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Best home improvement loans in June 2023

Jun 02, 2023

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PERSONAL LOANS

Best lender for long-term financing

4.6

Bankrate Score

LightStream

Est. APR
7.99- 20.74%
with Autopay
Loan amount
$5k- $100K
Term: 2-7 yrs*
Min credit score
Not disclosed
See offersArrow Right

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for fast funding

4.7

Bankrate Score

Upgrade

Est. APR
8.49- 35.99%
with AutoPay
Loan amount
$1k- $50K
Term: 2-7 yrs
Min credit score
Not disclosed
See offersArrow Right

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

Best lender for consumers with little credit history

4.7

Bankrate Score

Best Egg

Est. APR
8.99- 35.99%
Loan amount
$2k- $50K
Term: 3-5 yrs
Min credit score
600
See offersArrow Right

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for quick approval

4.6

Bankrate Score

Achieve

Est. APR
7.99- 35.99%
Loan amount
$5k- $50K
Term: 2-5 yrs
Min credit score
620
See offersArrow Right

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for a secured personal loan

4.1

Bankrate Score

OneMain

Est. APR
18.00- 35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k- $20K
Term: 2-5 yrs
Min credit score
Not disclosed
See offersArrow Right

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for people with bad credit

4.5

Bankrate Score

Avant

Est. APR
9.95- 35.99%
Loan amount
$2k- $35K
Term: 1-5 yrs
Min credit score
580
See offersArrow Right

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

Best lender for consumers with below-average credit

4.7

Bankrate Score

Upstart

Est. APR
6.70- 35.99%
Loan amount
$1k- $50K
Term: 3-5 yrs
Min credit score
Not disclosed
See offersArrow Right

Check rate with Bankrate

PERSONAL LOANS

Best lender for emergency home repairs

4.1

Bankrate Score

LendingClub

Est. APR
9.57- 36.00%
Loan amount
$1k- $40K
Term: 2-5 yrs
Min credit score
Not disclosed
Read our reviewArrow Right

on Bankrate

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Current home improvement loan interest rates

Average home improvement loan rates currently range from around 6.50 percent to 36 percent. While the rate you're quoted depends on many factors, the most important is usually your credit score; the higher your credit score, the lower your rate. Many lenders provide their minimum credit score requirements, as well as the credit score needed to receive the lowest rate. However, even if your score is closer to the minimum, it's still worth going through prequalification, as lenders may also factor in things like your annual income, debt-to-income ratio and employment status when determining your rate.

How to choose the best lender

It's always best to get quotes from a few lenders before applying for a personal loan so you can determine which has the best overall offerings for your situation. When comparing lenders, keep an eye on the following factors:
 
  • Approval requirements: Every lender has its own threshold for approving potential borrowers, considering things like your income, credit score and debt-to-income ratio. If you have below-average credit, look for lenders that utilize other approval criteria; some will take into account things like your area of study or job history.
  • Interest rates: The lowest advertised rate is never guaranteed, so compare your actual quotes. When comparing interest rates, also make sure to incorporate any fees or penalties; origination fees or application fees can significantly add to the overall cost of your loan.
  • Loan amounts: The scope of your home project or repair will determine how much you need to borrow. If you are remodeling your kitchen, you will likely need a larger loan than if you were just replacing an appliance.
  • Repayment options: A good home improvement loan lender usually offers multiple repayment terms so you can choose the one that makes the most sense for your situation. If you're borrowing a lot of money, you may want to look for a lender with long repayment terms to decrease your monthly payment. If you have a smaller loan, a shorter repayment term will cut back on the amount of interest you pay overall.
  • Unique features: Keep an eye out for lenders with any unique perks (or restrictions). Be sure to check that any lender you're considering will allow you to use your loan for the purpose you're intending.
  • Customer service: It's also wise to investigate a company's customer service options, particularly if you prefer in-person service to online. If you need more information, you can always look up reviews about the company or check out its Better Business Bureau profile.

