2025’s Best Personal Loans for People with Fair to Good Credit

If your credit score sits between 630 and 719, you’re in what lenders typically define as the “fair to good” range. That might not qualify you for the best rates on the market, but you’re certainly not shut out. In fact, 2025 is a borrower-friendly year, and several lenders are competing aggressively for borrowers just like you.

As a former advisor and now a financial strategist, I’ve evaluated dozens of personal loans to find the ones that offer the best balance of interest rates, fees, funding speed, and borrower experience. Below are my top recommendations for this year.

What Counts as Fair to Good Credit?

Here’s how most lenders define these tiers:

Fair credit: FICO score from 630 to 689
Good credit: FICO score from 690 to 719

While every lender has its own risk model, most follow this general breakdown. The closer you are to 700, the more leverage you’ll have to qualify for better rates and terms.

Best Overall: Upgrade Personal Loans

Upgrade is a standout in 2025 thanks to its wide approval range and user-friendly features. They offer loans from $1,000 to $50,000, with APRs between 8.49% and 35.99%. Borrowers can get funded as fast as the next business day.

They also provide a discount if you use the loan to pay off credit card balances directly, making them a strong option for debt consolidation.

Why I recommend it: Upgrade is ideal if you want a fast, structured loan with a transparent repayment plan. Just be mindful of the origination fee, which ranges from 1.85% to nearly 10% depending on your credit profile.

Best for No Fees: SoFi Personal Loans

SoFi continues to lead the no-fee lending category. Their personal loans range from $5,000 to $100,000 and carry APRs from 8.99% to 25.81%. You’ll need at least a 680 credit score to qualify, but if you meet the criteria, you’ll pay no origination, prepayment, or late fees.

SoFi also includes free tools like financial planning, career coaching, and unemployment protection.

Why I recommend it: If your credit is closer to the 700 mark and you’re looking for a large, no-fee loan, SoFi is one of the most polished offerings on the market.

Best for Fast Funding: LendingPoint

LendingPoint specializes in fast decisions and same-day funding for borrowers with scores as low as 620. Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $36,500, with APRs between 9.99% and 35.99%.

They evaluate more than just your FICO score, including your income, job stability, and recent credit behavior.

Why I recommend it: If you’re facing a time-sensitive need—like an unexpected repair or emergency—LendingPoint can provide funds quickly, even if your credit history isn’t perfect.

Best for Debt Consolidation: Payoff by Happy Money

Payoff is designed specifically for paying off credit card debt. Instead of giving you a lump sum to use as you wish, they send payments directly to your creditors. You can borrow between $5,000 and $40,000, with APRs starting at 11.25%.

The minimum credit score is around 640, and origination fees range from 0% to 5%.

Why I recommend it: If your primary goal is to eliminate credit card debt and improve your credit utilization ratio, Payoff makes the process simple and targeted.

Best Credit Union Option: PenFed Credit Union

PenFed offers personal loans between $600 and $50,000 with APRs starting as low as 7.99%. Even though they’re a credit union, membership is open to nearly anyone, and their approval process is efficient.

There are no origination fees, and the minimum credit score for approval is typically around 660.

Why I recommend it: For borrowers in the upper 600s, PenFed gives you access to some of the lowest fixed rates available—without the fees or delays common with traditional banks.

Other Personal Loan Lenders Worth Mentioning

While they didn’t make my top five, there are a few other lenders that can work well depending on your credit history and needs.

Avant is one of the few lenders approving borrowers with scores as low as 580. Their rates are higher, and fees apply, but they serve an important niche.

LightStream caters to borrowers with excellent credit (typically 660 and up) and offers loans up to $100,000 with no fees.

Upstart uses alternative data—like education and employment history—to approve borrowers with limited credit. Their minimum score requirement is around 620.

How to Maximize Your Approval Odds

If you're on the edge of qualifying or want to secure the best possible terms, here are my top tips:

Use prequalification tools. Many lenders let you check rates with no impact on your credit score.

Lower your credit utilization. Paying down revolving debt can increase your score within a few weeks.

Limit hard inquiries. Apply to multiple lenders within a 14-day window to minimize credit score impact.

Consider a co-borrower. A joint application can strengthen your chances if your income or credit is borderline.

Final Thoughts

The personal loan landscape in 2025 is rich with opportunity for borrowers in the fair-to-good credit range. Whether you’re consolidating debt, funding a home project, or covering a major expense, there’s a lender out there that fits your financial profile.

Just remember: Don’t chase the lowest monthly payment—look at the total cost of the loan, including fees and interest. Read the fine print, plan your budget, and choose a lender that fits your long-term goals.

Sources (Accessed June 2025)

Upgrade Personal Loans – Terms & Rates (https://www.upgrade.com/personal-loans/)

SoFi Personal Loans – Official Site (https://www.sofi.com/personal-loans/)

LendingPoint – Personal Loans Overview (https://www.lendingpoint.com/)

Happy Money (Payoff) – Consolidation Loans (https://www.happymoney.com/payoff-loan/)

PenFed Credit Union – Personal Loan Details (https://www.penfed.org/personal-loans)

Experian – What Is a Good Credit Score? (https://www.experian.com/blogs/news/2024/06/what-is-a-good-credit-score/)

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Understanding Personal Loans (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/category-loans/)