Rocket Loans vs. SoFi: Which Personal Loan Is Right for You?

MoneyGeek collected data and evaluated Rocket Loans vs.SoFi to help the average borrowers choose between these two personal loan providers. We are a reliable source for comparing the largest personal loan lenders in the United States, and we gather updated, relevant data to make these evaluations.

Both Rocket Loans and SoFi offer rapid loan disbursements with reasonable APRs. However, SoFi is better if you need a larger loan, while Rocket Loans is ideal for people who want to borrow a little-to-moderate amount of money.

Key Takeaways

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Both Rocket Loans and SoFi provide speedy and affordable loans. SoFi is more stringent and can provide you with up to $100,000, while Rocket Loans has lower requirements but only offers small-to-moderate amounts to borrow.

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When selecting a lender, it's crucial to take into account a variety of factors. The APR, repayment terms, loan amount and time it takes to get the money should all be in line with your financial requirements.

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Your credit score, income and debt-to-income ratio are just some of the factors that lenders will consider when determining your interest rate and eligibility for a loan.

Rocket Loans or SoFi: Overview

MoneyGeek compared Rocket Loans and SoFi in terms of their APR ranges, loan amounts, loan disbursement times, repayment flexibility and qualifying minimum credit score requirement.

Although both lenders can distribute money fast, SoFi is a superior option for anyone wanting to finance significant purchases because it can offer up to $100,000. In contrast, you may borrow as little as $2,000 with Rocket Loans, making it ideal for minor expenditure loans.

Rocket Loans


  • Rocket Loans

    Relatively low APR for small-to-moderate expense


    • 5.97% to 29.69%APR Range
    • 640Minimum Credit Score
    • $2,000 to $45,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Next DayTime to Receive Funds

    Rocket Loans is an online lender that provides customers with fair credit with quick approval and financing. It can prequalify potential borrowers within seconds and release the money the next day after approval. It offers a discount for autopay and does not impose a penalty for early payment.

    This lender is a great option for borrowers looking for modest or small loans to pay for expenses like vacation, home improvements, debt consolidation and more. Rocket Loans personal loan programs range from $2,000 to $45,000 and have repayment options ranging from 36 to 60 months. Although its lowest APR of 5.97% is quite low, it may potentially go as high as 29.69% depending on your credit score and other criteria.

    Pros

    • Autopay discount
    • Requires only fair credit score
    • No prepayment penalty
    • A+ BBB rating

    Cons

    • Charges origination fees
    • $45,000 maximum loan amount
    • No co-signers
    • Income requirements
    • Late fees
    • Loan amount: $2,000 to $45,000
    • Repayment terms: 36 or 60 months
    • Minimum credit score: 640
    • Time to receive funds: Next day
    Rocket Loans

SoFi


  • SoFi

    Great personal loan option for individuals with good credit


    • 5.74% to 20.28%APR Range
    • 680Minimum Credit Score
    • $5,000 to $100,000Loan Amount Range
    • 12 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Two DaysTime to Receive Funds

    SoFi personal loans are a great option for applicants with strong credit who want to borrow a large amount to fund substantial expenses. This lender can offer up to $100,000. It also helps borrowers save money, thanks to features like a 0.25% autopay discount, no origination fee and no late payment charge.

    Your fund can be released a few days after your application gets approved. Additionally, it provides unemployment protection. This means that in the event that you lose your job, SoFi would temporarily alter your payments to accommodate for the sudden change in your financial situation and aid you in finding another one.

    SoFi personal loans are, however, reserved for those who have good credit scores and high gross incomes.

    Pros

    • $100,000 maximum loan option
    • Autopay discount
    • Soft credit pull
    • No late, prepayment or origination fees
    • A+ BBB rating

    Cons

    • Requires 680 minimum credit score
    • Income requirements
    • No co-signers allowed
    • Won’t accept people with new or no credit
    • High minimum loan amount
    • Loan amount: $5,000 to $100,000
    • Repayment terms: 12 to 60 months
    • Minimum credit score: 680
    • Time to receive funds: Two days
    SoFi

APR Range

Lender
APR Range

Rocket Loans

5.97% to 29.69%

SoFi

5.74% to 20.28%

The amount of interest a borrower will pay on their loan each year, plus any additional fees or charges imposed by the lender, is expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR). SoFi offers a lower starting and maximum APR in comparison to Rocket Loans.

It is important to remember that APRs frequently change, and you aren't guaranteed to acquire the lowest rate that's offered. Numerous variables, including your loan type, credit score, loan size and the underwriting model used by the lender, affect your APR. Knowing which APR range bracket you fall into is a good factor to consider.

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MONEYGEEK’S VERDICT

When comparing the two APR ranges, SoFi wins since its minimum and maximum APRs are less than what Rocket Loans offers.

Keep in mind that the APR raises a loan's overall cost. A loan with a lower APR will end up costing less in fees and interest over time. Because it lowers the cost of the loan overall, a lower APR is preferred versus a higher APR.

Nevertheless, it is wise to consider all loan terms as you evaluate lenders since APR is just one aspect of your loan.

Minimum Credit Score

Lender
Credit Score

Rocket Loans

640

SoFi

680

While SoFi requires a minimum credit score of 680 in order to qualify for a personal loan, Rocket Loans welcomes candidates with fair credit of 640. The 40-point gap is significant enough to influence some prospective borrowers' decisions.

