Best Personal Loans in Baltimore, MD

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Updated: September 20, 2024

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Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore stands out as the best personal loan lender in Baltimore, Maryland, with a MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100 due to its competitive interest rates, quality service, and quick application and approval process. Laurel Road earns the title of the best lender for online personal loans with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 because it provides competitive interest rates, credible and transparent loan terms, and broad repayment terms.

MoneyGeek prioritized local lenders and scored them based on factors like interest rates, loan terms, loan application process and speed of loan funding to gather our best city recommendations. If you're looking for national lenders, we compiled our top picks in the best personal loans in Maryland.

MoneyGeek analyzed hundreds of lenders based on a rubric that includes APR ranges, loan amounts and repayment terms, among other key areas. We use a point-based system, assigning scores according to the presence or absence of certain desirable features in various critical categories.

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Our overall analysis was completed in August 2024. Here we considered banks and credit unions with brick and mortar locations in Baltimore, Maryland. We also looked at online-only lenders licensed to do business in the state.

325Lenders Analyzed Nationally

Overall Best Personal Loan in Baltimore, MD

Company logo for Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore
Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore

MoneyGeek Score99
APR RangeFrom 10.24%
Loan Amount RangeUp to $50,000
Repayment TermsUp to 60 months
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore is the best personal loan lender in Baltimore, Maryland, earning a MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100. It offers competitive terms such as being federally insured by the NCUA and holding a BBB rating of A+. Borrowers don’t face prepayment penalties, adding flexibility to paying off their loans early and there are no origination fees, minimizing upfront costs. However, borrowers need to become members to apply, which may be a hurdle for some. Additionally, the borrowing limit is capped at $50,000, which could be restrictive for those needing a higher loan amount.

Best Online Personal Loan in Baltimore, MD

Company logo for Laurel Road
Laurel Road

MoneyGeek Score93
APR Range9.49% to 24.50%
Loan Amount Range$5,000 to $45,000
Repayment Terms36 to 60 months
Time to Receive FundsWithin 7 Days
Overview

Laurel Road is the best online lender for personal loans in Baltimore, Maryland, with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. It offers personal loans ranging from $5,000 to $45,000 with repayment terms of 36 to 60 months, and you can expect to receive funds within seven days of approval. When considering Laurel Road, you should be aware that it offers a 0.25% discount on your rate with autopay and you won't incur origination fees. However, its minimum loan amount of $5,000 might not accommodate those needing smaller loans, and a late fee of 5% or $28 applies if you miss a payment, which are factors to keep in mind when applying.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment in Baltimore, MD

According to the United States Census Bureau, the median annual household income in Baltimore, Maryland in 2022 was $55,198. Regardless of whether your actual income is above or below this median value, what matters most is your ability to afford the monthly loan payments. Use our personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly loan payments and the total cost of the loan by entering the loan amount, rate and terms.

For example, if you take a $10,000 personal loan with a 10% interest rate and a three-year repayment term, your monthly payment will be $323. This results in $3,876 per year, which is about 7% of the median annual household income.

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Updated: Sep 20, 2024

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Runner-Up for Best Personal Loan in Baltimore, MD

Company logo for Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union

MoneyGeek Score99
APR Range7.90 % to 14.90%
Loan Amount RangeUp to $25,000
Repayment TermsUp to 84 months
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union is the runner-up for the best personal loans in Baltimore, Maryland, with a MoneyGeek Score of 99 out of 100. It offers several appealing features such as an APR as low as 7.90%, which can make loans more affordable over time. Another positive aspect is that it allows co-borrowers and co-signers, offering added flexibility for borrowers who might need additional support. However, potential borrowers should be aware that Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union does not offer an option to pre-qualify, which can make it harder to gauge approval chances without a hard credit check. Additionally, the borrowing limit is capped at $25,000, which may not meet the needs of those requiring larger loans.

Other Options for Personal Loans in Baltimore, MD

Company logo for Central Credit Union of Maryland
Central Credit Union of Maryland

MoneyGeek Score93
APR RangeFrom 12.90%
Loan Amount RangeUp to $20,000
Repayment TermsUp to 72 months
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Central Credit Union of Maryland is a reliable option for personal loans in Baltimore, Maryland, with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. As a lender, it is federally insured by the NCUA, providing an added layer of security for borrowers. It also boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting a strong reputation. However, borrowers need to be aware that membership is required to apply for a loan. Additionally, the maximum loan amount is $20,000, which may not meet the needs of those seeking higher loan amounts.

