Best Low-Income Loans in Utah: Top Lenders and Rates for 2024

Best Low-Income Loan Lenders in Utah

In Utah, residents have an average personal loan debt of $15,188. Though personal loans are relatively common in the state, finding the best lender for you may prove challenging. MoneyGeek reviewed over 30 personal loan lenders for key data points, like annual percentage rates (APRs), repayment terms, fees and eligibility requirements, to find the best low-income loan lenders in Utah.

Using this criteria, we found that Upgrade offers the best overall low-income loan in Utah, followed by LendingClub. Borrowers with poor credit may consider Upstart for their lending needs, while those with good credit should consider Prosper.

Best Overall Low-Income Loan in Utah: 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 clinched the top spot on MoneyGeek’s list of the best low-income loan lenders in Utah. This neobank was established in 2017 by a group of fintech pioneers to give consumers more access to loan funding alongside a better banking experience.

    Upgrade’s modest credit score requirement of 560 means that most Utah residents will qualify given that the average credit score in the state is 723. Borrowers planning to use their Upgrade personal loan to consolidate debt will also appreciate that the lender pays third-party creditors directly. Funds are typically disbursed on the same business day of your application clearing, so this lender may be ideal for those that need a loan quickly.

    That said, Upgrade charges origination fees, which will increase the cost of your loan. Those with poor credit may also pay a potentially high interest rate in excess of 35%. Since this lender charges fees for late payments, you will also want to make sure that you can make your monthly payments on time.

    Pros

    • Fast funding
    • Fair credit score requirement of 560
    • Borrowers can change their payment due date
    • No prepayment penalty
    • Autopay discount

    Cons

    • Origination fees
    • Late fees
    • Potentially high APRs for borrowers with poor credit scores
    • APR range: 5.94% to 35.47%
    • Minimum/maximum loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000
    • Minimum credit requirements: 560
    • Repayment terms: 36 to 60 months
    • Time to receive funds: Same day
    Upgrade

Runner-Up for Best Low-Income Loan in Utah: LendingClub


  • LendingClub

    • 7.04% to 35.89%APR Range
    • 600Minimum Credit Score
    • $1,000 to $40,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Next DayTime to Receive Funds

    LendingClub, a digital lending platform, is MoneyGeek’s runner-up for the best low-income loan lender in Utah. Since 2007, the company has provided over $70 billion in loans to more than four million members.

    This lender is a good option for those that need a smaller loan relatively quickly. LendingClub’s loan products range in amount from $1,000 to $40,000, and funds are typically disbursed within 24 hours of your application clearing. Its mobile application also allows borrowers to easily manage their payments and account, making it a suitable option for on-the-go borrowers.

    Keep in mind that LendingClub charges origination fees, which can significantly add to the original cost of your loan. Those with poor credit may also potentially receive a high APR of up to 36%. If you’re concerned about receiving a high APR, consider applying for a joint loan with the lender, which will increase your chances of being approved.

    Pros

    • No application fee
    • Joint applications allowed
    • No prepayment penalty
    • Mobile application available
    • Direct payment to third-party creditors

    Cons

    • Origination fees
    • Restrictions on the usage of funds
    • Low maximum loan cap of $40,000
    • APR range: 7.04% to 35.89%
    • Minimum/maximum loan amount: $1,000 to $40,000
    • Minimum credit requirements: 600
    • Repayment terms: 36 to 60 months
    • Time to receive funds: Within 24 hours
    LendingClub

Best Low-Income Loan for Bad Credit in Utah: 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 offers the best low-income loan for borrowers with bad credit in Utah. Since 2012, this artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform has provided consumers with access to affordable credit. The lender takes into account factors besides credit score, like a borrower’s DTI ratio and employment history, when assessing loan eligibility.

    Depending on your borrower profile, you can obtain between $1,000 and $50,000 relatively quickly. After your application is approved, funds are typically disbursed the next business day. Borrowers can only choose between two repayment terms, 36 or 60 months, which isn’t ideal for those looking to customize their repayment schedule.

    While those with low credit scores can qualify for a loan, they may pay a high interest rate of up to 35.99%. Another downside of this lender is its fees for loan origination, which can significantly increase the original cost of your loan.

    Pros

    • Low credit score requirement of 300
    • Fast funding
    • No prepayment penalty
    • No requirement for educational attainment

    Cons

    • No autopay discount
    • Limited repayment term options
    • Origination fees
    • APR range: 3.22% to 35.99%
    • Minimum/maximum loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000
    • Minimum credit requirements: 300
    • Repayment terms: 36 to 60 months
    • Time to receive funds: Next business day
    Upstart

Best Low-Income Loan for Good Credit in Utah: Prosper


  • Prosper

    • 7.95% to 35.99%APR Range
    • 640Minimum Credit Score
    • $2,000 to $40,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Same DayTime to Receive Funds

    Prosper is MoneyGeek’s top pick for borrowers in Utah with good credit who are looking for a low-income loan. Launched in 2005 as the country’s first peer-to-peer lending platform, Prosper has helped more than 1.3 million borrowers across the U.S. secure a personal loan.

    This lender offers fixed-rate loans ranging from $2,000 to $40,000 with repayment terms between 36 and 60 months. You may receive your funds on the same day your application is approved, which is a plus if you’re in a rush to get extra cash. If you have a less-than-stellar credit history, Prosper also allows you to apply with a co-applicant to increase your chances of being approved.

    Some drawbacks with this lender include its fees for loan origination, check payments, insufficient funds and late payments. Furthermore, borrowers who don’t have excellent credit may be subject to a high APR.

