Best Personal Loans in Augusta, GA: Top Lenders & Best Picks for You

Updated: October 3, 2024

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MoneyGeek's Picks for Best Personal Loan Lenders in Augusta, GA

MoneyGeek evaluated over 30 personal loan lenders in Augusta for 35 distinct data points, including APR ranges, minimum credit score and income requirements, loan amounts, disbursement times, repayment terms and other lender-specific factors.

Based on our review, MoneyGeek chose Truist as the best overall personal loan lender in Augusta. While Truist offers the best personal loans in Augusta for most lenders, the best personal loan provider for you may vary. For instance, Upstart is the best for those with good credit, while SoFi is the best lender for borrowers with bad credit. Those seeking a personal loan to consolidate debt or fund home improvements should consider Upgrade or Best Egg, respectively.

Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Augusta: Truist


  • Truist

    • 8.14% to 18.99%APR Range
    • NoneMinimum Credit Score
    • $3,500 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • 6 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Next DayTime to Receive Funds

    According to MoneyGeek, Truist is the best personal loan lender in Augusta. Truist, which was formed in 2019 from the merger of BB&T and SunTrust, provides loans with minimal fees and no origination or early payment fees.

    Its varied loan amounts, ranging from $3,500 to $50,000, make it a suitable option for borrowers seeking a small to moderately sized loan. The lender’s numerous repayment term options from six to 60 months allow borrowers to choose a repayment plan that best fits their financial situation.

    One of the most notable features of Truist personal loans are their low APRs. Borrowers can obtain a personal loan with an interest rate that is based on their credit score.

    While no minimum credit score requirement is explicitly listed on the lender’s website, only those with excellent credit are likely to qualify for a personal loan. Truist also completes hard credit checks without allowing applicants to preview their rates prior to submitting an application.

    Pros

    • No origination, late or prepayment fees
    • Autopay discount
    • Mobile application available
    • Flexible repayment terms

    Cons

    • Hard credit check
    • No co-signers permitted
    • No direct payment for debt consolidation
    • Restrictions on the usage of funds
    Truist

Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Augusta: 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

    MoneyGeek chose Upstart as the best personal loan lender in Augusta for borrowers with bad credit. In order to determine if a borrower is qualified for a personal loan, Upstart used artificial intelligence (AI). This allows the lender to evaluate borrowers for other factors besides their credit score, like employment and education history.

    With an Upstart personal loan, borrowers can obtain $1,000 to $50,000. Though the lender’s starting APR is low, only those with the highest credit scores are likely to receive it. Furthermore, the lender only offers two repayment options, 36 or 60 months.

    The lender also imposes fees for late payment and loan origination. While this lender does not have strict credit score criteria, it does look at borrowers’ employment and income status. Borrowers with low-income limits can explore alternative lenders that may be a better fit.

    Pros

    • Low minimum credit score requirement
    • Low minimum loan amount of $1,000
    • No prepayment penalty

    Cons

    • Origination fees
    • Co-signers not permitted
    • Employment requirement
    • High maximum APR
    Upstart

Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Augusta: 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

    According to MoneyGeek, SoFi is the best personal loan provider in Augusta for borrowers with good credit. It was established in 2011 as a student debt refinancing firm and began providing personal loans in 2015. Borrowers may want to consider SoFi because it offers mortgages, credit cards, auto refinancing and other products to those with good credit scores.

    Those with a credit score of at least 680 are eligible for its loan products, which vary in amount from $5,000 to $100,000. Though the lender’s APR range is relatively low in comparison to others, only borrowers with excellent credit will qualify for its starting APR. Those who simply meet the minimum credit score requirement may receive a rate closer to its maximum APR.

    In addition, SoFi doesn’t charge origination fees or prepayment penalties for early loan repayment. Through its unemployment protection program, it also allows borrowers to temporarily pause or adjust payments if they lose their job.

    Pros

    • Autopay discount
    • No origination or prepayment fees
    • Unemployment protection available
    • Soft credit check during initial application

    Cons

    • High minimum loan amount
    • Co-signers not permitted
    • High minimum credit score requirement
    • Restrictions on the usage of funds
    • Employment requirement
    SoFi

Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Augusta: 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

    Upgrade is MoneyGeek's top pick for the best personal loans in Augusta for debt consolidation. It was established in 2017 and has its headquarters in San Francisco, California. Over the past five years, this lender has made more than $19 billion in credit available to its customers. In addition to personal loans, Upgrade provides services such as credit cards, savings accounts, credit health checks and rewards checking.

    To save you time and stress, the lender directly pays third-party creditors. During rate inquiries, Upgrade completes a soft credit check that won’t impact your credit score. After you receive and agree to the terms of your loan, it will complete a hard credit check.

    Its variable loan amounts, from $1,000 up to $50,000, make it ideal for both minor home improvements and major renovations. Funds are released within one working day, which is ideal if you intend to use the loan to cover an emergency household repair.

    However, Upgrade charges origination and late fees and there is a high APR on personal loans. Other lenders may offer borrowers with high credit scores more competitive interest rates with better loan terms.