Company logo for Members First of Maryland Federal Credit Union
Members First of Maryland Federal Credit Union

MoneyGeek Score90
APR RangeFrom 11.74%
Loan Amount RangeUndisclosed
Repayment TermsUndisclosed
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Members First of Maryland Federal Credit Union is another good choice for personal loans in Baltimore, Maryland, receiving a MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100. As a federally insured institution by the NCUA, it ensures your deposits are protected. Additionally, it has no prepayment penalties, allowing you to repay your loan faster without extra charges. However, membership is needed to apply, which could be a hurdle for some. Moreover, it does not offer the option to prequalify, making it hard to get an initial assessment without a full application.

National Lenders With Physical Locations in Baltimore, MD

Borrowers in Baltimore, Maryland seeking the best personal loans with a preference for face-to-face service from a national lender have a variety of choices. These lenders include Wells Fargo, PNC, OneMain Financial and Truist. With these options, borrowers can compare offerings and select a loan that aligns with their financial needs and personal preference for in-person consultations or assistance.

OneMain FinancialAPR Range18.00% to 35.99%Loan Amount Range$1,500 to $20,000Repayment Terms24 to 60 months
PNCAPR RangeUndisclosedLoan Amount Range$1,000 to $35,000Repayment Terms6 to 60 months
TruistAPR Range8.74% to 17.39%Loan Amount RangeStarting from $3,500Repayment Terms24 to 60 months
Wells FargoAPR Range7.49% to 23.24%Loan Amount Range$3,000 to $100,000Repayment Terms12 to 84 months

What to Do if You Can't Get a Personal Loan in Baltimore, MD

Your loan application in Baltimore, Maryland can get denied due to various reasons, like a low credit score, negative financial history, or an unfavorable debt-to-income ratio. If this happens, there are steps you can take to navigate this setback.

1
Find out the reason for the denial

Some lenders may deny your loan application due to a poor credit score, high debt-to-income ratio, low income level or errors in your application. Reviewing the reasons helps you improve your weak areas and prevent another loan application denial in the future.

2
Modify your loan terms

You can try asking your lender if you can adjust the loan amount or repayment terms to get approved.

3
Look for another lender

Different lenders have varying eligibility criteria for personal loan approval. It's important to shop around and consider factors such as minimum credit score requirements, interest rates, loan terms, additional fees, and customer service to find the best lender for your particular needs and circumstances.

4
Explore credit counseling services

Lenders often look at your debt-to-income ratio when evaluating your loan application. You may consider a credit counseling agency to better manage your credit card debt and develop your budget. You can get credit counseling services from Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation's list of local counseling and services. Department of Justice's list of approved credit counseling agencies can be another option.

FAQ About Personal Loans in Baltimore, MD

We addressed common questions regarding top personal loans in Baltimore, Maryland, offering insights to aid in your informed decision-making.

Who is the best overall personal loan lender in Baltimore, Maryland?

Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore stands out as the best overall personal loan lender in Baltimore, Maryland, with an APR range from 10.24%, loan amounts up to $50,000 and repayment terms up to 60 months.

What are personal loans used for in Baltimore, Maryland?

Generally, you can use personal loans for anything you need, such as home improvements, emergency circumstances, or a vacation. However, some lenders may impose restrictions, and typically, personal loans cannot be used for college tuition or illegal activity.

What are the interest rates on personal loans in Baltimore, Maryland?

Based on the lenders included in our database, personal loans in Baltimore, Maryland have APR ranging from 7.90% to 13.90%. Remember to always compare personal loan rates to secure the most favorable terms for you.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of personal loans?

Personal loans offer lower interest rates than credit cards, allow for debt consolidation, and provide quick access to funds. On the other hand, risks include potentially high origination fees and a possibility of asset loss in secured loans.

What are some personal loan red flags to look out for?

When considering personal loans, it's important to acknowledge the risks involved. Be wary of lenders with extremely high APRs, a lack of transparency on loan origination, and an excessive number of poor consumer reviews.

How to apply for a personal loan online?

Many lenders now offer online personal loan applications that are straightforward and can be completed quickly on their websites.

Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Baltimore, Maryland?

Getting a personal loan with bad credit is possible but challenging. Check out our recommendations for the best loans for bad credit and best loans for bad credit in Maryland to explore your options.

What are the best low-interest personal loans in Baltimore, Maryland?

We've compiled some of the best low-interest personal loans available to help you explore your options.

What is an installment loan? Is there a difference between personal loans and installment loans in Baltimore, Maryland?

Personal loans are a type of installment loan, which simply refers to loans that are repaid in regular installments over time.

Is there a difference between credit union loans and bank loans in Baltimore, Maryland?

Personal loans from credit unions and banks can differ in terms of interest rates and application requirements. Credit unions may offer lower rates and more personalized service, but you often need a bank account or checking account with the institution to apply for a loan.

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.


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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.