Nova Credit Comparison: 26 Lenders Side by Side

Every personal loan figure on this page comes from each lender's own published disclosures or, where the lender is silent, from widely cited third-party reviews checked at the time of writing. When neither source confirms a number, the table says "not published" rather than guessing.

Figures marked "reported" come from independent review sites, not from the lender itself, so treat them as a starting point and confirm them on any offer you receive. Ranges are the widest personal loan terms the lender advertises; your own APR, amount and term depend on credit, income, debt-to-income ratio and state of residence. Funding times are estimates that assume you finish verification promptly and your bank posts deposits quickly.

People who search nova credits or nova credit lenders usually want two answers fast: which lenders realistically lend in the $500 to $5,000 range, and which ones cost too much. This page answers both. Any lender whose maximum APR goes above 36% carries the flag high-cost — APR can exceed 36%, because that is the line most consumer advocates and many state laws use to separate mainstream personal loans from expensive credit. Every nova credit reader can apply the same flag to any offer outside this list.

The list covers 26 small-to-mid-size and online personal loan lenders, not the largest national banks, that offer fixed-payment installment loans to U.S. consumers. Nova credit readers will find them in four groups: online lenders, branch-based finance companies, credit unions, and high-cost online lenders.

Not every lender here starts at $500. Several online lenders set minimums of $1,000 to $2,000, and three focus on debt payoff with minimums of $3,500 to $5,000. They stay on the list because many nova credit shoppers need $4,000 or $5,000 for debt consolidation, and seeing where each lender's floor sits saves wasted applications. Branch lenders and credit unions, by contrast, often make a personal loan as small as $250 to $600, which matters for nova credits searches focused on smaller bills.

Grouping matters because the groups behave differently. Online personal loan lenders compete on speed and soft-pull prequalification. Branch lenders lean on in-person underwriting and sometimes collateral. Credit unions cap personal loan rates lower but require membership. High-cost lenders accept thinner credit files in exchange for much higher APRs.

Eleven online lenders in this comparison cap APRs at 35.99% and let you check estimated rates with a soft credit pull. Most suit nova credit borrowers with fair to good credit who want next-day funding and a fixed monthly payment.

Upgrade

Upgrade suits personal loan borrowers with fair to good credit who want a wide term menu and the option to send funds straight to card issuers when consolidating. Published amounts run $1,000 to $50,000, APRs about 7.74% to 35.99%, and terms 24 to 84 months. An origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99% comes out of the proceeds, so a $3,000 personal loan with a 6% fee deposits about $2,820. Funds typically go out within one business day after verification, though direct payments to creditors can take up to two weeks. Caution: Upgrade does not publish a minimum credit score; review sites commonly report about 600, so treat that as a guide only.

Avant

Avant targets nova credit borrowers in the fair-credit band who need at least $2,000. Published amounts run $2,000 to $35,000 (state minimums vary), APRs about 9.95% to 35.99%, and terms 24 to 60 months. Instead of a personal loan origination fee, Avant charges an administration fee of up to 9.99%, deducted from proceeds and included in the principal that accrues interest. Approved funds are typically sent for next-business-day delivery when approval lands by 4:30 p.m. Central time on a weekday. Caution: Avant does not publish a minimum score (reviewers report about 550), and it does not accept applications from every state, so confirm availability first.

LendingPoint

LendingPoint fits personal loan borrowers with fair credit who want a lower floor than many online lenders, since loans start at $1,000. Published amounts run $1,000 to $36,500, APRs about 7.99% to 35.99%, and terms 24 to 72 months. Origination or other fees of up to 10% may apply depending on your state of residence, which on a $2,000 personal loan could mean up to $200 deducted. If approved, funds can arrive as soon as the next business day. Caution: LendingPoint does not publish a minimum credit score, and review sites report figures that conflict, so a soft-pull prequalification is the only reliable way to see where you stand.

