Personal loan lenders like Upstart, Netcredit, and CreditNinja offer online personal loans for borrowers who are traditionally overlooked by mainstream lenders like banks and big credit unions.
It can be frustrating when you’re going through a financial emergency, and less-than-perfect credit makes finding an affordable loan feel next to impossible. Whether you blew a flat, need to catch up on bills, or want to pay down high-interest debt, it’s crucial to find a lender who services more than just good credit borrowers.
To make your loan search easier, we’ve put together this helpful comparison so you can see how popular lenders like Upstart, NetCredit, and CreditNinja stack up against each other. Consider factors like loan amounts, repayment terms, interest rates, and fees so you can get an idea of how a new loan will fit in with your current budget.
Brand Overview
While lenders like CreditNinja, Upstart, and NetCredit all offer personal loan products, they differ greatly when it comes to factors like interest rates, loan amounts, approval requirements, and more.
For example, Upstart and NetCredit both have loan amounts on the higher side, which may be unaffordable for some borrowers. CreditNinja, on the other hand, has varying loan amounts suited for a variety of expenses.
Below is a quick overview of CreditNinja, Upstart, and NetCredit to help you make an informed decision.
| Lender | Loan Amount Range | Key Information |
| CreditNinja | $300-$5,000 | – No Minimum credit score to apply, takes into account current employment. – No hidden fees. – No prepayment penalty. – Loans up to 24 months. |
| Upstart | $1,000-$75,000 | – Origination fees range from 0%–12%, depending on credit and offer. – Ideal for younger borrowers. – AI-driven decisions, fast prequalification (soft pull), no prepayment penalty. |
| NetCredit | $1,000 to $10,000; lines of credit up to $4,500. | – APRs range from 34% up to nearly 100%, depending on the state. – Charges origination fees (1–5%) that reduce proceeds. – Accepts borrowers with low credit; considers a broader financial profile beyond just credit score. |
CreditNinja
CreditNinja offers online personal loans designed for those with a poor or limited credit history. Often considered a more affordable solution over a payday loan or cash advance app, CreditNinja loans are known for their fast online application, affordable payments, and flexible repayment.
Check out a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of CreditNinja below:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Same-day funding.* – No minimum credit score required for approval. Completely online personal loan process. | – Lower credit score may qualify for higher rates. (NOTE: Successfully paying off your loan can help improve credit for better rates in the future!) |
Upstart
Approval for an Upstart personal loan will depend on the borrower’s earnings and risk factors like credit history. Borrowers with a lower credit score may have a harder time finding approval. When it comes to CreditNinja loan approval, we look at other factors besides credit such as employment history, current debts, and payment history.
Below are some key pros and cons borrowers may come across when they get an Upstart loan.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Car loan refinance options. – Home equity lines of credit available (must be a homeowner to qualify). – Checking your rate won’t affect credit. | – High minimum loan amount of $1,000, which may not be suitable for everyone’s budget. |
NetCredit
NetCredit is an online lender that offers personal loan products as well as lines of credit. However, something to note is that their lines of credit are not available in all 50 states, which means some borrowers will have limited access to the services NetCredit has to offer. While CreditNinja doesn’t directly lend in every state, we work with bank partners in an effort to make loan funds available to as many people as possible.
Below is a summary of some of the major pros and cons of NetCredit.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Quick initial application. – Offers lines of credit (only available in certain states). – Online approval process. | – Offers higher loan amounts, which could put borrowers at risk of falling into a debt cycle. |
FAQ
Which lender is best for borrowers with bad credit?
CreditNinja and NetCredit are more lenient with low credit scores, while Upstart is better suited for borrowers with fair or average credit who may lack an extensive credit history
Which lender offers the lowest interest rates?
Upstart generally provides the lowest rates for qualified borrowers with steady income and better credit. NetCredit and CreditNinja often charge differently due to their focus on riskier credit profiles.
Are Upstart, NetCredit, or CreditNinja good for small emergency expenses?
CreditNinja is usually best for small, short-term needs. NetCredit provides mid-sized loans, while Upstart is better for larger financial goals like debt payoff, education, or major purchases.
What is the application process like with Upstart, NetCredit, and CreditNinja?
The application process for all three lenders is online and usually takes just a few minutes. Upstart uses AI to review more than just your credit score, NetCredit emphasizes income and ability to repay, and CreditNinja keeps its process simple for quick approvals.
How much can I borrow as a loan amount from each lender?
Upstart typically offers loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, NetCredit provides mid-sized loans between about $1,000 and $10,000 (varies by state), and CreditNinja usually approves smaller loan amounts designed for short-term needs.
How important is my credit score when applying to Upstart, NetCredit, or CreditNinja?
Your credit score plays a role with all three lenders, but Upstart may approve borrowers with limited or average credit by considering factors like education and employment. NetCredit accepts fair-to-bad credit borrowers with stable income, while CreditNinja is often an option for those with very low credit scores.
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