repayment
Home equity loans are similar to HELOCs in allowing you to borrow against your home equity. But like a personal loan, home equity loans are a type of installment loan. Because home equity loans are disbursed in a single lump sum, they’re best for borrowers who know exactly how much they need to borrow and are prepared to repay the entire loan.
Pros and Cons of Home Equity Loans
Pros
Home equity loans generally offer lower interest rates than personal loans.
These loans typically have flexible terms.
May be easier to qualify for than an unsecured loan
Monthly installment loans can be easier to budget for.
Home equity loans often have fixed interest rates.
Cons
You must have equity in your house.
You risk losing your house if you miss payments.
You must repay the entire loan — plus interest.
If you think a home equity loan is right for you, check out our picks for thebest home equity loan lenders.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending allows you to get financing directly from another individual or company — rather than from a financial institution. The process to get a P2P loan is similar to that of a traditional loan, though P2P loans may have more flexible eligibility requirements.
Pros and Cons of P2P Lending
Pros
You may be able to find P2P lenders willing to approve borrowers with bad credit.
Lenders often offer online applications and fast funding.
Cons
These loans may have additional fees.
Things To Consider When Applying for a $20,000 Personal Loan
Getting a $20,000 loan is a big decision, so don’t make it without doing your research. Before comparing loans, decide whether a personal loan is the best financing option for you. Depending on your situation, there may be cheaper alternatives. Plus, you want to be sure you have room in your budget to repay a loan. Use a personal loan calculator to get a rough idea of what your monthly payments might look like.
If you do decide to take out a personal loan, start by comparing lenders. Finding a lender that offers a lower interest rate can save you thousands over the life of your loan. Plus, working with a trusted lender can save you more than just time and money. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to consult a trusted financial adviser or expert who can make suggestions based on your unique financial situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About $20,000 Personal Loans
Most personal loans have terms between two and seven years, but the amount of time it will take you to pay off a $20,000 loan depends on the term you choose and any early payments you make. When you apply for a loan, you can use your estimated interest rate and a personal loan calculator to determine what size monthly payment you can afford. With that in mind, you can choose a term that works for your monthly budget.
The credit score needed for a $20,000 loan varies by lender. Generally, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score — 670 or higher — to qualify for a $20,000 loan. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of qualifying for a loan and securing a lower interest rate. If your credit score doesn’t meet a lender’s requirements, you can consider applying with a co-signer.
Maximum loan amounts vary by lender. Generally, the biggest personal loan you can get is a $100,000 loan. Lightstream, SoFi and Wells Fargo are a few lenders who offer $100,000 loans.
The easiest personal loans to get approved for are those with low credit score requirements. If you’re struggling to qualify for a loan, narrow your search to loans with lower credit score requirements — including those who accept scores in the fair and poor ranges. If you’re still struggling to get approved, look for a loan that allows co-signers or consider applying for a secured loan instead.
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Personal Loans
Our team put together a comprehensive100-point rating systemto evaluate personal loan companies. We gathered data points from 28 of the most prominent lenders in the U.S. and analyzed disclosures, licensing documents, sample loan agreements, marketing materials and websites. Our rating system takes into account four broad categories.
- Affordability(35%): How expensive each company’s loans are to pay back
- Loan features(35%): The breadth of loan terms and features available to prospective customers
- Customer experience(20%): Ease of application, prequalification and customer service interactions
- Company reputation(10%): An exploration of lenders’ Better Business Bureau files, customer reviews and outstanding regulatory actions
Our top-rated lenders may not be the best fit for all borrowers. To learn more,read our full personal loans methodology.
Editor’s Note: Before making significant financial decisions, consider reviewing your options with someoneyou trust, such as a financial adviser, credit counselor or financial professional, since every person’s situation and needs are different.
If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at editors@marketwatchguides.com.
Emily BatdorfContributing Writer
Emily Batdorf is a personal finance writer specializing in banking and lending. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and has articles published on Forbes Advisor, Credible, and Angi.
Jen Hubley LuckwaldtEditor
Jen Hubley Luckwaldt is an editor and writer with a focus on personal finance and careers. A small business owner for over a decade, Jen helps publications and brands make financial content accessible to readers. Through her clients, Jen’s writing has been syndicated to CNBC, Insider, Yahoo Finance, and many local newspapers. She is a regular contributor to Career Tool Belt and Career Cloud.
