What is the best personal loan lender in Wisconsin?

LightStream is MoneyGeek’s top pick among personal loan providers in Wisconsin. However, the best lender for you can vary based on your personal circumstance and financial situation.

Which lender in Wisconsin has the lowest interest rate?

Upstart offers the lowest interest rate for personal loans in Wisconsin at 3.22%. Still, your interest rate is determined by factors such as your credit score, income and loan details.

Can I use a personal loan for vacations in Wisconsin?

You’re usually allowed to use your loan proceeds for personal purposes such as vacations. However, some companies have limitations on how you can use your loan.

Can I use a personal loan for home improvement in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can use your personal loan to finance your home improvement efforts. Best Egg is the best personal loan lender in Wisconsin for such purposes.

What can I not use my personal loan for in Wisconsin?

Typically, you can’t use your personal loan proceeds for investments and post-secondary education purposes. It’s best to check with your loan provider for additional limitations.

How much can I borrow in Wisconsin?

Personal loan providers in Wisconsin offer loans from $1,000 to $100,000. That said, your maximum loanable amount is determined by your chosen lender and your profile.

How long does it take to get a personal loan in Wisconsin?

Depending on your loan provider, once you’ve been approved, you can expect funds to be released within the day or up to a week. The approval process itself varies per lender.

Can I pay off my loan early in Wisconsin?

You can pay off your personal loan in Wisconsin ahead of schedule. However, check with your provider if they charge prepayment penalties.

Top Lenders & Best Picks for You

Best Personal Loans in Wisconsin

According to our research, LightStream offers the best personal loan in Wisconsin. Its high maximum loan amount, low interest rates and long-term payback options make it the best choice for your personal loan needs.

Upstart and SoFi were also ranked as the best for consumers with bad and good credit, respectively. Upgrade is the perfect choice for debt consolidation, while Best Egg is ideal for home improvement.

WHAT WE’RE GEEKING OUT ON

The Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Wisconsin
The Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Wisconsin
The Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Wisconsin
The Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Wisconsin
The Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvements in Wisconsin
How to Choose the Right Personal Loan for You
What to Do if You Can’t Get a Debt Consolidation Loan in Wisconsin
Calculate Your Monthly Payment
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Wisconsin

MoneyGeek’s Best Personal Loan Lender in Wisconsin: LightStream

MoneyGeek picked the best personal loan providers in Wisconsin to help you find lenders that fit your needs. We covered several loan companies in the state and used over 30 data points to make our determination.

We studied each lender’s personal loan package, analyzing their loan amount, repayment terms and interest rates. We also evaluated factors that affect an applicant’s chances of being approved, including requirements for credit score, gross income, employment, and debt-to-income limits, among others.

Our researchers also assessed the quality of a provider’s customer service. We studied their application process and mobile apps.

Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Wisconsin: 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 is MoneyGeek’s pick as the overall best personal loan lender in Wisconsin. We chose them due to their low interest rates, high maximum loan amount and long-term repayment option. They don’t have fees for origination, prepayment, and late payments, making LightStream more attractive to borrowers.
The lending company conducts hard inquiries to check your credit score, which can cause it to go down briefly. It issues funds the same day your application is accepted, so you’ll have immediate access to your money. While the lender requires a somewhat high credit score, it also allows joint loans. This may improve your chances of approval if you don’t quite meet the requirements.
Founded in 2012 as the online lending division of SunTrust bank, which was later merged with BB&T to form Truist, LightStream offers low-interest, fixed-rate loans for various purposes.
Pros
No origination fee
No prepayment penalty
No late fee
Offers loans up to $100,000
Autopay discount of 0.50%

Cons
Conducts hard credit inquiry
Not available to people with new or no credit
Co-signers not allowed
Restrictions on usage of funds
APR Range: 4.49%–20.49%
Minimum/maximum loan amount: $5,000–$100,000
Minimum credit requirements: 660
Repayment terms: 24–84 months
Time to receive funds: Same day

Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Wisconsin: 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
When Upstart launched in 2012, it was one of the first companies to use artificial intelligence in its evaluation process. Based on MoneyGeek’s research, Upstart is the best personal loan provider in Wisconsin for people with bad credit scores.
Upstart only requires a FICO score of 300, and they also allow joint loan applications, which may increase the chance of loan approval. Further, they conduct soft inquiries when verifying credit scores.
Upstart’s maximum loan amount is $50,000, which may not suit you if you’re looking for a much higher loan. It’s also not an option if you have a debt-to-income ratio higher than 45%. While the lender does not charge prepayment penalties, their loans are subject to an origination fee which may be as high as 8%.
Pros
Low credit score requirement
Interest rates as low as 3.22%
Conducts soft inquiry for credit checks
Minimum gross income requirement is $12,000
No prepayment penalty

Cons
Personal loans are limited to $50,000
Not available to people with new or no credit
Charges up to an 8% origination fee
Co-signers are not allowed
Charges late fees
APR range: 3.22%–35.99%
Minimum/maximum loan amount: $1,000–$50,000
Minimum credit requirements: 300
Repayment terms: 36–60 months
Time to receive funds: Next Day

Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Wisconsin: 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
MoneyGeek’s choice as Wisconsin’s best personal loan company for people with good credit scores is SoFi. When SoFi was founded in 2011, it started by offering student loans, but has since diversified its products and services.
SoFi’s approved applicants can borrow as much as $100,000, with a repayment term of up to 60 months. The company requires a credit score of 680, and conducts soft inquiries when checking your credit.
Although SoFi requires a gross income of $50,000, it allows joint applications, which may help you get approved.
Pros
No origination fee
Conducts soft credit inquiry
Auto pay discount of 0.25%
No prepayment penalty
No late fee

Cons
Requires at least $50,000 gross income
Minimum credit score is 680
Not available to people with new or no credit
Has a debt-to-income limit of 43% or less
Does not allow co-signers
APR range: 5.74%–20.28%
Minimum/maximum loan amount: $5,000–$100,000
Minimum credit requirements: 680
Repayment terms: 12–60 months
Time to receive funds: Two days

Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Wisconsin: 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 is MoneyGeek’s choice as the best personal loan lender in Wisconsin for debt consolidation. The company can pay creditors directly, and you can choose to pay the loan over as long as 60 months.
Upgrade has moderate credit score requirements and conducts soft inquiries when verifying credit scores. There is no prepayment penalty and no minimum income requirement. In addition, joint loans are available and Upgrade offers a 1% autopay discount.
There are restrictions on how you may use the funds you borrow from Upgrade. If you want to use your personal loan to fund your post-secondary education or for investment purposes, the lender may not be suitable for your purposes.
Founded in 2017, Upgrade primarily focuses on unsecured personal loans. However, they also have secured personal and auto loans, credit cards and checking accounts.
Pros
Offers a 1% discount for auto repayment
Conducts soft credit inquiries
Offers direct payment to creditors
No prepayment penalty
No minimum income requirement

Cons
Maximum loan amount is $50,000
May take up to four days for funding
Has origination fee of 3%-8%
Charges late fees
Does not allow co-signers
APR range: 5.94%–35.47%
Minimum/maximum loan amount: $1,000–$50,000
Minimum credit requirements: 560
Repayment terms: 36–60 months
Time to receive funds: Same day

Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Wisconsin: 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
The consumer-lending platform Best Egg was founded in 2014. Its personal loans lending partners are Cross River Bank and Blue Ridge Bank.
Based on MoneyGeek’s research, Best Egg is the best personal loan company in Wisconsin for people looking to finance their home improvements. The lender does not charge prepayment penalties, offers discounts for automatic payments and has no restrictions on how you use the money.
While Best Egg has a high credit score requirement, they conduct soft inquiries when checking credit scores. The company charges an origination fee of up to 6% for their loans. You’ll need a gross income of at least $50,000 in order to qualify for a loan, and Best Egg does not allow co-signers or joint loans.
Pros
No prepayment penalty
0.5% discount for auto payments
Conducts a soft credit inquiry
Rates are easily accessible on their website
No restrictions on usage of funds

Cons
Requires a minimum credit score of 700
Gross income requirement of $50,000
Does not accept those with new or no credit
Charges up to 6% origination fee
Charges late fees
APR range: 4.99%–35.99%
Minimum/maximum loan amount: $2,000–$50,000
Minimum credit requirements: 700
Repayment terms: 36–60 months
Time to receive funds: Next day

How to Choose the Best Personal Loan Lender in Wisconsin for You

In Wisconsin, personal loans are a common way to finance both planned and unplanned expenses. As such, the average personal loan debt in the state is $16,953.

