LendingClub Personal Loan: Right for you?

Explore LendingClub Personal Loans. Get up to $50,000 with fixed rates for debt consolidation, home improvement, and more. Check your rate without impacting your credit score. Find out how to get funded in as little as 24 hours.

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Are you juggling multiple credit card payments or facing a large, unexpected expense? Managing debt can be overwhelming, but a LendingClub Personal Loan can offer a structured path forward with a single monthly payment and a clear end date.

In the world of online lending, LendingClub has emerged as a popular choice for over five million members nationwide. All of that because they offer a straightforward online application, competitive fixed rates, and the ability to get funds quickly.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what LendingClub offers and how the process works. Then, we’ll help you decide if it’s the right financial tool to help you achieve your goals. Read on!

A young man in a checkered shirt is sitting at a desk, smiling while using a tablet and a laptop. The LendingClub logo is displayed in the upper left corner.

How LendingClub Personal Loans Work

A LendingClub Personal Loan is a fixed-rate, unsecured installment loan. This means the loan doesn’t need a collateral, and the interest rate is set at the time of origination. Besides, it does not change over the life of the loan.

Borrowers can apply for amounts ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with repayment terms structured over a period of 24 to 72 months.

The application process begins with a rate check that generates a soft credit inquiry. To proceed with a full application, underwriting requires verification of identity, income, and creditworthiness. A hard credit inquiry is only recorded on the borrower’s credit report upon final approval and issuance of the loan.

After approval, funds are disbursed as a lump sum, either to the borrower’s bank account or directly to third-party creditors as specified by the borrower. Repayment is made in fixed monthly installments.

Main advantages of LendingClub Personal Loans

  • No-Risk Rate Check: You can view personalized loan offers through a soft credit inquiry. It will not impact on your credit score. This allows you to explore your options risk-free before committing.
  • Fast Funding: The money will be available into your bank account in as little as 24 hours. This is a significant advantage for time-sensitive financial needs.
  • Predictable Payments: With a fixed interest rate, your monthly payments never change. This provides stability and makes it easy to budget for the life of the loan, with a clear payoff date.
  • No Prepayment Penalties: You have the flexibility to pay off your loan ahead of schedule without any extra fees. This can save you a substantial amount in interest over the long term.
  • Direct Creditor Payments: For debt consolidation, LendingClub can send payments directly to your old creditors. This streamlines the process and ensures the settling of your previous debts efficiently.

Disadvantages

While LendingClub is a convenient option, potential borrowers should be aware of its drawbacks.

  • Origination Fees: Most loans include an origination fee of up to 8%. LendingClub deducts this fee from your loan funds, so the cash you receive is less than the amount you borrow.
  • High Maximum APR: Rates can reach as high as 35.99%. Applicants without excellent credit may face very high interest rates, making the loan an expensive option.
  • Strict Requirements for Best Rates: The lowest advertised rates are only for borrowers with excellent credit and a strong financial history, so not all applicants will qualify for the most favorable terms.

Rates and Commissions of LendingClub Personal Loans

Understanding the costs associated with a LendingClub Personal Loan is crucial. The primary cost is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which ranges from 7.90% to 35.99%. The bank determines your specific rate by your credit score and financial history, with the lowest rates reserved for borrowers with excellent credit.

The most significant fee to consider is the one-time origination fee, which ranges from 0% to 8% of the total loan amount. They discount this fee directly from your loan proceeds.

For example, if you take out a $17,413 loan with a 6% origination fee, you would receive $16,369 in your bank account. This fee is also into your overall APR. It’s important to account for this when deciding on your loan amount.

Requirements and eligibility criteria

To qualify for a LendingClub Personal Loan, you must first meet the basic requirements: be a U.S. citizen or resident, be at least 18 years of age, and have a verifiable bank account.

Beyond these fundamentals, your approval depends on several financial factors. LendingClub will assess your credit score, credit history, and your ability to repay the loan. To secure the lowest rates, a strong credit profile is essential.

For those who may not qualify on their own or wish to get a better rate, applying with a co-borrower is an option that can help improve your chances of approval and may result in a larger loan amount.

How to get a LendingClub personal loan

  1. The Application Process: The process is entirely online and designed to be straightforward.
    • Check Your Rate: This step uses a soft credit pull and will not affect your credit score.
    • Choose Your Offer: You will receive various loan offers. Select the loan amount, interest rate, APR, and term that best fits your needs.
    • Confirm and Verify: To finalize the application, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, income details, and employment information. LendingClub will then verify your information and run a hard credit inquiry before giving final approval.
  2. Tips to Increase Approval Chances: To improve your eligibility, focus on strengthening your financial profile. Aim for a higher credit score, work on lowering your debt-to-income ratio by paying down existing debts, and ensure you have a positive credit history with on-time payments.
  3. Estimated Funding Time: After your loan is officially approved, you can receive the payment quickly. LendingClub states that funds can be into your bank account in as little as 24 hours, though this timeframe is not guaranteed.
  4. What to Do in Case of Rejection: If your application is denied, it’s important to understand why. LendingClub should provide a reason for the decision. Use this information to improve your financial standing. This could involve checking your credit report for errors, taking steps to improve your credit score, paying down existing debt, or considering reapplying at a later date, perhaps with a co-borrower.

Conclusion

In summary, a LendingClub Personal Loan presents a compelling option for individuals seeking to consolidate debt, finance a major purchase, or manage unexpected costs. The primary advantages are its streamlined online application and the potential for rapid funding. These features make it a highly accessible and convenient financial tool.

However, it’s crucial to weigh the disadvantages, such as the origination fee that is deducted from the loan and the high maximum APR for those without excellent credit. Ultimately, LendingClub offers a flexible and predictable loan product, but its value depends heavily on your personal financial profile.

If the fixed payments and quick access to funds align with your needs, and you qualify for a favorable rate, it could be an excellent choice to help you achieve your financial goals.

So, if you want to see what rates you qualify for and apply to get your loan, you can begin the process on the official website. You just need to click here!

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Loan terms: 12 to 60 months. APR: 0.99% to 9% based on the selected term (includes fees, per local law). Example: $10,000 loan at 0.99% APR for 36 months totals $11,957.15. Fees from 0.99%, up to $100,000.