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Marcus by Goldman Sachs vs Upstart: Which Personal Loan Is Right for You?

Ante Mazalin avatar image
Last updated 09/23/2025 by
Ante Mazalin
Edited by
Andrew Latham
Andrew Latham
Summary:
Choosing between Marcus by Goldman Sachs and Upstart? Both lenders have unique strengths, but they serve very different borrower types. Keep reading to see which one could be the better fit for your personal loan needs.
This comparison explores loan amounts, APRs, fees, terms, and borrower requirements to help you decide whether Marcus or Upstart is the right choice for your financial situation.

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Comparison Table: Marcus vs Upstart

FeatureMarcus by Goldman SachsUpstart
Loan Amounts$3,500 - $40,000$1,000 - $50,000
APR Range6.99% - 24.99%6.53% - 35.99%
Loan Terms36 months - 72 months36 months - 60 months
Funding Time2–4 business daysAs fast as 1 business day
Minimum Credit Score720 - 840620 - 850
Checking Account RequiredYesYes
Origination Fees0%0% - 12%
Late Payment FeeN/A$15
Prepayment FeeNoNo
SuperMoney User Scoremostly recommendedstrongly not recommended

About Marcus by Goldman Sachs Personal Loans

Marcus by Goldman Sachs provides personal loans with no fees, making it a transparent choice for borrowers who want predictable costs backed by a trusted bank.
Key Features:
  • Loan amounts from $3,500 - $40,000
  • APR range: 6.99% - 24.99%
  • Terms from 36 months - 72 months
  • No origination, prepayment, or late fees
WEIGH THE RISKS AND BENEFITS
Here is a list of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Pros
  • No fees of any kind
  • Backed by Goldman Sachs
  • Simple and transparent loan terms
  • Flexible repayment options
Cons
  • Funding is slower (2–4 business days)
  • No co-signers allowed
  • Lower maximum loan compared to SoFi or LightStream
  • Best rates require excellent credit

About Upstart Personal Loans

Upstart is a fintech lender that uses artificial intelligence to assess loan applications, considering more than just credit scores. It’s designed for borrowers who may not qualify with traditional banks.
Key Features:
  • Loan amounts from $1,000 - $50,000
  • APR range: 6.53% - 35.99%
  • Terms from 36 months - 60 months
  • AI-driven underwriting for broader approval
WEIGH THE RISKS AND BENEFITS
Here is a list of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Pros
  • Accessible to borrowers with fair or limited credit history
  • Funding as fast as 1 business day
  • Loan amounts up to $1,000 - $50,000
  • Transparent and fast online process
Cons
  • Origination fees apply
  • APR can be high for weaker credit borrowers
  • Lower maximum loan amounts than SoFi or LightStream
  • Limited repayment flexibility compared to Marcus

Key Differences Between Marcus and Upstart

  • Fees: Marcus has no fees, while Upstart charges origination fees.
  • Funding Speed: Upstart funds as fast as 1 business day, while Marcus takes 2–4 business days.
  • Borrower Profile: Marcus is best for excellent-credit borrowers seeking transparency; Upstart is designed for those with fair or limited credit history.
  • Loan Size: Upstart and Marcus offer different loan ranges; Upstart is more flexible for smaller loans.

Eligibility & Application Process

Here’s how Marcus and Upstart compare on borrower requirements and application process:
RequirementMarcus by Goldman SachsUpstart
Minimum Age1818
Credit Score Range720 - 840620 - 850
Checking Account RequiredYesYes
Soft Credit Inquiry for PrequalificationYesYes
Marcus targets prime borrowers with no fees and fixed rates, while Upstart uses AI underwriting to provide more flexible approvals for borrowers with limited or fair credit.

Which Lender Is Best for You?

If you want a fee-free loan from a trusted bank and have excellent credit, Marcus is a great choice. If you need fast funding and more flexible approval requirements, Upstart may be a better fit. Your choice comes down to whether you prioritize no fees and bank-backed security (Marcus) or speed and broader accessibility (Upstart).

What Users Are Saying

Marcus borrowers often highlight the no-fee structure and transparency but note slower funding. Upstart users appreciate the fast funding and easier approval but mention higher APRs and origination fees as drawbacks.

What’s Next

Now that you’ve compared Marcus and Upstart, explore their full reviews to see current rates, borrower requirements, and real user feedback.
Or explore more comparisons:
  • Marcus vs SoFi – Compare Marcus’s no-fee loans with SoFi’s high loan amounts.
  • Marcus vs LendingClub – See how Marcus stacks up against a peer-to-peer marketplace lender.
  • Discover vs Upstart – Compare a traditional bank with Upstart’s AI-driven underwriting.
  • Avant vs Upstart – Review how Avant’s subprime-friendly approach compares to Upstart.
  • Upgrade vs Upstart – Learn how Upgrade and Upstart differ in flexibility and rates.
Want to see all your options? Browse our full personal loan comparison page to compare top lenders side by side and find the best fit for your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Marcus charges no fees, while Upstart applies origination fees.
  • Upstart offers faster funding (as soon as 1 day) compared to Marcus (2–4 days).
  • Marcus is better for excellent-credit borrowers; Upstart is accessible to fair-credit borrowers.
  • Both allow early repayment with no prepayment penalties.

FAQs

Which lender has lower fees, Marcus or Upstart?

Marcus charges no fees at all, while Upstart charges origination fees.

Which lender offers faster funding?

Upstart can fund as soon as the next business day, while Marcus typically takes 2–4 business days.

Who is Upstart best for?

Upstart is best for borrowers with fair or limited credit history who need quick access to funds.

Do Marcus or Upstart charge prepayment penalties?

No, both allow early repayment without penalties.

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