
National Debt Reaches $39.84 Trillion, Just $159 Billion Below $40 Trillion
U.S. public debt reached $39.84 trillion on July 30, 2026, just $158.9 billion below $40 trillion, as the average interest rate on the debt climbed to 3.41 percent.
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.
| Lender | APR range | Loan amounts | Collateral |
| SoFi | 7.99% – 29.99% | $5,000 – $100,000 | None |
| Marcus | 6.99% – 24.99% | $3,500 – $40,000 | None |
| Upgrade | 6.94% – 35.97% | $1,000 – $50,000 | None |
| Best Egg | 8.99% – 35.99% | $2,000 – $50,000 | None |
| LightStream | 7.49% – 25.49% | $5,000 – $100,000 | None |
| Prosper | 6.99% – 35.99% | $2,000 – $50,000 | None |
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.
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.
Most federal and many private student loans are unsecured. Designed for education expenses with lower rates and flexible repayment.
Similar to a credit card but typically with lower rates. You have a set limit and only pay interest on what you borrow.
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.
Most lenders require 580-660. Upstart accepts scores as low as 300 using AI evaluation.
The lender cannot seize your assets, but they can send your account to collections, damage your credit score, and potentially sue for the balance.
Yes, but at higher rates (20-36% APR). Upgrade accepts 580+, Upstart uses AI beyond credit scores.
SoFi offers large unsecured loans up to $100,000 with zero fees.
Marcus offers fee-free unsecured loans with competitive rates.
Upgrade accepts lower credit scores starting at 580.
LightStream offers same-day funding with no fees.
Best Egg has funded over $24 billion in unsecured loans.

U.S. public debt reached $39.84 trillion on July 30, 2026, just $158.9 billion below $40 trillion, as the average interest rate on the debt climbed to 3.41 percent.

U.S. labor costs rose 0.9% in the second quarter of 2026, above forecasts, keeping wage-driven inflation in play as the Fed holds and the prime rate stays at 6.75%.

June core PCE inflation eased to 3.3 percent, its first cooling in months, but a divided Fed that held rates on July 29 keeps the prime rate at 6.75 percent.

Treasury sold $70 billion of five-year notes on July 27 at a 4.408% high yield with a 2.28 bid-to-cover, the weakest of three note sales this week as the Fed meets.

Interest rate swaps now imply about a 40% chance the Fed hikes on July 29 after Citadel Securities forecast a surprise increase. Here is what a hike or hold means.

The Fed opens its two-day July meeting Tuesday with a rate hike a live possibility. Futures put hike odds near 34% as oil above $100 revives inflation fears.
