MoneyGeek examined and analyzed various lenders offering personal loans in Vancouver based on the following factors: APR ranges, minimum credit scores, income requirements, loan amounts, disbursement periods, repayment terms and other lender-specific factors.
Best Personal Loans in Vancouver, WA: Top Lenders & Best Picks for You
Updated: December 28, 2023
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WHAT WE’RE GEEKING OUT ON
- The Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Vancouver
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Vancouver
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Vancouver
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Vancouver
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvements in Vancouver
- How to Choose the Right Personal Loan Lender for You
- Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Vancouver
MoneyGeek's Picks for Best Personal Loan Lenders in Vancouver, WA
Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Vancouver: 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
LightStream was formed in 2019 due to a merger of SunTrust and BB&T. It is the online lending platform of Truist and MoneyGeek’s top pick as the best overall personal loan lender in Vancouver, Washington. LightStream personal loans may be used for debt consolidation, birthdays, funerals and home renovations.
This lender offers loans starting from $5,000 up to a maximum of $100,000, which can be repaid within 24 to 84 months. Borrowers need a minimum credit score of 660 to apply with LightStream. Funds are disbursed within the same day or the next banking business day once approved.
LightStream lets its borrowers save on fees because it doesn’t charge late, origination or prepayment penalty fees. Borrowers who want to pay ahead of their due date may do so without incurring additional costs.
On the other hand, this lender has a somewhat high maximum APR. LightStream also imposes limitations on fund usage. Borrowers cannot use the funds for business expenses, gambling, secondary education and more.
Pros
- Has autopay discount
- Offers a mobile app
- Repayment term of up to 84 months
- Maximum loan amount of $100,000
Cons
- Requires good credit
- No co-signers
- Limits on fund usage
- Does hard credit inquiry
- High minimum loan amount
Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Vancouver: 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 was founded in 2012 and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to review a borrower’s eligibility for a personal loan. It offers personal loans to Vancouver, Washington, residents with bad or incomplete credit.
Upstart allows its borrowers to use the funds for home improvement projects, debt consolidation, medical expenses and more. It also has a car refinancing service, which may be enticing for some. While this lender isn’t stringent with credit score requirements, it scrutinizes a borrower’s employment status and income.
Borrowers can typically receive their funds the next day after approval. But it’s notable that this lender charges late and origination fees and has a potentially high APR. That said, well-qualified borrowers can get a low interest rate.
Vancouver residents with low incomes can check other lenders that may suit them better.
Pros
- Accepts borrowers with bad or incomplete credit
- Low minimum APR
- Minimum loan amount of $1,000
- No prepayment penalty fee
Cons
- Charges origination and late fees
- High maximum APR
- Loan maximum of $50,000
- No co-signers
Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Vancouver: 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
Social Finance, or SoFi, was founded in 2011 as a student loan refinancing company. In 2015, it began offering personal loans. Vancouver residents might want to explore SoFi since it offers mortgages, credit cards, car refinancing and more.
Borrowers with good credit fare best with SoFi. It requires a minimum credit score of 680 to apply. This lender does soft credit checks and offers an autopay discount, which is convenient for those who prefer online payments.
However, SoFi requires a high minimum loan amount of $5,000. SoFi borrowers have access to a wide variety of repayment term periods, ranging from 12 to 60 months. This lender doesn’t charge origination or prepayment penalties. Through its unemployment protection program, it also protects its customers if they lose their jobs involuntarily.
Finally, while SoFi’s minimum APR is high, its maximum rate is very reasonable.
Pros
- Autopay discount
- No origination and prepayment fees
- Offers unemployment protection
- Low maximum APR
Cons
- High minimum loan amount
- High minimum APR
- No co-signers
- Debt-to-income limit of 43%
Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Vancouver: 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 was founded in 2017 and is currently headquartered in San Francisco, California. This lender made over $19 billion of credit accessible to its clients in the past five years. Aside from personal loans, Upgrade also offers credit cards, savings accounts and rewards checking.
MoneyGeek determined that Upgrade is the best lender for debt consolidation in Vancouver, Washington, in large part because it pays third-party creditors directly. Upgrade conducts soft credit checks during rate inquiries, which won’t affect credit scores.
Upgrade requires a minimum personal loan amount of $1,000 and a maximum of $50,000. It can be repaid within 36 to 60 months, which is a wider range of repayment term options than most competitors. Plus, it releases funds within one business day.
However, this lender charges origination and late fees, and personal loans come with a potentially high APR. Borrowers with excellent credit scores may find more competitive rates from other lenders.
Pros
- Low minimum APR
- Autopay discount
- Broad range of repayment term options
- No prepayment penalty fees
- Minimum loan amount of $1,000
Cons
- Charges late and origination fees
- No co-signers
- High maximum APR
- $50,000 maximum loan
- Fund usage restrictions
Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Vancouver: 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
Vancouver residents who want to make home improvements fare best with Best Egg. Best Egg personal loans range from $2,000 to $50,000. It requires a minimum credit score of 700 and an annual income of at least $50,000. This lender conducts soft credit checks, which don’t affect credit scores.
However, a hard credit check may affect credit scores once the loan offer is accepted. Best Egg doesn’t accept borrowers with new or zero credit. Those with poor credit scores may find other suitable lenders.
