Personal Loans in Washington State

If you need to borrow money but there isn’t a specific loan type for it, such as an auto loan or mortgage, a personal loan may be what you’re looking for. You can use these general-purpose loans for just about anything, including debt consolidation, home repairs, and emergencies.  

It’s important to shop around to find the lowest loan rate, which can save you significant money. Many online resources only explore large, nationwide lenders, but it’s wise to look at local options, too. We’ve included many of Washington’s best credit unions on this list. 

How to find the best personal loans in Washington State

The average Washington resident taking out a personal loan in December 2023 borrowed $8,712—43% higher than the nationwide average, according to TransUnion. 

Washington residents benefit from strict limits state lawmakers have passed on payday loan lenders, one predatory form of personal loan. Washington’s high concentration of active-duty military members should also be familiar with the Military Lending Act protections. 

Lender	What you need to know
Credible	Best online personal loan marketplace
LightStream	Best for fast funding
Upgrade	Best lender with high-yield banking accounts
SoFi	Best for large personal loans
Happy Money	Best for credit card debt consolidation
Qualstar Credit Union	Best payday loan alternative for bad credit
Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union	Best green credit union
Boeing Employees Credit Union	Best local branch availability
Sound Credit Union	Best range of personal loan term lengths

Online unsecured personal loans in Washington State

To help you make an informed decision, read through our reviews of the top online personal loan companies that serve the Washington State area. Whether you have good, fair, or excellent credit, or if you’re dealing with credit card debt, the following lenders offer viable solutions tailored to meet your financial needs.

If you prefer a local lender, jump to our reviews in credit unions exclusive to Washington State and the surrounding areas.

Credible – Best marketplace

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LendEDU rating: 5.0 out of 5

• Wide range of loans from various lenders
• Free, easy-to-use matching tool
• Quick and transparent comparison of rates

As a personal loan marketplace, Credible compiles loan offers from multiple lenders, enabling a broad overview of possible loan terms. This functionality ensures that borrowers can conduct detailed comparisons with ease to select the most suitable offer for their specific requirements. 

Credible’s emphasis on transparency and user experience simplifies the often complex process of comparing loan offers, making it an excellent choice for borrowers looking to navigate their loan options easily.

LightStream – Best for excellent credit

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LendEDU rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Competitive interest rates
• Same-day funding
• No origination or prepayment fees

LightStream stands out for borrowers with credit scores of 740 and better by offering lower interest rates and rapid funding. This lender is dedicated to rewarding responsible borrowers, distinguishing itself as a prime option for individuals with excellent credit histories. 

The absence of fees and the potential for same-day funding further enhance LightStream’s attractiveness, solidifying its position as a leading choice for high-credit individuals seeking efficient and cost-effective loan solutions.

Upgrade – Best for fair credit

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LendEDU rating: 4.9 out of 5

• Lower credit score requirements
• Credit health tools
• Allows joint applications

Upgrade caters to borrowers with FICO credit scores in the range of 580 to 669. It offers flexible credit score requirements and supportive resources for financial improvement. The availability of credit health tools and the option for joint applications lead to support for individuals aiming to enhance their credit status and financial health. 

Upgrade’s inclusive approach and comprehensive support tools make it a favorable option for those with fair credit seeking funding and financial advancement.

SoFi – Best for good credit

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LendEDU rating: 5.0 out of 5

• Competitive interest rates
• Members gain access to a suite of benefits

SoFi differentiates itself by treating borrowers as members, granting access to a variety of benefits that extend beyond financial assistance. These benefits, including career counseling, networking opportunities, and competitive rates, make SoFi a standout lender for individuals with credit scores of 670 and up. 

This holistic approach to lending and member support establishes SoFi as a top choice for borrowers who qualify, offering a unique blend of financial and professional growth opportunities.

Happy Money – Best for credit card debt

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LendEDU rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Specializes in credit card debt repayment
• Tailored debt payoff plan
• Digital lending platform

Happy Money assists borrowers overwhelmed by credit card debt, offering strategic and personalized repayment solutions. The lender’s focus on a digital-first approach simplifies the process of obtaining and managing a loan, making it easier for borrowers to navigate their path to financial freedom. 

