Best Personal Loans in Modesto, CA: Top Lenders & Best Picks for You

Updated: December 28, 2023

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WHAT WE’RE GEEKING OUT ON

MoneyGeek's Picks for Best Personal Loan Lenders in Modesto, CA

To help you identify the best personal loan lenders in Modesto, California, MoneyGeek evaluated more than 30 data points for each category of borrowers. We’ve also considered factors related to the ease of the application process, including whether you have the option to apply online or must visit a branch to complete the application.

Based on our analysis, the ideal lender for you will vary based on your unique situation. Our top picks can help you evaluate specific recommendations for your situation and needs.

Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Modesto: LightStream


  • LightStream
    • 4.49% to 20.49%APR Range
    • 660Minimum Credit Score
    • $5,000 to $100,000Loan Amount Range
    • 24 to 84 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Same DayTime to Receive Funds

    Established in 2013, LightStream is the online consumer lending division of Truist and provides fixed-rate personal loans with flexible terms. Borrowers with credit scores of at least 660 can have quick access to cash between $5,000 and $100,000, which is disbursed on the same day.

    Given that this lender’s credit score requirement is much lower than the statewide average in California of 716, most residents in Modesto will have no difficulty qualifying for a personal loan. LightStream also has an A+ rating with the BBB, so you know its loans and service are excellent.

    Keep in mind that LightStream has restrictions on how loan funds may be used. For instance, it won’t allow you to use your personal loan to refinance an existing loan.

    Pros

    • High maximum loan amount of $100,000
    • No prepayment penalty fees
    • A+ BBB rating
    • Generous repayment terms

    Cons

    • Lowest APRs require excellent credit
    • High minimum loan amount
    • Doesn’t allow co-signers
    • Won’t accept people with new or no credit
    • With restrictions on fund usage
    LightStream

Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Modesto: Upstart


  • Upstart
    • 3.22% to 35.99%APR Range
    • 300Minimum Credit Score
    • $1,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Next DayTime to Receive Funds

    Upstart is a company that aims to improve access to affordable credit for more Americans by leveraging artificial intelligence. It partners with credit institutions, such as banks and credit unions, to provide digital lending with higher approval rates alongside lower loss rates.

    Upstart has a rock-bottom credit score requirement of 300, making it MoneyGeek’s top choice for the best personal loan for people with bad credit in Modesto. That said, its interest rates are based on creditworthiness, which means that borrowers with low credit scores will receive very high APRs.

    Another downside to this lender is the origination fee, which will eat up a significant portion of your loan funds.

    Pros

    • Very low minimum credit score of 300
    • Has joint loans
    • A+ BBB rating
    • No prepayment penalty

    Cons

    • Potentially high APR
    • Charges an origination fee of up to 8%
    • Loan limit of $50,000
    • No co-signers
    • Employment requirement
    Upstart

Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Modesto: SoFi


  • SoFi
    • 5.74% to 20.28%APR Range
    • 680Minimum Credit Score
    • $5,000 to $100,000Loan Amount Range
    • 12 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Two DaysTime to Receive Funds

    Social Finance, or SoFi, is MoneyGeek’s recommended personal loan for borrowers with good credit. It was founded in 2011 by Stanford business school students and has since provided more than $50 billion in funded loans to over four million members.

    To qualify, you need to have a credit score of at least 680, which is lower than the average FICO score of 716 across the state of California. There is also a lower risk of accumulating unnecessary fees because SoFi doesn’t charge origination, prepayment and late fees. Signing up for autopay maximizes your loan savings.

    However, borrowers with bad or fair credit, those with new or no credit and those without income and employment history should explore other more suitable options where they will have higher odds of getting approved.

    Pros

    • No origination, prepayment or late fees
    • Provides loss of employment protection
    • A+ BBB rating
    • High maximum loan amount of $100,000
    • Autopay discount

    Cons

    • Requires employment history or proof of sufficient income
    • High minimum loan amount of $5,000
    • Doesn’t allow co-signers
    • Only borrowers with excellent credit can get the lowest APRs
    SoFi

Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Modesto: Upgrade


  • Upgrade
    • 5.94% to 35.47%APR Range
    • 560Minimum Credit Score
    • $1,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Same DayTime to Receive Funds

    Operating entirely online since 2016, Upgrade is MoneyGeek’s top pick in the category of the best personal loans for consolidating debt.

    Upgrade makes debt payment a breeze by directly forwarding your payment to all your third-party creditors. This means that you no longer have to concern yourself with that extra work. Payment terms are also highly customizable and will allow you to select either a single, fixed monthly payment or a fixed rate and term that fits your budget and schedule.

    However, be mindful of this lender’s origination fees, which are deducted from your loan funds. Also, if you’re thinking of applying with a co-signer, it will be best to consider other options.

    Pros

    • Relatively modest credit score requirement of 560
    • A+ BBB rating
    • No prepayment fees
    • Payment sent directly to third-party creditors

    Cons

    • Has origination fees
    • Charges late payment fees
    • Has employment requirements
    • Doesn’t allow co-signers
    • Restrictions on fund usage
    Upgrade

Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Modesto: Best Egg


  • Best Egg
    • 4.99% to 35.99%APR Range
    • 700Minimum Credit Score
    • $2,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Next DayTime to Receive Funds

    If you find yourself needing extra cash to shoulder the cost of your home renovation project in Modesto, MoneyGeek suggests that you consider applying for Best Egg’s personal loan. These loans range from $2,000 to $50,000 with three- or five-year repayment terms.

