Fast Loan Express
Updated April 2026

Best Personal Loans in California (2026)

Avg APR
12.48%
Max APR
36%
Avg Loan Amount
$14,200
Avg Credit Score
695
Monthly Payment
$336
$10k / 36 mo
YoY Trend
0.55%

California Lending Regulations

Regulatory body: California DFPI

Key regulation: 36% APR cap on loans $2,500-$10,000 under Fair Access to Credit Act

Expected Rates by Credit Score in California

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

Excellent (740+)
7.20%
California average
Good (670–739)
10.85%
California average
Fair (580–669)
16.50%
California average
Poor (<580)
25.35%
California average

Borrowers with excellent credit in California pay an average of 18.15% less than those with poor credit. Improving your score before applying can save thousands over the life of your loan.

How California Compares

National Rank
#12
of 50 states (lowest APR)
CA Avg APR
12.48%
National Avg APR
13.38%
Active Lenders
42

California ranks #12 nationally with an average APR 0.90% below the national average — making it one of the more affordable states for personal loans. See the full state-by-state data study →

Top Lenders Available in California

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

Best Personal LoansBad Credit LoansDebt ConsolidationEmergency LoansSame Day LoansLow Interest Loans

Personal Loans in California: FAQ

The maximum APR for personal loans in California is 36%. The actual average APR borrowers pay is 12.48%, well below the legal cap. 36% APR cap on loans $2,500-$10,000 under Fair Access to Credit Act. 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 California is 695. Borrowers with excellent credit (740+) average 7.20% APR, while those with fair credit (580–669) average 16.50%. 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 California is $14,200. Most lenders operating in California 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 42 lenders actively serving borrowers in California, 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 California may offer lower rates for existing customers with excellent credit. Compare both to find the best deal for your situation.

Compare rates in California

Pre-qualify with no impact to your credit score

Check Your Rate in CA
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.