Using the data from your credit report, the main credit agencies produce your credit score. This is a numerical evaluation of your creditworthiness. It is used by lenders to determine your APR, loan terms and, ultimately, whether or not to approve your loan.

In general, credit scores range from 300 to 850. Individuals with credit scores of 670 or above are frequently seen by lenders as acceptable or low-risk customers, providing great prospects for speedy approval.

Keep in mind that your score can be impacted by things like your credit and payment history, unpaid debts and new credit account applications.

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MONEYGEEK’S VERDICT

Rocket Loans is the clear winner in this category, requiring only fair credit as opposed to SoFi’s good credit requirement. Lower credit score requirements are more flexible since most applicants don't have to improve their credit scores to qualify.

However, low credit scores can also translate into higher interest rates, increasing the overall cost of the loan beyond what was anticipated.

To find the best lender for you, be sure to consider other variables of the loan’s terms.

Loan Amount Range

Lender
Loan Amount Range

Rocket Loans

$2,000 to $45,000

SoFi

$5,000 to $100,000

The lowest and highest sum that a lender will lend to a borrower falls within the loan amount range. SoFi has a significantly greater cap than Rocket Loans, allowing applicants to borrow up to $100,000. SoFi would be excellent for major expenditures, like a car or big house projects. On the other hand, Rocket Loans personal loans can cover smaller, less expensive lower than $5,000 so that you don’t have to borrow more than you actually need.

Instead of taking out several little loans from several lenders, it is preferable to find one lender whose product line covers all of your lending demands. It is easier to stay on top of your total debts and payments this way.

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MONEYGEEK’S VERDICT

SoFi is the undisputed winner in this area, offering up to $100,000, which is $55,000 more than what Rocket Loans offers.

Your circumstances and the intended use of the borrowed money will determine how much you require. A larger loan range is good for higher costs, while a smaller loan is ideal for more modest demands. You shouldn't borrow more money than you actually require because it means you’ll also be paying more in interest.

Don’t forget to evaluate all aspects of a loan’s terms before applying. Loan amount ranges are just one factor to consider.

Repayment Terms

Lender
Repayment Terms

Rocket Loans

36 to 60 months

SoFi

12 to 60 months

The length of time you have to repay a loan is determined by the repayment term, sometimes referred to as the payback period. Usually, lower interest rates are associated with shorter payback terms. However, other variables, such as your credit score, may still play a role.

SoFi offers a wider variety of options than Rocket Loans. This means that you can choose a shorter or longer payback period depending on what's financially better for you.

However, keep in mind that a lengthier payback period has disadvantages. In other words, even if your APR is low, you will pay more interest if your payback time is lengthy. Consider this while assessing a lender's payback period.

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MONEYGEEK’S VERDICT

According to our data, SoFi has a competitive advantage over Rocket Loans in this category because of its more accommodating payback periods. It provides borrowers 12 to 60 months to pay back their loan, which is helpful for people looking for funds with flexible terms. Meanwhile, Rocket Loans’ repayment term is from 36 to 60 months.

Although longer monthly payments may sound better, interest rates are frequently cheaper for loans with shorter payback durations.

Still, to make an informed decision, you must take into account the full picture of the loan and lender-related factors.

Time to Receive Funds

Lender
Time to Receive Funds

Rocket Loans

Next day

SoFi

Two days

Applying for a loan online rather than in person is better if you want the money you need as soon as possible. The majority of lenders let you prequalify before applying without having an impact on your credit score. Providing all the necessary papers could also increase your likelihood of getting approved, not to mention the speed.

That said, both Rocket Loans and SoFi disburse money quicker than typical lenders. Both of these lenders may provide funds a few days after an application is approved, unlike conventional lenders that may take a few weeks.

In addition, both lenders let you prequalify within a few minutes of inquiry, and both also offer online applications to speed up the process.

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MONEYGEEK’S VERDICT

Rocket Loans wins in this category because it can release funds the next day, while SoFi takes two days to disburse funds. The borrower can spend the money sooner if lenders release their funds quicker.

If the money is going to be utilized for emergencies, disbursement speed is critical. For less urgent matters, it might not be as important.

Remember to analyze all factors of a loan’s terms to choose the best option for your funding needs.

Final Thoughts

SoFi, with its higher credit and gross income requirement, is harder to get approved for. However, if you qualify for its personal loans, then it could be the better choice when compared to Rocket Loans. It has a lower APR and a higher loan amount limit. This means better flexibility on where you can spend your money.

Rocket Loans also possess good qualities. It can process and release funds immediately. Plus, you can borrow as little as $2,000 for small expense loans.

The ideal personal loan company will ultimately depend on your needs and your profile. Consider your options to see whether you require a longer payback time, a bigger loan amount or a lower interest rate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loan Lenders

A personal loan must be carefully considered before applying. MoneyGeek has included some commonly asked questions regarding personal loans in order to assist you with the process.

What documents do I need to provide to personal loan lenders?
How do I know what my credit score is?
Do lenders conduct a hard inquiry?
Are interest rates on personal loans the same for all lenders?
Do lenders charge fees for personal loans?
What are the advantages of applying for a personal loan online?
Is prepayment allowed on personal loans?

About Christopher Boston


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Christopher (Croix) Boston was the Head of Loans content at MoneyGeek, with over five years of experience researching higher education, mortgage and personal loans.

Boston has a bachelor's degree from the Seattle Pacific University. They pride themselves in using their skills and experience to create quality content that helps people save and spend efficiently.


sources
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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.

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