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Unlike many banks, Bank of America does not offer personal loans. It has quite a few credit card options — and a small loan for unexpected expenses — but you will need to look elsewhere if you want to borrow a large personal loan.
Alternatives to Bank of America loans
Although there are a wide variety of national and local banks that offer personal loans, some of the best options are online lenders. But don’t worry: most are backed by a larger bank.
LightStream | SoFi | Discover | |
---|---|---|---|
Bankrate Score | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
Better for | Same-day funding | Joint loans | Borrowers with good credit |
Loan amounts | $5,000 to $100,000 | $5,000 to $100,000 | $2,500 to $40,000 |
APRs | 7.99% to 25.49% Fixed APR (with Autopay) | 8.99% to 25.81% Fixed APR | 7.99% to 24.99% |
Loan term lengths | 24 to 84 months | 24 to 84 months | 36 to 84 months |
Fees | None | Optional fees | Optional fees |
Minimum credit score | 695 | 680 | 660 |
Time to funding | As soon as same day | Within a few days | 3 to 5 days |
LightStream
LightStream is a top online lender that offers personal loans up to $100,000. It has generous terms — up to 84 months — and its rates start as low as 7.99 percent with automatic payments through its AutoPay program. It is also backed by Truist, a national bank. You can expect quick turnaround and no fees. However, there is a high minimum loan amount of $5,000 and no preapproval process. LightStream will check your credit when you apply, which may hurt your score even if you aren’t approved.
SoFi
While it is not backed by a bank, SoFi personal loans are highly rated. This online lender offers joint applications, optional fees and a wide range of loan amounts — up to $100,000 with a starting APR of 8.99 percent. You must have good credit to qualify, but a short credit history won’t necessarily mean rejection. Unlike LightStream, there is a preapproval process so you can check your rate before you submit a full application.
Discover
Borrowing a loan from Discover may be a good choice if you want to work directly with a bank. It offers loans up to $40,000 and accepts borrowers with good credit. Its rates are competitive with many other top lenders, and unlike most other lenders, there are no origination fees when you borrow. It also has a preapproval process similar to SoFi, which lets you check your rate without hurting your credit score.
Why doesn’t Bank of America offer personal loans?
Bank of America does not have a history of offering personal loans. However, it does have a program called Balance Assist. Provided you have a Bank of America checking account with a positive balance, you may qualify.
The Balance Assist loan allows you to borrow up to $500 for a $5 fee. It is similar to small loans offered by federal credit unions. But unlike traditional personal loans, it is not flexible and won’t be useful for covering large expenses.
If you don’t have or don’t want to open an account with Bank of America, you can explore other personal loans.
As an expert in personal finance and lending, I'd like to shed light on the details presented in the article regarding Bank of America's absence in the personal loan market and the alternatives available for individuals seeking such financial products.
Firstly, it's crucial to emphasize that Bank of America has chosen not to venture into the realm of personal loans traditionally. Instead, it provides a limited option known as Balance Assist, offering a small loan of up to $500 with a nominal fee of $5. This program is specifically designed for Bank of America checking account holders with a positive balance. However, it's essential to note that this option is not flexible and may not suit those seeking larger amounts for significant expenses.
The article then provides viable alternatives to Bank of America, with a focus on online lenders, which have gained prominence in the personal loan market. Let's delve into the key concepts and information related to the mentioned alternatives:
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LightStream:
- Loan Amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
- APRs: 7.99% to 25.49% Fixed APR (with Autopay)
- Loan Term Lengths: 24 to 84 months
- Features: Backed by Truist, a national bank; quick turnaround; no fees; high minimum loan amount of $5,000; no preapproval process.
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SoFi:
- Loan Amounts: Up to $100,000
- APRs: 8.99% to 25.81% Fixed APR
- Loan Term Lengths: 24 to 84 months
- Features: Highly rated online lender; joint applications; optional fees; good for individuals with good credit; preapproval process available.
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Discover:
- Loan Amounts: Up to $40,000
- APRs: 7.99% to 24.99%
- Loan Term Lengths: 36 to 84 months
- Features: Direct banking option; competitive rates; no origination fees; preapproval process similar to SoFi.
These online lenders provide diverse options catering to different financial needs, credit scores, and preferences. LightStream stands out with its substantial loan amounts and competitive rates, SoFi offers joint applications and a user-friendly preapproval process, while Discover provides a direct banking experience with no origination fees.
In conclusion, individuals seeking personal loans have a range of alternatives beyond traditional banks, and online lenders like LightStream, SoFi, and Discover offer competitive options with varying features and benefits. Understanding these options allows borrowers to make informed decisions based on their financial goals and requirements.