Best Personal Loans in Bellevue, WA: Top Lenders & Best Picks for You

The average personal loan debt in Washington is $14,822. Individual factors like your credit score, income and debt-to-income ratio will be used by lenders to assess your eligibility for personal loans in Bellevue.

By Christopher Boston

Edited by Scott Strandberg

Updated: October 16, 2024

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WHAT WE’RE GEEKING OUT ON

The Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Bellevue
The Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Bellevue
The Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Bellevue
The Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Bellevue
The Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvements in Bellevue
How to Choose the Right Personal Loan Lender for You
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Bellevue

MoneyGeek's Picks for Best Personal Loan Lenders in Bellevue, WA

To help you find the best personal loan lender for your profile, MoneyGeek ranked lenders in Bellevue based on 30+ data points, including APRs, loan amounts, minimum requirements, repayment terms, fees and disbursement times. We also considered various borrower profiles, such as those with bad credit and those seeking loans for specific purposes (e.g., debt consolidation and home improvement), to identify the best lenders for different profiles.

Our analysis found that LightStream offers the best personal loans in Bellevue for most borrowers. However, the best for you may vary depending on your individual profile and needs.

Best Overall Personal Loan Lender in Bellevue: LightStream

LightStream
- 4.49% to 20.49%APR Range
- 660Minimum Credit Score
- $5,000 to $100,000Loan Amount Range
- 24 to 84 monthsRepayment Terms
- Same DayTime to Receive Funds
LightStream offers the best personal loans in Bellevue for most borrowers. LightStream is headquartered in San Diego, California, and offers personal loans for various purposes. Funds can be used for debt consolidation, funding large purchases, emergency expenses and other purposes. However, you cannot use LightStream loans for postsecondary educational expenses or investments like stocks or bonds.
If you are looking for a low-cost loan, LightStream is a solid option since APR rates are relatively low. LightStream is also low on fees — you will not incur any origination fees, prepayment fees or late charges. However, there is no prequalification option, so you cannot check rates before applying.
LightStream offers flexible loan limits of up to $100,000, depending on your creditworthiness, with repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. Loans are funded on the same day, so this lender is a good option if you need funds quickly.
Pros
Reasonable APRs
No origination fees
No early payment fees
Autopay discount

Cons
No pre-approval feature
Hard credit checks
High minimum limit of $5,000
Restrictions on usage of funds
Requires significant credit history

Best Personal Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Bellevue: Upstart

Upstart
- 3.22% to 35.99%APR Range
- 300Minimum Credit Score
- $1,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
- 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
- Next DayTime to Receive Funds
MoneyGeek found that Upstart is the best option for personal loans in Bellevue if you have bad credit. This lender accepts borrowers with a minimum credit score of 300, so even those with poor or incomplete credit can qualify. Upstart was founded in 2012, and its loans can be used for various purposes, including home renovations, debt consolidation, large purchases, education-related expenses and more.
Upstart offers loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, so it is ideal for those who need to borrow small amounts. However, APR rates can be high depending on your creditworthiness. Repayment periods are limited to three- and five-year terms, but you have the option to repay your loan early without incurring early payment charges.
Loans are typically disbursed by the next day, and you have the option to check rates before applying on Upstart’s website.
Pros
Low minimum credit score requirement
No early payment charges
Quick funding
Soft credit check
Low minimum APR

Cons
High maximum APR
Charges origination fees
Does not accept co-signers
Maximum limit of $50,000
Term options limited

Best Personal Loan Lender for Good Credit in Bellevue: SoFi

SoFi
- 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
MoneyGeek’s top pick for personal loans in Bellevue for borrowers with good credit is SoFi. Although SoFi has a relatively high minimum credit score requirement of 680, it offers borrowers competitive APRs.
Loan limits range from $5,000 to $100,000, so SoFi is ideal if you need to borrow large amounts. You can check your rate before applying without impacting your credit score.
SoFi disburses loans in a few days, so you can get your funds fairly quickly, but there are some restrictions on the usage of funds. SoFi loans cannot be used for investments, real estate or college education expenses.
SoFi offers unemployment protection — if you lose your job, you can temporarily adjust your monthly payments.
Pros
No origination fees
No prepayment fees
Soft credit inquiry
High loan limits of up to $100,000
Unemployment protection

