LightStream vs Avant: Which Personal Loan Lender Fits Your Credit Profile?
Last updated 11/05/2025 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
LightStream is designed for borrowers with excellent credit who want large loan amounts and no fees. Avant caters to fair-credit borrowers with smaller loans and faster funding. Choose LightStream if you want the lowest rates and no fees. Choose Avant if you need accessible credit and quick approval.
While both lenders offer online personal loans, their target audiences couldn’t be more different. LightStream focuses on prime borrowers, while Avant helps those with fair credit. Let’s see how they compare.
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Quick Comparison: LightStream vs Avant Loans
| Feature | LightStream | Avant |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amounts | $5,000 - $100,000 | $2,000 - $35,000 |
| APR Range | 2.99% - 19.99% | 9.95% - 35.99% |
| Loan Terms | 24 months - 240 months | 24 months - 60 months |
| Minimum Credit Score | 660 - 850 | 600 - 760 |
| Origination Fees | N/A | Up to 9.99% |
| Late Payment Fee | N/A | $25 |
| Prepayment Fee | No | No |
| Checking Account Required | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Qualified Soft Credit Inquiry | No | Yes |
| SuperMoney User Score | mostly not recommended | strongly recommended |
About LightStream
LightStream, a division of Truist Bank, provides large loans at very competitive rates with no fees. It’s ideal for excellent-credit borrowers who want maximum flexibility and low costs.
Key Features:
- No origination, late, or prepayment fees
- Same-day funding available for some loans
- Large loan amounts for prime borrowers
About Avant
Avant is built for borrowers with fair-to-average credit who may not qualify with banks or prime lenders. It offers quick approvals and funding but typically charges higher APRs and fees.
Key Features:
- Accepts fair-to-average credit
- Funding often within one business day
- Simple online application process
Key Differences Between LightStream and Avant
- Loan Amounts: LightStream offers $5,000 - $100,000, while Avant offers $2,000 - $35,000.
- APR Ranges: LightStream rates are 2.99% - 19.99%, while Avant’s are 9.95% - 35.99%.
- Loan Terms: LightStream provides 24 months - 240 months; Avant terms are 24 months - 60 months.
- Fees: LightStream charges N/A (none), while Avant charges Up to 9.99%.
- User Scores: mostly not recommended vs strongly recommended on SuperMoney reviews.
Eligibility & Application Process
Here’s how their borrower requirements compare:
| Requirement | LightStream | Avant |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 | 18 |
| Credit Score Range | 660 - 850 | 600 - 760 |
| Checking Account Required | Yes | Yes |
| Soft Credit Inquiry for Prequalification | No | Yes |
Customer Reviews & Reputation
- LightStream: Rated mostly not recommended on SuperMoney. Customers praise low rates and no fees, but note it requires excellent credit.
- Avant: Rated strongly recommended. Users highlight accessibility and speed, but some report higher borrowing costs.
Which Lender Is Best for You?
Choose LightStream if you have excellent credit and want the lowest possible rates with no fees.
Choose Avant if you have fair credit and need quick funding, even if it means paying higher fees.
Choose Avant if you have fair credit and need quick funding, even if it means paying higher fees.
What’s Next
For full details on terms and user experiences, explore their reviews:
Or explore more comparisons:
LightStream vs SoFi – Prime loans vs fintech perks.
LightStream vs LendingClub – Prime vs marketplace lending.
Prosper vs Avant – Peer-to-peer vs fintech lender.
Avant vs Best Egg – Two lenders serving fair-credit borrowers.
Avant vs Upstart – Fair-credit fintech vs AI-driven approvals.
LightStream vs SoFi – Prime loans vs fintech perks.
LightStream vs LendingClub – Prime vs marketplace lending.
Prosper vs Avant – Peer-to-peer vs fintech lender.
Avant vs Best Egg – Two lenders serving fair-credit borrowers.
Avant vs Upstart – Fair-credit fintech vs AI-driven approvals.
Browse all personal loan lenders — Compare rates, fees, and terms across top providers.
Key Takeaways
- LightStream is best for excellent-credit borrowers with available.
- Avant caters to fair-credit borrowers with $2,000 - $35,000.
- LightStream charges no fees, while Avant applies origination fees.
- SuperMoney user ratings: vs strongly recommended.
FAQs
Does LightStream charge fees?
No, LightStream does not charge origination, late, or prepayment fees.
Does Avant approve fair-credit borrowers?
Yes, Avant is designed for borrowers with fair-to-average credit.
Which lender funds faster?
Avant often funds the next business day, while LightStream may offer same-day funding for prime applicants.
Which is better for low rates?
LightStream typically offers lower APRs for excellent-credit borrowers.
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