Best Egg

Best Egg suits nova credits shoppers consolidating credit cards who can commit to at least three years of payments. Published amounts are $2,000 to $50,000 (higher minimums in Massachusetts, Ohio and Georgia), APRs about 6.99% to 35.99%, and terms 36 to 60 months. The origination fee ranges from 0.99% to 9.99%, with at least 4.99% on terms of four years or longer. Funding can happen in as little as 24 hours, though deposits typically take one to three business days after verification. Caution: the shortest personal loan term is 36 months, which raises total interest on small balances, and no minimum score is published (reviewers report about 600).

Upstart

Upstart suits younger personal loan borrowers or people with short credit histories, because its model weighs education and employment alongside credit. Published amounts run $1,000 to $75,000 (state minimums vary), APRs about 6.3% to 35.99%, and terms of three or five years only. The origination fee is not published as a range; the lender's own example shows 8.15% on a $10,000 loan. Funds can be sent in as little as 24 hours after you sign, with timing depending on your bank. Caution: with just two term choices, a $1,500 need stretches over at least 36 months, so plan to prepay if you can afford to.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit, part of the same company group as Upgrade, serves personal loan borrowers in the fair-to-poor credit band. Reported amounts run $1,000 to $50,000, APRs about 11.69% to 35.99%, and terms two to five years. The origination fee is reported at 5.25% to 9.99%, higher at the low end than many peers, so a $2,000 personal loan could lose about $105 to $200 before it reaches your account. Funds typically arrive the next business day after approval. Caution: the lender's site could not be checked directly at the time of writing, so these figures, including the reported 560 minimum score, come from third-party reviews.

Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub)

Happen Bank is the new name for LendingClub, the long-running online lender, and suits nova credit borrowers with established credit who want a bank-backed personal loan. Reported amounts run $1,000 to $75,000, APRs about 6.53% to 35.99%, and terms two to seven years. The origination fee runs 0% to 8%, deducted from proceeds. Funds typically arrive one to two days after approval, and balance transfer loans can pay up to 12 creditors directly. Caution: reviewers report a 600 minimum score, a debt-to-income ceiling of about 40% and at least three years of credit history, which can rule out newer borrowers.

Prosper

Prosper suits personal loan borrowers with solid credit who want a marketplace loan funded through its platform. Published amounts run $2,000 to $50,000, APRs about 8.99% to 35.99%, and terms two to six years. Prosper lists an origination fee among its possible charges but does not show the percentage on its main personal loan page, so look for it on your offer and in the APR. Funds can arrive as soon as one business day after you complete requirements. Caution: Prosper publishes a 640 minimum credit score, the highest published floor in this group, and says applicants under 600 may not qualify.

Achieve

Achieve suits nova credits shoppers consolidating larger balances rather than covering a small expense. Published amounts run $5,000 to $50,000, APRs about 6.25% to 35.99%, and terms of two to five years. The origination fee runs 1.99% to 9.99%. Achieve publishes a 560 minimum credit score in general, rising to 660 for debt consolidation loans of $35,000 or more. Funds are typically sent within about 24 to 72 hours of approval. Caution: the $5,000 personal loan minimum sits at the very top of the $500 to $5,000 range, so it only fits if you truly need that much and can carry the larger payment.

Happy Money

Happy Money is a personal loan platform focused on paying off credit card debt; the loans themselves are made by its lending partners. Published amounts run $5,000 to $50,000, APRs about 8.95% to 35.99% (the floor rises to 11.09% above $15,000), and terms two to seven years. The origination fee depends on amount, term and credit and is not published as a range; the site's own calculator assumes 3%. Funding speed is not published. Caution: like Achieve, the $5,000 minimum makes it a poor fit for a nova credit request covering a smaller repair or bill, and the lender of record on your offer will be a partner institution.