Best Egg only lends up to $50,000 for personal loans, so if your home needs extensive improvements, Best Egg may not be able to fund them.
Pros
- No prepayment fee
- Has soft credit inquiries
- Autopay discount
- Online and phone applications
Cons
- High minimum loan amount
- High APR range
- Charges late and origination fees
- Minimum credit score requirement of 700
- Limited repayment term options
Where to Start: How to Choose the Best Personal Loan Lender in Vancouver for You
One of the crucial things when taking a loan is the ability to repay it. In Vancouver, borrowers must check their credit scores, outstanding debts and income. Each lender has its own method for determining personal loan eligibility — some lenders may be lenient on credit scores but strict with income or vice versa.
The average credit score in the state is 734, and the average personal loan debt is $14,822, so you are certainly not alone in seeking a personal loan in Vancouver, Washington. MoneyGeek strives to help you make a good decision by following these steps.
1
Ask Yourself the Important Questions
Personal loans in Vancouver are a serious commitment. MoneyGeek advises you to contemplate and determine if you're financially ready to take out a loan by answering these questions.
- 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
When you determine your needs and preferences, it’s time to search for potential lenders on the web or ask your friends and relatives for recommendations. Compare each lender’s pros and cons, unique features and special benefits (if applicable). Instead of simply applying to the first lender you see, shop around and find the best one for your needs.
3
Wait
After knowing your preferences and checking them against what the lender offers, it’s time to step away. Use this time to ask yourself if taking a loan is your best move. Remember, a personal loan is a significant commitment that you’ll repay for several years. Make sure this is the right move for you.
4
Read the Fine Print
Loan applications have details that may contain crucial information. Usually, it’s about the fees, documentation and other procedures you may encounter once you proceed with the application. MoneyGeek suggests you take your time reading the fine print, as identifying hidden fees can help you save resources in the long run.
5
Apply
Once you fully understand all the fine print, it’s time to fill out the application form. Use legitimate details to avoid any legal impediments. This is also the time that you prepare your proof of identification, pay slips, credit history and other lender-specific documents. Many lenders allow online applications, but some will require you to apply on paper.
What to Do if You Can’t Get a Personal Loan in Vancouver
It is inevitable that some loan applications get denied for various reasons. When this happens, it’s best to ask your lender what happened. Perhaps your application was incomplete, or maybe you didn’t meet some of the lender’s minimum requirements.
Applying to another lender may be a good idea, but first, ensure you know why you were rejected by the previous lender. If you need to improve your credit score, that will take time, and applying to another lender may end up in another rejection.
There are payday loans that are quick and easy to apply for, but they may negatively impact your finances. MoneyGeek strongly advises against payday loans because they come with very high interest rates and short repayment periods. Ultimately, you will likely end up paying more than you owe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Vancouver
Searching for the best personal loans in Vancouver depends on several factors, like your lifestyle, preferences and needs. Here, MoneyGeek answers the most commonly asked questions regarding personal loans in Vancouver, Washington, to help you make a wise financial decision.
What is the best personal loan lender in Vancouver?
LightStream is the best personal loan lender in Vancouver. However, depending on your needs and profile, a different lender may suit you better. For instance, MoneyGeek discovered that SoFi is best for those with good credit scores, while Upstart is a strong option for those with poor credit. Upgrade is a good company for debt consolidation, and Best Egg excels for home improvement loans.
Which lender in Vancouver has the lowest interest rate?
Upstart offers the lowest interest rate.
Can I use a personal loan for vacations in Vancouver?
Lenders typically allow fund usage for leisure trips or vacations. However, check with your lender to make sure they don’t restrict the use of their loaned funds.
Can I use a personal loan for home improvement in Vancouver?
Yes, personal loans in Vancouver may usually be used for home improvement. Best Egg is the best lender for this purpose.
What can I not use my personal loan for in Vancouver?
Lenders generally prevent using the funds for business expenses, investments, mortgages, gambling and illegal activities. However, each lender’s restrictions vary.
How much can I borrow in Vancouver?
Personal loans in Vancouver range from $1,000 to $100,000, although some lenders have higher or lower limits.
How long does it take to get a personal loan in Vancouver?
Lenders have different timeframes for approving loans. Generally, it takes one business day, but it may take up to seven business days with some lenders.
Can I pay off my loan early in Vancouver?
Yes, but some lenders charge a prepayment fee.
Our Personal Loan Methodology
MoneyGeek studied more than 30 personal loan lenders using 35+ individual data points in six critical categories — accessibility, consumer friendliness, customer service, flexibility, lender transparency and loan affordability.
There are many individual points considered in every ranking criteria category. We paid close attention to APR ranges, available loan amounts, minimum credit scores, application fees, disbursement periods and minimum income amounts.
MoneyGeek prioritizes you, the consumer. That’s why we included other vital factors in this review, such as customer support, business ratings, unique features and benefits. This review also included details about aspects that can make getting a loan easier, like accessibility, prequalification, payment options and mobile apps.
In choosing our top picks, we kept your best interests in mind. These personal loan recommendations and expert tips help you make the best decision when choosing the most suitable lender that meets your needs.
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.