Best Personal Loans in Little Rock, AR

Southern Gas Federal Credit Union stands out as the best personal loan lender in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 due to its competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and quick application and approval process; meanwhile, Laurel Road excels as the best lender for online personal loans with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100, attributed to its strong customer service, credible and transparent loan terms, and swift application and approval process.

MoneyGeek evaluated local lenders, focusing on interest rates, loan terms, loan application process, and the speed of loan funding, to recommend the best options for each city. If you're considering national lenders, our selections are available on the best personal loans in Arkansas.

MoneyGeek analyzed hundreds of lenders based on a rubric that includes APR ranges, loan amounts and repayment terms, among other key areas. We use a point-based system, assigning scores according to the presence or absence of certain desirable features in various critical categories.

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Our overall analysis was completed in October 2024. Here we considered banks and credit unions with brick and mortar locations in Little Rock, Arkansas. We also looked at online-only lenders licensed to do business in the state.

325Lenders Analyzed Nationally

Overall Best Personal Loan in Little Rock, AR

Company logo for Southern Gas Federal Credit Union
Southern Gas Federal Credit Union
MoneyGeek Score:
96/ of 100

APR Range9% to 18%
Loan Amount RangeUndisclosed
Repayment TermsUp to 84 months
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Southern Gas Federal Credit Union stands out as the best personal loan lender in Little Rock, Arkansas, receiving a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100. Southern Gas Federal Credit Union (SGFCU) was established in 1941 and is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Offering low APR rates starting at 6.35%, it's an enticing choice for borrowers.

Additionally, it facilitates joint credit applications, providing flexibility for those who wish to apply with a co-borrower. However, be aware of its fees, such as the $35 fee for skipping a payment and a $15 ACH origination charge, which might impact overall affordability.

Best Online Personal Loan in Little Rock, AR

Company logo for Laurel Road
Laurel Road
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ of 100

APR Range8.99% to 24.25%
Loan Amount Range$5,000 to $45,000
Repayment Terms36 to 60 months
Time to Receive Funds7 Business Days
Overview

If you are looking for the best online lender for personal loans in Little Rock, Arkansas, Laurel Road should be at the top of your list, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. It offers loans ranging from $5,000 to $45,000 with repayment terms between 36 to 60 months, giving you flexibility in managing your finances. Notably, it also includes an autopay discount of 0.25%, which can reduce the overall cost of your loan, and it does not charge origination fees, making your borrowing experience more straightforward.

On the other hand, it does have a high minimum loan amount, which could be a barrier for those needing smaller sums, and a late fee of 5% or $28, which is something to consider if you occasionally find it challenging to make payments on time.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment in Little Rock, AR

In 2022, the United States Census Bureau reported that the median annual household income in Little Rock, Arkansas, was $55,065. Whether your actual income exceeds or falls short of this median value, what matters is your ability to manage the monthly loan payments effectively. Use our personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly loan payments and the total cost of the loan by entering the loan amount, rate and terms.

For example, if you take out a $10,000 personal loan with a 10% interest rate over a three-year term, your monthly payments would amount to $323, totaling $3,876 annually. This represents approximately 7% of the median annual household income as indicated in the data.

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Updated: Nov 21, 2024

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Runner-Up for Best Personal Loan in Little Rock, AR

Company logo for Cooperative Extension Service Federal Credit Union
Cooperative Extension Service Federal Credit Union
MoneyGeek Score:
96/ of 100

APR RangeFrom 9.49%
Loan Amount RangeUp to $15,000
Repayment Terms24 to 60 months
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Cooperative Extension Service Federal Credit Union ranks as a strong contender for personal loans in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a MoneyGeek Score of 96 out of 100. Established in 1946 as Agricultural Extension Workers Credit Association, it is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

I offers attractive features like an APR as low as 9.49% and a financial calculator to help borrowers understand their payments. Additionally, its payroll deduction for payments can make managing finances easier, and it provides both online and mobile banking options for convenience. However, borrowers should be aware that there is a skip-a-payment processing fee of $25. Its website provides limited information about loans, and the borrowing limit is capped at $15,000.

