Best Personal Loans With No Origination Fees for 2026 View All Best Personal Loans With No Origination Fees for 2026
- Top Picks
- LightStream
- SoFi
- BHG Financial
- See More (4)
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- Citibank
- Patelco Credit Union
- American Express
- Compare Providers
- Why Trust Us
- Who Should Consider?
- Common Terms
- Pros & Cons
- Methodology
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What to Know First
LightStream, which is Investopedia’s best personal lender overall, takes the prize when it comes to loans with no origination fees. A personal loan origination fee can add as much as 12% of the borrowed amount to the cost of your loan, so it's worth the effort to avoid. Learn more about LightStream and other top-rated lenders that don’t charge an origination fee.
Investopedia researched 59 lenders of all types—credit unions, big banks, fintechs, and finance companies—to evaluate costs, terms, and more. Of those we studied, 33 do not charge an origination fee (and one makes it optional. Of the 20 credit unions we researched, 19 do not charge an origination fee.
Today’s Top Picks
- Best Overall, Best for Excellent Credit: LightStream
- Best With Optional Origination Fees: SoFi
- Also Good for Excellent Credit: BHG Financial
- Best for Military Members: Navy Federal Credit Union
- Best Big Bank: Citibank
- Best Credit Union: Patelco Credit Union
- Best for American Express Customers: American Express
Why Trust Us 59 Lenders reviewed 45 Loan features considered 2,655 Data points analyzed 284 Primary data sources used Investopedia collected data from dozens of lenders to evaluate the factors most important for borrowers. We used this data to rank each lender based on APRs and fees, loan amounts, repayment terms, customer experience, and more to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews and help you make the right borrowing decision for your needs. Read our Full Methodology
What to Know First
LightStream, which is Investopedia’s best personal lender overall, takes the prize when it comes to loans with no origination fees. A personal loan origination fee can add as much as 12% of the borrowed amount to the cost of your loan, so it's worth the effort to avoid. Learn more about LightStream and other top-rated lenders that don’t charge an origination fee.
Investopedia researched 59 lenders of all types—credit unions, big banks, fintechs, and finance companies—to evaluate costs, terms, and more. Of those we studied, 33 do not charge an origination fee (and one makes it optional. Of the 20 credit unions we researched, 19 do not charge an origination fee.
Today’s Top Picks
- Best Overall, Best for Excellent Credit: LightStream
- Best With Optional Origination Fees: SoFi
- Also Good for Excellent Credit: BHG Financial
- Best for Military Members: Navy Federal Credit Union
- Best Big Bank: Citibank
- Best Credit Union: Patelco Credit Union
- Best for American Express Customers: American Express
Why Trust Us
59 Lenders reviewed 45 Loan features considered 2,655 Data points analyzed 284 Primary data sources used Investopedia collected data from dozens of lenders to evaluate the factors most important for borrowers. We used this data to rank each lender based on APRs and fees, loan amounts, repayment terms, customer experience, and more to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews and help you make the right borrowing decision for your needs. Read our Full Methodology
Best Personal Loans With No Origination Fees for 2026
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| Company | APR | Credit Score est. | Loan Amount | More Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall, Best for Excellent Credit : LightStream
- APR Range: 6.49% – 24.89%
- Loan Amount: $5,000 – $100,000
- Loan Terms: 24 months – 240 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
LightStream stands out with low minimum advertised APRs, a wide range of loan terms, and a high maximum loan amount. You won’t pay any origination fees and you won’t be penalized for late payments. You’ll need good or excellent credit to qualify. Borrowers with the best credit get access to the best terms and rates.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Broad range of loan amounts
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Longer-than-usual term options
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Same-day funding
Cons
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Higher loan minimum
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Rates and terms vary by loan use
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Good to excellent credit required
Overview
In Investopedia’s scoring model, LightStream fared well in the most important areas. Advertised APRs are among the lowest, and it charges no fees for origination, late payments, or anything else. The maximum loan amount of $100,000 is among the highest, and its 240-month maximum repayment term is the longest in our data. If you choose autopay when you apply, you can cut your APR by 0.50%. If you find a better rate on an unsecured loan from another lender, LightStream will beat it by 0.10%.
LightStream can fund your loan the same day if you submit your application and supporting documents by 2:30 p.m. ET. You can also delay funding up to 90 days, which is helpful if you don’t plan to spend the money soon and would rather not pay interest on it until you do.
LightStream is not without downsides. It doesn’t offer pre-qualification, so you’ll need to complete a loan application to learn the rates and terms you qualify for. The minimum loan amount of $5,000 may be too high for some borrowers. Finally, LightStream’s customer service options are limited to telephone support.
