Upstart Review
Upstart uses AI and alternative data to underwrite loans, making them ideal for young borrowers and those with limited credit history.
APR Range
7.80% – 35.99%
Loan Amount
$1,000 – $50,000
Min. Credit
300
Funding Speed
1 – 3 business days
Upstart Personal Loan Review
Upstart takes a fundamentally different approach to underwriting. Instead of relying solely on FICO scores, their AI model considers education, employment history, and over 1,500 data points to assess creditworthiness. This makes them one of the best options for young professionals, recent graduates, and anyone with a limited credit file but strong earning potential. Their minimum credit score is just 300 — effectively no floor.
Best For
Young professionals and borrowers with thin credit files
Pros
- AI-driven underwriting considers more than just credit score
- Great for borrowers with limited credit history
- Minimum credit score of 300 (effectively no minimum)
- Fast approval process
- Pre-qualification available
Cons
- Origination fee of 0% – 12%
- Higher rates for lower credit scores
- Maximum loan of $50,000
- Late fee of 5% of past-due amount or $15
Loan Details
| APR Range | 7.80% – 35.99% |
| Loan Amounts | $1,000 – $50,000 |
| Repayment Terms | 36 – 60 months |
| Minimum Credit Score | 300 |
| Funding Speed | 1 – 3 business days |
| Fees | Origination fee: 0% – 12%. Late fee: 5% of past-due amount or $15. |
Key Features
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Compare Other Lenders
| Lender | APR Range | Loan Amount | Min. Score | Funding | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoFi Borrowers with good credit who want zero fees | 8.99% – 25.81% | $5,000 – $100,000 | 680 | Same day to a few days | Check Rate | |
| LightStream Excellent credit borrowers wanting the absolute lowest rates | 7.49% – 25.49% | $5,000 – $100,000 | 700 | Same day (with bank account verification) | Check Rate | |
| Upgrade Fair-credit borrowers who want flexibility and joint applications | 9.99% – 35.99% | $1,000 – $50,000 | 580 | 1 – 5 business days | Check Rate | |
| Best Egg Good-credit borrowers who need fast funding | 8.99% – 35.99% | $2,000 – $50,000 | 640 | Same day to next business day | Check Rate | |
| Avant Borrowers with average credit (580–700) who need fast funding | 9.95% – 35.99% | $2,000 – $35,000 | 580 | Next business day | Check Rate |
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Upstart at a Glance
- Rating
- APR
- 7.80% – 35.99%
- Amount
- $1,000 – $50,000
- Min. Score
- 300
- Funding
- 1 – 3 business days