| Origination Fee | Between 3% and 6% |
| Late Fee | Yes, but not clearly stated |
| Prepayment Fee | None |
The company does not charge an application fee. However, LendingClub does charge an origination fee between 3% and 6%. Origination fees are typically included as part of its loans, so consider asking for a larger loan to help cover the anticipated fee. LendingClub requires different fees such as origination fees and late fees. Late fees are mentioned, but no specific number is stated. Late fees occur once payments are more than 15 days late. LendingClub offers multiple options for a borrower to pay off a loan such as paying online, by check or over the phone.
The company also offers APR rates for personal loans between 7.04% and 35.89%. An APR rate stands for the annual percentage rate and indicates the interest rate that will be charged during a year for a loan. An APR of around 36% is on the higher end of the scale. For borrowers, it’s better to have lower APR rates. A borrower is typically charged an APR rate on a personal loan depending on factors such as credit scores and personal financial history.
The company does not have prepayment fees, which means that borrowers are able to pay off their loans faster than anticipated without facing extra fees or penalties. LendingClub also has no brokerage fees. However, the company still maintains fees such as origination fees and late fees that could give more risk-averse borrowers pause. It’s important to consider additional fees and rates when calculating the total value of a loan because what might look promising at first glance has the potential to become financially less appealing after a second look.
LendingClub customer service is available using an email or phone number. Representatives are available to speak to customers during the week between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST.
The company publishes two physical addresses in California where customers are allowed to send payments made by check. In addition to physical addresses, the company maintains a strong social media presence with platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. The company offers a newsletter where potential and current customers opt in and receive content. However, the company does not provide an online chat option that might deter certain borrowers who prefer talking with customer service through a chat service.
In terms of responsiveness, the company ranks relatively high. Customer reviews on external platforms such as Trustpilot convey an excellent customer satisfaction rating combined with a high level of positive customer sentiment.
Before applying for a loan, read customer reviews written on different platforms. Customer reviews help paint a more accurate and realistic painting of how companies treat their customers. Read positive and negative reviews to fully understand how customers perceive the company.
BBB Rating
A-
Trustpilot Score
4.8
Benzinga’s Score
3.5
J.D. Power Rating
N/A
LendingClub offers term options starting at 36 months to 60 months. Loan terms are determined by different factors such as your credit score and personal financial information. LendingCompany loans are expected to be paid monthly. The loans are offered with fixed terms and fixed rates that provide an added level of predictability for borrowers.
In terms of special requirements, a person must be over the age of 18 and have a bank account that can be verified. To receive a loan from LendingClub, a person must also be a citizen, permanent resident or resident of the United States on a long-term visa.
Repayments can be made in a variety of ways such as by check, phone, wire transfer or auto payments. Borrowers are able to set up auto payments through their member accounts. It’s possible to set up auto payments when applying for a loan and begin making payments from a verified bank account. Auto payments help borrowers avoid late payment fees by meeting the monthly due dates in a timely fashion. One reason LendingClub allows for prepayments is that it provides borrowers the opportunity to pay off loans promptly without facing repercussions. However, auto payments are not ideal for people who have unpredictable funds within their designated bank account. It’s possible to face penalties or extra fees if the money within your bank account does not cover the payments.
Defaulting on a LendingClub loan could lower your credit score or create additional financial repercussions. Examine your funds and avoid overextending your financial situation with a large loan. Larger loans might become difficult to pay off in times of crisis or job uncertainty.
Term Options
36 months or 60 months
Loan Amounts Available
Between $1,000 and $40,000
LendingClub offers personal loans between $1,000 and $40,000. Personal loans often assist in a wide range of needs from consolidating debt to assisting with wedding payments to covering medical bills. However, personal loans do not cover education after high school or investments.
The company’s personal loans are considered unsecured because they do not require collateral. Unsecured personal loans are understood as less risky for borrowers because of the lack of collateral. In contrast, secured loans require collateral in the form of an asset such as a house or a car depending on the loan. Luckily, LendingClub helps to mitigate a borrower’s risk by offering unsecured loans with higher rates. Higher rates help lenders to compensate for the lack of collateral.
