Discover vs. Upgrade: Which Personal Loan Is Right for You?
Updated: July 25, 2023
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The best personal loan for you will depend on your financial situation and goals, but if you need cash now, Discover or Upgrade may be suitable options. Though Discover has a lower maximum APR, it’s high minimum credit score requirement may make it challenging to get approved. Because of this, those with fair or bad credit should choose Upgrade.
To help you determine which lender is the best option for you, MoneyGeek’s comprehensive and trusted guide includes key information about each lender’s personal loan terms.
Discover or Upgrade: Overview
Your particular financial needs and goals will determine which loan is ideal for you. For instance, Upgrade provides a higher maximum loan amount, but Discover has a lower APR range. Before choosing a lender, it’s crucial that you thoroughly compare Discover vs. Upgrade's APRs, credit score requirements, loan amounts and payback schedules.
Discover
Upgrade
APR Range
The annual percentage rate (APR) is the sum of the annual interest that a borrower will be required to pay on their loan, as well as any other fees assessed by the lender. Your credit score, loan type, loan size and the underwriting strategy the lender uses all impact your APR.
Because so many factors are taken into account when assessing your APR, you may not receive a lender’s lowest advertised rate. It’s also important to highlight that APRs are extremely variable and regularly fluctuate.
Discover has a more favorable range than Upgrade. Typically, personal loans with a smaller APR range accrue less in interest and other costs during the duration of the loan.
However, a low APR is only one factor to take into account when choosing a loan. You should also consider the lender's repayment plan, loan amounts and credit requirements.
Minimum Credit Score
When assessing your eligibility for loan, lenders place a high importance on a borrower’s credit score. A higher score will make it easier for you to obtain a loan with better terms. By developing sound financial habits, like paying your credit card balance in full each month, you can build credit and improve your score.
Discover's minimum credit score requirement of 720 is relatively high, while Upgrade's is lower at 560. Because Upgrade accepts borrowers with fair and bad credit, its personal loans feature somewhat higher interest rates.
A Discover personal loan isn’t an option for customers with bad credit because it requires a high minimum credit score of 720. Because of its lower credit score requirements, Upgrade is the better choice in this case.
Borrowers must ensure that the loan's terms are reasonable and appropriate for their needs since consumers with poor credit will likely receive high interest rates.
Loan Amount Range
The loan amount range is the minimum and maximum amount a provider will lend to a borrower. While Discover only permits customers to borrow between $2,500 and $35,000, Upgrade has the higher ceiling of the two lenders, allowing borrowers to obtain up to $50,000.
Since Upgrade provides higher loan amounts, it is a better option for urgent and large purchases. However, Upgrade and Discover both provide smaller maximum loan amounts when compared to other lenders that provide loans up to $100,000.
Loan amount is one of the main factors to consider when choosing a lender to ensure that your financial needs are met.
Upgrade personal loans feature a more variable range between $1,000 and $50,000 than Discover personal loans. But Discover might be a better choice if you need minimal funds and want to save money with lower interest rates. The best option for you will ultimately depend on your interests and needs.
Repayment Terms
A loan’s repayment period refers to the time period you have to pay back a loan. Lower interest rates are often associated with shorter repayment periods, but other considerations, like your credit score, may impact this.
Discover offers more repayment term options than Upgrade; personal loans from the former feature repayment terms of 36 to 84 months, while the latter has 36 to 60 months. However, a longer repayment term will likely cost you more money, as interest is accrued over the life of the loan.
With Discover, borrowers have more discretion over how long it will take to pay back their loans because of the lender's flexible repayment options.
However, if you have a bad credit score, your provider may limit your repayment options. Moreover, if you have the financial means to make higher monthly payments, a shorter payback period is advised to reduce the amount you’ll pay in interest.
Time to Receive Funds
While most lenders take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to provide funds, both Upgrade and Discover provide cash faster than their competitors. If you have fair or poor credit and a pressing need for a loan, Upgrade is a better option because of its same-day funding record.
However, unless you need cash now, there’s no significant advantage in choosing one lender over the other; both provide funds within one day of approval.
In an emergency, a fast loan disbursement time is critical. Upgrade provides your loan the same business day after you sign. Meanwhile, Discover will send your money the following business day.
Although a quick loan disbursement is an advantage, you shouldn't make your choice purely based on when you’ll receive your funds. The repayment terms, APR and loan amount are just a few of the other considerations that will determine which lender is best for you.
Final Thoughts
Although Upgrade and Discover both offer personal loans with swift funding times, Upgrade personal loans stand out as the better option for most people due to its lower minimum credit requirement, flexible loan amounts and prompt fund disbursement. Your particular scenario should still determine how much importance each item is given.
MoneyGeek lists various borrower types who might choose an Upgrade personal loan as the best option for them:
- For borrowers with poor credit. Personal loans from Upgrade are ideal for those who require immediate cash but have fair or bad credit, as the minimum credit score requirement for this lender is 560.
- For borrowers seeking joint loans. Upgrade permits joint loans, which might improve applicants' prospects of loan approval.
- For hesitant borrowers. The prequalification procedure for Upgrade merely entails a soft inquiry. When applying for an Upgrade personal loan, borrowers don’t have to worry about their credit score being impacted.
In the event of debt consolidation, Upgrade pays creditors directly, but this is only advantageous to those seeking a personal loan for this purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loan Lenders
Be sure to carefully weigh your options before applying for a personal loan. To assist you, MoneyGeek has provided answers to frequently asked questions concerning personal loan lenders.
The requirements for a personal loan application vary between lenders. This usually includes a completed application form, identification, income documentary evidence and address information.
With TransUnion, Equifax or Experian, you can learn about your credit score and the variables that impact it.
Most lenders will run a hard credit inquiry after you've already filed your application to examine your credit history with one of the major credit bureaus.
No, in establishing your APR or interest rate, a number of criteria, which vary from lender to lender, are taken into account. For this reason, it's crucial to research lenders before submitting a loan application.
Yes, although the costs may change from lender to lender. For early repayment or late payments, the majority of lenders frequently apply fees. You should ask about any additional costs your lender may charge, like origination or application fees.
With online personal loan applications, you’ll avoid the long lines and parking lot mayhem associated with in-person applications, as you may be able to complete your entire loan application from your home.
You may pay off your entire debt before it's due, but certain lenders may charge a fee for early repayment.
sources
- Discover Bank. "About Discover." Accessed September 22, 2022.
- Discover Bank. "Personal Loans from Discover." Accessed September 22, 2022.
- Upgrade. "Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards." Accessed September 22, 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.
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