Best Personal Loans in Wisconsin for 2024

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Updated: November 21, 2024

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First Tech and PenFed are the top personal loan lenders in Wisconsin, according to MoneyGeek. First Tech ranks highest with a score of 98, offering excellent customer service and competitive fees. With a close score of 96, PenFed also provides flexible terms and clear, cost-effective loan options.

If you live in Wisconsin and have a credit score near 737, you will likely have favorable loan terms. Lenders will also evaluate your credit profile, income history and debt-to-income ratio to determine your loan terms and annual percentage rate (APR).

MoneyGeek Logo IconBest PersonalLoan LendersWisconsin
2024

Best Personal Loan Lenders in Wisconsin

Best Overall - First Tech
Runner-Up - PenFed
Best for Bad Credit - Happy Money
Best for Debt Consolidation - Alliant Credit Union

MoneyGeek scores personal loan lenders with a point-based system designed to give a comprehensive overview of each lender’s performance in critical areas that matter to borrowers.

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We completed our analysis of banks and lenders licensed to do business in Wisconsin as of April 2024. We also considered financial companies that partner with federally insured institutions to offer competitive rates.

34Lenders Analyzed

    Overall Best Personal Loan Lender in Wisconsin

  • First Tech
    • 98MoneyGeek Score
    • 8.94% to 18.00%APR Range
    • UndisclosedMinimum Credit Score
    • $500 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • 6 to 84 monthsRepayment Terms

    First Tech Federal Credit Union is MoneyGeek's top pick in Wisconsin for personal loans, scoring 98 out of 100. Its APR range, 8.94% to 18.00%, is notably lower on average than competitors, signifying cost-effective borrowing options. Additionally, repayment terms extending from six to 84 months provide borrowers ample flexibility. Excellence in customer support and educational resources, alongside highly competitive rates, positions First Tech favorably for potential loan seekers.

    Pros

    • Insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
    • Doesn't charge an application or loan origination fee
    • Provides granular APR data for a variety of loan terms

    Cons

    • Need to be a member to apply
    • Could provide more detail on the loan application process
    • Little published information about credit score requirements
    First Tech

    Runner-Up for Best Personal Loan Lender in Wisconsin

  • PenFed
    • 96MoneyGeek Score
    • 7.99% to 17.99%APR Range
    • UndisclosedMinimum Credit Score
    • Up to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • Up to 60 monthsRepayment Terms

    MoneyGeek's runner-up for the best lender for personal loans in Wisconsin is PenFed with an overall score of 96 out of 100. This financial institution shines with diverse, flexible repayment options for up to 60 months and a competitive APR range between 7.99% and 17.99%, placing it favorably compared to others. It stands out for high scores in both the range of loan options provided and the extent of detailed information it shares, demonstrating a commitment to customer empowerment and choice.

    Pros

    • Offers some of the lowest APRs available
    • No early repayment penalty
    • No origination fee

    Cons

    • No information provided about credit score requirements
    • $50 minimum monthly loan payment
    • Could provide more detail on the loan application process
    PenFed
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UNDERSTAND YOUR DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO

Your monthly debt payment relative to your monthly gross income is called your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI.

Most lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio of 35% to 40% or below for secured loans and 40% to 45% or below for unsecured personal loans. A debt-to-income ratio above 50% is considered high, so approval may be more difficult, or your loan may have higher interest rates.

— Alvin Yam, CFP®

Calculate Your Monthly Loan Payment

Explore your loan options with our personal loan calculator, a simple tool to calculate monthly payments and total loan costs based on the amount, interest rate and term length, helping you make informed decisions before committing.

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Estimate the monthly payment for your loan.

Updated: Nov 21, 2024

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    Best Personal Loan Lender in Wisconsin for Bad Credit

  • Happy Money
    • 94MoneyGeek Score
    • 11.72% to 17.99%APR Range
    • 640Minimum Credit Score
    • $5,000 to $40,000Loan Amount Range
    • 24 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms

    MoneyGeek's pick for the best personal loan provider in Wisconsin for borrowers with low credit is Happy Money, with a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. While Happy Money partners with various federally insured financial institutions to originate installment loans, it stands out due to its transparent credit score requirements and competitive rates. It offers APRs ranging from 11.72% to 17.99%, with a minimum credit score of 640, which is favorable when compared to other lenders' rates. Happy Money distinguishes itself in customer service and education, and it shines for its notable transparency and upfront information provision about loan processes, fees and terms.

