What is a good interest rate for a personal loan?

Asked by: Miss Sadie Walker DVM  |  Last update: July 24, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (62 votes)

A good personal loan interest rate is typically in the single digits or low teens (e.g., 7-12%), especially with excellent credit, but rates can range from under 6% to over 30% depending on your credit score, lender, loan term, and current market conditions, with averages often hovering around 11-13%. You'll get the best rates (sub-10%) with great credit (740+), while those with fair or poor credit (630-689) might see rates closer to 18% or higher.

Is 7% interest on a loan high?

A 7% interest rate is average for a new car loan and below average if you're buying used. As the market currently stands, interest rates below 7% are only likely if you're financing a new car and have a credit score above 660.

Is 20% interest rate high for a personal loan?

A 20% APR is reasonable but not ideal for credit cards. The average APR on a credit card is 22.35%. A 20% APR is decent for personal loans. It's far from the lowest rate you can get, though.

Is 12 interest on a personal loan good?

Yes, 12% is a good personal loan rate because it is below the market average. Applicants with a credit score of 660 to 850 could qualify for a personal loan with a 12% APR if they choose the right lender and have enough income to afford the loan.

Can I get a 0% interest loan?

Yes, you can get a 0% interest loan, commonly found as promotional offers for cars, furniture, or credit cards, but they usually have strict terms like a high credit score requirement and a limited time period, with high retroactive interest or fees if you miss payments or don't pay in full by the deadline. True 0% APR loans are different from "deferred interest" offers where all accrued interest is charged if the balance isn't cleared by the end of the promo. Always read the fine print for details on fees, timelines, and what happens if you're late.

What Is a Good Interest Rate On a Personal Loan?

20 related questions found

How much is a $20,000 loan for 5 years?

A $20,000 loan over 5 years (60 months) costs roughly $2,600 to over $7,000 in interest, with monthly payments varying significantly by Annual Percentage Rate (APR), such as around $377 at 5% APR or $445 at 12% APR, meaning total repayment could range from approximately $22,600 to over $26,700. 

Can I negotiate a lower interest rate?

You can negotiate a lower credit card interest rate by calling the issuer and asking for a rate reduction. Prioritize asking the company with whom you have the longest history as a customer, and to whom you've most consistently made on-time payments.

Can I pay off a personal loan early?

You can pay off a personal loan early. But before you do, make sure you ask about prepayment penalties and think through alternatives like building up savings or paying off high-interest credit cards. You can pay off a personal loan early, but it may not be your best option.

How much is $35,000 financed for 72 months?

If you take out a $35,000 new auto loan for a 72-month term at 4.0% interest, then your monthly payment will be $547.58. Although your monthly payments won't change during the term of your loan, the amount applied to principal versus interest will vary based on the amortization schedule.

Is a 30% interest rate illegal?

So first, licensed lending entities. So a California finance lender, they are exempt from usury in California. So that means they could charge more than 10% on their loan. That means that they could charge more points on a loan and exceed that 10% cap.

What is the rule of 78 for personal loans?

The “Rule of 78 method” refers to an interest/profit calculation method by multiplying the total interest/profit payable over the loan/financing tenure by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of periods remaining on such financing at the time the calculation is made, and the denominator of which is the sum ...

Is 300% interest illegal?

There is no federal law that sets maximum interest rates on all consumer loans; rather, rates are restricted at the state level. This means usury laws vary between states.

Is it better to buy new or used with a loan?

It may be easier to secure a loan for a new car than it is for a used car, and new car loans often come with lower interest rates. Used cars can be a good fit if you're on a budget and they generally cost less to insure; however, interest rates for used car loans are often higher than for new car loans.

How much is a $500,000 loan for 30 years?

The monthly cost of a $500,000 mortgage is $3,360, assuming a 30-year loan term and a 7.10% interest rate. Over the course of a year, you would pay $40,320 in combined principal and interest payments.