LendKey Student Loans Review: Credit Rates from 4.49% APR with No Fees

Written by Joe Chappius

- Dec 31, 2025

Adheres to
Reviewed by Ricardo Laizo

LendKey stands out as a solid student loan marketplace with competitive rates starting at 4.49% fixed and no origination fees.

Their partnership with credit unions keeps costs lower than many competitors, though their forbearance options are somewhat limited.

With a straightforward application process, they're a reliable choice for student loan financing.

That being said, our tests reveal an inconsistent customer service, which impacts our overall rating of this loan provider.

  • Competitive Interest Rates: Starting at 4.49% fixed APR and 5.02% variable APR with AutoPay.

  • No Origination or Application Fees: Unlike many lenders who charge origination fees that can add significant costs to student loans, LendKey doesn't charge any application or origination fees.

  • Credit Union Partnership Model: LendKey's unique business model connects borrowers with community banks and credit unions rather than large financial institutions.

How LendKey compares - Financer Score

Financer score™ is our own point system which is updated live and based on several criteria that gives you a balanced view of the company quality.

Financer Score™78

Pricing

90

LendKey offers competitive rates starting at 4.49% fixed APR, which is lower than many competitors in the student loan market. No origination or application fees, which is excellent. Their APR range of 4.49-10.71% is reasonable considering the market

Customer Support

20

Unfortunatelly, our tests showed that it's almost impossible to reach the company's customer support. We've sent three emails and received no asnwer.

Terms and Flexibility

80

Terms clearly stated and good flexibility options with loan terms of up to 20 years. Forbearance options are available with reasonable conditions. No early payment penalties enhances transparency, though the approval processes can take up to 30 days.

Popularity

87

The popularity score indicates the percentage of customers choosing this company the last 90 days.

Customer Experience

83

Borrowers consistently praise the platform's user-friendly website and streamlined application process. Some negative reviews exist, particularly regarding occasional communication issues during the approval process.

LendKey Personal Loan in LendKeyDetails

Terms & fees

Loan amount$5,000 - $300,000
Term5 years - 20 years
Annual interest rate4.49% - 10.71%
Origination fee$0
Monthly fees$0

Requirements

Minimum age18
Minimum income$2,000
National bank requiredNo
National phone number requiredYes
Citizenship requiredYes
Electronic identificationYes

Features

Cosigner possibleNo
Revocation periodNo
Accept bad credit historyYes
Weekend payoutNo
Loan extensionsYes
Early paybackYes
Payment within 24 hoursNo
Loan brokerYes
Interest free loanNo

Additional fields

Payment hours9am-8pm
High approval rateNo
Recommended companyYes

Company informationDetails

Company nameLendKey
Websitehttps://www.lendkey.com
Phone1-888-549-9050
Emailcustomer.care@lendkey.com
Address104 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Get started

LendKey is a student loan platform that connects borrowers with multiple lenders in the form of banks and credit unions.

They have low APRs starting at 4.49% and there are no fees to apply. LendKey's forbearance terms are typically also longer than most other lenders.

How We Rate LendKey

At Financer, all lenders go through a thorough research and review process. Here's how we rate LendKey:

CategoryRating
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:

OverviewFeatures
Loan type:Student loans
Loan amount:Up to $300,000
Loan term:Up to 20 years
APR:From 4.49%
Min. credit score:660
Monthly fees:None
Requirements:U.S. citizen or permanent residentMin. credit score of 660Min. income of $24,000 a yearMinimum DTI of 33%

LendKey values privacy and does not share personal information with third parties. With over 99,000 customers and counting, LendKey has serviced 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 rates are available from five to 20 years.

There are no origination fees on student loan refinancing.

The minimum loan you can borrow is $5,000 unless you are a resident of AZ ($10,000), CT ($15,000), or MA ($6,000).

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

LendKey partners with hundreds of banks and non-profit credit unions to help borrowers achieve their dreams. Loans are funded by these partners and this helps to keep interest rates lower.

