8 Loans Like Upstart: Best Alternatives for 2026

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.

How Upstart Works (And Why You Might Want Alternatives)

Upstart offers personal loans from $1,000 to $75,000 with fixed APRs between 6.2% and 35.99%. There's no minimum credit score requirement. Instead, Upstart's AI model evaluates your education, employment history, and earning potential alongside traditional credit data.

That AI-driven approach helps people who'd get rejected elsewhere. The trade-off is that origination fees can reach 12% of your loan amount, which is higher than most competitors. You're also limited to 36 or 60-month repayment terms, and there's no option to add a co-signer.

Here's what each alternative does better than Upstart in specific situations.

1. SoFi

SoFi is one of the strongest Upstart alternatives if you have good credit (680+). The biggest advantage is that SoFi charges zero origination fees on bank-originated loans, which can save you hundreds or thousands compared to Upstart's 0-12% fee.

Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000 with repayment terms from 24 to 84 months. Fixed APRs run from 8.74% to 35.49% (with autopay and direct deposit discounts applied). SoFi also offers unemployment protection that pauses your payments if you lose your job.

Where SoFi beats Upstart: No origination fees, higher loan maximums ($100K vs $75K), longer repayment terms, and unemployment protection.

The catch: You'll need a credit score of at least 680 to qualify, which is significantly higher than Upstart's no-minimum approach.

2. Upgrade

Upgrade is a strong alternative for borrowers with fair credit who need more repayment flexibility than Upstart provides. Upgrade accepts credit scores as low as 580 and offers loan terms from 24 to 84 months, compared to Upstart's rigid 36 or 60-month options.

Loan amounts go up to $50,000 with fixed APRs from 7.74% to 35.99%. Origination fees range from 1.85% to 9.99%. Upgrade also lets you add a co-signer to your application, which can help you qualify for a lower rate.

Where Upgrade beats Upstart: Co-signer option, more flexible repayment terms (up to 84 months), and built-in credit monitoring tools.

The catch: Origination fees can still be high, and the lowest rates require autopay enrollment plus paying off existing debt directly through Upgrade.

3. LightStream

LightStream (a division of Truist Bank) is the best option for borrowers with excellent credit who want the most competitive rates with absolutely zero fees. No origination fee, no late fees, and no prepayment penalties.

Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000 with APRs from 6.94% to 25.29% (with autopay). Repayment terms stretch from 2 to 20 years depending on loan purpose. LightStream even has a Rate Beat Program where they'll beat a competitor's qualifying offer by 0.10 percentage points.

Where LightStream beats Upstart: No fees whatsoever, larger loan amounts, much longer repayment terms, and a rate-beat guarantee.

The catch: You'll need a credit score of 660+ (realistically 700+) to qualify, and there's no pre-qualification with a soft credit pull. The application results in a hard inquiry.

4. LendingClub

LendingClub has evolved from a peer-to-peer platform into a full-service digital bank. Personal loans range from $1,000 to $60,000 with fixed APRs from 6.53% to 35.99% and origination fees of 0% to 8%.

What sets LendingClub apart is direct creditor payment for debt consolidation loans. Instead of sending funds to your bank account, LendingClub can pay your creditors directly, which simplifies the process and ensures the money goes where it should.

LendingClub also accepts joint applications, which Upstart doesn't offer.

Where LendingClub beats Upstart: Direct creditor payments, joint applications, and potentially lower origination fees (0-8% vs 0-12%).

The catch: Minimum credit score is around 600, and funding can take 2-4 business days after approval.

5. Prosper

Prosper is a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects borrowers directly with individual investors. Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $50,000 with fixed APRs from 8.99% to 35.99% and repayment terms of 2 to 5 years.

Prosper requires a minimum credit score of 640 and charges origination fees from 1% to 9.99%. One notable feature is the joint application option, which can help you qualify for better rates by combining your financial profile with another person's.

Where Prosper beats Upstart: Joint applications available, and the peer-to-peer model can sometimes result in more competitive rates for well-qualified borrowers.

The catch: Origination fees can run high (up to 9.99%), and funding typically takes 3-5 business days.

