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Browse our latest financial articles and insights.
Upstart vs Upgrade
When it comes to personal loans, [Upstart](/review/upstart/) and [Upgrade](/review/upgrade/) are two popular online lenders. Both offer fast funding and flexible options, but they take very different approaches to approving borrowers. Here's how they compare so you can pick the right one.
SoFi vs Upstart
SoFi and Upstart are two of the most popular online personal loan lenders, but they serve very different types of borrowers. SoFi rewards strong credit with low rates and zero fees. Upstart uses AI to look beyond your credit score, making loans accessible even if your credit history is thin or imperfect. This head-to-head comparison breaks down rates, fees, loan amounts, eligibility, and the real-world borrowing experience so you can pick the right lender for your situation.
Loans like Upstart
[Upstart](https://financer.com/review/upstart/) uses AI and alternative data to approve borrowers that traditional lenders might overlook. That makes it a solid option for people with limited credit history or fair credit scores. But Upstart isn't your only choice. Origination fees up to 12%, loan terms limited to 36 or 60 months, and no co-signer option can be deal-breakers depending on your situation. We compared eight lenders that offer a similar experience to Upstart, with updated rates and requirements for 2026. Whether you need lower fees, larger loan amounts, or more flexible terms, one of these alternatives should be a better fit.
Loans Like Spotloan
Spotloans are short-term installment loans with 3-10 month repayment terms, but don't let the "installment" label fool you. With [APRs](https://financer.com/loans/what-is-apr/) reaching up to 490%, Spotloans function more like expensive [payday loans](https://financer.com/loans/payday-loans/) than traditional personal loans. They're designed for urgent expenses like rent, medical bills, or car repairs when you need cash fast.
TransUnion Credit Cards
If you're looking for credit cards that use TransUnion for approval, you've come to the right place. We researched which issuers actually pull from TransUnion in 2026, and the results might surprise you. Many cards people assume use TransUnion have quietly shifted to other bureaus.
Credit Cards Using Experian
Most major credit card issuers in the U.S. pull your Experian credit report when you apply for a card. American Express does it roughly 90% of the time, and Bank of America about 80%. Chase, Citi, and Discover lean heavily on Experian too. But here's the catch: no issuer uses Experian exclusively for approval. The bureau they check can change based on your state, the specific card you're applying for, and sometimes just the day of the week. So while knowing which credit cards use Experian for approval gives you a useful edge, it's not a guarantee.
Credit Score Updates
If you have been making regular payments to improve your credit, you probably want to know when those efforts will show up on your credit report. The short answer: your credit score updates every **30 to 45 days**, which is the typical cycle for lenders to send new account data to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). But since different lenders report on different days, your score could actually change several times a month. Below, we break down exactly how the credit reporting cycle works, what triggers score changes, and how you can speed things up when it matters.
Cash-Out Refi vs HELOC
Both a cash-out refinance and a HELOC let you tap into your home equity, but they work in fundamentally different ways. A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a larger one, giving you the difference as cash. A [HELOC](/loans/what-is-a-heloc/) works like a credit card secured by your home, letting you borrow as needed up to a set limit. The right choice depends on your current mortgage rate, how much cash you need, and whether you want predictable payments or flexible access to funds. Here's everything you need to know to make the best decision for your situation.
Best Crypto Wallets
Picking the right crypto wallet can be the difference between sleeping soundly and losing everything to a hack. With billions of dollars in crypto stolen over the past few years, your wallet choice matters more than which coins you buy. We spent weeks testing the top crypto wallets on the market, comparing their security features, supported coins, ease of use, and overall value. This guide breaks down the best options for 2026, whether you need a free app for everyday trading or a hardware device for long-term cold storage.
Real Estate Business Loans
Starting a real estate business takes more than finding the right property. You need capital, and getting it can feel like the hardest part of the whole process. The good news: you have more real estate financing options today than ever before. From government-backed SBA loans to private lenders, hard money loans, and even crowdfunding, there are paths for almost every budget and experience level. Below, we break down 7 proven ways to finance your real estate business, including the costs, requirements, and trade-offs of each.
Where to Get a Personal Loan
Personal loans are available from three main sources: banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Each one comes with different rates, approval requirements, and funding timelines. The average personal loan interest rate sits at about 12.26% as of early 2026, but your actual rate will depend on your credit score, the lender you choose, and your loan terms. Banks currently average around 12.06%, credit unions around 10.72%, and online lenders range from roughly 6.49% to 35.99%. This guide walks through where to get a personal loan, what each lender type offers, and how to pick the right one for your financial situation.
Best Finance Podcasts
Finding the right finance podcast can completely change how you think about money. We spent weeks listening to dozens of shows to find the 20 best finance podcasts that actually deliver value. This is our curated list of the best financial podcasts available right now. These are not just popular names. Each podcast on this list earns its spot by providing practical, actionable advice that listeners can apply to their own financial lives. Whether you want to learn investing fundamentals, get out of debt, build passive income, or pursue financial independence, there is a podcast here for you.