Compare home improvement loan rates in June 2023

LENDER BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT LENDER FOR APR LOAN AMOUNT RANGE MIN. CREDIT SCORE
LightStream Long-term financing 7.99%-20.74%* with AutoPay $5,000-$100,000 Not specified
SoFi Unemployment protection 8.99%-23.43% (with autopay) $5,000-$100,000 680
TD Bank Convenience 8.99%-21.99% $2,000-$50,000 700
LendingClub Emergency home repairs 9.57%-36.00% $1,000-$40,000 Not specified
Best Egg Consumers with limited credit history 8.99%-35.99% $2,000-$50,000 600
Upstart Consumers with below-average credit 6.70%-35.99% $1,000-$50,000 No requirements
Prosper Online-only experience 6.99%-35.99% $2,000-$50,000 600

How we choose our best lenders

To select the best personal loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 30 lenders. Each lender was ranked using a meticulous 20-point system, focusing on four main categories:

  • Checkmark
    Affordability
    The interest rates, penalties and fees are measured in this section of the score. Lower rates and fees and fewer potential penalties result in a higher score. We also give bonus points to lenders offering rate discounts, grace periods and that allow borrowers to change their due date. 
  • Checkmark
    Availability
    Minimum loan amounts, number of repayment terms, eligibility requirements, ability to apply using a co-borrower or co-signer and loan turnaround time are considered in this category.
  • Checkmark
    Customer experience
    This category covers customer service hours, if online applications are available, online account access and mobile apps.
  • Checkmark
    Transparency
    For this factor, we consider how well information is presented to the borrower on the lender’s website. This includes listing credit requirements, rates and fees, in addition to offering prequalification.

What is a home improvement loan?

A home improvement loan is usually an unsecured personal loan used to pay for home repairs and improvements. An unsecured loan does not require you to put up an asset, like your house, as collateral. Loans can range from $1,000 to $100,000 and typically have a fixed interest rate and a fixed monthly payment.

When you're approved for a home improvement loan, you receive all funds up front, which you can then use to make your renovations. As soon as funds are disbursed, you'll enter the repayment term, which can last anywhere from one to seven years. During this time, you'll make regular fixed payments on the loan, paying back the principal plus interest.

Pros and cons of home improvement loans

Pros:

  • Most home improvement loans are unsecured, so you won’t lose your home if you default on your loan.
  • You’re approved the same day or a few days after.
  • Since home improvement loans come with fixed interest rates, you can enjoy predictable payments.

Cons:

  • You may be on the hook for fees such as origination fees and late fees. This can increase the overall cost of your loan.
  • Some home improvement loans have high APRs, which may cost you thousands of dollars in interest.
  • If you borrow more than you can afford, you risk steering yourself into a cycle of debt.

Types of home improvement loans and their uses

There are several kinds of loans you can use to make home improvements. The most common are:

Personal loans

Personal loans are unsecured loans, which are featured on this page, that can be used for any purpose

  • Who it’s best for: Personal loans are best for those who want to avoid using their home as collateral to secure a loan. Personal loans also tend to be best for borrowers with good credit, because interest rates are based on your credit score. 
  • What to watch out for: Personal loans can come with high interest rates and fees, so make sure you compare multiple loans before committing to a lender. 
  • When to get started: You should start looking for personal loans when you know how much you need to borrow and have a good idea of your credit health. Funds can be delivered quickly and many lenders offer same or next day application approval, so you should wait until you are ready to use the funds to apply.
  • How to get started: Look for lenders that offer loans for borrowers within your credit score range, in addition to those who offer your desired loan amount. Then, get prequalified with at least three lenders to ensure you get the best offer.

Home equity loans

Home equity loans are lump-sum loans that are often used for home-related projects and needs. Your home is used to secure the home equity loan. Because of this, you can usually expect a lower interest rate than with a personal loan.

  • Who it’s best for: Home equity loans are best for homeowners who have at least 15 percent equity in their home and know how much they need to borrow to avoid higher interest rate personal loans.
  • What to watch out for: Home equity loans use your home as collateral, meaning you could lose your home if you default on your payments.
  • When to get started: Before applying for a home equity loan, you should make sure that you know exactly how much you need to borrow and verify that you have enough equity to apply. Once you have this figured out, it is worth planning ahead and applying early. Home equity loans typically require an appraisal and can take more time to get approved than personal loans.
  • How to get started: Once you know how much you need to borrow, you can begin comparing lenders. Once you have selected a lender, submit an application and follow the steps they outline to complete the process.