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 determines your APR; therefore, if you are young and do not have a great credit score yet, you may pay a higher interest rate. They do offer a consigning option, which will reduce your interest rate.

These student loans are credit-based so your APR will be determined by your credit history. Please note that some lenders may charge late fees.

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. They have hundreds of partners in the form of credit unions.

With low rates and a smooth, straightforward process, LendKey has built a strong, trustworthy reputation. LendKey focuses on private student loans and home improvement loans.

Website

The LendKey website is streamlined. They have created a simple process that connects borrowers to hundreds of community banks and credit unions. Because of their automated online lending system, they can offer lower loan rates.

LendKey offers a simple application process through its website. Once accepted, you can access your LendKey account information through the online login.

Customer Service

Although they are an online company LendKey offers customer service support calls between 9 am – 8 pm EST Monday to Friday. They are also contactable through email at customer.care@lendkey.com.

Does Financer Recommend LendKey?

Yes. LendKey is a proven, trusted lending service that connects borrowers with banks and credit unions.

If you have exhausted all of your college funds, scholarship options, and federal student aid, then LendKey is an optimal lending platform to consider.

Read more LendKey reviews below or add your own.

LendKey FAQs

How much can I borrow?

You can borrow up to 100% of your attendance cost. This may include textbooks, room and board, tuition, and other related expenses.

Do I need a cosigner?

Not necessarily. However, it may improve your chances of getting approved. Private student loans are credit-based so if you have poor credit or no credit history at all, you can apply with a cosigner to meet the loan requirements. Applying with a cosigner may also help you qualify for better loan terms.

When should I apply?

It is recommended that you apply for a student loan at least one month before your fees are due. It generally takes less than 30 days for a loan to be approved but in some cases, it can take a few weeks.

Is LendKey a bank?

No, LendKey is not a lender nor a bank. They assist banks and credit unions in successful online lending.

Do I need to work with a contractor to apply for finanancing?

Yes, because all funds are paid directly to the contractor.

When do contractors get paid?

Contractors submit a Disbursement Request that will be attached to your online application. LendKey supports multiple disbursements.

LendKey Alternatives

Here's a list of alternatives to LendKey and how they compare:

LenderReviewsLoan AmountAPRMax. Loan Term
AscentViewUp to $200,0005.99-35.99%Up to 15 years
Your Premier LendingViewUp to $20,0005.99-35.99%Up to 7 years

Latest Reviews

JM

Jake Morrison

Dec 2, 2025
Very happy Customer

Really appreciate how they stuck with me to find the perfect loan. My initial applications didn't go through, but instead of making me start from scratch, they continued helping me locate the best interest rate that would actually work. Haven't experienced that kind of service from other lenders.

VD

Vincent Daniels

Dec 2, 2025
Very happy Customer

Really simple and excellent experience

C

Christopher

Oct 30, 2025
Very happy Customer

The whole process was super straightforward

D

Daniel

Oct 23, 2025
Very unhappy Customer

This is the ABSOLUTE WORST experience EVER!! THEY'RE DESTROYING PEOPLE'S CREDIT. My latest issue is getting double charged by them. Their system DOESN'T send email alerts when payments are PENDING. I submitted my payment on Friday October 3rd. On the 7th, my co-signer and I receive notice that I hadn't paid and the loan was delinquent. I check the account and there's NO RECORD of the 3rd payment ANYWHERE. So I pay AGAIN. THEY WITHDREW BOTH PAYMENTS FROM MY ACCOUNT!! KEEP IN MIND, my payment is $943. NINE HUNDRED AND FORTY-THREE DOLLARS. THEY CHARGED ME TWICE. Even WORSE, when I called they said I could either apply it toward the loan or get refunded. I asked for a refund. They STILL haven't sent my money back, no email confirmation or nothing. I am FURIOUS! PLUS, I only get paid once monthly on the last day and my due date is the 15th. I've asked to change it, but I need to cover the $943 twice in one month before they'll switch it. I'm DONE! I still owe $79,000 before I can dump them because no other lender will refinance that large of an amount. Thank God my cosigner is there to help me fight this!

RC

Robert Campbell

Aug 22, 2025
Very happy Customer

really fast approval on the refinance loan. Each step got explained thoroughly and the instructions for uploading required documents were simple and straightforward to follow for the most part.

T

Tyler

Aug 14, 2025
Very unhappy Customer

Hands down the most frustrating company to work with every single month

M

Michael

Aug 13, 2025
Very happy Customer

Checking rates was fast and straightforward - easiest rate comparison form I've ever completed.

K

Kevin

Jul 27, 2025
Very happy Customer

Really appreciated the automated system for refinancing my student loan. I was panicking because my payment was increasing. LendKey provided solid options and I managed to get approved.

RF

Rachel Foster

Jul 21, 2025
Very happy Customer

Refinancing my consolidated student loans from one outstanding company into the ones I was already managing with LendKey was incredibly easy. It cut my monthly payments by more than $200 while still keeping me on schedule to complete repayment at roughly the same time.

PW

Patricia Wilson

Jun 25, 2025
Dissatisfied Customer

Lendkey refuses to release the co-signer even though the borrower qualifies. I attempted to remove my name from 1 loan totaling $7,700 and got denied. My daughter holds her Masters Degree, works for the county and has a credit score in the high 700's. I was approved for a home loan with these student loans under my name on a lower salary than what my daughter earns. Explain how that makes sense.

JL

Jane Lawrence

Jun 25, 2025
Very happy Customer

After years working in loans and real estate, I've never seen a personal loan as outstanding as what LendKey offers. The application process is incredibly simple, I got an amazing 9% APR rate, plus flexible repayment terms... This is hands down the top lender for home improvements! Everyone should use LendKey. Thanks from Jane L.

MR

Mike Richardson

May 13, 2025
Very happy Customer

Refinanced through LendKey and everything went smoothly & quickly. The rate they offered me was way better than my previous one.

B

Brandon

May 5, 2025
Very happy Customer

LendKey got me lower student loan payments and my relatives have also used them for private loans.

l

lchen_88

Apr 27, 2025
Dissatisfied Customer

Refinancing loans took forever and was really confusing. Took quite a bit of going back and forth before we actually started the financing.

KC

Kelly Carter

Apr 3, 2025
Very unhappy Customer

LENDKEY IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE!!! Get out now and do NOT transfer your student loans there or borrow anything from them. Nobody has any clue what's happening, dealing with them has been a total NIGHTMARE. I consolidated my student loans through them and they never received final payoff from my other lender so just mailed a check for way more than needed. It's been 4 months and I'm still waiting for my refund check on the overpayment. Called MULTIPLE times and seriously every single call someone tells you something completely different even the supervisors. I would never EVER EVER get a loan from lendkey again and tell EVERYONE to stay far away.

j

jmart_24

Mar 25, 2025
Very happy Customer

Fantastic experience the whole way through

WN

William N.

Feb 25, 2025
Very happy Customer

Everything from creating my account initially to finalizing the terms and getting auto-pay configured, LendKey keeps it simple! They took over my old high interest loans and combined them into one way lower interest loan. The whole thing was effortless and completely seamless. Definitely recommend!

NS

Nathan Sanders

Feb 22, 2025
Very happy Customer

Easy seamless experience

TV

Tony Valdez

Feb 17, 2025
Very happy Customer

Managing my loan through LendKey has been easy and hassle-free. Their website is really user-friendly, I can access my account and monitor my payments without any trouble. Getting automatic payments set up was straightforward and makes sure my payment goes through on time each month. Everything has been smooth, and I really value the convenience LendKey offers. Highly recommend!

AT

A. Thompson

Feb 10, 2025
Very happy Customer

Super easy beginning to end!! Really thorough!!

