Fast Loan Express
Updated April 2026

Best Personal Loans in Arkansas (2026)

Avg APR
15.10%
Max APR
17%
Avg Loan Amount
$7,800
Avg Credit Score
670
Monthly Payment
$346
$10k / 36 mo
YoY Trend
0.28%

Arkansas Lending Regulations

Regulatory body: Arkansas Securities Department

Key regulation: Constitutional usury limit of 17%

Expected Rates by Credit Score in Arkansas

What borrowers in Arkansas can expect based on their credit tier — based on a $10,000 / 36-month loan.

Excellent (740+)
8.60%
Arkansas average
Good (670–739)
13.20%
Arkansas average
Fair (580–669)
16.90%
Arkansas average
Poor (<580)
16.90%
Arkansas average

Borrowers with excellent credit in Arkansas pay an average of 8.30% less than those with poor credit. Improving your score before applying can save thousands over the life of your loan.

How Arkansas Compares

National Rank
#47
of 50 states (lowest APR)
AR Avg APR
15.10%
National Avg APR
13.38%
Active Lenders
21

Arkansas ranks #47 nationally with an average APR 1.72% above the national average. Comparing multiple lenders is especially important to find competitive rates. See the full state-by-state data study →

Top Lenders Available in Arkansas

SoFi
4.9
APR: 8.99%-29.99% · $5,000-$100,000
Check Rate
Upgrade
4.7
APR: 9.99%-35.99% · $1,000-$50,000
Check Rate
LightStream
4.9
APR: 6.49%-25.99% · $5,000-$100,000
Check Rate
LendingClub
4.5
APR: 9.57%-35.99% · $1,000-$40,000
Check Rate
Best Egg
4.5
APR: 5.99%-35.99% · $2,000-$50,000
Check Rate
Upstart
4.3
APR: 7.80%-35.99% · $1,000-$50,000
Check Rate
Discover
4.6
APR: 7.99%-24.99% · $2,500-$40,000
Check Rate
Avant
4.2
APR: 9.95%-35.99% · $2,000-$35,000
Check Rate
PenFed Credit Union
4.6
APR: 7.74%-17.99% · $600-$50,000
Check Rate
Universal Credit
4.0
APR: 11.69%-35.99% · $1,000-$50,000
Check Rate

Browse by loan type

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Personal Loans in Arkansas: FAQ

The maximum APR for personal loans in Arkansas is 17%. The actual average APR borrowers pay is 15.10%, well below the legal cap. Constitutional usury limit of 17%. Always check the specific terms of your loan offer as regulated lenders may have different caps depending on loan size and type.
The average credit score for personal loan borrowers in Arkansas is 670. Borrowers with excellent credit (740+) average 8.60% APR, while those with fair credit (580–669) average 16.90%. However, some lenders accept scores as low as 560-580. Your income, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history also factor into approval decisions.
The average personal loan amount in Arkansas is $7,800. Most lenders operating in Arkansas offer loans from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on your creditworthiness and income. Pre-qualifying with multiple lenders lets you see your actual loan amounts without impacting your credit score.
There are 21 lenders actively serving borrowers in Arkansas, including SoFi, Upgrade, LightStream, LendingClub, Best Egg, Upstart, Discover, Avant, PenFed, and Universal Credit. Each lender has different credit requirements, rates, and loan amounts. We recommend comparing offers from at least 3-4 lenders.
Both options have advantages. Online lenders typically offer faster approvals (often same-day), easier applications, and competitive rates — especially for borrowers with fair credit. Traditional banks and credit unions in Arkansas may offer lower rates for existing customers with excellent credit. Compare both to find the best deal for your situation.

Compare rates in Arkansas

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Lauren Vasquez
Lauren Vasquez
Senior Financial Analyst · CFP®, Former Loan Officer

Lauren Vasquez is a Certified Financial Planner with over 12 years of experience in personal lending and consumer finance. She spent eight years as a senior loan officer at Wells Fargo before joining Fast Loan Express to help everyday borrowers cut through the noise and make smarter decisions.