Best Personal Loans in Connecticut for 2024
Updated: April 24, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
First Tech and PenFed are MoneyGeek's top personal loan lenders in Connecticut, scoring 98 and 96, respectively. Known for their excellent customer service and educational materials, these lenders offer favorable interest rates and are transparent in their dealings.
If you're seeking a personal loan, it’s important to understand that lenders will look at your credit score and other financial factors to decide if you qualify. Connecticut's average credit score is a strong 726, per Experian data from 2023, which suggests the average borrower might secure a loan with good terms.
MoneyGeek's analysis examines key details like lender reputation, APR ranges, minimum credit scores and loan term flexibility to guide you toward a smart financial decision.
- First Tech
- 98MoneyGeek Score
- 8.94% to 18.00%APR Range
- UndisclosedMinimum Credit Score
- $500 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
- 6 to 84 monthsRepayment Terms
First Tech is MoneyGeek's top personal loan lender in Connecticut, boasting a score of 98 out of 100. With an APR range decidedly lower than the highest competitors, First Tech offers cost-effective solutions, charging 8.94% to 18.00% in interest. Its exceptional customer service and availability of educational resources set it apart from others, alongside notable reliability and upfront information provision. Also, flexible repayment terms, spanning from six to 84 months, make financing more manageable for borrowers.
Pros
- Insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
- Balanced, low APRs
- Doesn't charge an application or loan origination fee
Cons
- Need to be a member to apply
- Could provide more details on the loan application process
- Little published information about credit score requirements
Best Overall Personal Loan Lender
- PenFed
- 96MoneyGeek Score
- 7.99% to 17.99%APR Range
- UndisclosedMinimum Credit Score
- Up to $50,000Loan Amount Range
- Up to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
PenFed is MoneyGeek's pick for the runner-up best lender for personal loans in Connecticut with a score of 96 out of 100. Offering an APR range from 7.99% to 17.99%, PenFed's rates stand out as competitively lower, particularly at the lower end of the spectrum. Its loan products feature repayment terms up to 60 months, which are adaptable compared to others. PenFed excels in providing thorough and upfront information for borrowers and in the flexibility and breadth of its loan terms and options.
Pros
- Offers some of the lowest APRs available
- No early repayment penalty
- Insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
Cons
- No information provided about credit score requirements
- $50 minimum monthly loan payment
- Only available in 26 states
Runner-Up Best Personal Loan Lender
The amount of monthly debt payments you have relative to your monthly gross income is called your debt-to-income ratio or DTI.
Most lenders prefer to see a debt-to-income ratio of 35-40% or below for secured loans, and 40-45% or below for unsecured personal loans. Debt includes items like mortgages, car loans, credit cards and existing personal loans. A debt-to-income ratio above 50% is considered high and so approval may be more difficult, or your loan may come with higher interest rates. — Alvin Yam, CFP®
Calculate Your Monthly Connecticut Loan Payment
According to our analysis, lenders in Connecticut offer personal loan products averaging about 49 months. Explore your loan options with our personal loan calculator, a simple tool to calculate monthly payments and total loan costs based on amount, interest rate and term length, helping you make informed decisions before committing.
- Happy Money
- 94MoneyGeek Score
- 11.72% to 17.99%APR Range
- 640Minimum Credit Score
- $5,000 to $40,000Loan Amount Range
- 24 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
MoneyGeek's pick for the best personal loan provider in Connecticut for borrowers with low credit is Happy Money, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. Although Happy Money collaborates with various federally insured financial institutions to originate loans, it ensures competitive rates and is transparent about minimum credit scores. The APR range is 11.72% to 17.99%, notably lower than average, and the minimum credit score required is 640. Happy Money excels in providing detailed upfront information and in customer service and educational resources, underscoring its dedication to user experience and trustworthiness.