Minimum Credit Score Requirement
Between 550 and 650
The company recommends that potential borrowers have fair-to-excellent credit scores between 550 and 650 or higher for a greater chance at loan approval. LendingClub states that lower scores are also considered for a loan. Scores above 580 are usually considered fair. LendingClub recommends attempting to improve your score before applying for a loan to have a better chance of receiving improved loan terms and rates.
In terms of pre-approval, a potential borrower can visit the LendingClub website and determine personal eligibility for a pre-approved offer. In addition, it’s possible to become pre-approved from a proactively sent mail offer. Responding to a pre-approved offer could require LendingClub to verify your credit score or financial information such as your income before finalizing the loan.
LendingClub applicants are approved for their loans within 24 hours. It’s possible to receive loan funds within 48 hours. To expedite the process, consider having additional documents available in case LendingClub asks for extra information.
LendingClub vs. Competitors
LendingClub stands out from the competition by offering loans with a fast application process and expedited funding times to people with fair credit scores. The company provides individuals with a way to more effectively consolidate high-interest debt by offering a personal loan that can extend up to $40,000. The benefits of LendingClub also include strong customer support that can attract interested borrowers by providing easily accessible customer service representatives. LendingClub attracts potential customers by offering a comprehensive website page that’s dedicated to answering funding and loan questions. The company allows potential and current customers the ability to troubleshoot and research their own needs while also providing interactive tools such as a loan rate checker. The loan rate checking tool doesn’t impact a person’s credit score.
Best For
Comparing Lenders
Loan Amounts
$1,000 – $40,000
Loan Amounts
$1,000 – $40,000
Origination Fee
3 – 6% of the loan amount
1 Minute Review
LendingClub was created in 2007 and offers a technology-driven approach to personal loans and funding. Over the years, LendingClub has aimed to reinvent banking while making loans and financial tools more accessible. The company provides a wide range of financial resources such as borrowing, investing and banking. LendingClub offers personal loans that accommodate diverse needs from home improvements to debt consolidation. Before applying for a loan, consult a financial professional and examine the various loans available for your specific situation. Benzinga reviewed LendingClub’s personal loan offers and determined that it was ideal for people with good-to-fair credit interested in consolidating debt, but its loans have room for improvement in terms of fees.
Best For
- People with fair-to-good credit looking for an unsecured personal loan
- Individuals aiming to consolidate debt
Pros
- Varied range of loan amounts starting as low as $1,000
- Potential to change the loan payment date
- Offers the option of having cosigners
Cons
- Includes origination fees
- Higher APR rates included
Best For
No origination fees
Loan Amounts
$5,000 – $100,000
get started securely through SoFi’s website
Disclosure: Fixed rates from 6.99% APR to 21.78% APR. APR reflect the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 3/24/22 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See Personal Loan eligibility details. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors. See APR examples and terms. The SoFi 0.25% AutoPay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account.
Best For
Consolidating Debt
Loan Amounts
$1,000 – $50,000
Loan Amounts
$1,000 – $50,000
Origination Fee
0% – 8% of the target amount
1 Minute Review
Upstart is a lending platform that’s centered around melding artificial intelligence and finance. The company focuses on more than just a credit score when considering an individual’s ability to repay a loan. A person’s financial history is also taken into account when deciding on final loan amounts. Upstart combines technology and financial expertise to effectively lower both the risks and costs associated with lending. Upstart maintains close relationships with partners such as banks to effectively offer different loans. Research loan options and lenders to have a better grasp on available options. Consider if a loan or alternative mode of funding such as a credit card can effectively address your financial needs. Benzinga reviewed Upstart’s personal loans and found that the company can help people with new credit and lower credit scores achieve faster funding while avoiding prepayment fees, but the company has room for improvement in terms of additional fees.
