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Veronica Lopez

WRITTEN BY:

VERONICA LOPEZ
Veronica Lopez

VERONICA LOPEZ

Finance Writer at BadCredify

Veronica Lopez writes for BadCredify, simplifying economic forces and lending industry processes. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer and contributor.
Larry Henderson

EDITED BY:

LARRY HENDERSON
Larry Henderson

LARRY HENDERSON

Finance Expert at BadCredify

Larry brings over 20 years of experience to the field. Prior to joining our team, he worked as a journalist for CNBC, Money, USA Today, and others
Shantel Myers

REVIEWED BY:

SHANTEL MYERS
Shantel Myers

SHANTEL MYERS

Senior Editor at BadCredify

Shantel is a BadCredify finance expert with over a decade of experience writing for top financial publications like Financial Times, The Balance, and Money.

TIME TO READ

6 MIN

UPDATE DATE:

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

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No Origination Fee Personal Loans

A no-origination fee personal loan is an agreement in which the lender does not charge an additional fee for processing the application. The borrower receives money without incurring extra costs besides interest rates. This removes additional financial burden from borrowers, making a loan more attractive and beneficial. Let’s explore the best no origination fee personal loans and find out how they work.

Top-Rated Lenders Offer No Origination Fee Personal Loans

Discover Logo
EST.APR
7.99% – 24.99%
LOAN AMOUNT
$2,5k – $40k
LOAN TERM
3 – 7 years
MIN CREDIT SCORE
660
SEE DETAILS
Known qualification requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Prove your US citizenship or permanent residence
  • Provide your bank account information
  • Show your monthly income by providing pay stubs, tax forms, or bank statements
  • Have fair credit (at least 660)
  • Provide an active email address and phone number
Fees
  • Late fee of $39
Pros
  • Long repayment periods
  • Thre­e options for repayment he­lp
  • High level of customer satisfaction
  • No origination fees
  • Free FICO score monitoring tools
  • Competitive interest rates
Cons
  • Charges a $39 penalty for late­ payments
  • Strict eligibility requirements
  • No co-borrower permitted
Time to receive funds

One business day (same-day funding available)

WHO IT’S FOR

Borrowers with fair credit scores who want to consolidate debt, renovate home, or make big purchases.

Overview

Discover is more than just a digital bank known for credit cards. It’s also a loan service provide­r. It gives out fixed-rate personal loans up to $40,000 to people nationwide. The company offers flexible repayment terms and reasonable interest rates to borrowers with fair to good credit.

Why we like it

Discover has some of the best rates in the industry. Plus, they charge no origination fees or pre­payment penalties. This means that the overall cost of borrowing is less. If you are in a rush, Discover can transfer funds to you on the next business day.

Lender perks
  • Zero origination fees
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Loan funds in one business day
Upstart Logo
EST.APR
7.40% – 35.99%
LOAN AMOUNT
$1k – $50k
LOAN TERM
36 – 60 months
MIN CREDIT SCORE
300
SEE DETAILS
Known qualification requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Prove your US citizenship or permanent residence
  • Provide your bank account information
  • Show your monthly income by providing pay stubs, tax forms, or bank statements
  • Provide an active email address and phone number
Fees
  • Origination fees up to 12%
  • $15 late fee
  • $15 NSF fee
Pros
  • Quick access to loan funds
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Flexible monthly payments
  • Soft credit check when prequalifying
  • Flexible loan amounts
Cons
  • Origination fees up to 12%
  • High maximum annual percentage rate
  • Co-signers aren’t allowed
  • Hard credit checks for final approval
  • Limited repayment loan terms
Time to receive funds

One business day (same-day funding available)

WHO IT’S FOR

Poor credit borrowers who can’t qualify for traditional personal loans

Overview

Upstart is a financial platform that enables borrowers with low credit to get personal loans with flexible payback options. Its key advantage is same-day funding.

Why we like it

Upstart does not do hard credit checks when you prequalify. In addition, customers can apply in the morning and receive their personal loan by the end of the day.