Cons
High credit score requirement
High minimum APR
Minimum loan of $5,000
Restrictions on usage of funds
Does not accept co-signers

Best Personal Loan Lender for Debt Consolidation in Bellevue: Upgrade

Upgrade
- 5.94% to 35.47%APR Range
- 560Minimum Credit Score
- $1,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
- 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
- Same DayTime to Receive Funds
Upgrade was founded in 2012 and offers personal loans for various purposes, including consolidating debt. Upgrade offers the option to pay your creditors directly with debt consolidation loans, making it easy to streamline your payments.
You need a minimum credit score of 560 to be eligible for an Upgrade loan. Loan limits range from $1,000 to $50,000. To find out your rate, you can submit your details on the Upgrade website.
In most cases, Upgrade loans are funded immediately, so this lender is a good option if you need funds soon. Keep in mind that you will pay a one-time origination fee of 1.85% to 8.99%.
Pros
Pre-approval available
Soft credit check
No fees for early payment
Pays creditors directly for debt consolidation

Cons
High maximum APR
Low maximum loan amount
Charges origination fees
Charges late fees
Does not accept co-signers

Best Personal Loan Lender for Home Improvement in Bellevue: Best Egg

Best Egg
- 4.99% to 35.99%APR Range
- 700Minimum Credit Score
- $2,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
- 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
- Next DayTime to Receive Funds
MoneyGeek found that Best Egg offers the best loans in Bellevue for home improvement. Best Egg was founded in 2014 and offers personal loans to borrowers with a minimum credit score of 700.
Borrowers with excellent credit are eligible for the lowest rates. You can check your rate before applying without impacting your credit score. Loan limits range from $2,000 to $50,000, repayable in terms ranging from 36 to 60 months.
Best Egg loans have an origination fee of 0.99% to 8.99% of the loan amount. Most loans are funded by the next day, so this lender is a good option if you need funds quickly.
Pros
Quick funding
No early payment fees
Soft credit check
Autopay discount

Cons
Relatively high APRs
Requires a high credit score
Charges origination fees
Charges late fees
Limited repayment terms

Where to Start: How to Choose the Best Personal Loan Lender in Bellevue for You

The average personal loan debt in Washington is $14,822. Personal loans can come in handy when you need funds for emergency expenses, large purchases, debt consolidation or other uses. However, before you borrow, it is best to ensure that you choose the right lender based on factors like your credit score, debt-to-income ratio and annual income.

MoneyGeek outlined some key steps to help you in getting the best personal loan for your needs.

1
Ask Yourself the Important Questions
When you take out a personal loan, you will need to make monthly payments for years to repay it. Start by figuring out whether you can afford the loan. Consider your current finances and debts and how a personal loan will impact them. Also, consider how your credit history and income will impact your eligibility, as well as the APR rates and terms that you can get.
These questions will help you assess your finances and determine whether a personal loan is the best decision for you.
- How much funding do I need?
- What is my credit score?
- Can I afford the monthly payment?
- How much debt do I already have?
2
Do Your Research
Getting the best rates and terms can save you a lot of money in the long run. It pays to do some research and compare what different lenders have to offer. You will find that APRs, application fees and other charges tend to vary depending on the lender. The more you compare and research your options, the more likely you are to get the best rates for your profile.
You can always use Moneygeek’s top picks as a guide, but remember that every borrower’s situation is unique, so our recommendations may not fit every scenario. Do some research based on your specific needs and unique profile to identify the best options available to you.
3
Wait
Waiting a few days before submitting your application will help you avoid making an impulsive decision. Take a couple of days to weigh your options and consider if you are ready for the long-term commitment of a personal loan. Since you will be making monthly payments for years to repay your loan, take time to see if your finances can handle the debt.
You may also want to compare the cost of a personal loan with any other financing options available to you. This will ensure that you make the best financial decision without rushing into applying for a personal loan.
4
Read the Fine Print
You may miss important terms and rates if you do not take the time to thoroughly read through the fine print. It is important to understand all the applicable charges and rates before you sign on the dotted line. This is because origination fees, late charges and other fees can drive up the cost of your loan.
If the lender has stipulated terms in the fine print that you do not understand, always seek clarification before accepting the offer.
5
Apply
Once you are confident about your decision and happy with your choice of lender, you can submit your loan application. In most cases, you will be able to apply online. Keep your identification, income statements and financial history documents with you during your application, as they will be required. Be sure to provide all the required information to facilitate easier and faster processing of your loan.
If you need help with the application process, you can contact the lender online, via phone or visit them in person if allowed.

