Last week, personal loan rates increased. However, it’s still possible for highly qualified borrowers to pick up a reasonable interest rate on a personal loan. If you’re interested in financing a major purchase or project, it’s a good time to shop for a loan.
For borrowers with a credit score of at least 720 who prequalified on Credible.com’s personal loan marketplace, the average interest rate on a three-year personal loan was 14.83% from February 24 to March 1. According to Credible.com, that’s a 0.22 percentage-point increase from the previous week. The average rate on a five-year personal loan rose 0.68 percentage points last week, from 19.21% to 19.89%.
However, the actual rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness and what’s available through your preferred lender. Well-qualified borrowers may be able to find rates significantly lower than the average.
These rates are accurate as of March 1, 2025, and based on the three-year fixed rate.
Related: Best Personal Loans
Current Personal Loan Interest Rates for March 4, 2025
Personal loan rates fluctuate frequently, and each lender determines and sets different rates. While your rate isn’t guaranteed until you sign your loan agreement, you can get an idea of average lender rates below.
Personal Loan Rate Trends Over Time
The table below compares personal loan rates for three- and five-year terms to help you understand rate trends. Lenders typically consider your loan term and credit history to determine your interest rate.
How To Get the Best Personal Loan Rates
Each lender sets its personal loan rates, so we recommend using these steps to land the best rates:
- Prequalify with multiple lenders. Prequalifying for a personal loan lets you check your eligibility and potential rates without impacting your credit score. While this doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive a loan, it can allow you to compare possible amounts and terms between lenders.
- Review your offers. Once you’ve seen if you prequalify, review and compare offers to find the best option. Consider the interest rate, loan amount, repayment terms and any fees. Depending on your financial situation, no late payment fees or prepayment penalties may also be worth considering.
- Apply. Once you’ve selected a lender, submit an application online or in person. Gather your documentation, including bank statements, pay stubs and identification. This requires a hard credit check that temporarily drops your score by a few points.
Related: 5 Personal Loan Requirements To Know Before Applying
Should I Get a Personal Loan?
We recommend you get a personal loan only when it’s necessary. If you’re considering a personal loan, these steps can help you understand if it’s the right choice:
- Identify why you need funds. Before taking out a personal loan, understand how you would use the funds. Some common personal loan uses include home improvement, debt consolidation and covering emergency expenses. It’s best to avoid using personal loans for nonessential expenses that you could potentially save up for, like vacations and holiday gifts.
- Determine how much financing you need. Once you identify why you need the funds, calculate how much you need to cover your costs. This amount will typically inform you of the loan amount you need or if you can use an alternative.
- Consider personal loan alternatives. If you only need to borrow a small amount of money, such as under $2,000, consider alternative options such as a payday alternative loan (PAL) or a buy now, pay later service.
- Find a lender that fits your needs. If you can’t find an alternative that fits your needs, find a personal loan lender that provides sufficient financing.
Where Can You Get a Personal Loan
You can get personal loans through several institutions. Depending on the loan you’re looking to borrow and your qualifications, one lender might be better than another. As you look for a personal loan, consider:
- Credit unions: Best for those who meet a local credit union’s eligibility requirements or are existing members.
- Banks: Best for an in-person experience or if you want to keep all your banking under one institution.
- Online lenders: Best for an online experience and flexible qualification requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you calculate personal loan payments?
Once you have your interest rate, loan term and amount borrowed, you can calculate your loan payments. A personal loan calculator can help with this.
Can I pay off a personal loan early?
You can typically repay a personal loan early. However, some lenders charge a prepayment penalty as a percentage of your loan or a flat fee. If you want to pay off your loan early, confirm with your lender whether it charges a fee.
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