Best Personal Loans in Fresno, CA

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Updated: September 20, 2024

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Golden 1 Credit Union is the best personal loan lender in Fresno, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100. It provides quality service, competitive interest rates and a quick application and approval process. Laurel Road is the best lender for online personal loans, with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. It offers strong customer service, a quick application and approval process and credibility and transparency about its loan terms and process.

MoneyGeek prioritized local lenders and scored them based on factors like interest rates, loan terms, loan application process and speed of loan funding to gather our best city recommendations. If you're looking for national lenders, we compiled our top picks for the best personal loans in California.

MoneyGeek analyzed hundreds of lenders based on a rubric that includes APR ranges, loan amounts and repayment terms, among other key areas. We use a point-based system, assigning scores according to the presence or absence of certain desirable features in various critical categories.

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Our overall analysis was completed in August 2024. Here we considered banks and credit unions with brick and mortar locations in Fresno, California. We also looked at online-only lenders licensed to do business in the state.

325Lenders Analyzed Nationally

Overall Best Personal Loan in Fresno, CA

Company logo for Golden 1 Credit Union
Golden 1 Credit Union

MoneyGeek Score95
APR RangeFrom 8.89%
Loan Amount RangeUndisclosed
Repayment TermsUp to 60 months
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Golden 1 Credit Union is the best personal loan lender in Fresno, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100. Borrowers benefit from an APR as low as 8.89%, making its loans affordable and competitive. Additionally, there is no origination fee, which reduces upfront costs. However, it has no option to prequalify, which may be less convenient for potential borrowers. Another point to consider is its late payment fee of 5% or $15, whichever is higher, which could add unexpected expenses.

Best Online Personal Loan in Fresno, CA

Company logo for Laurel Road
Laurel Road

MoneyGeek Score93
APR Range9.49% to 24.50%
Loan Amount Range$5,000 to $45,000
Repayment Terms36 to 60 months
Time to Receive FundsWithin 7 Days
Overview

Laurel Road is the best online lender for personal loans in Fresno, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. It offers personal loans ranging from $5,000 to $45,000 with repayment terms between 36 and 60 months. It provides a 0.25% autopay discount and charges no origination fees. On the other hand, the minimum loan amount is relatively high, and there is a late fee of 5% or $28.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment in Fresno, CA

The median annual household income in Fresno, California, in 2022 was $64,196, as reported by the United States Census Bureau. Whether your actual income is above or below the median value, what matters is your ability to afford the monthly loan payments. Use our personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly loan payments and the total loan cost by entering the loan amount, rate and terms.

For instance, a $10,000 personal loan with a 10% interest rate and three-year repayment term will have monthly payments of $323 or $3,876 per year. This amount represents approximately 6% of the median annual household income in Fresno, California.

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Updated: Sep 20, 2024

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Runner-Up for Best Personal Loan in Fresno, CA

Company logo for California Bank and Trust
California Bank and Trust

MoneyGeek Score94
APR Range12.25% to 27.96%
Loan Amount Range$2,500 to $100,000
Repayment TermsUndisclosed
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

California Bank and Trust is the runner-up for the best personal loans in Fresno, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. It offers a high borrowing limit of $100,000, which can benefit those with larger financial needs. Additionally, it has no prepayment penalties, allowing borrowers to repay their loans faster without incurring extra costs. On the downside, the bank does not disclose its eligibility requirements, making it difficult for potential borrowers to determine if they qualify. It also doesn't offer the option to prequalify, requiring customers to commit to a complete application to determine their loan terms.

Other Options for Personal Loans in Fresno, CA

Company logo for Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union
Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union

MoneyGeek Score94
APR Range9.49% to 14.99%
Loan Amount RangeUp to $15,000
Repayment TermsUp to 60 months
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union is a reputable choice for personal loans in Fresno, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. It offers an APR as low as 9.49%, which can make loans more affordable for borrowers. Additionally, it has a high BBB rating of A+, indicating strong customer trust and satisfaction. However, its borrowing limit is $15,000, which may not meet everyone's needs. The credit union also does not offer an option to prequalify for loans, which might concern those who want to check their eligibility without affecting their credit score.

Company logo for First California Federal Credit Union
First California Federal Credit Union

MoneyGeek Score92
APR RangeFrom 7.99%
Loan Amount RangeUp to $15,000
Repayment Terms12 to 60 months
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

For those looking for personal loans in Fresno, California, First California Federal Credit Union also stands out with a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. It is federally insured by the NCUA, ensuring a level of security. It has a BBB rating of A+, highlighting its solid reputation. On the downside, the maximum loan amount is only $15,000, which may be limiting for some borrowers. Additionally, there is no option to prequalify, which could make it harder to determine eligibility before applying.