SM

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 6, 2025
Very happy Customer

Comparing various lenders and their rates is super simple with this service. The refinancing process is also straightforward if you need it

KR

Katherine Roberts

Jan 20, 2025
Very happy Customer

Got an offer with a lower rate without any hassle - total no brainer to move my student loans over.

RT

Ryan Thompson

Jan 12, 2025
Very happy Customer

Really professional service, zero hassles throughout the whole thing

TA

Tyler Anderson

Jan 8, 2025
Very happy Customer

Working with Lendkey was a breeze, they answered everything we asked and helped us get to where we needed to be.

HW

Hannah W.

Jan 3, 2025
Very happy Customer

Application process was simple and they provided excellent assistance!

KS

K. Stevens

Dec 31, 2024
Very happy Customer

A friend recommended LendKey saying I'd probably save $50+ monthly. She wasn't wrong, and everything from beginning to end was fast and simple. I'd tell anyone refinancing student loans to check out LendKey.

BK

Brenda Kowalski

Dec 27, 2024
Very unhappy Customer

Avoid Lendkey at all costs. They're dishonest and just grab your money and lock you into the loan permanently. They prey on young students. The Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil and this company embodies that. Absolutely terrible.

SK

Samuel Keller

Nov 13, 2024
Very happy Customer

My old student loan servicer had crazy high interest rates, and what I owed just kept increasing. After switching to LendKey, I finally felt relief. They got me headed in the right direction and I've already knocked out more than half my debt! Seeing that light at the end of the tunnel makes me incredibly happy. Thanks LendKey!

KA

Karen Armstrong

Nov 4, 2024
Very happy Customer

Fantastic experience!

HM

Henry Morrison

Nov 4, 2024
Mixed Experience

working with lend key was nice but i really wish the loan showed up in my veridian account so i could check when its due from my phone app rather than finding time to get on the computer to look

M

Marcus

Oct 28, 2024
Very happy Customer

Gave me an opportunity to refinance my loans

CM

Caroline Martinez

Oct 17, 2024
Very unhappy Customer

TERRIBLE. THE INTEREST RATES ARE RIDICULOUS!!!

J

Jessica

Sep 9, 2024
Very happy Customer

I've been a LendKey customer for a good amount of time now (total). Over the last five years I've refinanced my private student loan multiple times and chose LendKey twice, including right now. Whenever I've called them to fix something, there's genuinely a "let me help you" vibe that really stands out. The interest rates are also super competitive and they give you a discount for ACH payments, which is a total no-brainer. LendKey has been an excellent connector between what I need for my loan and a credit union that can provide it. My only complaint would be that I really wish they had a mobile app!

LE

Leslie Edwards

Sep 1, 2024
Very happy Customer

The rate I got was solid, consolidating my federal student loans was simple, and tracking my payments and progress is straightforward. The additional percentage reduction for auto-payments is a nice touch, too.

B

Brandon

Aug 15, 2024
Very happy Customer

They helped me drop my student loan rates from 18% down to 8%. Really great, quick, and efficient process. Definitely recommend!

RP

Ronnie Patterson

Aug 12, 2024
Very unhappy Customer

LendKey does a terrible job representing the underwriting credibility of major credit unions advertising low private student loan rates online. I've never struggled to qualify for the best advertised rates on any kind of credit loans but somehow I can't get through LendKey's underwriting specialists even with an 800+ credit score and earning over 6 figures annually. Having worked in the lending industry for years, if you've got excellent credit and strong income save yourself the credit inquiry because LendKey won't give you the credit unions' advertised low rates since they control the final loan decision.

DR

David Richardson

Aug 12, 2024
Very happy Customer

Fast, simple, and works. I just had to complete the applications and submit the right documents. They cut my term in half, dropped my APR by 3.5%, and kept my payments exactly the same

JT

Josiah Turner

Jul 28, 2024
Very happy Customer

Lendkey combined my loans at a better interest rate. Switching over from my old private loan provider was smooth and hassle-free. Really grateful!

