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Best Personal Loans in Denver, CO

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Updated: December 28, 2023

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WHAT WE’RE GEEKING OUT ON

MoneyGeek's Picks for Best Personal Loan Lenders in Denver, CO

To find the best personal loan lenders in Denver, MoneyGeek evaluated companies for over 30 data points. We considered loan affordability and accessibility, APR ranges, repayment terms, credit score and income criteria, origination and late fees, fund release time, customer service and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings.

Based on our evaluation, LightStream offers the best personal loans in Denver. However, depending on your profile and needs, a different lender may be more appropriate for you. For example, SoFi is the best option for borrowers with good credit, while Upstart is the best for those with poor credit. Upgrade and Best Egg are our top picks for debt consolidation and home improvement, respectively.

Best Personal Loan Lender Overall in Denver: 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

    Of the companies MoneyGeek evaluated, LightStream was chosen as the best overall personal loan lender in Denver. LightStream began operations in 2013 and offers loans to borrowers in all 50 states. The lender has received an A+ rating from the BBB for its superior customer service record.

    Those that are eligible for a LightStream personal loan can borrow between $5,000 and $100,000 at an APR of 4.49% to 20.49%. The company charges no origination, prepayment or late fees, which would typically increase the cost of your loan. In most cases, funds are available the same day that you apply, making it an ideal lender for those who need cash quickly.

    However, this does not imply that it's a good fit for everyone. For example, those with credit ratings below 660 are not eligible for a loan. The lender also has certain restrictions on fund usage, so if you plan to use your personal loan for funding college or post-secondary education, business or investments, you should look elsewhere.

    Pros

    • Relatively low interest rate
    • Flexible payment terms
    • High borrowing limit
    • Auto-pay discount
    • Available in all states

    Cons

    • Hard credit inquiry
    • High minimum credit score requirement
    • Restrictions on fund usage
    • Co-signers not allowed
    • Does not accept applicants with new or no credit
    LightStream

Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Denver: 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 was founded in 2012 and has since received acclaim from the BBB with an A+ rating. Based on our analysis, it’s the best personal loan lender for those with poor credit scores because the company just requires a minimum credit score of 300.

    The lender offers loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 with APRs between 3.22% and 35.99%. Though the company has a minimum income requirement, it’s relatively modest at $12,000. One major perk of this company is that it does not set limits on how you utilize your personal loan funds. Its quick fund disbursement time of one to two days is ideal for borrowers who need emergency funds.

    However, you may pay high interest rates depending on your credit history. The lender also charges an origination and late payment fee, further increasing the cost of your loan.

    Pros

    • Low minimum credit score requirement
    • No restrictions on fund usage
    • Funds disbursed within the next day
    • A+ BBB rating
    • Soft credit check

    Cons

    • Debt-to-income (DTI) limit of 45%
    • Minimum income requirement
    • Late fee
    • Origination fee
    • No mobile app
    Upstart

Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Denver: 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

    SoFi, also known as Social Finance, began operations in 2011 and provides a variety of loans products and financial services to its customers. MoneyGeek chose it as the best personal loan lender in Denver for borrowers with strong credit based on its A+ BBB rating and personal loan offerings.

    The lender offers personal loans from $5,000 to $100,000 at an APR between 5.74% and 20.28% to those who qualify. To reduce the cost of their rate by 0.25%, borrowers can choose to make automatic payments. SoFi also doesn’t charge fees for origination, late payments or prepayments, saving its customers even more money.

    However, to be eligible for a SoFi loan, you must have a high minimum credit score of 680 and minimum gross income of $50,000. The lender also checks to ensure that you have a DTI limit below 43%.

    Pros

    • Auto-pay discount
    • No prepayment fee
    • No late fees
    • No restrictions on fund usage
    • High loan limit

    Cons

    • High gross income requirement
    • High minimum credit score requirement
    • May take up to one week to receive loan funds
    • DTI limit of 43%
    • Co-signers are not allowed
    SoFi

Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Denver: 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

    According to our findings, Upgrade offers the best personal loans in Denver for debt consolidation. The firm was launched in 2016 and offers secured and unsecured personal loans, as well as credit cards, vehicle loans and rewards checking accounts.

    Upgrade pays your creditors directly if your personal loan is being used to consolidate debt. Personal loans range from $1,000 to $50,000, making them an excellent option for those looking for both small and large loans. Upgrade also offers a 1% discount on your rate when you set up automatic payments.

    However, depending on your creditworthiness, you may pay an APR up to 35.47%. If you have good credit, you may find a better rate from a different lender by shopping around.

