Best Personal Loans in Oklahoma for 2024
Updated: April 24, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
MoneyGeek rated the best lenders in Oklahoma by considering reputation, APR, required credit scores and flexibility in loan terms. Based on our analysis, the two top personal loan lenders in Oklahoma are First Tech (scoring 98 out of 100) and PenFed (scoring 96). These lenders stand out for their exceptional customer service, competitive rates and transparent processes.
The average credit score in Oklahoma is 696, according to Experian data from 2023. This suggests the average borrower could secure a loan with decent terms, as scores above 660 are generally seen as good. Your credit score, income history and debt-to-income ratio also matter when applying for a personal loan.
- First Tech
- 98MoneyGeek Score
- 8.94% to 18.00%APR Range
- UndisclosedMinimum Credit Score
- $500 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
- 6 to 84 monthsRepayment Terms
MoneyGeek's pick for the top personal loan lender in Oklahoma is First Tech, with a MoneyGeek score of 98 out of 100. The lender offers competitive APRs ranging from 8.94% to 18.00%, which are lower on average than other lenders' APR offerings. Its flexible repayment terms of up to 84 months allow for manageable payment plans. First Tech excels in customer service, providing comprehensive support and educational materials. Its competitive rates and fees showcase a commitment to affordability for borrowers.
Pros
- Insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
- No early repayment penalty
- Provides granular APR data for a variety of loan terms
Cons
- Need to be a member to apply
- Could provide more detail on the loan application process
- Little published information about credit score requirements
Overall Best Personal Loan Lender in Oklahoma
- PenFed
- 96MoneyGeek Score
- 7.99% to 17.99%APR Range
- UndisclosedMinimum Credit Score
- Up to $50,000Loan Amount Range
- Up to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
PenFed is MoneyGeek's runner-up for best lender for personal loans in Oklahoma, scoring of 96 out of 100. It offers competitive APRs from 7.99% to 17.99%. Its loan repayment terms extend to 60 months, showing more flexibility than other lenders. PenFed stands out in terms of repayment flexibility and consumer transparency, suggesting a balance of user-friendly practices and clear policies.
Pros
- Offers some of the lowest APRs available
- No early repayment penalty
- Insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
Cons
- No information provided about credit score requirements
- $50 minimum monthly loan payment
Runner-Up for Best Personal Loan Lender in Oklahoma
The amount of monthly debt payments you have relative to your monthly gross income is called your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI.
Most lenders prefer to see a debt-to-income ratio of 35% to 40% or below for secured loans and 40% to 45% or below for unsecured personal loans. Debt includes items like mortgages, car loans, credit cards and existing personal loans. A debt-to-income ratio above 50% is considered high, so approval may be more difficult, or your loan may come with higher interest rates.
— Alvin Yam, CFP®
Calculate Your Monthly Loan Payment
Explore your loan options with our personal loan calculator, a simple tool to calculate monthly payments and total loan costs based on amount, interest rate and term length, helping you make informed decisions before committing.
- Happy Money
- 94MoneyGeek Score
- 11.72% to 17.99%APR Range
- 640Minimum Credit Score
- $5,000 to $40,000Loan Amount Range
- 24 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
Happy Money, with a score of 94 out of 100, is MoneyGeek's pick for the best personal loan lender for those with low credit in Oklahoma. Although not a traditional lender, Happy Money partners with various federally insured institutions, ensuring competitive rates and transparency about credit requirements. It offers a commendable APR range from 11.72% to 17.99%, which is quite favorable compared to other lenders' rates. The minimum credit score to qualify is 640, making it accessible for those with lower credit scores. The company is particularly strong in customer service and education, as well as reputation and transparency, which are critical for borrowers needing guidance and clear information.
