LendKey is a student loan platform that connects borrowers with community banks and credit unions across the country.
They offer fixed rates starting at 4.49% APR with AutoPay, and there are no application or origination fees. LendKey's forbearance terms are typically longer than most other private student loan lenders, with up to 18 months available on longer loan terms.
How We Rate LendKey
At Financer, all lenders go through a thorough research and review process. Here's how we rate LendKey:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affordability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Application process | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Loan terms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Transparency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Do We Recommend LendKey?
Yes, we recommend LendKey as a reliable lender marketplace. Skip to our full review below and see how we rate LendKey.
Here's what we'll cover in this review:
Want to skip the details? Jump to our final verdict here.
LendKey Overview
LendKey was founded in 2009 as a lending service platform. The company simplifies the borrowing process by connecting borrowers with multiple banks and credit unions through a straightforward platform.
LendKey prides itself on offering a seamless online lending service.
Here's a quick summary of LendKey:
| Overview | Features |
|---|---|
| Loan type: | Private student loans, refinancing, home improvement |
| Loan amount: | Up to $300,000 |
| Loan term: | 5 to 20 years |
| Fixed APR: | From 4.49% |
| Min. credit score: | 660 |
| Min. annual income: | $24,000 |
| Fees: | No origination, application, or prepayment fees |
| BBB rating: | A+ |
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.1/5 |
LendKey holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, where borrowers praise the simple application process and competitive rates.
With over 99,000 customers and counting, LendKey has facilitated more than $2 billion in loans to date.
The main LendKey offerings are new and refinanced private student loans and home improvement loans.
Products Offered
LendKey offers the following:
Private student loans
Student loan refinancing
Home improvement loans
Private Student Loans
With private student loans from LendKey, you could get up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance. You don't need a cosigner although you may get better rates when adding a cosigner to your loan.
Rates are as low as 4.49% fixed APR or 5.02% variable APR with AutoPay. There are no application fees with private student loans.
It is recommended that you apply at least one month prior to when your funds are due. You may get conditional approval quickly, but it's not a final approval yet, as you may need to provide proof of income and identification.
Refinancing Student Loans
Refinancing student loans from LendKey offers rates as low as 4.49% fixed APR with AutoPay. Loan terms are available from 5 to 20 years.
There are no origination fees on student loan refinancing.
The minimum refinance amount is $5,000, with higher minimums in some states: $10,001 in Arizona, $15,001 in Connecticut, and $6,000 in Massachusetts.
Note that Parent PLUS loans are not eligible for refinancing through LendKey. Residents of Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and West Virginia currently cannot qualify for LendKey refinancing.
Home Improvement Loans
LendKey also offers loans to contractors and homeowners, at low rates. These loans are provided by community lenders like credit unions and community banks, with affordable repayment options.
All funds for home improvement loans are paid directly to the contractors.
How LendKey Works
Understanding how LendKey works is straightforward. LendKey partners with hundreds of banks and non-profit credit unions to help borrowers find competitive student loan rates. When you apply, LendKey matches you with lenders in their network, and loans are funded directly by these partner institutions, which helps keep interest rates lower than traditional banks.
Based on LendKey student loans reviews from verified borrowers, the matching process is quick and the platform's automated system handles most of the heavy lifting.
Loan Requirements
When applying for a LendKey student loan, borrowers need to provide information on the school they are attending, the loan amount required, the academic period they are applying for, and their Social Security number.
To qualify for student loan refinancing, you need to:
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Have an associate degree or higher from an approved institution
Have a minimum credit score of 660
Rates & Fees
Your credit score is the biggest factor in determining your APR. The lowest rates (starting at 4.49% fixed) are available to borrowers with credit scores of 810 or higher on 5-year terms.
If you are younger and do not have a strong credit history yet, adding a cosigner can help you qualify for a lower interest rate. You also get a 0.25% rate reduction when you enroll in AutoPay.
LendKey charges no origination, application, or prepayment fees. However, some lenders in their network may charge late fees and insufficient funds fees, so check your specific loan terms carefully.
Payment Terms
No academic or military deferment.
Forbearance is available on 5, 7- and 10-year loans, but only for up to 4 months at a time, and also not longer than 12 months in total.