What to Do if You Can’t Get a Personal Loan in Bellevue

It is not unusual for loan applications to get declined. If your application was rejected, it might not be a big deal. Lenders can reject applications for a variety of reasons, such as not meeting the minimum credit score requirement, having a high debt-to-income ratio or other individual factors.

MoneyGeek recommends finding out the exact reason you were declined by the lender. This will give you insights into your creditworthiness and guide you on what you need to improve on before reapplying. In cases where your credit score or income is too low, you can always reapply with a lender with more flexible requirements. However, avoid reapplying immediately after being declined since this can dent your credit score.

MoneyGeek advises against turning to payday loans as an alternative. Although the requirements may be more favorable, interest rates for such loans are typically very high, which can make them quite costly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Bellevue

If you are looking for the best personal loans in Bellevue, your financial history and other credit and income factors will be major determining factors. We answered the frequently asked questions below to help you learn more about personal loans in Bellevue.

What is the best personal loan lender in Bellevue?

LightStream is the best lender for personal loans in Bellevue for the average borrower. However, if you have good credit, SoFi is the best option, while Upstart is the best lender for those with bad credit.

Which lender in Bellevue has the lowest interest rate?

Upstart has the lowest possible interest rate for a personal loan in Bellevue.

Can I use a personal loan for vacations in Bellevue?

Yes, you can usually use a personal loan for vacations in Bellevue. Check with your lender to make sure they don’t have any restrictions.

Can I use a personal loan for home improvement in Bellevue?

Most lenders allow you to use personal loans in Bellevue for home improvement.

What can I not use my personal loan for in Bellevue?

With some lenders, personal loans in Bellevue cannot be used for gambling or illegal activities. Some lenders may also restrict the use of funds for college education expenses and investments.

How much can I borrow in Bellevue?

In Bellevue, you can borrow between $1,000 and $100,000 depending on the lender and your creditworthiness.

How long does it take to get a personal loan in Bellevue?

Funding times vary depending on the lender, but in most cases, you can get a personal loan in Bellevue in a day or two.

Can I pay off my loan early in Bellevue?

Yes, you can pay off your loan early in Bellevue, but some lenders may charge early payment fees. Check with your preferred lender for the terms on early payment.

Our Personal Loan Methodology

MoneyGeek identified the best personal loans in Bellevue using more than 35 data points to evaluate lenders in the city. We factored in key data points across six main categories, including loan affordability, accessibility, consumer friendliness, customer service, flexibility and lender transparency.

MoneyGeek considered several factors within each ranking category, focusing on those that we feel carry the most weight when selecting a personal loan lender. Some of the factors we considered include APR ranges, available loan limits, minimum credit score requirements, minimum income requirements, application fees and funding times.

Here at MoneyGeek, we also factor in the lender’s customer support and business ratings because we value your experience. We also consider any additional features that could make your experience easier, such as prequalification, payment options and mobile apps.

MoneyGeek’s top picks are made with your best interest in mind to aid you in making the best decision when choosing the right lender for your financial situation and needs.

About Christopher Boston

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.

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sources

Best Egg. "Personal Loans." Accessed September 18, 2024.
LightStream. "FAQ." Accessed September 18, 2024.
SoFi. "Personal Loans." Accessed September 18, 2024.
Upgrade. "Personal Loans up to $50,000." Accessed September 18, 2024.
Upstart. "Personal Loans." Accessed September 18, 2024.

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.