Fast Loan Express
Updated April 2026

Best Personal Loans in Tennessee (2026)

Avg APR
14.40%
Max APR
24%
Avg Loan Amount
$9,500
Avg Credit Score
680
Monthly Payment
$343
$10k / 36 mo
YoY Trend
0.29%

Tennessee Lending Regulations

Regulatory body: Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions

Key regulation: 24% APR cap for industrial loan companies

Expected Rates by Credit Score in Tennessee

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

Excellent (740+)
8.22%
Tennessee average
Good (670–739)
12.55%
Tennessee average
Fair (580–669)
18.85%
Tennessee average
Poor (<580)
24.00%
Tennessee average

Borrowers with excellent credit in Tennessee pay an average of 15.78% less than those with poor credit. Improving your score before applying can save thousands over the life of your loan.

How Tennessee Compares

National Rank
#39
of 50 states (lowest APR)
TN Avg APR
14.40%
National Avg APR
13.38%
Active Lenders
30

Tennessee ranks #39 nationally with an average APR 1.02% 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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee: FAQ

The maximum APR for personal loans in Tennessee is 24%. The actual average APR borrowers pay is 14.40%, well below the legal cap. 24% APR cap for industrial loan companies. 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 Tennessee is 680. Borrowers with excellent credit (740+) average 8.22% APR, while those with fair credit (580–669) average 18.85%. 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 Tennessee is $9,500. Most lenders operating in Tennessee 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 30 lenders actively serving borrowers in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee may offer lower rates for existing customers with excellent credit. Compare both to find the best deal for your situation.

Compare rates in Tennessee

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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.