Lender perks
  • Quick funding (same-day deposit available)
  • Available to borrowers with poor credit
  • Soft credit checks when viewing your rate
Sofi Logo
EST.APR
8.99% – 29.49%
LOAN AMOUNT
$5k – $100k
LOAN TERM
24 – 84 months
MIN CREDIT SCORE
Not Specified
SEE DETAILS
Known qualification requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Prove your US citizenship or permanent residence
  • Provide your bank account information and social security number
  • Show your monthly income by providing pay stubs, tax forms, or bank statements
  • Provide an active email address and phone number
Fees
  • Optional fees (up to 6%)
Pros
  • Low interest rates
  • Co-applicants are allowed
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Flexible loan amounts
  • Interest rate discounts are available
  • Multiple repayment options
  • No origination fee
Cons
  • Good credit is required for better loan terms
  • Hard credit check if you continue your application
  • Late fees might apply
  • No co-signer option available
  • No physical branches
Time to receive funds

One to three business days

WHO IT’S FOR

Applicants with good to excellent credit scores who want to consolidate debt, make major purchases, or cover their long-term needs.

Overview

SoFi is a financial website that provides unsecured personal loans. The company doesn’t specify its minimum credit score requirements, but most of its borrowers have credit ratings of 680 and higher. Loans from SoFi are also accessible with a co-borrower with good to outstanding credit. Personal loan candidates need to have a sufficient income and a low debt-to-income ratio.

Why we like it

SoFi does not do credit checks on its customers when they prequalify for a loan. Instead, it examines applicants’ whole financial situation. The company offers reasonable interest rates and flexible repayment terms to qualified borrowers.

Lender perks
  • No prepayment penalties
  • No origination fees
  • Low interest rates
  • APR discounts
  • Co-applicant option available
Avant Logo
EST.APR
9.95% – 35.99%
LOAN AMOUNT
$2k – $35k
LOAN TERM
12 – 60 months
MIN CREDIT SCORE
550
SEE DETAILS
Known qualification requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a U.S. permanent resident
  • Live in a qualifying area
  • Have a valid bank or savings account
  • Have a credit score of at least 550
  • Provide income confirmation
Fees
  • Origination fees: None
  • Administration fees: 4.75%
  • Late payment fees: May vary by state
  • Prepayment penalties: None
  • Dishonored payment fees: May vary by state
Pros
  • Accepts borrowers with fair credit
  • Next-day funding
  • No prepayment fees
  • Soft credit checks when pre-qualify
  • Low minimum income requirement
  • Convenient loan amounts and repayment terms
Cons
  • Extra fees may be charged
  • Relatively high maximum APRs
  • No joint or secured loans
  • Not available in all states
Time to receive funds

Next-day funding if you get approved before 4:30 pm Central Time Monday through Friday.

WHO IT’S FOR

Borrowers with fair and good credit looking for fast loans

Overview

Avant is a trusted online service for borrowers with good to fair credit. The company offers unsecured personal loans with fast funding times, reasonable interest rates, lenient credit score and income requirements, and flexible repayment terms. However, it may charge extra fees and doesn’t offer joint and secured loans.

Why we like it

Avant provides a faster alternative to traditional bank loans and is available for borrowers with fair credit. It also offers reasonable interest rates and certain loan flexibility.

Lender perks
  • Fast approval and funding
  • The ability to change the due date
  • Financial education tools
  • Credit-building opportunities
BadCredify evaluates lenders based on more than 70 rating criteria, including interest rates, repayment terms, eligibility requirements, fees, consumer experience, and affordability. Find out more about our full methodology.

Understanding Personal Loans with No Origination Fee

The loan origination fee is a processing fee that will be deducted from the loan amount. It’s one of the factors that determines your annual percentage rate and decreases the sum you get on hand. The amount of this fee depends on your credit history and the lender. It can range from 1% to 10%. However, not all lenders charge it.

A no-origination fee personal loan is an arrangement in which the lender does not have a commission for processing the loan. However, besides origination fees, lenders may also charge other personal loan fees for:

  • applying;
  • late payments;
  • payment protection insurance;
  • early payment (prepayment penalties).

In some cases, no origination fee loans don’t have such commissions, which potentially decreases the loan cost. Thus, interest is the only thing you have to pay.

How Much Do No Origination Fee Loans Cost?