Other Options for Personal Loans in Little Rock, AR

Company logo for Telcoe Federal Credit Union
Telcoe Federal Credit Union
MoneyGeek Score:
96/ of 100

MoneyGeek Score96
APR RangeFrom 9.25%
Loan Amount Range$200 to $6,000
Repayment TermsUp to 30 months
Time to Receive FundsSame day
Overview

For those seeking personal loans in Little Rock, Arkansas, Telcoe Federal Credit Union is a strong option with a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100. It, founded in 1950, is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Prospective borrowers will find its minimum loan amount of $200 convenient, facilitating small borrowings without unnecessary complications.

Additionally, it offers financial calculators to help borrowers plan their finances effectively. However, the borrowing limit is $6,000, which may not suit those needing higher amounts. Also, borrowers must open a Prime Savings Account first, a requirement that could be seen as an initial hurdle for some.

Company logo for Dillards Federal Credit Union
Dillards Federal Credit Union
MoneyGeek Score:
92/ of 100

MoneyGeek Score92
APR Range7.50% to 16%
Loan Amount RangeUndisclosed
Repayment TermsUndisclosed
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Dillards Federal Credit Union is another good choice for personal loans in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. It, which is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), has been serving its members since 1966. You might find its APR as low as 7.50% attractive. Its BBB rating of A+ assures reliability. However, it's essential to note that there is a skip-a-payment fee of $30, and a late payment fee of $25 could apply. Keep these factors in mind when considering your loan options.

National Lenders With Physical Locations in Little Rock, AR

Borrowers in Little Rock, Arkansas searching for the best personal loans who favor in-person service can consider U.S. Bank, which is a national lender with local branches in the city. As there are no other national lenders listed as options, residents might need to explore other financial institutions, community banks, credit unions or online alternatives for their personal loan needs.

OneMain Financial18.00% to 35.99%$1,500 to $20,00024 to 60 months
PNCUp to 24.99%$1,000 to $35,0006 to 60 months

What to Do if You Can't Get a Personal Loan in Little Rock, AR

In Little Rock, Arkansas, personal loan applications can be denied due to reasons like a low credit score, negative financial history or an unfavorable debt-to-income ratio. If this occurs, there are steps to take to navigate this setback effectively.

  1. 1
    Find out the reason for the denial

    Some lenders may deny your loan application due to a poor credit score, high debt-to-income ratio, low income level or errors in your application. Reviewing these reasons helps you improve weak areas and prevent future denial.

  2. 2
    Modify your loan terms

    You can try asking your lender if you can adjust the loan amount or repayment terms to get approved. This can sometimes lead to a favorable outcome allowing you to proceed.

  3. 3
    Look for another lender

    Different lenders have varying eligibility criteria for personal loan approval. Shopping around and considering factors such as minimum credit score requirements, interest rates, loan terms, additional fees and customer service helps you find the best lender for your needs.

  4. 4
    Explore credit counseling services

    Lenders often look at your debt-to-income ratio when evaluating your loan application. Consider a credit counseling agency to better manage your credit card debt and develop your budget. You can get credit counseling services from the Department of Justice's list of approved credit counseling agencies. The Department of Justice's list of approved debtor education agencies can be another option.

FAQ About Personal Loans in Little Rock, AR

We addressed common questions about the top personal loans in Little Rock, Arkansas to offer valuable insight and assist in making informed choices.

Who is the best overall personal loan lender in Little Rock, Arkansas?
What are personal loans used for in Little Rock, Arkansas?
What are the interest rates on personal loans in Little Rock, Arkansas?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of personal loans?
What are some personal loan red flags to look out for?
How to apply for a personal loan online?
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Little Rock, Arkansas?
What are the best low-interest personal loans in Little Rock, Arkansas?
What is an installment loan? Is there a difference between personal loans and installment loans in Little Rock, Arkansas?
Is there a difference between credit union loans and bank loans in Little Rock, Arkansas?

About Zachary Romeo, CBCA


Zachary Romeo, CBCA headshot

Zachary Romeo is a certified Commercial Banking and Credit Analyst (CBCA), and the Head of Loans and Banking at MoneyGeek. Previously, he led production teams for some of the largest online informational resources in higher education, with over 13 years of experience in editorial production.

Romeo has a bachelor's degree in biological engineering from Cornell University. He geeks out on minimizing personal debt and helping others do the same through people-first content.


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The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the rates mentioned may have changed. We recommend visiting the lender's website for the most up-to-date information available.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, lender or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.