What Upstart Offers
Upstart is an AI-powered lending platform that considers factors beyond traditional credit scores, including education and employment history. Here's a quick overview:
Upstart's key features:
- AI-based underwriting considers education, job history, and earning potential
- No minimum credit score requirement (but approval depends on multiple factors)
- Fast funding - often next business day
- Good for borrowers with thin credit files but strong income/education
Why You Might Need an Upstart Alternative
While Upstart is a solid option for many borrowers, you might look elsewhere if:
- You were declined: Upstart's AI model may have flagged income instability, debt-to-income ratio, or other factors
- High origination fees: Upstart charges up to 12% origination fee, which is higher than many competitors
- Need longer terms: Upstart maxes out at 5-year terms; some lenders offer 7+ years
- Want to compare rates: Smart borrowers always compare 3-5 lenders before deciding
- Prefer secured options: Upstart only offers unsecured loans; secured loans may get you better rates
- Need larger amounts: Some lenders offer up to $100K for qualified borrowers
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Top 5 Upstart Alternatives Compared
Here's how the best Upstart alternatives stack up:
| Lender | Min. Credit | APR Range | Loan Range | Max Term | Origination Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upstart (baseline) | 300* | 7.80% - 35.99% | $1K - $50K | 5 years | 0% - 12% |
| Upgrade | 560 | 9.99% - 35.99% | $1K - $50K | 7 years | 1.85% - 9.99% |
| Avant | 550 | 9.95% - 35.99% | $2K - $35K | 5 years | Up to 4.75% |
| LendingClub | 600 | 9.57% - 35.99% | $1K - $40K | 5 years | 3% - 8% |
| Best Egg | 640 | 8.99% - 35.99% | $2K - $50K | 5 years | 0.99% - 8.99% |
| OneMain | None | 18.00% - 35.99% | $1.5K - $20K | 5 years | Varies by state |
*Upstart accepts applications from borrowers with scores as low as 300, but approval depends on their AI model assessment of multiple factors.
Detailed Alternative Reviews
1. Upgrade - Best Overall Upstart Alternative
Top PickUpgrade offers similar loan amounts to Upstart with generally lower origination fees and longer term options. Their minimum credit score of 560 is accessible for most borrowers with credit challenges.
Why Choose Over Upstart
- Lower maximum origination fee (9.99% vs 12%)
- Longer terms available (up to 7 years)
- Free credit monitoring included
- Joint applications allowed
Considerations
- Higher minimum credit score (560 vs 300)
- Doesn't consider education/employment like Upstart
- Slightly higher minimum APR
Best for: Borrowers with 560+ credit who want lower fees and longer repayment terms.
2. Avant - Best for Lower Credit Scores
Bad Credit FriendlyAvant specializes in serving borrowers with fair to poor credit. With a minimum score of just 550 and fast funding, it's ideal if Upstart's AI model declined you.
Why Choose Over Upstart
- Lower origination fees (max 4.75%)
- Accepts scores as low as 550
- Next-day funding common
- Mobile app for easy management
Considerations
- Lower maximum loan ($35K vs $50K)
- $25 late fee
- Not available in all states
Best for: Borrowers with scores 550-620 who need quick funding.
3. LendingClub - Best for Peer-to-Peer Option
Established PlatformLendingClub pioneered peer-to-peer lending and offers competitive rates for borrowers with fair credit. Their model connects you with individual and institutional investors.
Why Choose Over Upstart
- Competitive rates starting at 9.57%
- Well-established platform since 2007
- No prepayment penalties
- Joint applications available
Considerations
- Higher minimum score (600)
- Origination fee 3-8%
- Funding can take longer (peer matching)
Best for: Borrowers with 600+ credit who want an established, reputable platform.
4. Best Egg - Best for Good-Fair Credit
Low RatesBest Egg offers some of the most competitive rates in the personal loan space, though they require higher credit scores. Great option if you're on the higher end of "fair" credit.
Why Choose Over Upstart
- Rates as low as 8.99%
- Lower origination fees possible (0.99%)
- Secured loan option available
- Fast funding (1-3 days)
Considerations
- Higher minimum credit (640)
- Income requirements ($100K household in some cases)
- Not truly for "bad" credit
Best for: Borrowers with 640+ credit seeking the lowest rates.
5. OneMain Financial - Best for Any Credit
No Minimum ScoreOneMain Financial has no minimum credit score and offers secured loans for those who can provide collateral. If you've been declined everywhere else, OneMain might still work.
Why Choose Over Upstart
- No minimum credit score
- Secured loan options (car as collateral)
- In-person branch support
- Same-day funding at branch
Considerations
- Higher rates (18%+ minimum)
- May require branch visit
- Lower max loan amount ($20K)
- Origination fees vary by state
Best for: Borrowers with very poor credit or those willing to use collateral.
How Swipe Solutions Helps You Compare
Instead of applying to multiple lenders one-by-one (and risking multiple hard credit pulls), Swipe Solutions lets you:
- Compare multiple offers at once: See rates from various lenders with one form
- No credit score impact: We use soft pulls that don't affect your score
- Get matched based on your profile: Our system shows you lenders most likely to approve you
- Save time: Results in 2 minutes vs. hours of individual applications
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