The loan cost is usually determined by the annual percentage rate and the repayment period. Additionally, extra charges for late payments or early repayment may also affect the total debt amount under certain conditions. The exact loan APR depends on your credit score, state, and the lender you deal with. No origination fee loans often have higher initial interest rates compared to options that charge fees for loan processing. However, this difference may be only apparent, since fees ultimately increase the annual cost of the loan even with an initially lower interest rate. Here’s an example for a $10,000 loan taken for 24 months:

Interest RateOrigination FeesAPRMonthly PaymentCash ReceivedCost of Borrowing
9%None9%$456.85$10,000$964.34
7%5%12.118%$447.73$9,500$1,245.42

Additionally, the length of the repayment period can affect the total amount you will pay due to the interest accumulation. A longer repayment term results in a lower monthly payment but also increases the overpayment over the loan life. Let’s calculate the final cost of your debt for a $10,000 loan with a 16% APR, depending on the repayment period:

Repayment TermMonthly PaymentTotal Loan CostTotal Interest Paid
12 months$907.31$10,887.7$887.7
36 months$351.57$12,656.53$2,656.53
60 months$243.18$14,590.83$4,590.83

Our representative examples are only for estimates. Use our simple loan calculator to figure out how much your loan will cost based on the terms provided by your lender.

Loan calculator

ESTIMATED MONTHLY PAYMENT

TOTAL LOAN AMOUNT PAID

TOTAL INTEREST PAID

TOTAL COST OF LOAN

Why am I Required to Cover an Origination Fee?

Some lenders charge origination fees for the following reasons:

  • Ensuring the operation of a financial company. The lender charges a fee for its services: checking creditworthiness, processing the application, and issuing the loan. The commission helps cover the associated costs.
  • Risk. Lenders cannot be sure that you will repay your loan on time. In this case, the commission provides risk insurance. Lenders protect themselves from possible losses.

Covering costs. Sometimes, the origination fee covers administrative costs, such as legal paperwork.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Personal Loan with No Origination Fees

While personal loans with no origination fees can seem attractive, there are still potential disadvantages to consider: 

Advantages

  • Saving money. The commission imposes additional costs on the borrower. The fee, which can range from 1% to 10% of the loan amount, significantly impacts the amount you get on hand. Its absence indicates that you will get precisely what you requested and don’t need to pay interest on the funds you haven’t received.
  • Transparent financing. The borrower initially understands the conditions to which they agree. Any hidden fees and unexpected loan costs are excluded. This allows them to manage their budget wisely.
  • Simplified borrowing process. The process of applying for and receiving money is usually as simple as possible.

Disadvantages

  • Higher interest rates. Some lenders may compensate for the lack of loan fees with higher interest rates, which will still raise the cost of the loan.
  • Hidden commissions. Although there may be no fee for issuing a loan, the agreement may contain information about other fees for late payments or early repayment. It is important to read the loan agreement carefully to understand all possible costs.
  • Stricter requirements. Due to the absence of a loan origination fee, some lenders may have stricter eligibility criteria, including minimum credit score requirements.

Tips for Choose the Best Personal Loans with No Origination Fee

There are several factors to consider when comparing personal loans. This will allow you to find the best option without a commission:

  • Interest rates. Сhoose loans with the lowest interest rates as it will result in significant savings over the life of the loan. Typically, interest rates depend on the borrower’s credit score and income. Therefore, you need good credit and a stable source of earnings to get favorable loan conditions.
  • Repayment terms. Consider the repayment options. Choose a loan that you can comfortably repay. You should be able to make your monthly loan payments during the entire repayment period.
  • Loan amounts. Many lenders have minimum and maximum loan amounts. Make sure the lender is offering an amount that will be enough to cover your needs.
  • Reputation and reviews. The best loan experience will be with a lender who is highly rated among borrowers. Look for companies with  transparent loan terms and excellent customer service. Read customer reviews to ensure the service you choose is reliable.
  • High ratings. BadCredify observes multiple lenders, so borrowers can choose those with transparent terms and competitive interest rates.
  • Additional commissions. Other charges, such as late payment or early repayment fees, should be considered if a loan is issued without an origination fee. Compare different lenders’ fee structures.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a No-Origination-Fee Loan Made Easy

Loan approval is possible only if the borrower meets the requirements. They may differ from one lender to another. Some have stricter standards. Others are more lenient. But the common criteria are:

  • Age. Only adults can take out a loan, so you need to be at least 18 years old to qualify.
  • Citizenship. You need to be a citizen or permanently reside in the United States.
  • Income and employment. You need to specify your employment status and provide proof of stable income that is high enough for the requested amount.
  • Debt-to-income ratio. This ratio shows how much your monthly income goes toward paying off your debts. It allows lenders to understand how much risk they are taking by lending to you.
  • Credit history and rating. You usually need a good credit history and a high rating to obtain a personal loan. This factor is not always fundamental but may affect the loan terms and interest rates.

