What Is An Unsecured Loan? Types, Examples & How They Work

Learn about unsecured personal loans — how they work, the different types available, and how to find the best rates.

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Unsecured Personal Loans

An unsecured loan does not require collateral — you do not need to put up your home, car, or savings as security. Lenders approve you based on creditworthiness, income, and financial history. Personal loans, credit cards, and student loans are all common types.

Below are the top lenders for unsecured personal loans.

Best Unsecured Personal Loan Lenders

LenderAPR rangeLoan amountsCollateral
SoFi7.99% – 29.99%$5,000 – $100,000None
Marcus6.99% – 24.99%$3,500 – $40,000None
Upgrade6.94% – 35.97%$1,000 – $50,000None
Best Egg8.99% – 35.99%$2,000 – $50,000None
LightStream7.49% – 25.49%$5,000 – $100,000None
Prosper6.99% – 35.99%$2,000 – $50,000None

Types of Unsecured Loans

Personal Loans

The most common type of unsecured loan. You receive a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly installments over 24 to 84 months. Can be used for debt consolidation, home improvements, medical bills, and major purchases.

Credit Cards

A form of revolving unsecured credit. You can borrow repeatedly up to your credit limit. However, interest rates are typically much higher than personal loan rates.

Student Loans

Most federal and many private student loans are unsecured. Designed for education expenses with lower rates and flexible repayment.

Lines of Credit

Similar to a credit card but typically with lower rates. You have a set limit and only pay interest on what you borrow.

Unsecured vs. Secured Loans

Secured loans require collateral (your home, car, etc.) which the lender can seize if you default. Unsecured loans have no collateral — higher rates but no risk to your assets, faster approval, and simpler applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need for an unsecured personal loan?

Most lenders require 580-660. Upstart accepts scores as low as 300 using AI evaluation.

What happens if I default on an unsecured loan?

The lender cannot seize your assets, but they can send your account to collections, damage your credit score, and potentially sue for the balance.

Can I get an unsecured loan with bad credit?

Yes, but at higher rates (20-36% APR). Upgrade accepts 580+, Upstart uses AI beyond credit scores.

SoFi

  • Loan range: $5,000 – $100,000
  • APR: 7.99% – 29.99%
  • No fees whatsoever

SoFi offers large unsecured loans up to $100,000 with zero fees.

Marcus by Goldman Sachs

  • Loan range: $3,500 – $40,000
  • APR: 6.99% – 24.99%
  • No fees

Marcus offers fee-free unsecured loans with competitive rates.

Upgrade

  • Loan range: $1,000 – $50,000
  • APR: 6.94% – 35.97%
  • Min. credit score: 580

Upgrade accepts lower credit scores starting at 580.

LightStream

  • Loan range: $5,000 – $100,000
  • APR: 7.49% – 25.49%
  • Same-day funding

LightStream offers same-day funding with no fees.

Best Egg

  • Loan range: $2,000 – $50,000
  • APR: 8.99% – 35.99%
  • Next-day funding

Best Egg has funded over $24 billion in unsecured loans.

Ready to get pre-qualified for a personal loan?

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