Pros
- Works with 10 federally insured lenders to originate all loans
- No application fee
- Longer time to wait for loan approval compared to other lenders analyzed
Cons
- Charges an origination fee
- Longer time to wait for loan approval compared to other lenders analyzed
Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit
- Alliant Credit Union
- 96MoneyGeek Score
- 10.99% to 13.99%APR Range
- UndisclosedMinimum Credit Score
- $1,000 to $100,000Loan Amount Range
- 12 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
MoneyGeek recommends Alliant Credit Union as the best option in Connecticut for borrowers looking to consolidate debt due to its competitive APR range of 10.99% to 13.99%, which is better than average, and a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100. Alliant's strong points lie in the fairness of its interest rates and the clarity of information it provides. Alliant is an online-only institution, requiring 90 days of membership for personal loan eligibility.
Pros
- Among the highest loan limits available in our analysis
- Insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
- No prepayment penalties
Cons
- An online-only credit union, no physical branches
- Have to be a member for 90 days to apply
Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation
Interest on personal loans is generally not tax deductible as personal loans are considered consumer debt. But there are some exceptions where the interest may qualify:
- When consolidating high-interest qualifying debts like credit cards or student loans, if used to pay off those debts.
- If used for home improvements that increase the home's value.
- If the loan proceeds can be demonstrated as used exclusively for business expenses or starting a business.
- In some cases, if the loan is used for investment purposes related to income-generating assets.
— Alvin Yam, CFP®
The Impact of Credit Score on Loan Repayment in Connecticut
When seeking a personal loan in Connecticut, it's crucial to understand the lenders' criteria including creditworthiness, income and debt-to-income ratio. MoneyGeek's rankings for the best personal loan lenders in the state factor in aspects, such as lender reputation, APR ranges, required minimum credit scores and loan term options.
Your credit score is pivotal — it often dictates the terms of your loan, and a higher score typically unlocks lower APRs, which can be economically advantageous. It may benefit you to enhance your credit score prior to application to secure more favorable terms.
Refer to the table below to visualize how different credit scores can influence your monthly loan payments.
This table offers an approximation of monthly payments, calculated using median personal loan interest rates typical for various credit score ranges. Please remember that these numbers are median estimates, provided for general guidance. They should not be taken as precise rates for everyone in each credit score category. Actual interest rates can differ due to lender-specific policies, prevailing market conditions and unique borrower profiles.
Understanding Personal Loans: Pros and Cons
Personal loans offer multiple advantages, such as potentially lower interest rates than credit cards and the convenience of consolidating various debts into one manageable payment. They also allow for quick access to funds and can be used for an array of personal needs, offering the flexibility that is sometimes necessary in today’s financial landscape.
However, it's important to recognize that there are also risks, like the possibility of origination fees or penalties for early repayment, which might negate some of the benefits. For a more comprehensive understanding of what to expect, evaluating the personal loan benefits and drawbacks can assist you in making a well-rounded financial decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Personal Loans
If you have questions about personal loans, MoneyGeek has answers to help you make an informed decision before applying.
According to MoneyGeek's analysis, First Tech is the best lender for personal loans in Connecticut, with a MoneyGeek score of 98. The average APR of its personal loans is approximately 12%.
Personal loans in Connecticut can be obtained through online lenders, banks and credit unions. For those seeking in-person services, local credit unions, such as Sikorsky Credit Union, American Eagle Financial Credit Union and Mutual Security Credit Union, offer personal loans.
PenFed offers the lowest starting APR according to MoneyGeek's data, starting from approximately 8%. It's important to note that securing a low rate often requires an excellent credit score and that the best option varies based on individual needs and financial circumstances.
In Connecticut, you can typically use personal loans for various expenses like emergency circumstances, home or auto repair and vacations or travel. However, they can't typically be used for college tuition or illegal activities.
When considering personal loans, watch out for red flags, such as extremely high APRs, strict repayment penalties, lack of transparency about the lender and negative consumer feedback.
Yes, lenders do consider income level when evaluating personal loan applications, along with debt-to-income ratio, credit score, employment history, the nature of employment (self-employed or W2) and overall credit history. It's crucial to manage new credit lines judiciously as they can affect loan approval chances.
sources
- Experian. "What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?." Accessed April 6, 2024.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the rates mentioned may have changed. We recommend visiting the lender's website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, lender or other entity. Learn more about
our editorial policies and expert editorial team.