LightStream is the online-lending arm of Truist Bank, which was formed by a merger between BB&T and SunTrust Bank in 2019. Truist is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | 680 |
| Origination Fees | None |
| Membership Requirement | None |
| Available Discounts | 0.50% autopay; 0.10% rate beat |
Read the Full LightStream Personal Loans Review
Best With Optional Origination Fees : SoFi
- APR Range: 8.74% – 35.49%
- Loan Amount: $5,000 – $100,000
- Loan Terms: 24 months – 84 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
SoFi gives borrowers the option of a loan with or without origination fees. If you opt to pay the fee, you may get a break on the interest rate you’ll pay.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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No late fees
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Same-day funding available
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Access to SoFi membership benefits
Cons
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Optional origination fees
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Can’t apply with a co-signer, but co-borrowers are accepted
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High minimum loan amounts
Overview
In years past SoFi, a former Best Overall winner in Investopedia’s ranking, touted its absolute lack of fees: no origination, prepayment, or late payment fees. Times have changed, and now SoFi has borrowers pay an origination fee of up to 7%. This change and a boost to the maximum APR are why SoFi dropped slightly in Investopedia’s rating system.
The other things that make SoFi stand out remain: its reputation for customer service and its range of member benefits and perks.
It ranked fourth in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study. Sofi also received an Investopedia Combined Consumer Review rating of 4.4 (out of 5 possible), a calculated aggregate of consumer review ratings on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau developed by Investopedia’s researchers.
SoFi has a high loan minimum of $5,000, so if you need a smaller loan, look elsewhere. To get the best rates, you’ll need a checking account with SoFi to qualify for the direct deposit discount of 0.25% (you can also shave 0.25% off by opting for autopay with or without an account at SoFi).
SoFi, based in San Francisco, was founded in 2011 as a fintech specializing in student loan refinancing. Today, it is officially a bank with the usual range of banking and financial products, including checking and savings accounts, home loans, investment accounts, insurance, and more.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | No stated minimum |
| Origination Fees | 0%–7.00% |
| Membership Requirement | None |
| Available Discounts | 0.25% autopay; 0.25% direct deposit; 0.25% creditor direct pay |
Disclosures
Fixed rates from 8.74% APR to 35.49% APR. APR reflects the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or, Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 11/03/25 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/#eligibility-personal. 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. Loan amounts range from $5,000– $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive. 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. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi. To be eligible to receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction on your Personal Loan (your “Loan”), you must set up Direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., or enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee, all within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled Direct Deposit to an eligible Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion, or during periods in which SoFi successfully receives payment of the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off Direct Deposit to your Checking and Savings account or in which you have not paid for the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. You are not required to enroll in Direct Deposit or to pay the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee to receive a Loan.
Read the Full SoFi Personal Loans Review
Also Good for Excellent Credit : BHG Financial
- APR Range: 8.72% – 27.87%
- Loan Amount: $20,000 – $200,000
- Loan Terms: 36 months – 120 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
BHG Financial caters to well-heeled borrowers with strong credit profiles and higher incomes. If you qualify, you can borrow up to $200,000 and have up to 10 years to pay it off.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Significantly higher loan maximum
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Longer loan terms available
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Strong customer reviews
Cons
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High loan minimum
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Slower loan disbursement times
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Potentially higher rates
Overview
BHG Financial offers by far the highest maximum loan amount among the 59 lenders Investopedia tracks in its database of personal loan lenders: $200,000. That’s double the next highest maximum amount of $100,000 offered by several other lenders, including LightStream and SoFi.
To qualify for an unsecured loan that big, you’ll need strong credit and an income demonstrating an ability to repay. BHG is not shy about the class of customer it’s pursuing: The website shares that the average BHG borrower has a FICO score of 744 and an annual personal income of $241,000. BHG Financial offers pre-qualification if you want to know the terms and rates you’ll be offered before committing to a complete application.
BHG Financial’s APRs are not as low as those of many other lenders, and its loan minimum is $20,000 (nearly as large as the $30,000 loan maximum for Citibank personal loans). Its funding time of five days is the slowest among the lenders we researched.
In terms of customer satisfaction, Trustpilot reviewers rate it highly: 4.7 (out of 5). It also earned a Combined Consumer Review rating of 4.7 (out of 5). This rating, developed by Investopedia researchers, is an aggregate of consumer review ratings on two third-party review sites: Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
BHG Financial, formerly Banker’s Healthcare Group, was founded in 2001 and has originated more than $18 billion in loans since then.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | Not disclosed |
| Origination Fees | Not disclosed |
| Membership Requirement | None |
| Available Discounts | None |
Best for Military Members : Navy Federal Credit Union
- APR Range: 8.74% – 18.00%
- Loan Amount: $250 – $50,000
- Loan Terms: 6 months – 180 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
Eligible service members and their families qualify for personal loans with Navy Federal, with no origination fees, low rates, and same-day funding. If you’re borrowing at least $30,000 for a home improvement, you will have up to 180 months (15 years) to repay it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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No origination fees
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Same-day funding
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Strong customer-service ratings
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Wide range of loan amounts and terms
Cons
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Membership restrictions
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No pre-qualification
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No online application for some loan types
Overview
Navy Federal Credit Union’s loans tick many of the right boxes: Borrowers can choose from a wide range of loan amounts and terms; rates start at 8.74% and won’t exceed 18%; and there are no origination fees. If you’re borrowing at least $30,000 for a home improvement, you can pay it off for up to 180 months—15 years. Just be aware that late payments will result in a $29 late payment fee.
