Best Personal Loans in Chesapeake, VA: Top Lenders & Best Picks for You

Updated: December 28, 2023

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MoneyGeek's Picks for Best Personal Loan Lenders in Chesapeake, VA

MoneyGeek's rankings and top picks are based on more than 30 data points to identify the best personal loans in Chesapeake for different borrowers.

Since the most suitable lender depends on individual needs and profiles, we considered several factors to find the most suitable lenders for those with bad credit, good credit, looking to consolidate debt or searching for home improvement loans. We also identified the best overall personal loan lender in Chesapeake.

Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Chesapeake: 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

    MoneyGeek's top pick for a personal loan in Chesapeake is Truist. The company simplifies the lending process with a seamless online application, quick funding and a mobile app for tracking loans.

    Chesapeake borrowers can take out loans ranging from $3,500 to $50,000 with repayment terms of up to 60 months. For those who need a quick loan, Truist provides quick funding. It also offers competitive fixed rate APRs.

    Furthermore, there's no minimum credit score requirement. However, only those with excellent credit will likely get the lowest APRs.

    A Truist personal loan offers payment relief if any financial hardship arises. Your loan is available for many uses, except refinancing existing loans, paying college costs, investing in a business or buying stocks and bonds.

    Pros

    • No origination fees
    • No minimum credit score
    • No collateral needed
    • Payment relief program

    Cons

    • No credit history or new borrowers aren't eligible
    • Hard credit inquiry
    • Direct payment not available for debt consolidation
    • Restricted usage of funds
    Truist

Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Chesapeake: 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

    Lenders require a credit score as part of their eligibility requirements. As a result, those with bad credit have a reduced chance of approval. Fortunately, some lenders don't require a minimum credit score. For borrowers with bad credit in Chesapeake, MoneyGeek recommends Upstart.

    In 2012, Upstart launched its artificial intelligent online lending platform. Several factors contribute to its ranking as the top bad credit lender.

    For one, it only requires a minimum credit score of 300 from at least one consumer report and runs a soft credit check upon inquiry.

    The company also processes loans quickly, usually within a few days.

    With low credit, you may still be eligible for a personal loan. But you'll likely be charged a higher interest rate. Other lenders may be a better option if you're not willing to pay a high interest rate.

    Pros

    • Low minimum credit score requirement
    • No prepayment penalty
    • Conducts a soft credit check
    • Low income requirements
    • Funds disbursed quickly
    • Can pay student loans

    Cons

    • Up to 10% origination fee
    • 5% fee or $15 for late payments
    • High APR for low credit
    • Maximum loan amount of $50,000
    Upstart

Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Chesapeake: 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 offers a wide range of loan products, including personal loans. Among Chesapeake personal loan providers, MoneyGeek rated it the best for people with good credit.

    Several factors contribute to this, such as the high $100,000 borrowing limit. But you can save significantly over the loan's duration via the 0.25% discount for automatic repayment.

    The loans you can get from SoFi are unsecured, so they don't require collateral.

    Its repayment periods may range from 12 to 60 months. It doesn't charge origination, prepayment or late fees.

    SoFi offers borrowers the unique benefit of unemployment protection, letting them defer payments while searching for employment.

    Pros

    • No origination, prepayment or late payment fees
    • 0.25% autopay discount
    • Soft credit inquiry
    • Offers unemployment protection

    Cons

    • Secured loans not available
    • High minimum loan amount
    SoFi

Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Chesapeake: 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

    MoneyGeek recommends considering Upgrade's loan offerings for debt consolidation in Chesapeake. Since its establishment in 2017, the company has operated in all 50 states.

    People with fair credit scores can apply for loans. Upgrade pays your creditors directly if you request a loan to consolidate your debt. Furthermore, funds can arrive immediately after approval, making it an excellent option for quick debt payments.

    Upgrade's borrowing limit is $50,000, so if you need a larger amount, you may need to look for another lender.

    Pros

    • Direct payment to creditors
    • Soft credit check
    • No prepayment fees
    • Fair credit scores are accepted

    Cons

    • Maximum loan amount of $50,000
    • Origination fee of 1.85% to 8%
    • Potentially high APR
    Upgrade

Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Chesapeake: 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 recommends Best Egg if you need a personal loan in Chesapeake to fund home upgrades. The company was founded in 2014 and operates online. A home renovation loan from this company is suitable for people seeking a loan for home improvement projects since it doesn't require an appraisal. It also has a fast processing time, usually within one day.