    Pros

    • Works with 10 federally insured lenders to originate all loans
    • Transparent eligibility requirements, including credit score minimum
    • No application fee

    Cons

    • The lenders they work with charge an origination fee
    • Longer time to wait for loan approval compared to other lenders analyzed
    Happy Money

How Does MoneyGeek Score Lenders for Bad Credit Loans?


    Best Personal Loan Lender in Wisconsin for Debt Consolidation

  • Alliant Credit Union
    • 96MoneyGeek Score
    • 10.99% to 13.99%APR Range
    • UndisclosedMinimum Credit Score
    • $1,000 to $100,000Loan Amount Range
    • 12 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms

    Alliant Credit Union Union offers competitive personal loan options for debt consolidation in Wisconsin, with APRs ranging from 10.99% to 13.99%, which falls below average compared to other rates analyzed by MoneyGeek. Alliant Credit Union is MoneyGeek's pick for the best in Wisconsin, achieving a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100. The institution flourishes in providing upfront information, maintaining a positive reputation and offering appealing rates and fees. To be eligible for a personal loan with Alliant, you must be an online-only bank member in good standing for at least 90 days.

    Pros

    • Among the highest loan limits available in our analysis
    • No prepayment penalties
    • Wide variety of loan types available

    Cons

    • An online-only credit union, with no physical branches
    • Must be a member for at least 90 days prior to applying
    Alliant Credit Union

How does MoneyGeek score lenders for debt consolidation?

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IS INTEREST ON PERSONAL LOANS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

Interest on personal loans is generally not tax deductible, as personal loans are considered consumer debt. But there are some exceptions where the interest may qualify:

  • When consolidating high-interest qualifying debts like credit cards or student loans, if used to pay off those debts.
  • If used for home improvements that increase the home's value.
  • If the loan proceeds can be demonstrated as used exclusively for business expenses or starting a business.
  • In some cases, if the loan is used for investment purposes related to income-generating assets.

— Alvin Yam, CFP®

Impact of Credit Score on Loan Repayment in California

Lenders focus on your creditworthiness, including your credit score, credit history, income level and debt-to-income ratio, to determine the terms of your loan and your APR. A higher credit score can secure more favorable rates, so improving your credit before applying could be beneficial.

Refer to the table below to see how different credit scores might affect your monthly loan payments for a personal loan in Wisconsin.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Credit Band:
Credit Band:690 to 719
Loan Amount:
Loan Amount:$2,000
$3486
$18012
$9724
$6936
$5548
$4760
$4272
$3884

This table offers an approximation of monthly payments, calculated using median personal loan interest rates typical for various credit score ranges. Please remember that these numbers are median estimates, provided for general guidance. They should not be taken as precise rates for everyone in each credit score category. Actual interest rates can differ due to lender-specific policies, prevailing market conditions and unique borrower profiles.

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BEST PERSONAL LOANS IN CITIES IN WISCONSIN

Pros and Cons of Personal Loans in Wisconsin

Personal loans offer the advantage of consolidating higher-interest debts into one manageable payment and providing rapid access to funds, which can benefit various financial situations. Remember, however, that while numerous personal loan benefits exist, it is important to be mindful of potential drawbacks, such as origination fees and the risk of asset loss with a secured personal loan.

To better understand the deal, review the pros and cons of personal loans before deciding to apply.

The pros and cons of personal loans

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  • Interest rates for personal loans are typically lower than those of credit cards for individuals with strong credit.
  • Personal loans allow for the combination of multiple high-interest debts into one manageable monthly payment.
  • Personal loans often provide rapid approval and distribution, which is crucial for immediate financial needs.
  • Personal loans offer a high degree of flexibility in use, covering expenses ranging from healthcare to home improvements.
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  • Increased loan cost due to origination fees
  • Potential prepayment penalties
  • Risk of asset loss with secured loans
  • Encouragement of excessive debt accumulation
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MORE ON WISCONSIN LOANS

FAQ About Personal Loans in Wisconsin

If you have questions about personal loans, MoneyGeek has answers to help you make an informed decision before applying.

Who is the best lender in Wisconsin for personal loans?
Where is the best place to get a personal loan in Wisconsin?
Who has the best personal loan interest rates in Wisconsin?
What can I use a personal loan for in Wisconsin?
What are some personal loan red flags to look out for?
Do lenders consider income level when applying for a personal loan?

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.

Read Full Bio »
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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.

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