Loans like Oportun

Are you considering personal loans for major purchases, debt consolidation, or unexpected expenses? Since 2006, Oportun has been aiding lower-income borrowers in building credit through personal and secured loans. Unlike payday and installment lenders with exorbitant APRs exceeding 400%, Oportun caps its APRs at 35.99%, ensuring affordability for those with bad credit.

However, choosing a suitable option can take time and effort with many available options. As a result, if Oportun fails to meet your demands, explore the options listed below, which provide affordable rates and, in some instances, no loan costs or interest. Let us explore loans like Oportun!

Best Popular loans like Oportun

Below are the best popular personal loan options like Oportun: 

1. Beem

Consider Beem if you need a personal loan, as it offers tailored solutions to address diverse financial requirements. Beem focuses on enhancing financial well-being, presenting flexible funding options for various purposes. Setting itself apart with a user-friendly interface and robust security measures, Beem stands out as an attractive choice for those seeking personal loans.

Leveraging low-cost interest rates from various lenders, Beem caters to individuals from various backgrounds and professions. Effortlessly keep track of repayment dates and expenditures while also benefiting from the flexibility to extend repayments up to three times.

2. MoneyLion

Explore the credit-building loan options MoneyLion offers, providing individuals up to $1,000 in loans. It sets MoneyLion apart by reporting timely loan payments to the major credit bureaus and establishing a positive payment history. Accessing a credit builder loan requires a monthly membership cost of $19.99, but the potential to earn rewards can offset this cost. 

Distinguishing itself from traditional credit-builder loans, MoneyLion allows you to receive a portion of your loan upfront. The remaining amount is in a credit reserve account, accessible after your loan term. This unique approach provides immediate financial support and the opportunity to enhance your credit profile over time.

3. Earnin

Take advantage of Earnin, an app that offers interest- and fee-free cash advances, providing up to $750 per pay period with your next paycheck as collateral. Utilizing Earnin doesn’t impact your credit score. However, eligibility requires a consistent paycheck, direct deposit into a bank account, and a job location. 

You may receive your funds upon approval on the same day; otherwise, they’re accessible within one to three business days. The borrowed amount is automatically deducted from your paycheck on your upcoming payday. Experience the convenience of accessing quick cash through the Earnin app without the burden of interest or fees.

4. NetCredit

NetCredit specializes in providing loans, offering a maximum of $10,000 tailored for borrowers with fair credit. The platform stands out with its user-friendly approach, featuring flexible loan terms extending up to 60 months and the convenience of potential same-day approval and funding. However, NetCredit is available only in specific states, and borrowers should be aware of potential origination fees depending on their location.

Despite this, the platform provides a silver lining with lower starting and maximum APRs, easing the burden of potentially high borrowing costs. Significant benefits include the lack of a minimum credit score, longer loan durations, and quick funding.

Conversely, users should be cautious about potential origination fees, late payment penalties in select states, limited availability, and the absence of joint applicants or co-signers.

5. Upgrade

Upgrade personal loans are advantageous for individuals with lower credit scores aiming to consolidate debt while concurrently working on improving their credit standing. Unlike lenders focusing on borrowers with good or excellent credit scores (690 or higher), Upgrade caters to a broader spectrum of borrowers by maintaining more lenient minimum credit score, credit history, and debt-to-income ratio requirements.

Upgrade’s accommodating borrowing criteria highlight its standout features, including rate discounts, direct payment to creditors for debt consolidation loans, and extended repayment terms for home improvement loans. These perks are typically uncommon among lenders accepting lower credit scores (629 or lower).

6. OneMain Financial

OneMain Financial is a lending option for individuals with bad credit, offering loans starting at $1,500 without imposing a minimum credit score requirement. While it provides the flexibility to choose and modify payment dates and offers joint and secured loans, it comes with high initial rates and an origination fee. The lender stands out for its quick funding and the option for direct payments to creditors on debt consolidation loans. 

However, it lacks rate discounts, offers limited loan amounts, and charges origination fees. Qualifications include having a taxpayer identification number, being 18 or older in most states, and no specific minimum credit score, though the lender prefers some minimal credit history. Payment terms for the loans range from 2 to 5 years and include an origination cost of $25 to $500, or 1% to 10% of the loan amount, as well as late and non-sufficient funds fines.

7. Lending Club

Lending Club operates as a peer-to-peer platform, connecting borrowers with potential investors. Offering reasonable terms, even for those with lower credit scores, it provides loans ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 at fixed interest rates between 9.57% and 35.99%.

With a minimum credit score of 660, periods ranging from 3 to 5 years, and no collateral required, Lending Club is a simple borrowing alternative. The platform boasts a speedy process, with funds available in as little as two days.

8. Best Egg

Best Egg presents personal loans starting at $2,000 to individuals with fair or good credit. These straightforward loans boast reasonable rates and are typically funded within one to three business days post-approval.

Pros include the option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check, a wide range of loan amounts, and both unsecured and secured loan options. Best Egg facilitates direct payments to creditors for debt consolidation loans and doesn’t impose late fees. 

However, there’s an origination fee, no rate discounts, and no option to choose the initial payment date. To qualify for the loan, you must have a minimum credit score of 600, U.S. citizenship, a credit history of at least 24 months with one account, a minimum annual income of $3,500, and a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 40% or 65%, including a mortgage. Available term lengths range from 3 to 5 years, and the origination fee falls within the range of 0.99% to 8.99%. Comparatively, it’s a little high, so you can consider loans like Best Egg.

9. Afterpay

Afterpay, a buy-now, pay-later loan app, allows you to purchase in stores and online, dividing payments into four interest-free installments over six weeks. While Afterpay may perform a soft credit check, it won’t impact your credit scores. Opting for the pay-in-four option incurs no interest, and timely payments involve no fees.