    Among the noteworthy features of a Best Egg personal loan are the quick funding turnaround time, zero prepayment fees and a discount when you use automatic payments. Borrowers can also quickly view their rates online without hurting their credit scores.

    However, we recommend that you rethink your options if you fail to qualify for Best Egg’s lowest APRs. You might also want to explore other lenders that don’t charge origination fees.

    Pros

    • Does soft credit checks
    • No prepayment fee
    • A+ BBB rating
    • Autopay discount

    Cons

    • High minimum credit score requirement
    • No co-signers
    • Has an origination fee
    • Charges late fees
    • Employment requirements
    Best Egg

Where to Start: How to Choose the Best Personal Loan Lender in Modesto for You

In California, the average American consumer has a personal loan of $16,790, which has an interest rate of around 10.21%.

Before applying for a personal loan, MoneyGeek encourages you to consider a few critical factors, such as your credit score and current debts. Use our guide to have a clear picture of the steps you need to take to find the best personal loans in Modesto.

1
Ask Yourself the Important Questions

The rise of fintech companies and online lenders has paved for the increased adoption and widespread acceptance of personal loans. But their popularity doesn’t mean these options will be a perfect match for each borrower’s needs.

Answer these simple questions before applying to make sure that a personal loan will work for you:

  • What is your intended purpose for the loan? How much funding do you think you’ll need for this?
  • What is your credit score, and does it meet the lender’s minimum requirement?
  • Do you have sufficient income to afford the monthly payment?
  • Are you paying off any outstanding debt, such as credit card debts and mortgages, that can make monthly payments seem like a struggle?
2
Do Your Research

Securing a personal loan is the easiest part of the process. Repaying the loan is a whole other matter that requires committing to regular monthly payments, which may take between two and four years on average.

MoneyGeek has developed this guide to help you decide if you’re ready for this kind of long-term commitment. Keep in mind that our recommendations might not be the best options for your unique needs and circumstances.

It is best for you to conduct your own research, shop around and compare rates and loan offerings and develop a deep understanding of the available options in the market. Only you can best determine the right loan and lender that will work for your situation.

3
Wait

After you’ve done your due diligence and have picked out your preferred lender from the host of options, it’s time to relax. Take a day or two to make sure you won’t change your decision. We know this is a big ask, especially if you have that exciting or urgent purchase waiting on the sidelines. However, spending a little time to reflect on your willingness and readiness to commit to two to four years of monthly payments might just actually change your mind about getting that loan.

You might also use this time to weigh all the available options to be sure that you’re getting the best possible deal for your situation.

4
Read the Fine Print

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices and have selected a particular lender, you must carefully study the details in the loan agreement and take note of important information, such as rates, fees and penalties. This will help you avoid paying unnecessary charges, which can eat on your finances over time.

Make sure to always double-check the fine print and ask your lender about any penalties and charges that may not be mentioned upfront. Although these extra fees might seem innocently small at first glance, they can easily snowball into a hefty sum over the term of your loan.

5
Apply

At this point, we expect that you have your bases covered and are fully informed about the details of the loan you want to apply for. You’ve also likely found the terms and conditions acceptable on your end. As a result, it is time to complete your loan application.

Make sure that you have the required documents on hand and submit your personal loan application either online or by visiting your lender’s physical office. Lenders will typically ask for your identification, proof of income and address verification during the application process. But if you need more assistance or wish to clarify something about your loan application, we highly recommend either calling or visiting your lender to speak directly with a representative.

What to Do if You Can’t Get a Personal Loan in Modesto

Loan applications are denied for different reasons, ranging from credit scores to employment information to inaccurate information included in your application. Specifically, lenders evaluate the risk that a borrower will default on payments when deciding whether to approve or deny a personal loan application.

If you find yourself in this situation, MoneyGeek encourages you to reach out to your lender to learn about the exact reason for your loan rejection. This is the best way to improve your odds of getting approved the next time you apply, either with the same lender or with another company.

Even if you need the extra cash right away, we seriously caution you against taking out payday loans. These come with high interest rates and short repayment terms, which will further hurt your credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Modesto

There is no single best option in terms of personal loans in Modesto, California. Instead, the best lender for you will depend on your unique financial profile and personal needs. To help you navigate this process of choosing a lender, MoneyGeek has answered some of the most commonly asked questions below.

What is the best personal loan lender in Modesto?
Which lender in Modesto has the lowest interest rate?
Can I use a personal loan for vacations in Modesto?
Can I use a personal loan for home improvement in Modesto?
What can I not use my personal loan for in Modesto?
How much can I borrow in Modesto?
How long does it take to get a personal loan in Modesto?
Can I pay off my loan early in Modesto?

Our Personal Loan Methodology

METHODOLOGY

To help you find the best personal lender that meets your financial needs, MoneyGeek analyzed more than 30 personal loan lenders by focusing on six main parameters, including affordability, flexibility, accessibility, transparency, hospitality and customer service.

For each category, we evaluated over 35 key data points that we think are most important when picking out a personal loan lender. Some of these variables are the minimum credit score requirement, income requirement, APR ranges, loan limits, application fees and loan disbursement period.

We’ve also factored in each lender’s reputation for customer service, overall business and financial stability ratings and other features that could facilitate the loan experience and make it easier, smoother and hassle-free. These include whether you can prequalify for a loan, the number of payment options and access to a mobile app. This will give you a good snapshot of the service quality that you’ll receive when applying for these companies’ personal loan products.

Using this thorough and data-driven methodology, MoneyGeek presents to you its top picks for each borrower category. We encourage you to use our personal loan recommendations and expert tips to make sure that you’re choosing the right lender that meets your needs.

sources
Shield Insurance

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.

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