M

Michael

Jun 29, 2024
Satisfied Customer

Solid company, simple application process. I'd rate them 5 stars except the process takes a bit long.

BS

Brooke S.

May 11, 2024
Very happy Customer

LendKey turned out to be a perfect fit for me, they made comparing loan rates simple, the application was straightforward, and their email communication throughout the process was excellent.

RM

Robert Mitchell

Apr 30, 2024
Very unhappy Customer

I refinanced thinking LendKey offered a fixed rate - that's how it seemed initially. Turns out I was completely wrong and the rate keeps climbing every three months. Now I'm paying double digit interest when the whole point was getting lower rates than my old loan. During my first year, I put over $12,000 toward the loan but it only went down by $3,000. When I went back to school recently and tried getting an in school deferment, they only offer forbearance that maxes out at 18 months (which is less time than I'll be in school), and they still expect monthly payments of some kind. With rates constantly going up, I honestly don't see how I'll ever pay this thing off. I switched from Sallie Mae thinking things would improve - big mistake.

JK

Jennifer K.

Apr 27, 2024
Very unhappy Customer

Had a payment due and they never notified me. Got a phone call from one of their reps who wouldn't even tell me what they were calling about, just immediately started asking for personal information without any proof of who they were. Really hope this isn't your standard way of doing business. I'd expect a call with an actual explanation, though I'm not counting on it.

YT

Yuki Tanaka

Apr 23, 2024
Very happy Customer

My experience with LendKey has been excellent. Whenever I needed clarification and called them, someone picked up fast and the reps were super helpful. I've spent years attempting to refinance my student loans but the rates were always worse than what I was already paying or I'd get rejected because my loan amount was too high. How can anyone reduce their debt when rates are impossibly expensive? LendKey came through for me and now I'm actually making meaningful progress.

M

Michael

Apr 9, 2024
Very happy Customer

Everything was straightforward and simple

ST

Sarah Thompson

Mar 23, 2024
Very happy Customer

Really easy and fast process. Super simple to deal with. Would definitely recommend

c

coolguy_87

Feb 26, 2024
Dissatisfied Customer

I'm glad I could reconsolidate my loans HOWEVER the application had to be completed 4 separate times over the phone before LendKey finally got it correct. the way information transferred between credible and them was terrible. Even after speaking with them directly they still sent in the wrong loan and I had to request a retraction only for them to resubmit the identical loan. what should've taken a month ended up taking nearly 3.

BR

Brandon Rodriguez

Dec 6, 2023
Very happy Customer
JM

Jack Man

Aug 4, 2023
Satisfied Customer

easy to use software

should be free

R

Robert

Mar 11, 2023
Very happy Customer

Easy and efficient company. I got a loan very quickly and easily with LendKey. They are helpful and explained each aspect of the process and answered all my questions thoroughly.

A bit on the pricey side.

JA

Joy Anderson

Jun 13, 2022
Satisfied Customer

This company seems the best fit to my situation.

I wish they had personal loans.

M

Mirage

Aug 3, 2021
Very happy Customer

Great and competitive APRs

it might take some time to find out if your application was successful

PP

Pretty Princess

Apr 19, 2019
Very happy Customer

Amazing for student loans

EW

Egypt Williams

Apr 16, 2019
Very happy Customer

Nice website for students

F

Frank

Nov 29, 2018
Very happy Customer

Great company and service. Competitive APRs and repayment terms. The process was easy and straightforward. LendKey allowed me to get a lower rate through co-sign options, which was very helpful.

Thank you LendKey!

U

Us

Jun 27, 2018
Very happy Customer

Excellent option for people looking to refinance their student loans! Recommended!

KB

Kyle Bross

Mar 30, 2018
Satisfied Customer

the facilities are great for everyone

make it cheaper please

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