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Advertiser Disclosure

Universal Credit: Personal Loan Review

The basics

Estimated APR

11.69% - 35.99%

Min. Credit Score

560+

Max. DTI Debt to Income Ratio

75%

Origination Fees

5.25% - 9.99%

Late Penalties

$10

Prepayment Fees

$0

Good for: low income criteria, fast funds

Our verdict

This is a good loan option for people who don't have the best credit history but are actively working to improve it.

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on our partner's site

Beyond the basics

Low minimum credit score requirement

Build credit score through Upgrade Autopay

Debt consolidation discounts

Loan Amounts

$1,000 to $50,000

Loan Terms

36-60 months

Time to Funding

1 business day

Full review

Lender description Universal Credit is an online lending platform, not a traditional bank. It offers loans through its lending partners and is powered by fintech firm, Upgrade.

Best used for

  • personal loans to improve credit score.

Pros & cons

  • Only need a minimum credit score of 560
  • Multiple rate discounts available to consolidate high-interest debts
  • APRs as high as 35.93%
  • Charges an origination fee of up to 8.99% of the loan amount
  • No co-borrowers allowed

Most suitable for

  • Borrowers with less-than-perfect credit scores
  • Borrowers in need of online tools to help improve credit scores

How to qualify You'll need to have a personal checking or savings account on file, provide proof of income and employment, proof of citizenship or residence permit.

How to apply Prequalify on Credello online or apply through Universal Credit's web site.

Footprint UniversalCredit is available in 47 states. Loans are not available in states of Alabama, Iowa, South Carolina, West Virginia and District of Columbia.

Loan example A $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 28.47% APR (which includes a 22.99% yearly interest rate and a 7% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,300 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $387.05.