Barclays offers invitation-only personal loans. The information on its website is sparse, but it does advertise a no-fee loan that allows borrowers to choose their payment due dates.

While Barclays used to offer loans to all applicants, you must have received an invitation from the lender to apply.

The lender doesn’t specify how to receive this invitation; however, if you have an existing relationship with the bank or are a member, it can’t hurt to call customer service and ask.

Alternatives to Barclays loans

Although Barclays no longer offers personal loans to many borrowers, other funding alternatives may be a good fit.

LightStream

LightStream is an ideal option if you have a solid credit rating and are seeking a personal loan with a competitive rate – between 7.99 percent to 25.49 percent* with AutoPay, minus the fees. Plus, the lender will beat your rate by 0.1 percentage points if you find a better rate on a comparable loan product elsewhere.

If approved for a loan, you could receive funding as soon as the same business day. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000 with 24 to 84-month repayment periods, and you won’t pay origination fees, late fees or early repayment fees. Be mindful that you must use the loan proceeds for the purpose selected in the application.

Upgrade

Upgrade features personal loans commonly used by individuals to refinance high-interest debt, home renovations and other major purchases. You may be eligible for funding between $1,000 and $50,000 with 24- to 84-month repayment periods if your credit score is at least 600. Plus, you’ll be able to choose a payment date suitable for your spending plan.

Although your borrowing costs may be higher if your credit score is on the lower end, the starting APR is 8.49 percent, making the personal loan from Upgrade a viable option if you have a good or excellent credit score. An origination fee of 1.85 to 9.99 percent applies to all personal loans. That said, this fee may not significantly increase your borrowing costs if you choose to take out a small loan. Another perk is the ability to only borrow $1,000, which isn’t available with the other alternatives.

TD Bank

TD Bank is another lender with one of the more competitive starting interest rates in the personal loan market. You can access from $2,000 and $50,000, and the starting APR is just 8.99 percent. TD Bank caps the interest rate on its Fit Loan solution at 23.99 percent, and you’ll get between 36 and 60 months to repay what you borrow.

Like Barclays loans, you’ll also steer clear of fees when you take out a loan with TD bank, and funds are typically available as soon as one business day. Plus, you can check your rate without impacting your credit score, and you don’t need perfect credit to qualify for funding.

How to receive an invite from Barclays

Barclays does not provide information on how to request an invitation to apply for a personal loan. However, it encourages consumers to check the website regularly for an announcement regarding the availability of personal loan applications to the general public.