Navy Federal earned the second-highest score in the 2024 J.D. Power Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study and a Combined Consumer Review rating of 4.5 (out of 5). This rating, developed by Investopedia researchers, is an aggregate of consumer review ratings on two third-party review sites: Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
The main negative with Navy Federal is that membership is limited to military service members and veterans, Department of Defense personnel, and their families. Another negative is that Navy Federal does not offer pre-qualification; you must complete a loan application to learn the rates and terms you qualify for, which will result in a slight downward nudge to your credit score. Moreover, you’ll need to join the credit union before you can begin an application.
Navy Federal, founded in 1933 and headquartered in Vienna, Va., is the nation’s largest credit union, with nearly $181 billion in assets.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | Not disclosed |
| Origination Fees | None |
| Membership Requirement | Yes |
| Available Discounts | None |
Read the Full Navy Federal Personal Loans Review
Best Big Bank : Citibank
- APR Range: 9.99% – 19.49%
- Loan Amount: $2,000 – $30,000
- Loan Terms: 12 months – 60 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
If you’re an existing Citibank customer with a deposit or credit card account, you are eligible for a personal loan with no origination fees, same-day finding, and an in-branch, in-person customer service and application process if you’d rather not apply online.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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No origination or late fees
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Same-day funding
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Significant autopay discount
Cons
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Only existing customers are eligible
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Low maximum loan amount
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Limited repayment terms
Overview
Citibank doesn’t charge origination or late fees, and its maximum advertised APR is low, keeping borrowing costs down. The autopay discount of 0.50% is better than many other lenders offer (0.25% is typical). Citigold and Citi Priority customers can get an additional 0.25% rate discount.
Existing customers also get same-day funding, which is sent directly to their Citibank account. In the 2024 J.D. Power Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study, Citibank ranked third.
With so much going for it, it’s disappointing that Citibank now limits personal loan applications to existing customers. Another negative is that the maximum loan amount of $30,000 is among the lowest in our research.
Citibank, founded in 1812, is the third-largest U.S. bank, with total assets exceeding $1.83 trillion, as of June 30, 2025. It operates 648 branches in the U.S. In a $70 billion deal, Citicorp and Travelers Group merged in 1998 to form Citigroup.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | Not disclosed |
| Origination Fees | 0% |
| Membership Requirement | Existing Account |
| Available Discounts | 0.50% autopay; 0.25% Citigold and Citi Priority |
Read the Full Citibank Personal Loans Review
Best Credit Union : Patelco Credit Union
- APR Range: 9.30% – 17.90%
- Loan Amount: $300 – $100,000
- Loan Terms: 6 months – 84 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
Credit unions famously offer the best rates and terms for consumer loans, and Patelco Credit Union lives up to that promise. It offers competitive rates, flexible terms, a range of loan amounts, and does not charge origination fees.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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No origination fees
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Discount for consecutive on-time payments
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Numerous hardship repayment options
Cons
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No creditor direct pay
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Does not report to all three credit bureaus
Overview
Patelco Credit Union may not be the first lender you think of when considering a loan, but its broad range of personal loan options, competitive rates, customer support tools and resources, and enticing rate discounts are worth paying attention to. You can borrow as little as $300 and as much as $100,000. Repayment terms range from 6 months to 84 months. And you won’t pay an origination fee.
Since it’s a credit union, you’ll need to become a member, but that’s easy. You’re eligible if you reside in any of several northern California counties. You can also join the Financial Fitness Association, and Patelco will cover the fee.
Patelco Credit Union was founded in 1936 by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company employees. Its headquarters are in Dublin, Calif., with over $9 billion in assets and 450,000 members.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | 640 |
| Origination Fees | None |
| Membership Requirement | Yes |
| Available Discounts | 0.10% customer loyalty, Up to 1.50% for consecutive on-time payments |
Read the Full Patelco Credit Union Personal Loans Review
Best for American Express Customers : American Express
- APR Range: 6.99% – 19.99%
- Loan Amount: $3,500 – $40,000
- Loan Terms: 12 months – 60 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
Existing American Express customers may be eligible for a personal loan of up to $40,000, with no origination fee and no hit to their credit scores during the application process.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Next-day funding
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Competitive rates
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No hard credit inquiry
Cons
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Limited loan amounts
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Limited repayment terms
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Only for current customers
Overview
If you’re an existing American Express cardholder, you can qualify for a personal loan with no origination fee and competitive interest rates. Loan funding is fast, as soon as the next business day after you apply. Moreover, Amex won’t perform a hard credit inquiry during the process, so your credit score won’t be negatively affected if you decide to apply.
While the convenience and low cost are great features, loan amounts are not flexible (between $3,500 and $40,000), and the range of repayment terms is not extensive (between 12 and 60 months).
American Express was founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York City. It's one of the largest global payment companies, offering a variety of credit cards and financial products.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | No stated minimum |
| Origination Fees | None |
| Membership Requirement | Existing account |
| Available Discounts | None |
Read the Full American Express Personal Loans Review