Best Personal Loans in Charlotte, NC

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State Employees' Credit Union is the best personal loan lender in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100 due to its quality service, competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, while Laurel Road stands as the best lender for online personal loans with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100, offering strong customer service, competitive interest rates, and credibility and transparency about its loan terms and process.

MoneyGeek prioritized local lenders and scored them based on factors like interest rates, loan terms, loan application process and the speed of loan funding to gather our best city recommendations. If you're looking for national lenders, we compiled our top picks in the best personal loans in North Carolina.

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 August 2024. Here we considered banks and credit unions with brick and mortar locations in Charlotte, North Carolina. We also looked at online-only lenders licensed to do business in the state.

325Lenders Analyzed Nationally

Overall Best Personal Loan in Charlotte, NC

Company logo for State Employees' Credit Union
State Employees' Credit Union

MoneyGeek Score99
APR RangeFrom 9.25%
Loan Amount RangeUndisclosed
Repayment Terms24 to 72 months
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

State Employees' Credit Union stands out as the best personal loan lender in Charlotte, North Carolina, earning a MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100. It offers several enticing aspects, such as being federally insured by the NCUA and an attractive APR starting at 9.25%. However, borrowers should keep in mind that membership is needed to apply and it doesn't allow prequalification, which could be limiting for some.

Best Online Personal Loan in Charlotte, NC

Company logo for Laurel Road
Laurel Road

MoneyGeek Score93
APR Range9.49% to 24.50%
Loan Amount Range$5,000 to $45,000
Repayment Terms36 to 60 months
Time to Receive FundsWithin 7 Days
Overview

Laurel Road is the best online lender for personal loans in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. It offers loans ranging from $5,000 to $45,000 with repayment terms between 36 to 60 months, giving borrowers flexibility in their financing options. It includes a 0.25% autopay discount, which can save borrowers money over the life of their loan, and the lack of origination fees, which reduces the upfront costs of securing a loan. However, the lender sets a high minimum loan amount, which might not be ideal for those seeking smaller loans, and a significant late fee of 5% or $28, which could add up if a borrower misses a payment.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment in Charlotte, NC

According to the United States Census Bureau, the median annual household income in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2022 was $74,401. Whether your income is above or below this value, focusing on your ability to afford the monthly loan payments is key. 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, calculating the monthly payments for a $10,000 personal loan, with a 10% interest rate, over three years results in $323 per month and $3,876 per year. This yearly payment is approximately 5% of the median annual household income in Charlotte.

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Updated: Nov 21, 2024

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Runner-Up for Best Personal Loan in Charlotte, NC

Company logo for Blue Flame Credit Union
Blue Flame Credit Union

MoneyGeek Score94
APR RangeFrom 8.99%
Loan Amount RangeUndisclosed
Repayment TermsUndisclosed
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Blue Flame Credit Union ranks as the runner-up for the best personal loans in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. It stands out for being federally insured by the NCUA and offering APRs starting at 8.99%, which can result in lower interest payments for borrowers. On the downside, borrowers need membership to apply and cannot prequalify for loans, potentially making the application process a bit more restrictive.

Other Options for Personal Loans in Charlotte, NC

Company logo for Piedmont Advantage Credit Union
Piedmont Advantage Credit Union

MoneyGeek Score92
APR RangeFrom 11.00%
Loan Amount RangeUndisclosed
Repayment TermsUndisclosed
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Piedmont Advantage Credit Union stands out as a reliable choice for personal loans in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. It is federally insured by the NCUA and offers a 0.25% autopay discount, making it a financially secure option with added incentives for regular payments. It allows joint applications, accommodating borrowers who need to apply with a co-borrower. However, it has a late payment fee of 4%, which could add up quickly if you're not careful with timely payments. Additionally, it provides no option to prequalify, potentially leading to a hard credit inquiry right away. Borrowers should note that it doesn't disclose much information about personal loans on its website.

Company logo for Self-Help Credit Union
Self-Help Credit Union

MoneyGeek Score87
APR Range13.25% to 16.00%
Loan Amount RangeUndisclosed
Repayment TermsUp to 48 month
Time to Receive FundsUndisclosed
Overview

Self-Help Credit Union is a good choice for personal loans in Charlotte, North Carolina, receiving a MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100. This lender is federally insured by the NCUA, providing a layer of financial security for borrowers. Additionally, it has a BBB rating of A+, which reflects its strong customer service reputation. However, borrowers should be aware that membership is needed to apply, which could be a hurdle for some. It also doesn't disclose its loan eligibility requirements, leaving potential applicants without crucial upfront information.

National Lenders With Physical Locations in Charlotte, NC

Borrowers in Charlotte, North Carolina, looking for the best personal loans might appreciate the in-person service that national lenders provide, as they have a presence in the city. These borrowers can explore options with lenders including Truist, Fifth Third Bank, Wells Fargo, PNC and TD Bank. Each lender offers a range of personal loan products and services to meet various financial needs.

Fifth Third Bank8.99% to 21.74%$2,000 to $50,00012 to 60 months
PNCUndisclosed$1,000 to $35,0006 to 60 months
TD Bank8.99% to 23.99%$2,000 to $50,00036 to 60 months
Truist8.74% to 17.39%Starting from $3,50024 to 60 months
Wells Fargo7.49% to 23.24%$3,000 to $100,00012 to 84 months

What to Do if You Can't Get a Personal Loan in Charlotte, NC

Your personal loan application in Charlotte, North Carolina can get denied due to reasons like a low credit score, negative financial history or an unfavorable debt-to-income ratio. If this happens, there are steps you can take to navigate this setback.

  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. Review the reasons to improve your weak areas and prevent another loan application denial in the future.

  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.

  3. 3
    Look for another lender

    Different lenders have varying eligibility criteria for personal loan approval. Shop around and consider factors such as minimum credit score requirements, interest rates, loan terms, additional fees, and customer service to find the best lender for your particular needs and circumstances.

  4. 4
    Explore credit counseling services

    Lenders often look at your debt-to-income ratio when evaluating your loan application. You may consider a credit counseling agency to better manage your credit card debt and develop your budget. You can get credit counseling services from North Carolina Department of Justice's resources on credit and debt. Another option is National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

FAQ About Personal Loans in Charlotte, NC

We addressed common questions on the best personal loans in Charlotte, North Carolina, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making.

Who is the best overall personal loan lender in Charlotte, North Carolina?
What are personal loans used for in Charlotte, North Carolina?
What are the interest rates on personal loans in Charlotte, North Carolina?
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 Charlotte, North Carolina?
What are the best low-interest personal loans in Charlotte, North Carolina?
What is an installment loan? Is there a difference between personal loans and installment loans in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Is there a difference between credit union loans and bank loans in Charlotte, North Carolina?

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.