Marcus vs Avant: Compare Fees, Rates, and Loan Requirements
Last updated 09/23/2025 by
Ante Mazalin
Edited by
Andrew Latham
Summary:
Marcus by Goldman Sachs is the better choice if you want a no-fee personal loan with repayment perks for prime borrowers. Avant is a good option if your credit score is fair and you need quick funding. Choose Marcus if you want simplicity and fee-free transparency. Choose Avant if you want more flexible credit requirements and don’t mind fees.
Marcus and Avant both offer unsecured personal loans but serve different borrower profiles. Marcus caters to prime borrowers seeking no fees, while Avant provides access to loans for those with average or fair credit. Let’s look at how they compare side by side.
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Quick Comparison: Marcus vs. Avant Loans
| Feature | Marcus by Goldman Sachs | Avant |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amounts | $3,500 - $40,000 | $2,000 - $35,000 |
| APR Range | 6.99% - 24.99% | 9.95% - 35.99% |
| Loan Terms | 36 months - 72 months | 24 months - 60 months |
| Minimum Credit Score | 720 - 840 | 600 - 760 |
| Origination Fees | 0% | Up to 9.99% |
| Late Payment Fee | N/A | $25 |
| Prepayment Fee | No | No |
| Checking Account Required | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Qualified Soft Credit Inquiry | Yes | Yes |
| SuperMoney User Score | mostly recommended | strongly recommended |
About Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Marcus is the consumer banking arm of Goldman Sachs, offering simple, fee-free personal loans with fixed APRs. It’s designed for borrowers who want clarity, transparency, and repayment perks.
Key Features:
- No fees: no origination, late, or prepayment charges
- Repayment flexibility with option to skip a payment after 12 on-time payments
- Trusted global banking institution
About Avant
Avant is a fintech lender offering personal loans to borrowers with fair-to-average credit. While it charges fees, Avant makes borrowing accessible for those who may not qualify elsewhere.
Key Features:
- Available to borrowers with fair credit
- Fast funding, sometimes as soon as the next business day
- Transparent online application process
Key Differences Between Marcus and Avant
- Loan Amounts: Marcus offers $3,500 - $40,000, while Avant provides $2,000 - $35,000.
- APR Ranges: Marcus APRs are 6.99% - 24.99%, while Avant ranges from 9.95% - 35.99%.
- Loan Terms: Marcus terms span 36 months - 72 months, compared with Avant’s 24 months - 60 months.
- Fees: Marcus charges 0% (none), while Avant charges Up to 9.99%.
- Late Fees: Marcus charges N/A (none), while Avant charges $25.
- User Score: mostly recommended vs strongly recommended on SuperMoney reviews.
Eligibility & Application Process
Here’s how the eligibility criteria and application features compare for Marcus and Avant:
| Requirement | Marcus by Goldman Sachs | Avant |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 | 18 |
| Credit Score Range | 720 - 840 | 600 - 760 |
| Checking Account Required | Yes | Yes |
| Soft Credit Inquiry for Prequalification | Yes | Yes |
Both lenders allow you to prequalify with a soft credit check. Marcus focuses on prime borrowers, while Avant provides more flexibility for applicants with fair credit.
Which Lender Is Best for You?
Choose Marcus if you:
- Have good-to-excellent credit
- Want a fee-free loan experience
- Like the option to skip a payment after 12 months
Choose Avant if you:
- Have fair-to-average credit
- Need quick access to funds
- Don’t mind paying fees for accessibility
Bottom Line: Marcus is best for prime borrowers who want a no-fee experience, while Avant is better for fair-credit borrowers needing quick funding.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
Borrower experiences highlight the differences between Marcus and Avant:
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Rated mostly recommended on SuperMoney. Borrowers praise its no-fee policy and transparent terms, though some mention slower funding compared to fintech lenders.
- Avant: Rated strongly recommended on SuperMoney. Users often appreciate its accessibility for fair-credit borrowers and quick funding, but higher APRs and origination fees are common complaints.
Check the full review pages for detailed user insights on both lenders.
What’s Next
To get the full picture, check both reviews. They provide current APRs, eligibility rules, and borrower experiences. Comparing them in detail will help you match your credit profile to the right lender.
Or explore more comparisons:
Marcus vs SoFi – No-fee loans vs fintech perks.
Marcus vs Upstart – Bank lending compared to AI-driven approvals.
Avant vs SoFi – Fair-credit accessibility vs flexible fintech.
Avant vs LendingClub – Marketplace lending vs accessible loans.
Discover vs Avant – Another look at fee-free vs fair-credit loans.
Marcus vs SoFi – No-fee loans vs fintech perks.
Marcus vs Upstart – Bank lending compared to AI-driven approvals.
Avant vs SoFi – Fair-credit accessibility vs flexible fintech.
Avant vs LendingClub – Marketplace lending vs accessible loans.
Discover vs Avant – Another look at fee-free vs fair-credit loans.
Browse all personal loan lenders – Compare dozens of lenders to find the right loan for your credit and goals.
Key Takeaways
- Marcus offers $3,500 - $40,000 with no fees.
- Avant offers $2,000 - $35,000 but charges origination fees.
- Marcus is best for prime borrowers; Avant is more accessible for fair-credit borrowers.
- Neither charges prepayment penalties, and both have fixed APRs.
FAQs
Does Marcus charge any fees?
No, Marcus does not charge origination, prepayment, or late fees.
Does Avant charge fees?
Yes, Avant charges origination and late payment fees.
Which lender funds faster?
Avant usually funds in as little as one business day, while Marcus can take longer.
Which lender is easier to qualify for?
Avant is more flexible for fair-credit borrowers. Marcus is stricter, requiring strong credit.
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