Once you ensure you meet the lender’s criteria, feel free to apply for a loan. To do this, you need to:

  1. Collect the necessary documents. This includes income and employment confirmation, ID, proof of address, and a bank account details. 
  2. Fill out the application. Choose the lender with the best terms and visit its website to fill out a loan application. Provide correct information about yourself. You should fill out the application carefully, as the slightest mistake can lead to refusal.
  3. Pre-qualify. After you submit your application, the lender will send you a preliminary offer. Carefully read the terms, paying close attention to the interest rate, repayment terms, and additional fees. If everything suits you, move on and complete the final application by providing supporting documents.
  4. Wait for final approval. Some lenders may perform a hard credit history check. Wait for lenders to review your data and make a decision. Approval usually takes from several minutes to several hours.
  5. Accept the loan offer. If the application is approved and the terms of the loan suit you, sign the agreement electronically.
  6. Get money. The funds will be transferred to your account, usually within 24 hours of signing the contract. Some lenders may have longer enrollment periods.
  7. Repay your loan on time. Follow the agreement’s terms by making monthly payments on time. If you’re worried you might miss a payment, try setting up automatic payments.
Expert tip: Explore personal loans with no origination fees for a simpler path to financial freedom.

Alternatives to Personal Loans with No Origination Fees

Here are a few alternatives to consider for personal loans with no origination fees:

  • Loans from credit unions. Such organizations often offer competitive rates. Also, their commissions are much lower compared to traditional banks.
  • Peer-to-peer lending platforms. P2P platforms connect borrowers with private investors who want to lend money to other individuals at a reasonable price. These options might come with processing fees but often offer more affordable terms.
  • Local banks. Some local banks may offer personal loans without fees. However, banks conduct a hard credit history check, and you typically need a good credit rating to get a loan.
  • Personal lines of credit. Some financial institutions offer personal lines of credit. They provide access to funds as needed, and you only pay interest on the amount you use.

Why Choose BadCredify

BadCredify is an online company that makes the borrowing process fast, simple, and effective for borrowers with any credit, needs, and goals. We take a comprehensive approach to evaluate, compare, and choose the best personal loan options you can access and compare through our innovative platform. The methodology is designed to ensure the lender’s transparency, convenience, and reliability and help borrowers find the best financial solutions for their current needs. Our team of experts work independently and don’t get compensation from lenders they observe. The opinions they share are not approved by any third party. Thus, BadCredify provides borrowers relevant information about the best personal loan options on the market. We also prompte financial literacy and share our insights on loans, personal finance, and debt management to help our borrowers make intelligent money choices that will boost their financial future.

FAQ

What is an origination fee on a personal loan, and how does it impact the cost of borrowing?

A personal loan origination fee is a one-time fee the lender charges for processing the loan request. It is usually a certain percentage (1% to 10%) of the total loan amount. The fee is typically deducted from your original amount borrowed, so you pay interest on the amount you haven’t received.

How can borrowers avoid paying loan origination fees?

The first way to avoid fees is to choose lenders that offer personal loans without them. Maintaining a high credit score also helps, as some lenders waive fees if they are confident in the borrower’s creditworthiness.

What’s the largest loan amount available without any fees?

Personal loan limits vary by lender, your income, and credit score. Some allow you to borrow up to $100,000, while others do not issue more than $20,000.

What constitutes a reasonable origination fee for a personal loan?

Ideally, there is no fee for issuing a loan. However, if you consider loans with the commission, it is better to choose options where it ranges from 1% to 3%. But keep in mind that your credit rating may also affect the size of the commission.

Can a no-fee personal loan affect my credit score?

A no-fee personal loan can lower your credit score if, for example, late payments occur. A hard credit check can also temporarily affect your credit rating. Even more, default can negatively impact your FICO score.

Veronica Lopez
Veronica Lopez

FINANCE WRITER AT BADCREDIFY

Veronica Lopez writes for BadCredify, simplifying economic forces and lending industry processes. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer and contributor.

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