Home equity line of credit (HELOC)

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by the equity in your home. You can take money out for home-related expenses as needed, rather than as a lump sum. Your home is used as collateral for a HELOC, and you’ll score lower interest rates because of it.

  • Who it’s best for: HELOCs are best for people doing larger home improvement projects who do not have an exact idea of how much money they need. A line of credit allows you to take out what you need when you need it and is ideal for projects that require flexibility.
  • What to watch out for: Since you’re not applying for a specific amount, it can be easy to overspend or take out more than you can pay back. A HELOC is secured by your home, meaning that you could lose your home if you do not make payments. Make sure you are only taking out what you need and will be able to pay back what you borrow.
  • When to get started: Getting a HELOC typically requires a home appraisal, so it is a good idea to think ahead and apply for a HELOC before you begin your home improvement project.
  • How to get started: Start by comparing lenders and finding the ones that meet your needs. Once you have a good idea of what rates and terms you qualify for, choose a lender and apply.

Where to get home improvement loans

Just like other types of loans, home improvement loans can be obtained from multiple sources, like the following:

  • Banks
  • Credit unions
  • Online lenders
  • Peer-to-peer lenders

Of all these options, banks tend to have the most stringent requirements, but also offer the best interest rates. Peer-to-peer lenders, on the other hand, tend to be more lenient and evaluate other factors, such as your employment and education history. That said, peer-to-peer lenders offer higher rate caps compared to other lenders. This is because they’re taking on a higher risk by lending to those with little-to-no credit history or less-than-stellar credit.

How to apply for a home improvement loan

If you decide that taking out a home improvement loan is the best option for you, follow these steps for a successful application:
 
  • Determine how much you need. Calculate how much money you need, and factor in any origination fees that may be deducted from your loan proceeds.
  • Check your credit score. The higher your credit score, the better APR you'll receive. Consider a co-signer if you have fair or bad credit for more favorable rates.
  • Get prequalified. This lets you check your rates with multiple lenders without hurting your credit score.
  • Compare rates and loan terms. Look at a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions and online lenders to see which offers you the best deal.
  • Complete the application process. You’ll need to submit documents such as pay stubs, tax returns and a personal identification.
 

Alternatives to home improvement loans

Personal loans are almost always the best choice to pay for home improvements due to their low cost compared to other credit products. That said, there are other alternatives you can explore to pay for home repairs or renovations, including these.

Cash-out refinance

When you apply for a cash-out refinance loan, you’re essentially replacing your mortgage for a new, larger one that allows you to tap into your equity. Although these loans typically come with lower interest rates, your house is used as collateral. That means that if you default on your loan, you could face foreclosure. Besides that, cash-out refinances can take up to 60 days to complete, which isn’t ideal in case of an emergency.

Credit cards

Credit cards are also another option you can explore. They can provide quick funding, a “spend-as-you-go” approach and can be repaid over the course of many months. However, credit cards have one of the highest interest rates in the market, with an average interest rate of 20.3 percent.

When choosing a credit card to pay for home repairs, try qualifying for a 0% introductory rate card. These will allow you to fund your purchase, while giving you some wiggle room to pay off your balance, without accruing interest for the first few months.

Government loans

Local government agencies, as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offer a variety of grants and loans to pay for home improvements. Although these are low-cost loans, getting one can be a tall order as they tend to have very strict requirements to qualify. Additionally, government loans are typically restricted to necessary renovations to make the property livable, not cosmetic improvements.

Cash from savings

If you have a nest egg big enough to pay for home repairs or renovations out of pocket, that’s probably the best way to go. You won’t have to worry about owing money to anyone, damaging your credit or incurring any interest or fees. That said, make sure to not go overboard and leave enough for a rainy day.

FAQs about home improvement loans