Reach Financial

Reach Financial suits personal loan borrowers consolidating credit card debt who want a structured payoff over two to five years. Reported amounts run $3,500 to $40,000, APRs about 5.99% to 35.99%, and terms 24 to 60 months. Reviewers report an origination fee of up to 8%, so a $4,000 personal loan could lose up to $320 to fees. A minimum credit score and a specific funding timeline are not published. Caution: the lender's site loads its terms with scripts that could not be read at the time of writing, so these figures come from third-party reviews; check every number on your offer before signing.

Eight finance companies here combine online applications with local branches. They often lend smaller amounts, accept weaker credit, and close loans in person, but several do not publish APR ranges, so the disclosure on your offer matters more.

People who search nova credits for amounts under $1,500 often end up comparing these lenders.

OneMain Financial

OneMain Financial suits nova credit borrowers who want face-to-face service at a branch or who may need to secure a loan with a vehicle to qualify. Published amounts run $1,500 to $30,000 (state limits vary), APRs about 11.99% to 35.99%, and terms 24 to 60 months. The origination fee is either a flat $25 to $500 or 1% to 10% of the personal loan, subject to state limits. Money can arrive as soon as one hour after signing when sent to a bank-issued debit card; direct deposit typically takes one to two banking days. Caution: fees vary widely by state, so compare the APR rather than the payment alone, and note that no minimum score is published.

Mariner Finance

Mariner Finance mixes online applications with a branch network and suits personal loan borrowers with fair credit. Published amounts run $1,000 to $25,000 (online loans $1,500 to $14,000, and Georgia loans only above $3,000), APRs about 15.99% to 35.99%, and terms 12 to 72 months. Origination fees may apply, but the amount is not published. Funding speed and a minimum credit score are also not published. Caution: the 15.99% floor is higher than most online lenders in this comparison, so applicants with good credit may find a lower price elsewhere before choosing a branch personal loan.

Regional Finance

Regional Finance is a branch-based installment lender that suits nova credits shoppers with limited or damaged credit who prefer working with a local office. Published amounts run $600 to $45,000, with the maximum varying by state. The APR range, fees and terms are not published on its site; reviewers report terms of 12 to 72 months and a minimum score near 580. Funds are often issued by check, and reviewers report same-day pickup is possible after closing. Caution: because the APR range is not published, ask for the full personal loan Truth in Lending disclosure before signing and compare the APR with the 36% line.

Lendmark Financial

Lendmark Financial suits personal loan borrowers who want local branches with an online application option. Loan amounts and the minimum APR are not published, but the lender states that maximum APRs on new loans will not exceed 35.99%, and terms run 12 to 72 months. Origination or other fees may apply depending on state law. Lendmark reports that about 67% of applications in a recent period were approved and funded within one business day. Caution: its own representative example is a $4,500 loan at 33.10% APR over 42 months at about $172 a month, so pricing for typical nova credit borrowers sits near the top of the mainstream range.

Republic Finance

Republic Finance operates branches across the South and Midwest and suits personal loan borrowers who prefer in-person closings. Its site lists secured branch loans up to $25,000, with the maximum depending on state; reviewers report APRs up to 35.99%. Published quotes cover terms of 12 to 60 months. Origination fees apply based on state of residence, but amounts are not published. Personal loan funding speed is not published by the lender; reviewers report same-day checks for branch loans and about one to two business days for smaller online loans. Caution: the lender's own example is a 30.04% APR for a borrower with good credit, so weaker credit may price higher.

World Finance

World Finance runs a large branch network and suits nova credit borrowers who want small fixed-payment personal loans with in-person service. Its site shows amounts from $450 to $12,000. The APR range is not published, and reviewers report terms of 6 to 48 months. The lender advertises one fixed rate with no hidden fees, though reviewers note small origination and late fees may apply depending on the state. Most applications are approved in about an hour, and same-day funding is advertised. Caution: with no published APR, request the federal Truth in Lending disclosure and compare the APR and total of payments before you sign anything.

