Independent lender review
Upstart review 2026: rates, fees and who it may suit
By Tora Mari Editorial Team · Terms checked October 2026
Says that in most states there is no minimum credit score, and that it looks at more than your score.
Personal loan, fair credit: 3.1 out of 5, ranked 1 of 6.
Independent review. This link is not an affiliate link.
Upstart at a glance
- APR
- 6.3% to 35.99%
- Loan amounts
- $1,000 to $75,000
- Terms
- 36 to 60 months
- Minimum credit score
- No minimum in most states
- Origination fee
- Up to 8.15%
- Funding
- As soon as 1 business day
What we like
- You can check your rate with a soft credit check
- No prepayment penalty
- Says funds can arrive in 1 business day
- Reports payments to the credit bureaus
Worth knowing
- Origination fee of up to 8.15%, usually taken out of the loan
- Rates can reach 35.99% APR
- Some lending partners on its platform set their own minimum. Its page shows an example with an 8.15% origination fee. Minimum loan sizes vary by state.
Who Upstart may suit
Based on what its page states, it may suit borrowers with limited or fair credit; larger projects or balances; people who need funds quickly. It may not suit you if your offer comes back with a high rate or fee, so compare before you decide.
Our score by loan type
- Personal loan, fair credit: 3.1 out of 5, ranked 1 of 6 for personal loans for fair credit.
Scores come from the terms the lender publishes, using one public formula. Payouts never change a score. A fact a page does not state earns no points, which does not mean the lender lacks it. See how we rate lenders.
Upstart FAQs
Does Upstart charge an origination fee?
Upstart's page states a fee of up to 8.15%, usually taken out of the loan before you receive it.
Can I check my Upstart rate without hurting my credit?
Upstart's page says checking your rate does not affect your credit score. A hard inquiry usually applies if you accept an offer and complete the application.
How fast does Upstart fund a loan?
Upstart's page says funds can arrive as soon as 1 business day, depending on approval and verification. Your bank may add time.
Does Upstart have a prepayment penalty?
Upstart's page says there is no prepayment penalty.
What credit score do I need for Upstart?
Upstart's page says there is no minimum credit score in most states, though some lending partners set their own.
How we reviewed Upstart
We read the lender's own public pages (upstart.com/personal-loans and upstart.com/answers/what-is-the-minimum-credit-score-for-personal-loans) on October 2026 and recorded only what they state. Rates, approval and terms are set by the lender and vary by applicant. We re-check lenders at least every 90 days.
Advertising disclosure: Tora Mari is paid by some partners when visitors click through or apply, and some lenders we rate are partners. Scores and order come from our published method and are not changed by what a lender pays us. It does not change what you pay. Read the full disclosure.
Borrowing costs money. Late payments may harm your credit score. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.
This content is for general education only and is not financial, legal or tax advice.