    Pros

    • Directly payments to creditors
    • In-person and online application
    • Moderate credit score requirement
    • No prepayment fee
    • Auto-pay discount

    Cons

    • Origination fees
    • Late fees
    • Restriction on fund usage
    • Borrowers with new or no credit aren’t eligible
    • High APR
    Upgrade

Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Denver: 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

    Best Egg is an online lending company that was founded in 2014 and now operates in 47 states. The lender received an A+ BBB rating, indicating that it provides superior customer service.

    The lender offers personal loans from $2,000 to $50,000 at an APR of 4.99% to 35.99%, depending on the borrower’s creditworthiness. Best Egg performs a soft credit check, so your credit score won’t be negatively affected. Individuals who choose to pay their premiums automatically will also receive a 0.5% discount.

    However, some borrowers may not be eligible for Best Egg loans due to their strict minimum credit score and income requirements of 700 and $50,000, respectively. The lender also charges origination and late fees, which could increase the cost of your personal loan.

    Pros

    • Soft credit inquiry
    • Auto payment discount
    • No prepayment penalty
    • No debt-to-income limit
    • Funds disbursed the next day

    Cons

    • Origination fee
    • Late fee
    • Moderately high credit score requirement
    • Potentially high interest rates
    • Co-signers not allowed
    Best Egg

How to Choose the Best Personal Loan Lender in Denver for You

According to our research, the average personal loan debt in Colorado is roughly $21,783. Lenders evaluate your employment history, current debt, income and creditworthiness to determine your loan limit and rate. Before applying for a personal loan, you should take the following steps to make sure it’s the best decision for you:

1
Ask Yourself the Important Questions

By taking a step back and asking yourself these four key questions, you may make smarter financial decisions.

  1. How much funding do I need? The amount of funding you need will determine which lenders are available to you, as most companies offer different loan limits.
  2. What is my credit score? Most lenders have a minimum credit score requirement. To save time, you should only apply for a loan if you meet the lenders’ criteria.
  3. Can I afford the monthly payment? It’s important to understand that a loan is a long-term commitment — in some cases, loan repayment can take up to five years. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that you’re financially able to make the repayment terms of your loan.
  4. How much debt do I already have? If you have other debts to pay off, adding another loan to your list may not be the best option. To set yourself up for financial success in the future, you may want to first consider paying off any existing debt that you have before applying for another loan.
2
Do Your Research

Although MoneyGeek’s recommendations are a good place to start, you should research different lenders’ rates and loan terms to find the best one for you.

3
Wait

After you’ve done your research, it's a good idea to wait a day or two before applying for a loan. During this time, you can weigh your options and consider possible alternatives to taking out a personal loan.

4
Read the Fine Print

It's easy to ignore the fine print included in a loan agreement. However, you should always thoroughly read the conditions of your loan to check for any hidden fees or additional costs, like prepayment penalties, late fees and origination fees. If you have any questions, you should contact the lender for clarification.

5
Apply

Once you’ve chosen a lender, it’s time to submit your loan application. During the application process, lenders will often require that you provide your personal identification, address and proof of income. Although applying online may be more convenient for some, you may also be able to apply over the phone or in-person, depending on the lender.

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

Your loan application may be denied for a variety of reasons, including a low income, poor credit history or incomplete application. If your loan is denied, you shouldn’t panic — most of the reasons that cause a loan to be denied can be improved over time.

After your application is rejected, you should contact the lender's representative via phone or email to ask why you weren’t approved. That way, you can modify your application before reapplying with the lender or applying with a different lender.

Rather than taking out a high-risk payday loan, we advise that you work on improving your personal loan application. Payday loans have extremely high interest rates and short repayment fees. If you’re unable to repay it in a timely manner, your credit score will be negatively impacted.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Denver

The best personal loan lender for you is based on your unique needs and financial situation. To help you find the best lender for you, we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions concerning personal loans in Denver, Colorado.

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

Our Personal Loan Methodology

We looked at 35+ unique data points from over 30 personal loan providers in six major categories: loan affordability, accessibility, customer friendliness, customer service, flexibility and lender transparency.

We analyzed many unique data factors under each rating criteria category that we believe hold the most weight when choosing a personal loan provider. APR ranges, available loan amount, minimum credit score, minimum income amount, application costs and disbursement period are all aspects to consider.

Since we think of you, the consumer, we consider each lender's customer service, company ratings and additional services like prequalification, payment alternatives and mobile applications that might make your experience easier and more accessible.

Our recommendations are made with your best interests in mind after rigorous analysis and assessment. Our personal loan suggestions and professional advice are intended to assist you in selecting the right lender for your circumstances.

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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.

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