Best Personal Loans in Joliet, IL: 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 Joliet, IL

MoneyGeek determined the best personal loans in Joliet by evaluating lenders based on 30+ data points. Our analysis factored in average APRs, loan limits, repayment terms, application fees and minimum requirements for income and credit scores. We also considered customer service ratings and additional features that enhance the user experience, like prequalification features and mobile apps.

LightStream emerged as the best overall lender for personal loans in Joliet, Illinois. However, Upstart is the best option if you have bad credit, while SoFi is best for those with good credit.

Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Joliet: 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

    MoneyGeek found that LightStream offers the best personal loans in Joliet. LightStream, which is headquartered in San Diego, California, offers personal loans for various purposes, including home renovations, debt consolidation, large purchases and emergency expenses. However, LightStream loans cannot be used for postsecondary educational expenses, investments or refinancing other loans.

    LightStream offers relatively low APRs, but you need excellent credit to qualify for the lowest rates. LightStream is also low on fees, as it does not charge any origination, early payment or late fees.

    Most LightStream loans are funded on the same day, so this lender is ideal if you need funds urgently. Loan limits range from $5,000 to $100,000, repayable in terms of 24 to 84 months.

    LightStream does not have a pre-approval option available, so you need to submit an application online to see if you qualify.

    Pros

    • No origination fees
    • Broad range of repayment term options
    • Quick funding
    • No early payment fees
    • Autopay discount

    Cons

    • No pre-approval
    • Hard credit checks
    • Minimum loan of $5,000
    • Restrictions on usage of funds
    • High minimum credit score
    LightStream

Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Joliet: 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

    If your credit score is less than stellar, MoneyGeek found that Upstart offers the best personal loans for poor credit in Joliet. Founded in 2012, Upstart has flexible minimum requirements, and you can qualify for a loan with bad or incomplete credit.

    Upstart offers loans of $1,000 to $50,000, but you need excellent credit to qualify for the lowest APRs. You can choose from a three- or five-year loan term, but you will not incur any early payment fees if you pay off your loan early.

    Upstart disburses most loans by the next day. Keep in mind that you will incur a one-time origination fee, which may range from 0% to 10% of the loan amount.

    Pros

    • Low minimum credit score requirement
    • Low minimum APR
    • Quick disbursement of funds
    • Soft credit check
    • Few restrictions on fund usage

    Cons

    • High maximum APR
    • Charges origination fees
    • Does not accept co-signers
    • Maximum loan of $50,000
    • Only two repayment term options
    Upstart

Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Joliet: 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 is MoneyGeek’s top pick for personal loans in Joliet for borrowers with good credit. SoFi is headquartered in San Francisco, California. This lender offers loans for multiple purposes, including emergency expenses, large purchases and debt consolidation. However, restrictions apply on the usage of funds, and you cannot use a SoFi personal loan for investments, real estate or college education expenses.

    If you are looking for a lender with low APR rates, SoFi is a mixed bag since rates range from a relatively high minimum to a low maximum. Keep in mind you need a credit score of at least 680 or higher to be eligible. You can borrow between $5,000 to $100,000, with repayment terms of up to 60 months.

    You can check rates before applying without impacting your credit score. SoFi disburses most personal loans immediately after they’re approved.

    Pros

    • No origination fees
    • No prepayment fees
    • Soft credit inquiry
    • High loan limits of up to $100,000
    • Unemployment protection

    Cons

    • High credit score requirement
    • Minimum loan of $5,000
    • Restrictions on usage of funds
    • Does not accept co-signers
    • High minimum APR
    SoFi

Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Joliet: 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 offers the best personal loans for debt consolidation in Joliet. Founded in 2012, Upgrade’s personal loans can be used for various purposes, including consolidating debt. You can qualify for an Upgrade loan with a fair credit score since this lender accepts borrowers with a credit score of 560 or higher.

    Upgrade loans range from $1,000 to $50,000, but only those with excellent credit qualify for the lowest rates. You can use Upgrade’s prequalification option to check rates before applying without impacting your credit score.

    Upgrade offers the option to pay creditors directly for debt consolidation loans. Keep in mind that an origination fee of 1.85% to 8.99% will be deducted from the loan amount.

    Pros

    • Pre-approval with soft credit check
    • No prepayment fees
    • Flexible repayment terms
    • Direct payment to creditors on debt consolidation loans

    Cons

    • Relatively high maximum APR
    • Low maximum limit of $50,000
    • Charges origination fees
    • Charges late fees
    • Does not accept co-signers
    Upgrade

Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Joliet: 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 need a personal loan for home improvement in Joliet, Best Egg is the best option. Best Egg was founded in 2014 and offers personal loans for home improvement and other purposes. Borrowers need a credit score of at least 700 to be eligible for a Best Egg personal loan.

