Average Personal Loan Rates by Credit Score (2026)

What you should actually expect to pay

Personal loan rates vary dramatically based on your credit score. Here's what the national data shows for 2026:

Excellent (800+): 6.5% – 9% APR

You're getting the best rates available. At this tier, online lenders like SoFi and LightStream often compete aggressively with zero origination fees. Credit unions may go even lower for existing members.

Very Good (740–799): 9% – 13% APR

Still strong rates. You have leverage to negotiate. Get 2-3 pre-qualification offers and use the lowest as leverage with your preferred lender.

Good (670–739): 13% – 18% APR

Mainstream lending territory. Credit unions typically offer the lower end of this range, online lenders the higher end. Avoid lenders pushing you above 18% — that's above average for your score.

Fair (580–669): 18% – 28% APR

This is where predatory lenders start circling. Legitimate options exist at the lower end of this range, especially from credit unions. If someone offers you a rate above 28%, walk away and explore alternatives.

Poor (300–579): 28% – 36% APR

Legitimate options are limited but they exist. Credit unions and CDFI lenders are your best bet. Any rate above 36% APR is predatory. Read our 36% APR guide to understand why.

What else affects your rate

Credit score is the biggest factor, but not the only one:

• Debt-to-income ratio — lenders want this under 40%
• Income stability — time at current employer matters
• Loan amount and term — larger loans and longer terms sometimes carry higher rates
• Lender type — credit unions are consistently lower than online lenders for the same profile