LendingClub vs Upstart – APRs, Terms & Who Wins in 2026
Last updated 08/13/2025 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
When you’re shopping for a personal loan, choosing the right platform can save you thousands in interest and fees. In the battle of LendingClub vs Upstart, both lenders tout fast approvals and competitive rates—but which one truly comes out on top for your unique credit profile and borrowing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll break down everything from APR ranges and loan amounts to funding speed and eligibility requirements, so you can make an informed choice and get the best deal available.
Get Competing Personal Loan Offers In Minutes
Compare rates from multiple vetted lenders. Discover your lowest eligible rate.
It's quick, free and won’t hurt your credit score
Side-by-Side comparison LendingClub vs. Upstart
| Feature | LendingClub | Upstart |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amounts | $1,000 - $60,000 | $1,000 - $50,000 |
| APR Range | 6.53% - 35.99% | 6.53% - 35.99% |
| Loan Terms | 24 months - 72 months | 36 months - 60 months |
| Minimum Credit Score | 600 - 850 | 620 - 850 |
| Origination Fees | 0% - 8% | 0% - 12% |
| Late Payment Fee | $15 | $15 |
| Prepayment Fee | No | No |
| Checking Account Required | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Qualified Soft Credit Inquiry | Yes | Yes |
| SuperMoney User Score | mostly recommended | strongly not recommended |
Company Overview
LendingClub
LendingClub is a branchless digital lender that connects borrowers with institutional and retail investors for unsecured personal loans. It offers a streamlined online process and flexible eligibility options.
Main Features
- Loan amounts: $1,000 - $60,000
- APR range: 6.53% - 35.99%
- Terms: 24 months - 72 months
- Origination fee: 0% - 8%
- Prequalification: Soft pull, no impact to credit
- Funding speed:
Upstart
Upstart uses an AI-powered underwriting model that considers education, employment, and other nontraditional criteria, making it ideal for borrowers with limited credit history.
Main Features
- Loan amounts: $1,000 - $50,000
- APR range: 6.53% - 35.99%
- Terms: 36 months - 60 months
- Origination fee: 0% - 12%
- Prequalification: Soft pull with no credit impact
- Funding speed:
Key Differences
- Underwriting Model
- LendingClub uses traditional metrics like your FICO score and debt-to-income ratio to evaluate eligibility and risk.
- Upstart uses AI-powered underwriting that incorporates nontraditional factors like education and employment history, making it ideal for borrowers with thin credit profiles.
- Credit Requirements
- LendingClub generally requires a credit score of at least 600 - 850.
- Upstart accepts scores as low as 620 - 850, depending on additional approval factors.
- Loan Amounts and Terms
- LendingClub offers loans from $1,000 - $60,000 with terms of 24 months - 72 months.
- Upstart provides $1,000 - $50,000 with term options of 36 months - 60 months.
- Origination Fees
- LendingClub charges 0% - 8%, deducted from the total loan amount.
- Upstart applies an origination fee between 0% - 12%, depending on your credit profile.
- Funding Speed
- LendingClub typically disburses funds within after approval.
- Upstart can fund as soon as the .
- Co-Borrower Options
- LendingClub supports co-borrower applications, which may help qualify or lower your rate.
- Upstart does not allow joint applications or co-signers.
- Early Repayment
- Both lenders allow early repayment without penalties, letting you pay off your loan faster with no extra fees.
Who Should Consider
LendingClub
- Credit-Savvy Borrowers: Those with FICO scores starting at 600 - 850 who want predictable rates and modest fees.
- Co-Borrowers: Applicants looking to apply jointly for better approval odds or lower APRs.
- Larger-Loan Seekers: Borrowers targeting loan amounts up to $40,000 without variable fee risk.
Upstart
- Thin-Credit Profiles: Individuals with limited history but eligible based on 620 - 850, education, or job credentials.
- Rapid Funding Needs: Anyone who needs cash in hand within 24 hours of approval.
- Lower-Fee Hopefuls: Applicants with strong risk factors who may qualify for origination-fee discounts down to zero.
Key Takeaways
- LendingClub offers $1,000 - $60,000 loans with terms of 24 months - 72 months and APRs from 6.53% - 35.99%. Co-borrower support and predictable underwriting make it ideal for applicants with 600 - 850 credit.
- Upstart features $1,000 - $50,000 loans and evaluates nontraditional data like education and job history. It’s designed for borrowers with limited credit and accepts scores as low as 620 - 850.
- Both lenders allow prequalification with a soft credit check and charge origination fees—0% - 8% for LendingClub and 0% - 12% for Upstart.
- Choose LendingClub if you prefer more flexible terms and the option to apply with a co-borrower. Choose Upstart if you want a fast decision and may benefit from AI-based underwriting for thin or newer credit profiles.
FAQ
What is the difference between LendingClub and Upstart?
LendingClub uses traditional credit metrics and offers $1,000 - $60,000 loans to borrowers with credit scores starting at 600 - 850. Upstart uses AI-based underwriting and offers $1,000 - $50,000 with scores starting at 620 - 850, making it ideal for thin or nontraditional credit profiles.
Which lender is better for lower credit scores?
Upstart may be a better fit for borrowers with limited credit histories or lower scores. Its underwriting considers education, employment, and other factors beyond just your credit score, and it accepts scores as low as 620 - 850.
Does LendingClub allow co-borrowers?
Yes. LendingClub supports co-borrower applications, which can help improve your approval odds or secure better terms.
How fast can I get funded?
LendingClub typically disburses funds within . Upstart can deposit funds as soon as the , depending on when you are approved.
Do either lenders charge prepayment penalties?
No. Both LendingClub and Upstart allow early loan repayment without charging prepayment penalties.
Are there any origination fees?
Yes. LendingClub charges 0% - 8%, while Upstart charges between 0% - 12%, depending on your credit profile.
What Next?
Ready to dive deeper into how other lenders stack up? Check out these in-depth head-to-head comparisons:
- Upgrade vs. Upstart
- Upgrade vs. Best Egg
- Upgrade vs. LendingClub
- Upgrade vs. Avant
- Avant vs. Best Egg
- LendingClub vs. Best Egg
- LendingClub vs. SoFi
- Rocket Loans vs. Upgrade
- OppLoans vs. Upgrade
- LightStream vs. SoFi
Looking for the full lineup of personal-loan providers? Explore our SuperMoney Personal Loans hub for rates, reviews, and tools to find your best fit.
Share this post:
Table of Contents