Upstart alternatives
12 products compared · Updated October 31, 2026
The short answer
The strongest alternatives to Upstart are SoFi, Rocket Loans, and LightStream. SoFi suits those who want a full banking, investing, and lending platform. Rocket Loans is best for U.S. borrowers seeking a transparent personal loan with same-day funding. LightStream fits borrowers with strong credit who need a fixed-rate loan for a specific purchase.
Your shortlist, at a glance
Read the comparisons ↓- SSoFiNot publishedIndividuals who want a single app for checking/savings, investing, and loans, and are comfortable with a membership-based ecosystem.
- LLendingClubNot publishedBorrowers who want a personal loan plus a linked savings account with a high APY and cash back rewards.
- PProsperNot publishedHealthcare practices and clinics that want AI agents to answer patient calls, verify benefits, and collect payments around the clock.
- MMarcus by Goldman SachsSee websiteConsumer banking from Goldman Sachs
- LLightStreamNot publishedBorrowers with strong credit who need a fixed-rate loan for a specific purchase, such as a vehicle or home renovation.
AvantNot publishedBorrowers seeking a simple personal loan or credit card with an online application and quick decisions.
ApurataNot publishedPeruvian lenders and merchants seeking fast, small-ticket consumer financing with instant approval and same-day disbursement.
AcornsSee websiteAutomated micro-investing and banking app for individuals and families
Betterment for BusinessSee websiteScalable 401(k) plans and automated retirement solutions for businesses
BranchNot publishedIndividuals in emerging markets like Nigeria and India who need smartphone-based loans and everyday financial services without traditional banking hurdles.- CChimeSee websiteModern banking without the fees
Fidelity 401(k)See websiteDiversified US financial services helping clients meet objectives
About Upstart and its alternatives
Upstart is an online lending platform that offers personal loans, debt consolidation, short-term relief, Cash Line, and HELOC. It is known for using AI to underwrite borrowers, with rates as low as 6.3% APR and next-day funding for many personal loans.
When comparing alternatives, weigh pricing structure, including APRs and origination fees, and whether rates are published. Consider regional availability, as some products only operate in specific countries or states. Check integrations with banking or EHR systems if you need them, and evaluate support options and contract terms like prepayment penalties or co-signer rules.
Explore the alternatives
- SNot published
1.SoFi
Best for: Individuals who want a single app for checking/savings, investing, and loans, and are comfortable with a membership-based ecosystem.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- Finance & Accounting
SoFi is a broad personal finance platform covering banking, loans, investing, and credit cards, whereas Upstart focuses specifically on lending. Choose SoFi if you want one account for everyday banking, investing, and borrowing, rather than just a loan.
Where it is strong
- Covers banking, loans, invest, and credit cards in one place
- Member FDIC for banking products
- Large user base of 15.8M members
Where it falls short
- Pricing not transparent on the site
- No specific loan rate details shown upfront
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- LNot published
2.LendingClub
Best for: Borrowers who want a personal loan plus a linked savings account with a high APY and cash back rewards.
LendingClub, now Happen Bank, combines personal loans with banking products like high-yield savings and checking accounts. Choose it over Upstart if you want to manage loans and savings in one place and earn cash back on loan payments.
Where it is strong
- APRs as low as 5.96% for personal loans
- Funding in as little as 24 hours
- Earn 4.20% APY on LevelUp Savings with $250+ deposits
Where it falls short
- Origination fees up to 8% of the loan amount
- Cash back rewards require opening a LevelUp Checking account with direct deposit
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- PNot published
3.Prosper
Best for: Healthcare practices and clinics that want AI agents to answer patient calls, verify benefits, and collect payments around the clock.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- AI & Machine Learning
Prosper is an AI voice agent platform built specifically for healthcare operations, handling patient calls, referral faxes, benefits verification, and billing. Choose it over Upstart if you run a medical practice and need to automate the entire patient journey, not just manage loans.
Where it is strong
- Handles inbound and outbound patient calls, including scheduling and billing, 24/7
- Integrates with your EHR and PMS, reading and writing data without manual entry
- Live in 3 weeks with a dedicated AI strategist and API-first integrations
Where it falls short
- Pricing is not disclosed, so budgeting requires a sales conversation
- Focused exclusively on healthcare, so it won't help with personal loans or other financial products
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- MSee website
4.Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Finance & Accounting
Offers fixed-rate personal loans with no fees, a strong alternative.