National Lenders With Physical Locations in Fresno, CA

Borrowers in Fresno, California, seeking the best personal loans with in-person customer service can select from various national lenders with local branches. Borrowers have access to services from Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank and OneMain Financial, allowing them to discuss loan options and services directly with representatives in person.

OneMain FinancialAPR Range18.00% to 35.99%Loan Amount Range$1,500 to $20,000Repayment Terms24 to 60 months
U.S. BankAPR Range8.74% to 24.99%Loan Amount Range$1,000 to $50,000Repayment Terms12 to 84 months
Wells FargoAPR Range7.49% to 23.24%Loan Amount Range$3,000 to $100,000Repayment Terms12 to 84 months

What to Do if You Can't Get a Personal Loan in Fresno, CA

Your personal loan application in Fresno, California, can get denied due to various reasons, like a low credit score, negative financial history or an unfavorable debt-to-income ratio. If this happens, there are steps you can take to navigate this setback.

1
Find out the reason for the denial

Some lenders may deny your loan application due to a poor credit score, high debt-to-income ratio, low income level or errors in your application. Review these reasons to improve your weak areas and prevent another loan application denial in the future.

2
Modify your loan terms

You can try asking your lender if you can adjust the loan amount or repayment terms to get approved.

3
Look for another lender

Different lenders have varying eligibility criteria for personal loan approval. Shop around and consider factors such as minimum credit score requirements, interest rates, loan terms, additional fees and customer service to find the best lender for your particular needs and circumstances.

4
Explore credit counseling services

Lenders often look at your debt-to-income ratio when evaluating your loan application. You may consider a credit counseling agency to manage your credit card debt better and develop your budget. You can search for credit counseling services from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's published list of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. The Department of Justice's list of approved credit counseling agencies is another resource you can check.

FAQ About Personal Loans in Fresno, CA

We addressed some frequently asked questions about the best personal loans in Fresno, California, offering valuable insight to assist you in making informed decisions.

Who is the best overall personal loan lender in Fresno, California?

Golden 1 Credit Union is the best overall personal loan lender in Fresno, California. It offers an APR starting from 8.89%, a flexible loan amount range and repayment terms of up to 60 months.

What are personal loans used for in Fresno, California?

In Fresno, California, you can use personal loans for various purposes, including home improvements, medical expenses and emergency circumstances. Keep in mind that some lenders may not allow personal loans to be used for college tuition or gambling.

What are the interest rates on personal loans in Fresno, California?

Based on lenders in our database, personal loans in Fresno, California, have APRs ranging from 7.99% to 27.96%. Be sure to compare personal loan rates to find the most advantageous terms for your situation.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of personal loans?

Personal loans offer benefits like potentially lower interest rates than credit cards, the ability to consolidate high-interest debt and quick access to funds. However, they have drawbacks, such as origination fees and the risk of asset loss in the case of secured personal loans.

What are some personal loan red flags to look out for?

When considering personal loans, be aware of red flags like extremely high APRs, strict repayment penalties and a lack of transparency about the lender's status. Always verify that the lender is federally insured and review consumer feedback to avoid predatory lenders.

How to apply for a personal loan online?

Many lenders provide online application processes for personal loans, offering a quick and straightforward way to apply directly on their websites.

Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Fresno, California?

While getting a personal loan with bad credit can be challenging, options are available. Review our recommendations for the best loans for bad credit and best loans for bad credit in California to find suitable choices.

What are the best low-interest personal loans in Fresno, California?

We've compiled a list of the best low-interest personal loans to help you compare and find favorable options for your financial needs.

What is an installment loan? Is there a difference between personal loans and installment loans in Fresno, California?

Personal loans are a type of installment loan, which characteristically includes a fixed payment schedule over the loan term. There is no difference between the two terms in Fresno, California, as personal loans fall under the broader category of installment loans.

Is there a difference between credit union loans and bank loans in Fresno, California?

Personal loans from credit unions and banks may differ in interest rates and application requirements. Credit unions often provide lower rates for members, while banks might offer bonuses for opening a bank account or checking account. Research and compare options carefully before you apply for a loan.

About Christopher Boston


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Christopher (Croix) Boston was the Head of Loans content at MoneyGeek, with over five years of experience researching higher education, mortgage and personal loans.

Boston has a bachelor's degree from the Seattle Pacific University. They pride themselves in using their skills and experience to create quality content that helps people save and spend efficiently.


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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.