While most personal loan lenders have straightforward requirements, we recommend examining various factors before applying for a loan. MoneyGeek detailed the steps you should take before getting a personal loan in Wisconsin.

Ask Yourself the Important Questions

Ask yourself some important questions before you apply for a personal loan to ensure it’s the best fit for your needs.

How much money do you need? Personal loans carry interest, so you should only apply for the amount that will cover your specific purpose. Additionally, if you’re using your loan to finance recreational purchases, consider if you’re better off saving for them.
What’s your credit score? The higher your credit score, the easier you can get approval for your personal loan. It’s best to study a lender’s credit score requirement before applying for a loan.
Can you afford the monthly payment? Before taking on any debt, make sure you can manage your monthly payments. That includes avoiding late payments that can adversely affect your credit score.
Do you have existing debts? Lenders will assess your debt-to-income ratio. If you have existing debts, calculate whether your ratio (total monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income) meets your lender’s requirements.

Do Your Research

As with any important decision, it’s a good idea to do some research before applying for a loan. Read the websites of the companies you’re considering and study their policies on interest rates, monthly payments, credit checks and more. You should also check for any restrictions that they may have for their loan’s use.

MoneyGeek gathered all the information you would need to get a personal loan in Wisconsin. Still, our findings are based on an average consumer, and you may have unique needs and preferences. Doing your own research can help you find the best lender for your profile.

Wait

Personal loans are a big financial commitment. You may want to wait for a day or two before finalizing your decision. The time you spend waiting can allow a better understanding of the situation, so you make the best choice for your situation.

Even though you can pay back a loan over the years, you’ll be paying interest too. If you’re applying for a personal loan to purchase a non-essential item, consider if it’s really necessary. Would it be better to save for it instead of taking out a loan to finance it?

Read the Fine Print

If you’ve decided that a personal loan is the best way to settle your financial need, revisit your preferred lenders. Look beyond their marketing materials and read the fine print.

Find details about the lender’s prepayment penalties, origination and other fees that can be charged to you. Check if there are discounts for automatic payments. Studying such details can lead to savings, as you’ll be able to avoid the unnecessary fees that come with your loan.

Apply for the Loan

Once you’ve evaluated all your options and assessed the fine print, you’re ready to apply for a personal loan. Prepare the information typically required by lending companies, such as proof of employment and income.

Almost every lender allows you to apply for your loan online. It’s a convenient way to go through the process. If your lender doesn’t have an online application or if you prefer to handle the process in person, don’t hesitate to call or visit your provider’s office.

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

Don’t get discouraged if your personal loan application gets declined. There are several reasons why providers in Wisconsin deny personal loans, including low credit score and insufficient income.

You can always call the lender and ask for the reason behind their decision. Ask if modifying your loan amount or its term might make your application more acceptable. You can also inquire if having a cosigner could increase your chances of approval.

While you can immediately apply for a personal loan at another company, it’s not advisable. You’re better off improving your profile and fixing the first lender’s findings before going to another lender. Doing this can lead to better chances of approval the next time you apply for a loan.

And no matter how desperate you are, try to avoid payday loans. They have very short repayment terms at extremely high interest rates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Wisconsin

Your personal situation and financial needs determine the best personal loan provider for you. MoneyGeek answered some frequently asked questions to help you know more about personal loans in Wisconsin.

METHODOLOGY

We reviewed more than 30 personal loan lenders using 35+ individual data points across six key categories: loan affordability, accessibility, consumer friendliness, customer service, flexibility and lender transparency.

Within each ranking criteria category, we considered several individual data points that we feel carry the most weight when choosing a personal loan lender. These factors include APR ranges, available loan amount, minimum credit score, minimum income amount, application fees and disbursement time.

Here at MoneyGeek, we value you, the consumer, so we also factor in each lender’s customer support, business ratings and additional features that could make your experience easier and more accessible — like prequalification, payment options and mobile apps.

After careful consideration and calculation, our picks are decided and chosen with your best interest in mind. Our personal loan recommendations and expert tips are meant to help you make the best decision when choosing a 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.