What Counts as Good Credit?
Good credit typically means a FICO score of 670-739, while very good is 740-799 and exceptional is 800+. With good credit, you can expect personal loan APRs between 6% and 15%, significantly lower than the average rate of 12.17% across all borrowers in 2026.
Top Lenders for Good Credit
SoFi leads with rates starting at 5.99% APR for qualified borrowers, plus unemployment protection. Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers no-fee loans up to $40,000. LightStream provides rates as low as 5.49% for excellent credit with their rate-beat program.
How to Get the Lowest Rate
Apply with a co-signer to unlock even lower rates. Choose autopay for a 0.25-0.50% discount. Keep your debt-to-income ratio below 36%. Request the shortest term you can afford — shorter terms mean lower rates and less total interest paid.
Fixed vs Variable Rates
Fixed rates lock in your payment for the entire loan term, providing predictability. Variable rates start lower but can increase with market conditions. For personal loans, fixed rates are almost always the better choice since these loans typically have 2-7 year terms where rate increases can significantly impact total cost.
Loan Amounts and Terms
Most lenders offer $1,000 to $100,000 for good credit borrowers. Terms range from 12 to 84 months. For debt consolidation, match the term to when you want to be debt-free. For large purchases, balance monthly payment size with total interest cost.
Pre-Qualification vs Full Application
Always pre-qualify first — it uses a soft credit pull that won't affect your score. Pre-qualify with 3-5 lenders, compare offers, then submit a full application with your top choice. The full application triggers a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by 5-10 points.
When a Personal Loan Makes Sense
Personal loans excel for debt consolidation (replacing high-interest credit cards), major purchases, home improvement projects, and medical expenses. They're less ideal for ongoing expenses, vacations, or situations where you might not repay within the term. Use MaboRates to compare your best options side by side.
Ready to Compare Personal Loans Rates?
Get personalized quotes from top providers. Compare rates side by side and save money today.
Compare Personal Loans Now →