Top Lenders & Best Picks for You
Best Personal Loans in Raleigh, NC
Updated: December 28, 2023
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- The Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Raleigh
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Raleigh
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Raleigh
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Raleigh
- The Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvements in Raleigh
- How to Choose the Right Personal Loan for You
- Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Raleigh
MoneyGeek's Picks for Best Personal Loan Lenders in Raleigh, NC
The best personal loans will vary based on your financial needs. MoneyGeek determined the best options in Raleigh based on BBB ratings, interest rates, loan amounts, debt-to-income ratios and other features.
From our findings, Truist offers the best personal loans in Raleigh. SoFi is the best option for borrowers with good credit scores, while Upstart is our pick for those with bad credit. If you need to consolidate your debts, Upgrade is the best, whereas Best Egg ranks top for home improvement personal loans.
Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Raleigh: Truist
Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Raleigh: Upstart
Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Raleigh: SoFi
Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Raleigh: Upgrade
Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Raleigh: Best Egg
How to Choose the Best Personal Loan Lender in Raleigh for You
In North Carolina, personal debt averages $14,383. The state has an average credit score requirement of 718. The amount you can borrow depends on factors such as your income level, credit score, repayment term and interest rate.
While applying for a personal loan in Raleigh, you should follow the steps below to choose the best loan product for your needs.
Ask Yourself the Important Questions
Repaying a personal loan requires a high level of commitment. Before applying for a loan, it's crucial to analyze your needs and establish whether your preferred loan will meet them. Before approaching any lender, the following questions should help you get started:
- How much funding do you need?
- What is your credit score?
- Are you comfortable with the monthly payment proposed by the lender?
- What is your existing debt amount?
Do Your Research
When you opt for a personal loan, you will have to make monthly payments for two to four years. Doing your own research can help you identify the loan product in Raleigh with the best terms for your profile. For instance, you may find a lender who prioritizes soft credit inquiry over hard checks to preserve your credit score.
While MoneyGeek provides all the information you need to make the best decision, we still recommend that you explore other options not included in our study.
Wait
Once you have narrowed your selection to a few lenders, take a few days to weigh each company's offer. You may miss out on vital details of the loan if you submit your application in a rush. Evaluate all aspects and choose a company that best suits your financial needs.
Read the Fine Print
It's important to read and understand your loan agreement details so that you can raise any questions before signing up with the lender. Look out for essential features like the penalties, interest rates, repayment period and loan relief. Ignoring additional fees may negatively affect your repayment amounts and frustrate your financial goals.
Apply
Once you're okay with the terms of your loan agreement, it's time to submit your application. You can do this online or by visiting the company office in person. Most lenders will need your personal and contact information, credit information and proof of income. Your lender will review your application and advise whether it has approved your loan.
What to Do if You Can’t Get a Personal Loan in Raleigh
Lending companies may deny you a personal loan for various reasons, including a low credit score. Your application may not be approved if you do not meet a particular lender's minimum credit score requirements. In addition to a low credit score, other reasons include a low-income level or incomplete application.
When this occurs, your first action should be calling or emailing the lender to find out why your loan application was unsuccessful. Based on the feedback, you may need to modify your application and resubmit it to the same lender or a different one.
If the reason is a low credit score or income level, you may need to improve your ratings before resubmitting your application. Alternatively, you may consider another provider with more favorable terms.
Short-term loans such as payday loans offer a quicker alternative but feature higher interests and shorter repayment schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Raleigh
The right personal loan lender in Raleigh will depend on your credit rating, income level, loan purpose, repayment terms and other important factors. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about personal loans in the city to help you get started.
Truist is the best personal loan lender in Raleigh. The best option for borrowers with good credit is SoFi, whereas Upstart is the best if you have bad credit. Upgrade is the best lender for debt consolidation, while Best Egg ranks top for home improvement.
Upstart offers the lowest APR in Raleigh. Borrowers pay as low as 3.22% per year, depending on their situation.
You can likely use your personal loan to fund a vacation in Raleigh. However, some lenders may not allow you to use personal loans for post-secondary education, investments, illegal activities or gambling. Find out if your lender has such restrictions before applying for a loan.
You can use your personal loan for home improvement in Raleigh. Based on MoneyGeek's findings, Best Egg offers the best personal loans for home repairs and renovations in the city.
Most Raleigh lenders do not restrict how customers use their personal loans. However, some prohibit you from spending the funds on refinancing existing loans, investing in bonds and stocks and paying post-secondary educational costs. We advise you to check with your preferred lender for their terms on using loan funds.
How much you qualify for depends on various factors, including the lender you choose in Raleigh. Every lender offers a unique loan limit, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. Some lenders also feature a minimum gross income requirement that you must meet to qualify for a loan.
Some lenders disburse personal loan funds within the same day, while some may delay for days. It all depends on the lender.
Yes, you can make early payments in Raleigh. However, some lenders will charge you a prepayment penalty if you do this. That's why you should check the fine print of your loan agreement before making any early payments.
Our Personal Loan Methodology
MoneyGeek analyzed over 30 personal loan lenders using more than 35 individual data points summarized in six key categories. These include loan affordability, accessibility, consumer friendliness, customer service, flexibility and lender transparency.
We reviewed several unique data points within each category that carry the most weight when choosing a personal loan provider. The data points include APR ranges, minimum credit score requirements, available loan amount, mimimum income amount, disbursement time and application costs.
Here at MoneyGeek, every consumer is our top priority. That's why we consider each lender's customer support, business ratings and other features that could make your experience easier and more accessible, like prequalification, payment options and mobile apps.
After careful consideration and calculation, we determine our picks in your best interests. Our personal loan recommendations and expert tips should help you make the best decision when choosing a lender that meets your needs.
sources
- Truist. "Personal Loans." Accessed June 15, 2022.
- Truist. "Personal Loan Payment Relief Options." Accessed June 15, 2022.
- Upstart. "Personal Loans." Accessed June 15, 2022.
- SoFi. "What Income and Income Documents Should I Include on My Loan Application?." Accessed June 15, 2022.
- Upgrade. "Are There Any Late Fees?." Accessed June 15, 2022.
- Upgrade. "What Are the Different Uses for a Personal Loan?." Accessed June 15, 2022.
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
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