- LNot published
5.LightStream
Best for: Borrowers with strong credit who need a fixed-rate loan for a specific purchase, such as a vehicle or home renovation.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- Other
LightStream is a lending platform from Truist that offers low-rate installment loans for large purchases like cars, home improvements, and other big expenses. Choose it over Upstart if you have good to excellent credit and want a straightforward, no-frills loan with competitive rates, rather than Upstart's AI-driven personal loans and HELOCs.
Where it is strong
- Low rates for good to excellent credit
- Loans for practically anything, from autos to home improvement
- Backed by Truist, a major bank
Where it falls short
- No HELOC or cash line products like Upstart offers
- Requires good to excellent credit, so not accessible to all borrowers
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- Not published
6.Avant
Best for: Borrowers seeking a simple personal loan or credit card with an online application and quick decisions.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- Finance & Accounting
Avant is a straightforward online lender for personal loans and credit cards, aimed at consumers who want a quick application and funding without the broader product range Upstart offers. Choose Avant if you need a simple personal loan or credit card and don't need HELOC or cash line products.
Where it is strong
- Offers both personal loans and credit cards in one place
- Online application process is straightforward
- Site clearly explains loan and card features
Where it falls short
- No published pricing or APR ranges on the site
- Lacks the broader product variety Upstart has, like HELOC and cash lines
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- Not published
7.Apurata
Best for: Peruvian lenders and merchants seeking fast, small-ticket consumer financing with instant approval and same-day disbursement.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- Finance & Accounting
Apurata is a point-of-sale financing platform for Peru's middle class, offering instant pre-approval and disbursement in as little as 29 minutes. Choose it over Upstart if you need small, short-term consumer loans in Peru with a focus on speed and simplicity.
Where it is strong
- Loans from S/100 to S/5,000 with terms up to 12 installments
- Disbursement in as little as 29 minutes
- Payments accepted at major Peruvian banks (BCP, BBVA, Interbank)
Where it falls short
- Only operates in Peru, so no global reach
- Maximum TCEA can reach 2849%, which is extremely high
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- See website
8.Acorns
Finance & Accounting
Automated micro-investing and banking app for individuals and families
- See website
9.Betterment for Business
Finance & Accounting
Scalable 401(k) plans and automated retirement solutions for businesses
- Not published
10.Branch
Best for: Individuals in emerging markets like Nigeria and India who need smartphone-based loans and everyday financial services without traditional banking hurdles.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- Finance & Accounting
Branch is a mobile-first finance app for emerging markets, offering instant loans, transfers, bill pay, and savings in one place. Choose it over Upstart if you need digital banking services in Africa or India, especially where traditional credit access is limited.
Where it is strong
- 100% smartphone-based, bypassing traditional institution hurdles
- Includes loans, transfers, bill pay, and savings in one app
- Debit card in Nigeria with no ATM withdrawal charges
Where it falls short
- Availability limited to Africa and India, not global
- No published pricing or fee details on the site
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- CSee website
11.Chime
Finance & Accounting
Modern banking without the fees
- See website
12.Fidelity 401(k)
Finance & Accounting
Diversified US financial services helping clients meet objectives
See more comparisons in Finance & Accounting alternatives.
FAQ
Questions about Upstart alternatives
What are the main differences between Upstart and its alternatives?
Upstart offers a range of loan products including personal loans, HELOC, and cash lines, using AI underwriting. Alternatives like SoFi provide a broader financial platform with banking and investing, while Rocket Loans focuses on simple personal loans with transparent pricing. LightStream targets borrowers with strong credit for specific purchases.
Which alternative is best for borrowers with bad credit?
OppLoans and Possible Finance are designed for borrowers with limited or damaged credit. OppLoans considers more than FICO scores and offers loans up to $5,000 with same-day funding. Possible Finance offers small loans up to $500 with no late fees and credit-building features.
Are there any alternatives with transparent pricing?
Rocket Loans publishes its APR range (7.99% to 29.99%) and origination fee (up to 9.99%). LendingClub lists APRs as low as 5.96% and origination fees up to 8%. Most other alternatives do not disclose pricing on their sites.
Which alternative is best for international users?
Apurata operates in Peru, Tala and Branch focus on emerging markets like Africa and India. These platforms are designed for local needs, such as small loans and mobile-first banking, but they do not serve U.S. consumers.
Do any alternatives offer banking or investing features?
SoFi combines banking, loans, investing, and credit cards in one app. LendingClub, now Happen Bank, offers personal loans plus high-yield savings and checking accounts. Branch provides loans, transfers, bill pay, and savings in emerging markets.
Last updated October 31, 2026.