    Pros

    • Joint loans available
    • Autopay discount
    • Soft credit check during initial application
    • No prepayment fees
    • Low minimum loan amount of $1,000
    • Fair minimum credit score requirement

    Cons

    • Late fees and origination fees
    • Co-signers not permitted
    • Restrictions on the usage of funds
    • High maximum APR
    Upgrade

Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Augusta: 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

    MoneyGeek found that Best Egg offers the best personal loans in Augusta for home improvements. Personal loans from Best Egg range between $2,000 and $50,000.

    Best Egg initially completes a soft credit check that won’t impact your credit score. However, once your loan has been approved, the lender will complete a hard credit check that may negatively impact it.

    In addition, the lender’s high minimum credit score requirement of 700 and maximum APR may make it difficult for borrowers to qualify for a low interest rate. Because of this, those with low-income limits or poor credit scores may find other lenders that are more suitable for their needs.

    Pros

    • No prepayment fee
    • Soft credit check during initial application
    • Autopay discount
    • Mobile application available
    • Flexible repayment terms

    Cons

    • Late and origination fees
    • High minimum credit score requirement
    • High maximum APR
    • High minimum income requirement of $100,000
    Best Egg

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

When it comes to taking out a loan, having the means to pay it back is one of the most important considerations. Borrowers looking for personal loans in Augusta must examine their credit score, existing debt and current income level. Some lenders may place more weight on some of these factors than others when assessing your loan eligibility.

To determine if a personal loan is the right decision for you and to find the best lender, MoneyGeek recommends taking the following steps:

1
Ask Yourself the Important Questions

Prior to taking out a personal loan in Augusta, it’s important that you’re financially able to repay it. We suggest asking yourself the following questions to decide if a personal loan is right for you:

  • How much funding do I need? It’s important to only take out the loan amount that you need to avoid paying too much in interest or taking out a second loan. This will also help you narrow down your lender options, as all lenders offer different loan amounts.
  • What is my credit score? Your credit score will impact your loan eligibility and the rates available to you. Because those with a high credit score will receive the lowest interest rates, consider improving your credit score first before you apply for a personal loan.
  • Can I afford the monthly payment? It’s essential to make sure you’re financially able to make your monthly payment. Choosing a high monthly payment will reduce the amount you’ll pay in interest, but you may have to cut down on other living expenses to stay within your budget. Select a payment amount that allows you to repay your loan in a timely manner without depriving yourself in the present.
  • How much debt do I already have? Existing debt may interfere with your ability to get a personal loan. Consider repaying any current debt before taking on more.
2
Do Your Research

After you’ve determined your requirements and preferences, it's time to begin reviewing lenders. Compare lenders for their terms, rates, eligibility requirements and more to find the one that best suits your needs.

3
Wait

Once you’ve selected a lender, it’s important to wait a few days before applying. During this time, you can look into possible alternatives and vet other lenders. You may conclude that a personal loan is the best decision for you, or decide that forgoing it is best for your financial situation.

4
Read the Fine Print

It can be easy to skim through the details included in the fine print of your loan agreement. However, doing this could cost you time and money. That’s because the fine print may disclose hidden fees, like those for loan origination, prepayment and late payment. It’s important to be aware of these fees before you take out a loan to avoid unplanned expenses later on. If you have any questions, you can reach out to your lender for guidance.

5
Apply

Once you understand all the terms of your loan agreement, you can apply with your chosen lender. You should prepare any documentation required by the lender, such as proof of identification, employment or residence. Some lenders only accept online applications, while others require that you apply in person or over the phone.

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

If your loan application is denied, you should ask the lender why your personal loan in Augusta was rejected. It’s possible you may still be able to get approved by making modifications to your application, like reducing the loan amount or changing your repayment terms.

An application being rejected due to a low credit score is a different story. If this happens, you could apply for a loan with a lender that has a lower credit score requirement. However, you run the risk of your application being rejected again and lowering your credit score further. This is because lenders complete a hard credit check when you submit an application.

MoneyGeek strongly advises against taking out a payday loan. These loans feature high interest rates and short repayment terms that can cost borrowers more money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Augusta

There are many factors to think about when looking for the best personal loans in Augusta. MoneyGeek answered the most frequently asked questions to help simplify the process.

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

Our Personal Loan Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzed over 30 personal loan companies for 35 data points in six essential categories: availability, user friendliness, customer care, flexibility, lender transparency and loan affordability.

In each ranking criteria category, numerous unique factors were considered. We focused on APR ranges, loan amounts, eligibility requirements, application costs and disbursement time.

MoneyGeek puts you, the consumer, first. In addition to customer service and business evaluations, we also considered unique features and benefits that improve the consumer’s experience. This assessment included details on accessibility, prequalification, payment options and mobile applications.

We selected our top options with your best interests in mind. These personal loan recommendations and professional advice will help you select the most appropriate lender for your requirements.

About Christopher Boston


Christopher Boston headshot

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.


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.