Marketplace lender
Also known as: Lending marketplace, Loan marketplace
A platform that matches borrowers with multiple lenders from a single application, so you can compare offers without applying separately.
Full definition
A marketplace lender (or lending marketplace) is a platform that takes one borrower application and shares it with a network of lenders, who respond with competing offers. The borrower compares APR, term, monthly payment, and fees in one view and chooses an offer to accept. LendingTree is the largest U.S. example. Marketplaces themselves are not lenders; they earn a referral fee from the lender that funds the loan.
- Written by
- Get Advance Loan Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Compliance Review
- Published
- January 15, 2026
- Last reviewed
- May 22, 2026
- Personal loanAn unsecured installment loan that can be used for almost any personal purpose. The most flexible mainstream U.S. consumer-loan product.
- Unsecured loanA loan that doesn't require collateral. The lender relies on your credit and income to underwrite. Most personal loans are unsecured.
- Secured loanA loan backed by collateral the lender can seize on default. Auto loans, mortgages, and HELOCs are secured. APRs are lower than for unsecured loans.
- HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)A revolving line of credit secured by your home equity. APRs are typically lower than personal loans, but the home is collateral.
- Credit unionA member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. Often offers lower personal-loan APRs than banks for the same credit profile.
- Online lenderA lender that originates and services loans entirely online. Decisions in minutes; funding as fast as the next business day.
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