Unsecured loans begin relatively low around $1,000 and reach as high as $50,000. APR rates range between 5% and 35.99%. One main benefit of Upstart is that it requires a low minimum credit score. Upstart offers term lengths that span between 3 and 5 years. In some cases, borrowers receive funds in less than 24 hours. Upstart also allows for new borrowers with limited credit experience.
Best For
- Consolidating Debt
- Borrowers with new credit
- People interested in flexible payment dates
Pros
- Up to $50,000 loans
- No minimum credit score
- No prepayment fees
- Allows interested individuals to check possible loan rates using a soft inquiry
Cons
- Charges origination fees
- Only 2 repayment options
- Co-signers not allowed
Best For
$0 Origination Fee
Loan Amounts
$5,000 – $100,000
Disclosure: *AutoPay discount is only available prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. Excellent credit required for lowest rate. Rates vary by loan purpose.
Loan Amounts
$5,000 – $100,000
Term Lengths
Up to 240 months
1 Minute Review
LightStream was founded by its parent company Truist Financial. The company offers a wide range of traditional and innovative personal loan benefits and opportunities such as home improvement loans and fertility financing to address a wide range of needs. The company charges APRs between 3.49% and 19.99%. Benzinga offers a review of LightStream’s personal loan options that provide a variety of personal loans while minimizing additional fees and promoting financial flexibility. The company offers diverse loans with varying term lengths, APRs, and uses. For example, Lightstream offers a variety of home improvement loans that are designed to assist with specific needs such as funding for landscaping or solar panels.
Best For
- Potential borrowers interested in quickly funded unsecured personal loans
- Same day funds
- People with stronger credit scores
Pros
- Doesn’t require collateral
- No late fees
- Potential same day funding
- Self-selected funding dates
- Offers a mobile application to ease access to loan information
Cons
- Not recommended for bad credit scores
Loan Amounts
$5,000 – $50,000
pre-apply securely through Figure Personal Loans’s website
APR
Between 5.99% and 15%; autopay discount of 0.25%
Loan Amounts
$5,000 – $50,000
APR
Between 5.99% and 15%; autopay discount of 0.25%
Origination Fee
Between 0% and 5% (dependent on state and local laws)
Term Lengths
Fixed-rate loan terms of 3 or 5 years
1 Minute Review
Figure’s online personal loan application process eliminates the painstaking process of following up your paperwork to scan or send to the lender. With an entirely online application, you can get your prequalification rate without impacting your credit score. You’ll get approval within a few minutes and await funding in as little as 2 business days — up to $50,000 you can direct toward what matters most.
Figure personal loans come with multiple fixed term options so you can map out your payment schedule so that it doesn’t strain your finances. Figure also offers some perks for spreading the word out to others. You’ll receive a $150 gift card for every friend you refer, and they too will get a $150 gift card when their loan funds.
Figure’s home equity line of credit lets you turn your home equity into up to $250,000 cash in as few as 5 days. Rates start as low as 2.88% APR1, and you can choose among 5-, 10-, 15- and 30-year fixed term options. You can also get up to $500,000 cash-out in mortgage refinance, all with custom rate and payment options.
While you can easily land better rates with a higher credit score, Figure also has options for applicants with less than perfect credit. You may secure a HELOC with a credit score as low as 620 (except in Oklahoma where the minimum is 720).
Best For
- Online loan application
- Unsecured loans
- Affordable loan fees
Pros
- 100% online application
- Quick funding
- Competitive rates
- Stellar customer service
- Multiple fixed term loan options
- A gift card for every referral (personal loan only)
- Personal loan offered in all 50 states
Cons
- Products not available in some states
- Personal loans capped to $50,000
Loan Amounts
$2,000-$35,000
Loan Amounts
$2,000-$35,000
Origination Fee
Up to 4.75%
Term Lengths
24-60 months.
1 Minute Review
Established in 2012, Chicago-based Avant helps people obtain personal loans while offering transparent credit. Since its inception, Avant has helped over 1.5 million people receive funding.
