What is a good interest rate for a personal loan in 2026?

APR benchmarks by credit tier in 2026:

Excellent (750+): 6%-12%. Top online lenders (LightStream, SoFi) regularly offer rates in this band for well-qualified borrowers.

Good (700-749): 10%-18%. You will qualify at mainstream lenders but won't get the lowest advertised rate.

Fair (650-699): 16%-24%. Still worth shopping; rates vary widely by lender.

Poor (580-649): 22%-32%. Some lenders serve this tier but the loan cost is high. Consider whether the loan need is urgent or can wait until your credit improves.

Bad (below 580): 30%-36%. Rates approach the 36% consumer-friendly cap. At this level a secured loan or credit-union relationship may be more cost-effective.

How to get the best rate: (1) Pull your free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute errors. (2) Pay down revolving balances to get utilization below 30%. (3) Pre-qualify at 3-5 lenders using soft pulls before choosing. (4) Consider a shorter term - 24 vs 48 months - lenders often price shorter terms lower. (5) Ask about autopay discounts (typically 0.25%-0.50% off).

Comparison warning: APR includes the origination fee; an interest rate alone does not. Always compare APRs, not stated interest rates.