Top Lenders & Best Picks for You
Best Personal Loans in Riverside, CA
Updated: December 28, 2023
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- The Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Riverside
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Riverside
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Riverside
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Riverside
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvements in Riverside
- How to Choose the Right Personal Loan for You
- Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Riverside
MoneyGeek's Picks for Best Personal Loan Lenders in Riverside, CA
MoneyGeek compared the best personal loan lender in Riverside based on over 30 factors, including customer satisfaction, interest rates, loan terms, BBB rating, loan amount, origination fee, credit score requirements, income requirements, debt-to-income ratio and more.
Depending on your unique profile and how you intend to use your loan, we found that each lender may be a better fit for different types of borrowers. Based on your unique profile, we’ve identified the top lenders in Riverside below.
Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Riverside: Lightstream
Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Riverside: Upstart
Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Riverside: SoFi
Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Riverside: Upgrade
Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Riverside: Best Egg
How to Choose the Best Personal Loan Lender in Riverside for You
The average personal loan debt in California is $16,790. While taking out a loan to pay any anticipated or unexpected bill is fine, you should always assess your needs and financial status first to choose the best lender. The process of applying for personal loans relies heavily on key factors, ranging from your credit score to your income to the amount of money you want to borrow, among other things.
When searching for a personal loan provider, MoneyGeek recommends that you follow the steps outlined below.
Ask Yourself the Important Questions
Before applying for a personal loan, you should ask yourself a few questions. Consider the following:
- How much funding do I need? Think about your current financial health and how much money you really need. The amount you apply for will impact your repayment period and how long it takes for your loan to be funded.
- What is my credit score? Lenders take into consideration your credit score when reviewing your application. Having a poor credit score may limit your options. By knowing your score, you can apply with lenders who are more likely to approve your application.
- Can I afford the monthly payment? Make sure that you can afford the monthly payments on your loan. Otherwise, you may end up in deep financial trouble.
- How much debt do I already have? If you already have debt, applying for a personal loan may not be the wisest choice.
Do Your Research
As with any financial decision, research is key. You should look for the lowest interest rate and ensure you can afford monthly payments for two to four years. Search online for lenders with average or good credit, then compare interest rates and terms.
MoneyGeek's guide recommends the best personal loans in Riverside. We developed recommendations after weighing key factors. However, we recommend that you do your own research to ensure you find the right option for your unique situation.
Wait
One of the most important parts of the lending process is giving yourself enough time to consider your options. If you need money quickly, rushing into a loan is tempting, but waiting a day or two may help you avoid a bad decision. This provides you with time to think through all your options. It may turn out that another option to get funding is a better fit for your needs.
Read the Fine Print
It's important to understand how loans work before borrowing money. Know the interest rates and costs before signing. Understand fee schedules. Don't accept ambiguous terms.
If you're confused, ask questions. A financial expert could analyze your loan before you sign it. Also, be sure to check for discounts. New customers may get discounts on origination fees from several personal lenders (fees tied directly to issuing you a loan).
Apply
Once you’ve chosen a lender, you can apply. Before approving your loan, many lenders want a lot of information, so be prepared. Also, be sure to question anything strange or unclear. A quick phone call or visit to the lender may clarify issues that might delay approval. Lenders generally want identification, address verification and proof of income during the application process.
What to Do if You Can’t Get a Personal Loan in Riverside
Not all personal loan applications are approved. If your application is rejected, it could be because your credit score may not be high enough. Alternately, you may not have had a steady source of income for a sufficient period of time. If your application for a personal loan is denied, you can contact the lender to learn why.
If required, you may apply for a loan with a different lender. However, you should wait until you have resolved whatever issue caused your previous loan application to be denied. Finding an alternative lender may mean filling out applications with many lenders or determining which lenders have eligibility standards that your present financial condition allows you to satisfy.
Remember that while payday loans may appear appealing if you need money quickly, they are not the best option. These loans are often linked with high interest rates and short repayment timeframes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Riverside
The perfect personal loan lender for you will depend on your particular needs and financial situation. The following are the questions most often asked about personal loans in Riverside.
LightStream is Riverside's best personal loan lender, according to MoneyGeek. However, your ideal personal loan provider depends on your requirements and financial profile.
Upstart offers the lowest interest rate in Riverside, starting at 3.22%.
Personal loans may be used to finance various expenses, including vacations. However, checking with your lender to see whether there are any restrictions on utilizing a personal loan to fund a vacation is essential.
Yes, a personal loan can be used to renovate your Riverside home. MoneyGeek identified Best Egg as the best lender for home improvement loans in Riverside.
Your lender sets limitations on a Riverside personal loan. Some lenders may not allow you to use your loan to further your studies or invest.
The amount of the loan varies depending on the lender. Some lenders only lend $50,000, while others lend up to $100,000.
How long it takes to get the funds is up to the lender. Sometimes you can get funding on the same day. Other times, it may take a couple of days.
Yes, it is possible to pay off your debts early. Just make sure to ask your lender if you'll be charged an early payment fee if you pay off your loan early.
Our Personal Loan Methodology
We evaluated over 30 personal loan companies based on more than 35 distinct data points in six primary categories, including loan affordability, accessibility, consumer friendliness, customer service, flexibility and lender transparency.
We analyzed several data points for each ranking factor that, in our opinion, have the most impact when choosing a personal loan provider. These factors include APR ranges, loan amounts, minimum credit score, income, application fees and disbursement time.
MoneyGeek values you as a consumer. Therefore, we evaluate each lender's customer service, company ratings and additional services that may make your experience smoother and more accessible, such as prequalification, alternative payment options and mobile apps.
With your best interests in mind, we make our decisions after careful analysis and assessment. Our personal loan recommendations and expert guidance are meant to assist you in selecting the most suitable lender for your needs.
sources
- Best Egg. "Best Egg." Accessed June 16, 2022.
- Lightstream. "LightStream." Accessed June 16, 2022.
- SoFi. "SoFi." Accessed June 16, 2022.
- Upgrade. "Upgrade." Accessed June 16, 2022.
- Upstart. "Upstart." Accessed June 16, 2022.
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
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