One thing that makes Avant so unique is its background as a financial technology company instead of a traditional bank. Banking needs are addressed by Evolve Bank & Trust, a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC). The FDIC insures deposits and protects consumers in case of bank disasters. Benzinga’s review of Avant determined it is a strong option for personal loans because of its reputation for positive customer experiences and fast funding options.
Best For
- People with below-average credit scores who need unsecured personal loans
- People who need fast funding
Pros
- Quick funding
- Fixed payments
- Mobile accessibility
Cons
- Additional costs such as origination fees
- No third-party guarantor such as a co-signer on a secured personal loan
LendingClub earns 3.5 out of 5 stars. The company offers substantial customer support that’s easily provided through the website. Customer service representatives are available through various modes of communication such as phone and email. In terms of customer sentiment, customers highly rate their satisfaction with the company and loan service. The loan amounts can attract individuals interested in obtaining lower amounts because the company provides loans that begin at $1,000.
However, the company has room for improvement in terms of fees. LendingClub requires origination fees up to 6% depending on factors such as your financial information and state of residence. The loans also have the potential to have much higher than usual APR rates. LendingClub also requires an elevated minimum credit score that can act as a barrier to entry for people who have lower credit scores.
Overall, LendingClub provides an attractive personal loan offer for people with fair-to-good credit interested in consolidating debt and having the option of a cosigner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal loans are available in a wide array of terms and rates depending on additional information such as your credit score. These loans can help to consolidate debt or accommodate different funding needs. Before applying for a loan, examine your credit score and research the available options. Remain aware of potential hidden fees and calculate how such fees and penalties could potentially impact your loan. If possible, consult with a financial professional to better understand your options and better recognize if taking out a personal loan works best for you.
Does LendingClub still offer peer-to-peer lending?
Unfortunately, LendingClub no longer offers peer-to-peer lending. It has shifted to more traditional modes of financing. The company also discontinued its Notes Platform during the later portion of 2020.
Currently, LendingClub provides a public neobank that’s focused on growing as a full-spectrum fintech marketplace bank. LendingClub officially entered into more traditional banking when it purchased Radius Bancorp and all of its subsidiaries such as Radius Bank. LendingClub is concentrating on building a technology-driven perspective that’s heavily focused on future growth and progress.
What are the differences between a loan and a credit card?
Credit cards and loans are two ways that people are able to obtain funds on an as-needed basis. Both credit cards and personal loans can be used to cover a wide range of needs such as new cars or additional home renovations.
However, credit cards and loans differ in key areas that can make them stand out to a potential user. For example, personal loans typically have lower interest rates than credit cards. Another key difference is that personal loans with fixed rates provide a level of stability and predictability in terms of monthly payments that are not attainable with a credit card that has a revolving balance. With a revolving balance, monthly fees are based on the balance that is placed on a credit card at a given time. Each month, credit card users are able to purchase items and pay off either the full amount that is due or the minimum balance. In contrast, fixed personal loans have set monthly payments that extend throughout the life of the loan. Another key difference is that loans are offered as lump sums. A lump sum means that the entire loan amount is typically given to a borrower in one total amount that must be repaid over the previously agreed-upon terms.
Overall, credit cards and loans differ in how funds are offered. While credit cards offer funds on a revolving basis, a personal loan often provides funds as a lump sum amount that must be repaid over a predetermined period.
Loans are a helpful way for individuals to obtain much-needed funds, but many additional options exist that can also work to best fit personal timelines and financial needs.
What is the purpose of LendingClub?
LendingClub aims to help customers both earn and save money. The company offers a wide range of services that are technology-driven with a traditional banking structure in mind. LendingClub provides different kinds of options such as personal loans, auto refinancing, investing and patient solutions. LendingClub strives to make the financial industry more transparent and accessible to people with different credit scores and backgrounds.
Sources
- Forbes. “Personal Loans Vs. Credit Card: Which is best for you?” Accessed April 30, 2022.
- LendingClub. “Who we are and what we do.” Accessed April 30, 2022.
- LendingClub. “About Us.” Accessed April 30, 2022.