6. Avant

Avant is built for borrowers with fair to poor credit who need fast funding. The platform accepts credit scores as low as 580 and can deposit funds as soon as the next business day after approval.

Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $35,000 with APRs from 9.95% to 35.99% and repayment terms of 12 to 60 months. Avant charges an administration fee of up to 4.75%, which is lower than both Upstart's and many other competitors' origination fees.

Where Avant beats Upstart: Lower fees (up to 4.75% vs 12%), faster funding, and a more streamlined experience for bad credit borrowers.

The catch: Maximum loan amount is only $35,000 (vs Upstart's $75,000), and APRs tend to skew higher for lower credit scores.

7. PersonalLoans.com

PersonalLoans.com isn't a direct lender. It's a marketplace that matches you with lenders based on your credit profile, income, and borrowing needs. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $35,000, and you'll see offers from multiple lenders with a single application.

This marketplace approach means you can compare rates from several lenders without submitting separate applications to each one. It's particularly useful if you're unsure which lender will approve you.

Where PersonalLoans.com beats Upstart: Access to multiple lenders through one application, considers all credit profiles, and you can compare competing offers side by side.

The catch: As a marketplace, rates and terms vary entirely by matched lender. You have less control over who you're ultimately borrowing from, and some matched lenders may charge high APRs.

8. 5kFunds

5kFunds works similarly to PersonalLoans.com as a loan marketplace. Submit one application and get matched with lenders offering loans from $1,000 to $35,000. There's no minimum credit score requirement.

The platform is straightforward and works well for borrowers who want to cast a wide net. You can use the funds for debt consolidation, home improvements, medical bills, or other personal expenses.

Where 5kFunds beats Upstart: No minimum credit score, quick application process, and access to multiple lender offers at once.

The catch: You're working with third-party lenders whose rates, fees, and terms can vary widely. Always read the fine print before accepting any offer.

Upstart Alternatives Comparison

Here's a side-by-side breakdown of how each alternative compares to Upstart on the key metrics that matter most: loan amounts, APR ranges, credit requirements, fees, and maximum repayment terms.

How to Choose the Right Upstart Alternative

Picking the best Upstart alternative depends on your credit score, how much you need to borrow, and how quickly you need the funds.

If you have good credit (680+): Go with SoFi or LightStream. Both offer the lowest APRs and zero or minimal fees. SoFi is better if you want unemployment protection; LightStream is better for larger loans with longer repayment terms.

If you have fair credit (580-679): Upgrade and Avant are your best options. Upgrade gives you more repayment flexibility and a co-signer option. Avant is better for speed, with next-day funding available.

If you have bad credit (below 580): PersonalLoans.com and 5kFunds are marketplace platforms that work with a range of lenders, including those that serve lower credit profiles. Expect higher APRs, but you'll have access to multiple offers.

If you need debt consolidation specifically: LendingClub's direct creditor payment feature makes the process cleaner and ensures the money goes where it needs to go.

Tips to Get the Best Rate on Your Personal Loan

Getting approved is one thing. Getting a competitive rate is another. Here are a few practical steps that can make a real difference:

Check your credit report first. Pull your free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any errors. Even small corrections can bump your score enough to qualify for a lower rate tier.

Pre-qualify with multiple lenders. Most of these Upstart alternatives offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull. Get quotes from at least three lenders before committing. The rates you're offered can vary more than you'd expect.

Consider a co-signer. If your credit score is on the lower end, adding a co-signer with strong credit through Upgrade or LendingClub can significantly reduce your APR.

Opt into autopay. Most lenders offer a 0.25% to 0.50% rate discount for enrolling in automatic payments. It's free money, and it protects you from late payment fees.

Bottom Line

Upstart is a good lender, especially if you have limited credit history and need an AI-driven approval process. But it's not the only option, and for many borrowers, it's not the best one.

If you have good credit, SoFi and LightStream will save you money on fees. If you have fair credit and want flexibility, Upgrade gives you longer repayment terms and a co-signer option. For bad credit situations, Avant provides fast funding with reasonable fees, while marketplace platforms like PersonalLoans.com let you shop multiple lenders at once.

Compare at least three of these alternatives before making your decision. The 10 minutes you spend comparing could save you hundreds in fees and interest over the life of your loan.