Quick Stats
Overview
Best Egg is a digital lending platform that offers both unsecured personal loans and secured loans (backed by savings). The unique feature is the option to secure your loan with a savings deposit to lower your APR and access better terms. Best Egg approves borrowers with fair to good credit and emphasizes fast funding (as fast as 1 business day). Their low origination floor (0.99%, among the lowest in the industry) is a competitive advantage.
Best Egg Rates & Fees
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| APR (Unsecured) | 8.99%–35.99% |
| APR (Secured) | Lower (if backed by savings) |
| Origination Fee | 0.99%–8.99% |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to $25 |
| Prepayment Penalty | None |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lowest origination fee floor: 0.99%
- Secured loan option (lower rates if backed by savings)
- Fast funding (1 business day possible)
- No prepayment penalty
- Competitive rates starting at 8.99%
- Flexible terms (3–5 years)
- Approves fair credit borrowers
Cons
- Origination fee can reach 8.99% at upper end
- APR up to 35.99% for fair credit
- Late fees (up to $25)
- Secured loan requires savings deposit (capital intensive)
- Minimum loan $2,000
- Not available in all states
Unsecured vs. Secured Loans at Best Egg
Unsecured Personal Loan: Traditional loan with no collateral. Best Egg funds the full amount upfront. APR ranges 8.99%–35.99%.
Secured Personal Loan: You deposit funds into a savings account as collateral. Best Egg holds your deposit and lends against it. This option typically offers lower APRs because you're a lower credit risk. Your savings earn interest while securing the loan.
Eligibility Requirements
Credit Score: Best Egg typically approves borrowers with fair credit (580+). Good and excellent credit gets better rates.
Income: Proof of income required (employment or self-employment).
Age & Residency: 18+ and U.S. resident (some state restrictions apply).
Application Process
- Check your rate (soft inquiry, no credit impact)
- Complete application (hard inquiry runs)
- Provide income verification
- Choose unsecured or secured loan option
- Receive approval and loan terms
- E-sign documents
- Funding within 1–3 business days
Best Egg vs. Competitors
vs. Upstart: Both approve fair credit. Upstart's origination fee can reach 12%; Best Egg caps at 8.99%. Best Egg's secured option is unique.
vs. Prosper: Similar APR ranges. Prosper's origination floor (1%) matches Best Egg's best case. Best Egg's secured loan option is a differentiator.
Who Should Apply to Best Egg
- Borrowers with fair to good credit (580+)
- Those seeking low origination fees
- Applicants with savings to use as collateral (for better rates)
- People who value fast funding
- Anyone comparing unsecured vs. secured loan options
FAQ: Best Egg Personal Loans
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Compare Personal Loan RatesFinal Thoughts
Best Egg is a strong option if you have fair to good credit and want flexible loan options. The secured loan feature is unique and can net you a lower APR if you have savings. The 0.99% origination floor is also competitive. However, compare the all-in APR cost with Upstart and Prosper (which may have lower overall costs). If you have excellent credit and no need for a secured option, Marcus or SoFi may offer better value.