    To qualify for the lowest possible APR, you need to have a minimum credit score of 700 and a minimum income of $50,000. So, those with a bad credit score and low income should look elsewhere.

    Pros

    • No penalty for prepayment
    • Soft credit check
    • No appraisal for home improvement loan
    • Quick funding

    Cons

    • No autopay discount
    • Origination fee of up to 8.99%
    • $15 fee for late payments
    Best Egg

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

In Virginia, the average debt from personal loans is $17,503. Personal loans are convenient and easier ways to cover big expenses like vacations, home improvements and unexpected medical expenses.

However, you should assess your financial status and needs before applying. A personal loan lender typically considers your credit score, monthly income and debt-to-income ratio when determining eligibility.

Taking these steps when searching for Chesapeake personal loans can help you find the best deal.

1
Ask Yourself the Important Questions

Getting a personal loan is sometimes necessary. But, before you take out a loan, you need to evaluate your needs, ability to repay and purpose.

The following questions could help you decide whether a personal loan would be a good choice:

  • 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

Since getting a personal loan requires long-term commitment, it's imperative to find the best deal according to your needs and financial capability. One of the best ways to do this is by comparing quotes from several lenders before submitting a loan application.

With MoneyGeek's comprehensive guide, you can discover all the necessary information you need to know about personal loans in Chesapeake.

Be aware that we're making generalizations based on data for average borrowers. You may have very different needs and circumstances. As this guide doesn't cover all loan offers and providers, you should also consider other financing options.

3
Wait

It's still a good idea to wait for a few days before you make a final decision, even if you have all the information you need and have found a lender that fits your needs. Due to the financial commitment involved in getting a personal loan, it's essential to contemplate whether you need it. Let this time serve as a time to reflect and examine your decision critically.

4
Read the Fine Print

Reviewing your loan agreement can help avoid many pitfalls when borrowing. Most lenders charge fees, so be aware of them from the outset. Among them are prepayment penalties, early payout fees and origination costs.

Before applying, make sure to clarify the terms of the loan with the lender. Over time, giving attention to small details can save you large sums of money.

5
Apply

As soon as you believe your decision is correct, begin preparing the necessary documents to apply. For example, you need identification, income verification documents and proof of address.

In most cases, you can apply for a loan online. However, if you want to ask your lender a direct question or concern, most have a phone number, if not an office.

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

Many issues can lead to personal loan application denial. But don't lose heart. Credit can be denied for several reasons, including having inadequate income, a low credit score, owing a large amount of debt or lacking documentation.

After a denial, call or email your lender to find out exactly why they denied your loan request. Ask about how you might improve your chances of approval. The details of your loan application might need to be changed, such as requesting a smaller loan, to strengthen your case.

Using collateral or a cosigner might also help you secure a loan if you're having trouble getting approved.

You might need to seek a loan from another lender. However, this could result in an additional hard credit check and, potentially, another ding on your credit score.

To reduce the risk of another rejection, we recommend you resolve the issues that led to the rejection of your application before applying to another lender.

Additionally, we recommend avoiding payday loans unless you have exhausted all other options. This type of loan has disadvantageous conditions due to its short repayment period and exceedingly high-interest rates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Chesapeake

Various factors, such as your personal needs, individual credit and income, determine which lender is best for you. To assist you in making an informed decision, we answered some of the most frequently asked questions about personal loans below.

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

Our Personal Loan Methodology

METHODOLOGY

Using 35+ individual data points, we analyzed more than 30 personal loan lenders across six key categories, including accessibility, loan affordability, customer service, consumer friendliness, flexibility and transparency.

To determine which personal loan lender is the best, we considered a number of individual factors within each ranking criteria category. Among these factors are APR ranges, minimum credit scores, income requirements, available loan amounts, application fees and loan disbursement periods.

MoneyGeek values its customers, so we consider features like payment options, prequalifying and mobile apps as well as each lender's customer support and business rating.

With your best interests in mind, our picks are carefully considered and calculated. If you're looking for a personal loan, our recommendations and expert tips can help you make the best decision.

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.