Security Finance

Security Finance focuses on small branch installment loans and suits nova credits shoppers who need a few hundred dollars and lack strong credit. Published amounts run $494 to $2,600, varying by state. The lender does not publish APRs; reviewers report APRs up to about 124.48% and terms of 8 to 24 months, so it is high-cost — APR can exceed 36%. Origination, late and returned-payment fees may apply by state. Reviewers report funds are often issued the same day at the branch. Caution: at triple-digit APRs, interest on a $1,000 personal loan can add up to a large share of the amount borrowed, so treat it as a last resort.

Oportun

Oportun suits personal loan borrowers with little or no credit history, since the lender says a prior credit history is not required. Published amounts run $300 to $10,000, and unsecured loans from its bank partner run $500 to $6,000. The APR range is not published; the lender's own example shows 35.95%, and reviewers report about 19.9% to 36%. Payments are often due every two weeks, and reviewers report terms of about 9 to 49 months and funding within 0 to 1 business days. An administrative fee of up to 10% of principal may apply. Caution: a 10% fee on a $1,000 nova credit loan means about $100 less in your account.

Three credit unions in this comparison offer the lowest published APR ceilings, with no origination fee at any of them. The trade-off is membership: each requires you to join, and one limits membership to the military community.

For nova credit readers with good credit, a credit union personal loan is usually the cheapest place to start.

PenFed Credit Union

PenFed suits personal loan borrowers with good credit who want a capped APR and no origination fee. Published amounts run $600 to $50,000 with terms up to 60 months, and reviewers report APRs of about 6.09% to 17.99%, with the low end including a 0.25-point autopay discount. There is no origination fee or early payoff fee. Funds can arrive as soon as the next day. Membership is created during the application, so you can apply as a guest. Caution: the lowest rates go to excellent credit, and the APR also depends on membership history, so a brand-new member may see a higher rate than advertised.

Alliant Credit Union

Alliant Credit Union suits members seeking a low-cost personal loan with no origination fee. Reported amounts run $1,000 to $100,000, APRs start as low as about 9.49% on 12-month loans (about 12.49% at 60 months), and terms are 12, 24, 48 or 60 months; the maximum APR is not published. Funding is typically same day for approved members, and anyone in the United States can apply to join. Caution: reviewers report a 90-day membership requirement before applying, so it may not work for an urgent nova credit need, and the lender's loan page could not be checked directly at the time of writing.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal suits service members, veterans, Department of Defense staff and their families. Published amounts start at $250 and run to $50,000 for individuals, APRs about 8.74% to 18.00%, and terms up to 60 months for personal expense and debt consolidation loans. There are no application or origination fees and no prepayment penalty. Most personal loans fund the same day after approval, which helps nova credits shoppers with a deadline. Caution: membership is limited to the military community and eligible family members, the minimum credit score is not published, and APRs on 37- to 60-month terms start higher, at about 10.69%.

Four online lenders in this comparison publish or are reported to charge APRs well above 36%. They accept borrowers with poor or thin credit and fund quickly, but total cost can be several times higher than a mainstream personal loan.

Anyone weighing nova credits offers at these prices should compare every alternative first.

OppLoans

OppLoans suits nova credit borrowers with poor credit who have been turned down elsewhere and need $500 to $5,000. The lender publishes amounts of $500 to $5,000 for loans it services and a maximum APR of 195%, which makes it high-cost — APR can exceed 36%. The minimum APR and term range are not published. Funds may arrive the same business day if final approval comes before noon Central time, otherwise typically the next business day. Caution: for scale, a $2,000 personal loan at 35.99% over 12 months repays about $2,410.97 in total, and an APR several times higher on the same balance costs far more.

NetCredit

NetCredit suits personal loan borrowers with poor credit who need more than a few thousand dollars and can handle a high rate. Its site lists loans up to $10,000 with terms of 6 to 60 months; reviewers report amounts from $1,000 and APRs of about 34% to 99.99%, so it is high-cost — APR can exceed 36%. Reviewers report no origination fee, and the lender charges no prepayment penalty. Approvals before 1 p.m. Central time on business days are typically funded the same day. Caution: a long term at a high APR multiplies total interest, so plan to repay early if your budget allows.