Late payments, however, may result in a fee of up to 25% of the order value. Your spending limit on Afterpay depends on factors like your tenure as a user, app usage frequency, payment history, and more. This flexible payment solution offers convenience with minimal impact on your credit, emphasizing interest-free installment plans for budget-friendly shopping.

10. Upstart

Upstart offers quick personal loans starting at $1,000, typically funding within a day. Upstart makes it easier for those with fair or poor credit to qualify. Pros include acceptance of credit newcomers, fast funding, and the option for pre-qualification via a soft credit check. It allows changing payment dates and provides seven-day customer service. Downsides include potential origination fees, no joint or secured loans, and limited repayment options. 

To qualify for loans, the criteria are U.S. citizenship, being 18 or older, a valid email and Social Security number, a bank account, no recent bankruptcies or delinquencies, and a minimum annual income of $12,000. In addition, the loan terms range from 3 to 5 years, with fees like an origination fee (0%-12%), a late fee (5% or $15), and a $15 returned check fee.

11. Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union Personal Loans offer a versatile solution for members with flexible loan amounts, consumer-friendly features, and swift funding. Pros include a wide range of loan amounts, rapid funding, rate discounts for select customers, and options for co-signed, joint, and secured loans.

The platform supports direct payments to creditors for debt consolidation loans. However, exclusivity to credit union members and the absence of options to pre-qualify with a soft credit check or choose/change payment dates are notable limitations. 

To qualify, you must have a Navy Federal Credit Union membership, with no specified minimum credit score requirement. Available term lengths range from 1 to 5 years, and the platform charges no origination fees. However, late fees amount to $29, with additional fees for returned payments, Federal Express, and Certified Mail.

12. First Tech Federal Credit Union

First Tech Federal Credit Union provides a compelling lending option with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) as low as 7.99%. Catering to diverse needs like debt consolidation, home improvement, and emergencies, their loans range from $500 to $50,000, offering terms spanning 2 to 7 years. While the required credit score is not disclosed, the credit union stands out with no origination fees, application fees, or prepayment penalties.

The quick application process, the option to defer payments for up to the initial 45 days, and the availability of a mobile app enhance user convenience. However, membership is a prerequisite, achievable through various means like direct eligibility, familial association, or affiliation with specific organizations or regions.

13. Avant

Avant is an attractive option for bad-credit borrowers, offering a low minimum credit score requirement and relatively low rates. With a swift funding process and the option to pre-qualify through a soft credit check, Avant provides convenience. The availability of a mobile app for loan management, a wide range of repayment term options, and seven-day customer service further enhance the user experience. 

However, potential considerations include a possible origination fee and the absence of co-signed, joint, or secured loans. To qualify, applicants need a valid Social Security number, a good-standing bank account, and a minimum credit score 550, with a monthly net income of at least $1,200. The term lengths range from 1 to 5 years, with fees such as an origination fee (0% – 4.75%), a typical late fee of $25, and a returned payment fee of $15.

14. Universal Credit

Universal Credit, owned by Upgrade, caters specifically to bad-credit borrowers with a focus on accessibility. While it has a slightly higher origination fee than Upgrade, it offers many advantageous features. Pros include direct payment to creditors for debt consolidation, swift funding, multiple rate discounts, and free access to credit scores. However, drawbacks include the origination fee and limited choices in repayment terms, with only two options available. 

To qualify, a minimum credit score of 560 is required, along with at least one account on the credit history, a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 75%, a credit history of at least two years, and no specified minimum income requirement. Term lengths range from 3 to 5 years, with fees including an origination fee (5.25% to 9.99%), a late fee (up to $10), and a non-sufficient funds fee ($10).

15. LendingPoint

LendingPoint is a solid choice for fair- and bad-credit borrowers seeking personal loans with quick funding and flexible features. It offers convenience with a soft credit check for pre-qualification, a user-friendly mobile app, and options like changing payment dates.

Drawbacks may include a potential origination fee, reporting payments to two credit bureaus, and the absence of joint, co-signed, or secured loans. Qualifications include U.S. citizenship, age 18 or older, a Social Security number, and a personal bank account. 

A minimum credit score of 660 (FICO score version 9 and VantageScore version 3), six months of credit history, and a $35,000 minimum annual income are required. Term lengths range from 2 to 5 years, with fees like an origination fee (0% to 10%) and a late fee (5% of payment or $30, depending on the state) after a 15-day grace period.

What are the Banks Offering Loans like Oportun?

Some banks offer personal loans with varying terms and conditions that align with the characteristics of Oportun. Here are a few examples of banks that commonly provide personal loans:

1. Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo offers personal loans with varying terms. While they often require a good credit history, existing customers may have better chances of approval.

2. TD Bank: TD Bank provides unsecured personal loans. Meeting their credit and income requirements is essential for approval.

3. Citizens Bank: Citizens Bank offers personal loans with fixed interest rates. A good credit score is generally preferred, but they consider various factors during approval.

4. Upstart: Upstart is an online lending company that considers alternative data for credit approval. They cater to borrowers with fair credit or thin credit histories.

5. Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Marcus offers unsecured personal loans with no fees. While they typically target borrowers with good credit, they may consider other factors during approval.

Conclusion

Exploring alternative loan options akin to Oportun provides individuals with diverse financial backgrounds access to much-needed funds. From online lenders offering flexibility to traditional banks focusing on credit history, borrowers can find solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. The key lies in understanding individual financial needs, assessing eligibility criteria, and comparing terms among various lenders.

While Oportun addresses the financial needs of lower-income borrowers, the broader landscape offers a spectrum of choices. Ultimately, carefully considering factors such as credit score, income stability, and repayment terms empowers borrowers to make informed decisions and secure loans that best align with their financial goals.

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