    Pros

    • Mobile application available
    • Fast funding
    • Co-applicants allowed
    • No prepayment penalty
    • No restrictions on the usage of funds

    Cons

    • No autopay discounts
    • Fees for loan origination, check payments, insufficient funds and late payments
    • Potentially high APRs depending on creditworthiness
    • APR range: 7.95% to 35.99%
    • Minimum/maximum loan amount: $2,000 to $40,000
    • Minimum credit requirements: 640
    • Repayment terms: 36 to 60 months
    • Time to receive funds: Same day
    Prosper

How to Choose the Best Low-Income Loan in Utah for You

Having a personal loan in Utah is relatively common — with the average personal loan debt in the state at $15,188 — but it may not be the best decision for you. If you’re considering getting a low-income loan in Utah, note that lenders will evaluate your loan eligibility based on your income, credit profile and financial history. You may want to improve these factors first before you apply for a loan.

MoneyGeek recommends taking the following steps to make the best decision about a low-income loan in Utah:

  1. 1
    Ask Yourself the Important Questions

    Prior to researching lenders, it’s important to reflect on your funding needs and financial situation.

    • How much funding do you need? Accurately estimate your loan needs to avoid overborrowing and accruing more interest on your loan.
    • What’s your credit score? Your credit score will impact your loan eligibility and the rates available to you. If you have poor credit, consider improving your credit score first before applying for a loan.
    • Can you afford the monthly payments? Late payments are typically subject to fees. To avoid this added cost, choose a monthly payment amount that fits your budget.
    • Do you have existing debts? Consider repaying your existing debt before applying for more.
    • Is your debt manageable through other means? Explore other funding options, like borrowing from friends and family or taking out a credit card.
  2. 2
    Do Your Research

    Shop around and compare rates from multiple personal loan lenders to find the best one for you. By researching lenders for their APR ranges, repayment terms, loan amounts and eligibility requirements, you can find the one that offers the lowest interest rates and fulfills your funding needs. MoneyGeek’s recommendations can provide helpful insight to guide your search, but only you know your financial history, preferences and funding needs.

  3. 3
    Wait

    After you’ve done your research and have selected a lender, we recommend waiting a day or two before jumping ahead with your loan application. Keep in mind that a low-income loan is a significant financial investment — most take between two and four years to repay. If you aren’t prepared for it, you might miss payments, or worse, default on your loan. This could negatively impact your finances. Taking a step back can help you decide if you’re mentally and financially prepared for this commitment.

  4. 4
    Read the Fine Print

    Avoid being blindsided by any hidden or unexpected charges by thoroughly reading the terms of your loan agreement. This document will contain all the important details on costs like late payment fees, origination fees and prepayment penalties. These costs might seem small at first, but they can add up over time. If you have any questions about the terms of your loan agreement, you should contact your lender for clarification.

  5. 5
    Apply

    Once you’ve chosen a lender and have verified that you meet its minimum requirements, it’s time to submit your application. Generally, lenders will ask you to provide proof of your identification, address and income. Some may also ask for additional documents depending on your financial situation. Nowadays, most applications can be completed entirely online with online-only lenders. Depending on your lender, you may still be able to apply in person or over the phone.

What to Do if You Can’t Get a Low-Income Loan in Utah

Don’t lose hope if your application for a low-income loan is rejected. Lenders regularly reject loan applications due to issues with borrowers’ credit scores, DTI ratios and application details.

If your low-income loan in Utah is rejected, you should contact your lender and ask why it was denied. You should also ask if there are any modifications you can make to your application to boost your odds of being approved. Sometimes, simply changing the loan amount or repayment term on your low-income loan is sufficient for approval.

Although it’s possible to apply for a loan with a different lender, you should make sure that you’ve made significant improvements in your financial standing and credit profile before applying. Every time you submit an application, a lender completes a hard credit check that can negatively impact your credit score. To avoid dips in your credit, submit as few applications as possible.

MoneyGeek strongly advises against payday loans, which feature high interest rates and short repayment terms. These can cost borrowers more money in the long term.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment

After you’re approved for a loan, you’ll begin making monthly payments plus interest. Before you apply for a loan, approximate your monthly payment so that you can budget accordingly. Use MoneyGeek’s personal loan calculator below to estimate your monthly loan payment.

years
months
%


Principal
+ $114.98
Interest
+ $8.33
Origination Fee Percentage
+
%
Origination Fee Fixed amount
+

Total monthly Payment
$123.31

FAQs About Low-Income Loans in Utah

Your financial needs and personal situation will dictate which lender is the best for you. Learn more about low-income loans in Utah by reading MoneyGeek’s responses to the most commonly asked questions about the topic.

What is the best low-income loan lender in Utah?

Which lender in Utah has the lowest interest rates for low-income?

What kind of debts can I not use my low-income loan for in Utah?

How much debt can I consolidate in Utah?

How long does it take to get a low-income loan in Utah?

Can I pay off my loan early in Utah?

Methodology

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METHODOLOGY

MoneyGeek’s study included analysis of over 30 personal loan lenders for more than 35 key data points. These data points were split into six categories: affordability, flexibility, accessibility, transparency, customer service and consumer friendliness.

In our rankings, we emphasized data points that had the most impact on a borrower’s choice of lender, like loan amounts, APR ranges, disbursement times, fees, eligibility criteria and credit score requirements.

Because you, the consumer, are our top priority, we also took into account features that improve the consumer’s overall experience, like lenders’ customer service and business ratings, the availability of mobile applications, prequalification options and payment methods.

MoneyGeek’s recommendations for the best low-income loans in Utah were made after significant deliberation and thought. We strive to provide you with the up-to-date information, expert tips and knowledge to make smart financial decisions.

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.