Upstart, Onemain Financial, and CreditNinja are all options when you need funding. All three offer personal loans (unsecured loans). Onemain Financial also offers auto loans, and Upstart offers car refinancing (both secured loans). When working with less-than-perfect credit and when you need a small amount of funds for a short-term emergency, CreditNinja may be the best choice among these lenders. Continue reading to learn more about Upstart, Onemain Financial, and CreditNinja.
Brand Overview
| Lender | Loan Amount Range | Key Information |
| CreditNinja | $300-$5,000 | – No Minimum credit score for credit check, takes into account current employment. – No hidden fees, can pay off loan early. – Repayment terms are up to 24 months. – Offers Same Day Funding* |
| Onemain Financial | $1,500-$20,00 | – Better when you need larger installment loans. – Origination fees and relatively high APRs reflect the risk profile – Nationwide network of ~1,300 branches – Can be same day if approved by noon |
| Upstart | $1,000–$50,000. | – Fixed APR range: 6.7%–35.99% – Origination fees range from 0%–12% – No prepayment penalty. – Also offers auto refinance – Next business day funding potential |
Loan details in the table are illustrative and not guaranteed. It does not constitute an offer, commitment, or guarantee of any specific loan terms. Final terms depend on creditworthiness, underwriting, and law. Contact the lender for personalized offers.
CreditNinja
CreditNinja provides several advantages for borrowers with our payday loan alternatives. We offer flexible eligibility requirements, making it possible to qualify even with less-than-perfect credit. Funding can be received the same day, and our customer service team is known for being responsive and attentive. Repayment is straightforward and predictable, and the entire process can be completed online. Here are a few additional details to keep in mind:
| Pros | Cons |
| No Minimum Credit Score Requirement to Apply — No matter your credit score or credit history, you can apply for a personal loan with us. A Fully Online Experience — From start to finish, the entire process can be completed online, right from the comfort of your home. Same-day funding — Once approved, the loan funds can be made available as soon as the same day!* Simple, Predictable Repayment — Repayment is easy and can be automated. You’ll make equal monthly payments until your loan is fully repaid. | Higher APRs — Because we lend to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit history/poor credit, our rates may be higher compared to lenders that serve only those with fair or good credit. Loan Amount Limits — Our personal loans are available up to $5,000, which may not be enough for those who need a larger amount. |
Loan details in the table are illustrative and not guaranteed. It does not constitute an offer, commitment, or guarantee of any specific loan terms. Final terms depend on creditworthiness, underwriting, and law. Contact the lender for personalized offers.
Upstart
Upstart operates as an indirect lender, a lending marketplace that uses artificial intelligence to match borrowers with personal loan options from its network of partners. In other words, Upstart doesn’t fund the loans directly. Their personal loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to $50,000, with repayment terms between three and five years.
In contrast, when you work with CreditNinja, you’ll interact directly with real loan agents. We act as the direct lender in most cases, which means you can ask us questions about your loan terms at any point. We also offer shorter loan durations, giving you more flexibility to choose what fits your financial needs best.
Here are some of the pros and cons of Upstart to keep in mind:
| Pros | Cons |
| Considers More Than Just Credit Scores — Upstart evaluates factors such as income, education, and employment history when reviewing applications. High Loan Amounts Available — Borrowers can access up to $50,000, which can be used for a wide range of expenses. Quick Application Process: Prequalification involves only a soft credit pull, allowing you to check potential offers without affecting your credit score. No Prepayment Penalties: You can pay off your loan early without any additional fees. | Limited Repayment terms — Loans must be repaid over 3 or 5 years, which may not work for smaller or short-term borrowing needs. Origination Fees — (0%–12%) deducted from loan proceeds. You May Get Better Offers Elsewhere if You Have a Responsible Credit History — While Upstart’s consideration of alternative factors to credit scores may be helpful to borrowers with bad credit, those with good credit usage history may face higher fees and APRs, and so may be better off looking elsewhere for a more competitive offer. |
OneMain Financial
OneMain Financial is a personal and auto loan lender offering loans between $1,500 and $20,000 to qualifying borrowers. You can start the application process online, but you’ll need to visit one of their branches to complete it. OneMain may be a good option for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit who prefer in-person service and need a moderate loan amount or auto-specific financing.
However, for those who want a faster and fully online experience, CreditNinja may be a more convenient choice. CreditNinja offers simple, fully online installment loans that can be used for a wide range of needs, such as car repairs, medical bills, or urgent home expenses.
Borrowers can often receive same-day funding, benefit from flexible eligibility requirements, and enjoy straightforward, predictable repayment terms with equal monthly payments. While rates may vary depending on credit and state regulations, CreditNinja stands out for its speed, accessibility, and customer-focused experience, all from the comfort of home.
Here are some Pros and Cons of Onemain Financial you should consider:
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexibility for Borrowers with Lower Credit — Onemain Financial considers more than just credit scores when reviewing applications. For auto loans in particular, there may be added flexibility. Moderate Loan Amounts — Loan options range from $1,500 to $20,000, making them suitable for borrowers who need a moderate amount of funding. In-Person Support — Borrowers who prefer face-to-face interaction can visit an Onemain branch to discuss their loan options directly with a representative. | Requires an In-Person Visit — While you can begin the application process online, you must visit a branch to complete your loan, which may be less convenient for those who prefer a fully digital experience. Not Ideal for Small Emergencies — Because Onemain’s minimum loan amount is $1,500, it may not be the right fit for borrowers who only need a few hundred dollars for smaller or short-term expenses. |
FAQ
What is the difference between Upstart, OneMain Financial, and CreditNinja?
Upstart is an AI-driven online lender offering personal loans, OneMain Financial is a traditional lender with both online and branch-based services, and CreditNinja specializes in short-term installment and personal loans designed for borrowers with bad credit.
Do Upstart, OneMain Financial, and CreditNinja offer debt consolidation loans?
Yes. Upstart and OneMain Financial actively promote debt consolidation loans. CreditNinja installment loans can also be used for debt repayment, but they are usually smaller and less structured for consolidation.
Who offers a larger loan amount?
Upstart typically provides loans up to $50,000, OneMain Financial offers up to around $20,000–$25,000, and CreditNinja usually caps loans under $5,000.
Do these lenders work with bad-credit borrowers?
Yes. OneMain Financial and CreditNinja are generally more accessible to bad credit borrowers. Upstart can also approve those with limited or fair credit, but relies on factors like income and education in its AI underwriting model.
Is CreditNinja Good For a Low Credit Score?
CreditNinja is the better option if you have a bad credit score and need a small, quick installment loan or personal loan.
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