Pros
- Works with 10 federally insured lenders to originate all loans
- Transparent eligibility requirements, including credit score minimum
- No application fee
Cons
- Longer time to wait for loan approval compared to other lenders analyzed
- The lenders they work with charge an origination fee
Best Personal Loan Lender in Oklahoma for Bad Credit
- Alliant Credit Union
- 96MoneyGeek Score
- 10.99% to 13.99%APR Range
- UndisclosedMinimum Credit Score
- $1,000 to $100,000Loan Amount Range
- 12 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
Alliant Credit Union is MoneyGeek's pick for the best option in Oklahoma for debt consolidation personal loans, scoring 96 out of 100. It features lower APRs ranging from 10.99% to 13.99%. Alliant is an online-only bank that requires borrowers to be bank members for 90 days to qualify for a loan. The provider stands out for its competitive rates and fees and transparent and informative approach to consumers.
Pros
- Among the highest loan limits available in our analysis
- Insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
- No prepayment penalties
Cons
- An online-only credit union, no physical branches
- Must be a member for 90 days prior to applying
Best Personal Loan Lender in Oklahoma for Debt Consolidation
Interest on personal loans is generally not tax deductible, as personal loans are considered consumer debt. But there are some exceptions where the interest may qualify:
- When consolidating high-interest qualifying debts like credit cards or student loans, if used to pay off those debts.
- If used for home improvements that increase the home's value.
- If the loan proceeds can be demonstrated as used exclusively for business expenses or starting a business.
- In some cases, if the loan is used for investment purposes related to income-generating assets.
— Alvin Yam, CFP®
Impact of Credit Score on Loan Repayment in Oklahoma
When seeking a personal loan in Oklahoma, it's crucial to consider your creditworthiness, which includes your credit score, income and debt-to-income ratio. A higher credit score often leads to more favorable loan terms, including lower APRs; therefore, taking steps to improve your credit score before applying could be beneficial.
The table below illustrates how your credit score affects your monthly loan payments.
This table approximates monthly payments, calculated using median personal loan interest rates typical for various credit score ranges. These numbers are median estimates provided for general guidance. They should not be taken as precise rates for everyone in each credit score category. Actual interest rates can differ due to lender-specific policies, prevailing market conditions and unique borrower profiles.
Pros and Cons of Personal Loans in Oklahoma
Personal loans offer lower interest rates compared to credit cards and the convenience of consolidating various debts into a single, manageable payment. With flexible uses and the possibility of improving your credit score through timely repayment, personal loans present an attractive financial tool for a variety of needs. However, it's important to consider that personal loans also come with potential pitfalls, such as origination fees and the risk of asset loss in secured loans.
For a balanced perspective, review the pros and cons of personal loans to understand the full breadth of considerations.
FAQ About Personal Loans in Oklahoma
If you have questions about personal loans, MoneyGeek has answers to help you make an informed decision before applying.
According to MoneyGeek's analysis, First Tech is the best lender in Oklahoma for personal loans, with a MoneyGeek score of 98. Its average APR is 13.5%.
In Oklahoma, personal loans are offered by online lenders, banks and credit unions. For local in-person services, Oklahoma Central Credit Union, Oklahoma's Credit Union and Tinker Federal Credit Union provide personal loans for residents.
PenFed offers the lowest starting APR of 7.99% for personal loans in Oklahoma, according to MoneyGeek's analysis. Getting a low rate usually requires an excellent credit score.
Restrictions on the use of personal loans may vary by lender, but they can typically be used for a wide range of purposes, such as medical expenses, home or auto repairs and emergency circumstances. They are generally not allowed for college tuition or illegal activity.
When considering personal loan red flags, watch out for extremely high APRs, unusual repayment penalties, a lack of transparency about the lending institution and negative consumer reviews.
Yes, lenders consider income level when you apply for a personal loan. However, they also look at other factors like debt-to-income ratio, credit score, employment history and credit history. Be cautious of opening new lines of credit during the application process, as this could affect your chances of approval.
sources
- Experian. "What Are the Different Credit Scoring Ranges?." Accessed April 9, 2024.
- Experian. "What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?." Accessed April 9, 2024.
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.