| Lender | APR range | Line amounts |
|---|---|---|
 | 9.75%-11.25% (with autopay) | $5,000-$100,000 |
 | 13.25%-18.00% | $25,000 - $500,000 |
 | 13.25%-17.75% (with discounts) | $500-$25,000 |
 | 35.99% | $1,000 - $8,000 |
 | 11.50%-21.50% | Up to $25,000 |
In 2024 alone, LendingTree helped find funding for over $2.8 billion in personal loans.
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9.75%-11.25% (with autopay)
$5,000-$100,000
$65 (first year waived)
11 states
5 year draw period; 10 year repayment period
Fifth Third offers personal lines of credit (PLOCs) with some of the lowest annual percentage rates (APRs) around. It charges an annual fee, but this small expense might be worth it depending on the rate you qualify for.
However, Fifth Third personal lines of credit aren’t available for most people — it only does business in 11 states. And if you do live in an eligible state, you’ll have to apply over the phone or at a branch.
Fifth Third Bank (OH) is only available if you live in Ohio (home to its headquarters), Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or West Virginia. If you do live in one of these states, you can call Fifth Third at 866-671-5353 or stop into a branch to apply.
13.25%-18.00%
$25,000 - $500,000
None
Nationwide
Continuous draw period
On-time payments on a small personal line of credit can help you boost your credit score — First Tech’s lower minimum line amount could be perfect for this. Smaller lines of credit are generally easier to qualify for, and having less available credit can also help you avoid taking on too much debt.
But since it’s a credit union, you’ll need to become a First Tech member to borrow. To meet First Tech’s requirements, most people will also need a membership with the Oregon Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association. First Tech will help you do this, and will even pay for your first year of dues.
You can apply before you become a member, but you’ll have to join First Tech to accept your PLOC. To qualify, you need to meet one of the requirements below:
13.25%-17.75% (with discounts)
$500-$25,000
None
15 states
Continuous draw period
Put KeyBank on your radar, especially if you’re an established member.
If you have a checking account with at least five transactions in a calendar month, or more than one eligible KeyBank account, you could get a rate discount of 0.75%. It offers another 0.25% discount for setting up autopay with your KeyBank checking account.
Unfortunately, KeyBank doesn’t issue cards along with its personal lines of credit; you can only move money online or access it by check or in a branch. Not having a card could make in-person purchases a pain.
You could qualify with lower credit, but KeyBank only gives its best rates to people with 780-plus credit scores. You’ll also need to be at least 18 years old and have a Social Security number.
KeyBank is only available in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont and Washington. Further, you’ll also have to apply in person — use KeyBank’s branch locator tool to find one close to you.
35.99%
$1,000 - $8,000
None
41 states and the District of Columbia
Continuous draw period
If you aren’t exactly sure how much you need to borrow, a PLOC from Pathward could be a good alternative to a bad credit loan. Traditionally, you’ll need at least good credit (670 or higher) to get a personal line of credit — Pathward may be willing to work with lower scores.
Pathward is unique in a few ways. Your due dates usually align with your pay day, though that can mean juggling multiple monthly payments if you get paid every two weeks.
Pathward PLOCs also have fixed rates, when most PLOCs have variable rates. A fixed rate means your rate won’t change, but a flat 35.99% APR is very high if you have excellent credit.
To get a Pathward PLOC, you’ll need to be the legal age in your state and have a personal checking account, phone number and email address.
Pathward isn’t available in Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island or West Virginia.
11.50%-21.50%
Up to $25,000
None
Nationwide
Continuous
U.S. Bank makes it easy to access your line of credit — that is, once you’re a member. Only U.S. Bank members are eligible for PLOCs, but you could open a checking account and then apply.
After you’re a member and approved, though, you can pay with your line by card. In contrast, many lenders just send out checks (if that — some will only allow online transfers).
Still, using your card could be expensive. If you use it to draw money from an ATM, U.S. Bank charges 4% of the total amount ($10 minimum). This is similar to a credit card cash advance.
It’s hard to get U.S. Bank’s lowest rates — you’ll need to have a credit score of at least 800. To generally qualify, though, it only requires a 680 score. You’re also required to have a current U.S. Bank checking account.
Choosing between a PLOC, personal loan or a credit card can seem intimidating, but it’s easier if you break it down based on how you need the money and how often.
Deputy editor and certified financial health counselor |
“If you want to consolidate debt or make a major purchase with a fixed price, a personal loan would be preferable. PLOCs and credit cards are similar, so knowing which to choose is tricky. If you have excellent credit, you might qualify for lower rates on a PLOC. But if your credit needs work or you want to earn rewards, the latter option may be a better fit.” |
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It’s possible to get a personal line of credit with bad credit, but you’ll probably have to look online. Bad credit PLOCs often come with high rates and fees. NetCredit, for example, offers bad credit PLOCs but charges a 10% fee every time you use your line — that’s $100 out of every $1,000 you borrow.
Traditional PLOCs are usually offered by banks, which tend to require at least good credit (670+).
Compared to other types of financing, personal lines are heavy on fees. Your personal line of credit could include:
When you’re comparing offers for personal lines of credit, pay special attention to:
