Need a personal loan in Washington State? If you’re consolidating debt, paying for home repairs, or covering a financial emergency, Washington offers excellent personal loan options from local credit unions and national online lenders. We’ve rounded up the best choices for 2025, whether you prefer a local branch, fast funding, or flexible approval requirements.
| Company | Best for… | |
|---|---|---|
| Best marketplace | ||
| Best for fast funding | ||
| Best lender with high-yield banking accounts | ||
| Best for large personal loans | ||
| Best for credit card consolidation |
Table of Contents
What to know about personal loans in Washington
Strict payday loan regulations and a high military population help protect Washington borrowers, and the state is home to many strong credit unions.
- Borrower protections: Washington limits payday loan interest and loan amounts. Military members benefit from the federal Military Lending Act (MLA), which caps rates at 36% and bans some predatory practices.
- What to use a personal loan for: You can use a personal loan to consolidate credit card debt, cover moving costs, make home improvements, or pay unexpected bills. Compare loan terms, rates, and fees to find the best fit.
Read more: Personal Loans by State
Best online personal loan lenders
These nationwide lenders offer fast funding and flexible eligibility. They’re good options if you prefer managing everything online.
Credible
Best Marketplace
Why we selected it
Credible is a top-rated online loan marketplace that allows borrowers to compare personal loan offers from multiple lenders quickly and easily. It’s ideal for those who want to explore several options in one place to find the best rates and terms for their needs.
| Rates (APR) | 6.99% – 35.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – $200,000 |
| Repayment terms | 1 – 10 years |
LightStream
Best for Fast Funding
Why we selected it
LightStream stands out for borrowers with excellent credit, offering some of the lowest personal loan rates and same-day funding. With no fees and fast turnaround, it’s a strong pick for those who qualify and want a hassle-free borrowing experience.
| Rates (APR) | 7.49% – 25.49% |
| Loan amounts | $5,000 – $100,000 |
| Repayment terms | 2 – 12 years |
Upgrade
Best for High-Yield Accounts
Why we selected it
Upgrade caters to borrowers with fair credit and provides flexible repayment options along with credit monitoring tools. It’s a great choice for those looking to improve their financial health while accessing personal loan funding.
| Rates (APR) | 8.49% – 35.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – $50,000 |
| Repayment terms | 2 – 7 years |
SoFi
Best for Large Loans
Why we selected it
SoFi offers large personal loans with competitive interest rates and no fees, plus exclusive member benefits. It’s best for borrowers with good to excellent credit who want a full-service experience.
| Fixed rates (APR) | 8.99% – 29.99% with all discounts |
| Loan amounts | $5,000 – $100,000 |
| Repayment terms | 2 – 7 years |
Happy Money
Best for Credit Card Consolidation
Why we selected it
Happy Money specializes in personal loans for credit card debt consolidation. Its platform focuses on simplifying debt repayment with fixed-rate loans and tailored payoff plans, making it a great option for those overwhelmed by revolving debt.
| Rates (APR) | 12.45% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $5,000 – $40,000 |
| Repayment terms | 2 – 5 years |
Best credit unions and local lenders in Washington
Local credit unions can offer lower rates and more personalized service. Here are our top picks.
Qualstar Credit Union
Payday Loan Alternative for Bad Credit
Why we selected it
Qualstar Credit Union provides affordable personal loans and lines of credit, even for borrowers with low credit scores. It’s an excellent local option with flexible products, including a $500 payday loan alternative for credit rebuilding.
Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union
Best Green Credit Union
Why we selected it
Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union is known for supporting green initiatives and offering discounts for energy-efficient purchases. Its personal loans come with favorable terms for those looking to upgrade their homes or vehicles sustainably.
Boeing Employees Credit Union
Best Local Branch Availability
Why we selected it
BECU is Washington’s largest credit union, offering loans up to $30,000 and credit counseling through its GreenPath partnership. It’s ideal for borrowers seeking personalized support and potentially lower rates as their credit improves.
Sound Credit Union
Best Range of Loan Term Lengths
Why we selected it
Sound Credit Union offers zero-fee personal loans with a wide range of term lengths and fast funding. Its 27-branch network and green rate discounts make it appealing for convenience and eco-conscious financing.
How to compare your personal loan options
- Prequalify: Use a site like Credible to compare rates without hurting your credit.
- Check terms: Look at rates, repayment period, and origination or prepayment fees.
- Evaluate customer service: Local lenders may offer in-person help. National lenders often offer 24/7 support.
- Read reviews: Look at real borrower experiences online.
- Consider extras: Some lenders offer rate discounts, member benefits, or credit score support.
| Company | Best for… | |
|---|---|---|
| Best marketplace | ||
| Best for fast funding | ||
| Best lender with high-yield banking accounts | ||
| Best for large personal loans | ||
| Best for credit card consolidation | ||
| Best payday loan alternative for bad credit | ||
| Best green credit union | ||
| Best local branch availability | ||
| Best range of term lengths |
About our contributors
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Written by Lindsay VanSomerenLindsay VanSomeren is a personal finance writer living in Suquamish, Washington. She's passionate about helping people manage their money better so that they can live the life they want. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and learning new languages and hobbies.
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Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP®Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®, works as a financial planner at AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust. Erin prepares comprehensive financial plans for military veterans and their families.