You can postpone 15- and 20-year loans for up to 6 months at a time, but only for a total of 18 months.
Co-signers can be released after 12 months providing all payments have been made on time.
Loan agreements do not guarantee death or disability discharge.
How To Apply for a LendKey Student Loan
Sign up with LendKey
Start by navigating to LendKey.com and clicking on 'Check your rate'.
Fill in your details
Complete your personal details to see your loan offers.
Review your offers
See your loan offers in your dashboard.
How Financer Rates LendKey
LendKey is a trusted online lending platform with almost 100,000 customers and an A+ BBB rating. They partner with hundreds of credit unions and community banks to keep rates competitive.
With low rates starting at 4.49% fixed APR and a smooth, straightforward application process, LendKey has built a strong reputation in student loan refinancing. They focus on private student loans and home improvement loans.
Website
The LendKey website is clean and easy to navigate. Their automated online lending system connects borrowers to hundreds of community banks and credit unions, which helps keep loan rates lower than traditional lenders.
The application process is simple. Once accepted, you can manage your LendKey account, make payments, and track your loan through the online portal.
Customer Service
LendKey offers customer service support by phone between 9 AM and 8 PM EST, Monday through Friday. You can also reach them by email at customer.care@lendkey.com.
In our testing, phone support was available during business hours, but email response times were slower than expected. This is worth considering if you prefer digital communication.
Does Financer Recommend LendKey?
Yes. LendKey is a proven, trusted lending service that connects borrowers with credit unions and community banks at competitive rates.
If you have exhausted your federal student aid options, scholarships, and other college funding sources, LendKey is a solid platform for private student loans or refinancing. Just be aware that their eligibility requirements (660 credit score minimum, $24,000 annual income) are stricter than some competitors.
LendKey FAQs
How much can I borrow from LendKey?
You can borrow up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance. This may include textbooks, room and board, tuition, and other related expenses. The maximum loan amount for select medical degrees is up to $300,000.
Does LendKey require a cosigner?
Not necessarily. However, adding a cosigner may improve your chances of getting approved and help you qualify for a lower interest rate. Private student loans are credit-based, so if you have limited credit history, a cosigner can strengthen your application. Cosigners can be released after 12 months of on-time payments.
When should I apply for a LendKey student loan?
Apply at least one month before your fees are due. Most loans are approved within 30 days, but some cases may take longer if additional documentation is needed.
Is LendKey a bank?
No, LendKey is not a lender or a bank. They are a lending marketplace that connects borrowers with community banks and credit unions to help them find competitive loan rates.
How long does it take LendKey to approve a loan?
LendKey loan approval typically takes up to 30 days. You may receive conditional approval quickly, but final approval requires verification of income, identification, and enrollment status. Applying at least one month before your funds are due is recommended.
What credit score do I need for LendKey?
LendKey requires a minimum credit score of 660 for student loan refinancing. The lowest interest rates are available to borrowers with credit scores of 810 or higher. You also need a minimum annual income of $24,000 and a debt-to-income ratio that meets their requirements.
Is LendKey legit?
Yes, LendKey is a legitimate lending marketplace that has served over 99,000 customers and facilitated more than $2 billion in loans. They hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and have a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. LendKey was founded in 2009 and is based in New York.
Do I need to work with a contractor for LendKey home improvement loans?
Yes, because all funds for home improvement loans are paid directly to the contractor. Contractors submit a Disbursement Request that will be attached to your online application. LendKey supports multiple disbursements.
LendKey Alternatives
If you want to compare before you decide to refinance student loans through LendKey, here are some popular alternatives and how they stack up:
| Lender | Loan Type | APR Range | Max. Loan Amount | Max. Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LendKey | Student loans, refinancing | From 4.49% fixed | Up to $300,000 | 20 years |
| Ascent | Private student loans | 5.99-15.99% | Up to $200,000 | 15 years |
| Earnest | Student loan refinancing | From 4.89% fixed | Up to $500,000 | 20 years |
| College Ave | Private student loans | From 4.44% fixed | Up to cost of attendance | 15 years |
| ELFI | Student loan refinancing | From 4.86% fixed | Up to $500,000 | 20 years |