    Best Egg offers loans between $2,000 and $50,000. You need excellent credit to qualify for the lowest APRs. Keep in mind that Best Egg loans also incur a one-time origination fee of 1.85% to 8.99% of the loan amount.

    Best Egg loans can be paid off in terms ranging from 36 to 60 months. However, if you pay off your loan early, there are no prepayment penalties charged.

    Pros

    • Quick funding
    • No early payment fees
    • Soft credit check
    • Autopay discount

    Cons

    • Relatively high APR rates
    • Requires a high credit score
    • Charges origination fees
    • Charges late fees
    • Limited repayment term options
    Best Egg

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

If you need a personal loan in Joliet, you are not alone. People in Illinois have an average of $22,553 in personal loan debt for purposes like home improvement, emergency expenses, funding large expenses or debt consolidation. Factors like your credit score, income and current debt will play a key role in determining who the best personal loan lender is for you.

MoneyGeek broke down some steps to guide you in finding the best personal loan for your profile.

1
Ask Yourself the Important Questions

Before you apply for a personal loan, it is best to first figure out how much you need to borrow and whether you can afford it. Personal loans require a long-term commitment, so it is wise to first assess your financial situation to determine whether a personal loan is the best option for you.

Keep in mind that factors like your credit score and debt-to-income ratio will affect not only your eligibility but also the kind of rates you get from lenders.

The following questions will help you figure out whether you can afford a personal loan.

  • How much funding do I need?
  • What is my credit score?
  • Can I afford the monthly payment?
  • How much debt do I already have?
2
Do Your Research

Personal loan rates, terms and even limits typically vary depending on the lender, so shopping around is the best way to ensure you are getting the best deal. Do some research and compare what lenders are offering based on your borrower profile. This will help you narrow down your choices and find a lender that best suits your needs.

Pay attention to minimum requirements and other terms that may disqualify you from particular lenders so that you choose a lender that suits your particular profile. MoneyGeek’s recommendations are a great starting point when looking for the best personal loans in Joliet, but since each borrower has unique needs, it is best to do some research based on your specific financial situation.

3
Wait

Personal loans impact your finances for a long time, so it is wise to weigh the pros and cons before signing up. MoneyGeek recommends waiting a couple of days before submitting your loan application. This will give you time to consider the commitment and ensure that you can handle it long-term.

Think over your options and consider what the monthly payments of the loan will mean for your finances. You may also want to explore other financing options available to you and see how they compare to a personal loan in terms of cost. Only proceed to apply for a loan if you are sure you are making a sound financial decision.

4
Read the Fine Print

If you are happy with your choice of lender and the terms of your loan, you can proceed to submit an application. Most lenders have a simple online application process, but you will need to provide supporting documents for identification, income and financial history. Make sure that you complete the application in full and provide all the required details to avoid delays in getting your loan processed.

Most lenders offer online support if you need help with your application, and some allow in-person applications so you can visit them if necessary.

5
Apply

When you're prepared to submit your personal loan application, make sure you have all the required documentation on hand. Typically, this includes documentation to verify proof of income, identification and address.

Some lenders' applications can be completed entirely online, while others have physical offices you can contact or visit. Though an online application may be more convenient, we recommend applying over the phone or in person if you have questions or are confused about the online application process.

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

In some cases, your loan application may be unsuccessful. If this happens, do not be discouraged. Lenders decline applications from time to time, but this does not mean you cannot get a loan in the future. Some of the reasons a lender may decline your application include failing to meet their minimum credit score or income requirements. You may also be declined for failing to provide the required information or documents.

Ask the lender for the exact reason you were declined. This will guide you on what you need to do so that future applications are successful. Factors like credit score or debt-to-income ratio can be improved over time. You may also choose to reapply with a different lender, but MoneyGeek advises against reapplying until after you rectify the factors that caused you to be declined.

MoneyGeek also cautions against payday loans. Payday loans typically have very high interest rates and short repayment terms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Joliet

The best personal loan lender in Joliet for you will depend on your needs and borrower profile. MoneyGeek responded to the commonly asked questions below to help you learn more about personal loans in Joliet.

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

Our Personal Loan Methodology

MoneyGeek identified the best personal loans in Joliet by reviewing more than 30 personal loan lenders. We assessed lenders based on 35+ individual data points across six key categories: loan affordability, accessibility, consumer friendliness, customer service, flexibility and lender transparency.

For each ranking category, MoneyGeek rated lenders based on several individual data points that we feel carry the most weight for borrowers. These data points include APR ranges, loan limits, minimum requirements for credit score and income, application fees and disbursement time.

MoneyGeek values you, the consumer, so we also consider each lender’s customer support, business ratings and other features that improve the user experience for the borrower, such as the availability of prequalification and mobile apps.

MoneyGeek’s recommendations are made with your best interest in mind to help you make smart financial decisions when choosing the best personal loan lender for 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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