Rise Credit

Rise Credit suits nova credits shoppers with poor credit who need $500 to $5,000 quickly. Published amounts run $500 to $5,000; reviewers report APRs of about 59.80% to 299% and terms of 7 months to 3 years, making it high-cost — APR can exceed 36%. Reviewers report an origination fee of up to 5% in a handful of states. Applications approved before 6 p.m. Eastern time are typically funded the next business day. The lender lends in about 31 states. Caution: Rise itself describes its personal loans as an expensive form of credit, so consider it only after cheaper options, including credit unions, have said no.

Personify Financial

Personify Financial suits personal loan borrowers with less-than-perfect credit and steady income. Published amounts run $500 to $15,000 in most states, and terms are 12, 18, 24, 36 or 48 months. Its own loans carry APRs of 36.00% to 199.99%, while offers from participating creditors run 6.00% to 35.99%, so its direct loans are high-cost — APR can exceed 36%. An origination fee of 5% to 5.99% applies in most states. Funds are usually deposited in as little as one business day. Caution: check whether your offer comes from Personify itself or a participating creditor, because the price gap is large.

A 36% APR is the practical ceiling for mainstream personal loans; 18 of the 26 lenders here publish or are reported to cap APRs at about 36%, five can go higher, and three do not disclose a maximum. For nova credit borrowers, the dollar difference grows fast above that line.

As a representative example, borrowing $2,000 for 12 months at 24.99% APR with no origination fee costs about $190.08 per month, $2,280.94 total repaid and $280.94 total interest. The same loan at 35.99% APR is about $200.91 per month and $2,410.97 total, an estimate of $130 more over the year. At the triple-digit APRs some high-cost personal loan lenders charge, interest on the same balance can approach or exceed the original amount, depending on the term. Run your own numbers in our personal loan calculator before you accept any offer.

The right lender is the one with the lowest total cost you can qualify for, at an amount and term that fit your budget. Compare personal loan APR and total of payments first, then fees, funding speed and lender type.

1. Start with your amount. If you need $1,500, cross off lenders whose minimum is $2,000 or $5,000. For nova credit shoppers needing under $1,000, branch lenders and credit unions are often the only mainstream options.
2. Check whether you qualify on paper. Compare your score to any published minimum, and review our personal loan eligibility checklist for income, age, residency and bank account basics.
3. Prequalify with soft pulls. Most online personal loan lenders show estimated rates without affecting your score; a hard inquiry comes only when you submit a full application.
4. Compare APR, not interest rate. APR includes origination or administration fees, so a 20% rate with a 9.99% fee can cost more than a 23% rate with none. Our guide to APRs and rates explains how to read the numbers.
5. Pick the shortest term you can afford. A shorter term raises the payment but lowers total interest.
6. Treat high-cost lenders as a last resort. If every offer above 36% is all you can get, consider a smaller amount, a co-applicant, or a credit union first.

Readers comparing nova credits offers should also check state availability; several lenders here do not operate in every state, and minimum amounts change by state.

Our service is a free matching service, not a lender: a short online request form takes about five minutes and goes to lenders in our network, which make every credit decision and set every rate, fee and term.

This comparison is for information only. Listing a lender here is not an endorsement, and lenders in our network may differ from the 26 named on this page. Some named lenders may not participate in our network at all, so the offers you see after a nova credit request can come from other lenders with different amounts, APRs and terms. There is no fee to use our service and no obligation to accept any offer. You can see how the request form works step by step, and read our advertiser disclosure to understand how lenders in our network may compensate us.

If you already have personal loan offers in hand, use the table above as a benchmark: a nova credit offer at or below the published range for a similar lender is reasonable, while an offer far above it deserves a closer look before you sign.