Happy Money’s commitment to creating tailored debt repayment plans offers a direct and effective route for individuals aiming to escape the cycle of credit card debt, marking it as an optimal choice for those facing such financial challenges.

Local Washington State loans

Everyone has local lenders in their state or region that may offer better personal loan rates than nationwide lenders. If you’re consulting national lists of the best personal loans, you’re missing out on these options. 

Local lenders may offer better customer service, and you might even be able to visit a branch in person to manage your loan or pick up your cash. 

We’ve rounded up the best personal loans in Washington state from both sides of the Cascades. Here, we’ll focus on unsecured loans because they’re the most common, but most lenders offer a range of personal loans and lines of credit. 

Because all four lenders below are credit unions, their personal loan rates max out at 18.00%. These could be excellent options if you checked your rates with online lenders and were quoted more than 18.00%. 

Qualstar Credit Union – Alternative options for bad-credit personal loans in Washington State

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• Many options for personal loans and lines of credit
• 4 branch locations in Renton, Everett, Federal Way, and Tacoma
• Personal loans from $500 to $25,000, with term lengths up to 5 years

Qualstar Credit Union was first formed in 1952 to help employees of the Safeway grocery store chain in Seattle access affordable banking. Today, anyone living in the state of Washington can join. 

Aside from offering the lowest rates on personal loans in Washington, Qualstar also offers personal lines of credit, personal loans secured by your savings deposits, and a $500 Gateway line of credit for borrowers looking to rebuild their credit score with an affordable payday loan alternative. 

Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union – Washington loans with incentives for energy-efficient purchases

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• Personal loans up to $20,000, with term lengths up to 4 years
• Extra lending incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades and vehicles
• 4 branch locations in the Puget Sound area but prefers that you bank online

Billing itself as “Washington’s Green Credit Union,” PSCCU also offers low rates on personal loans. If you sign up for autopay and use your PSCCU checking account and credit card regularly, you’ll also qualify for a further 0.25% APR discount. 

Washington State has one of the highest EV uptake rates in the nation, so PSCCU may be an excellent choice if you’re inclined to take advantage of federal tax credits and buy a new electric car or complete energy-efficient improvements on your home. 

Boeing Employees Credit Union – Largest credit union for personal loans in Seattle & other WA cities

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• Largest regional credit union, with 1.4 million members in 2022
• Personal loans up to $30,000, with term lengths up to 6 years
• Free credit counseling and automatic rate adjustments if your credit score improves

If you have good credit, BECU is one of your best bets for a low-rate loan. If you don’t, no worries—BECU also partners with GreenPath Financial Wellness to offer free access to credit counselors who can help you create a plan to get your debt under control. 

When your credit score increases, BECU may lower your personal loan rate accordingly after an annual review. It’s one of the only personal loan lenders we know of that offers this valuable perk.

Sound Credit Union – Best variety of term lengths for loans in Washington State

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• Zero fees and same-day funding available
• 27 branch locations in 4 Western Washington counties
• Personal loans from $500 to $25,000, with term length options up to 72 months

Another credit union focused on the Western side of the state, SCU is also available for Eastern Washington residents. Its wide range of personal loan term length options makes it easy to find the right fit for your budget. 

Offering personal loans and lines of credit and a 0.25% rate discount for green purchases (energy-saving home improvements), Sound Credit Union offers a convenient online application and fast funds.

How to choose the best Washington loans

Here’s how to choose the loan that’s right for you.

1. Shop for quotes: Prequalify with lenders that will allow you to check your rate and loan options with as many lenders as you can—national as well as local. 
2. Research lenders: Pick your best loan quotes, and research the lenders by reading online reviews from actual customers.
3. Apply for the best personal loan: Choose the best personal loan option and complete a full loan application. If you go with a local Washington lender, you may be able to apply in person and even get your funds in the same visit.

Recap of Washington State personal loans

Lender	What you need to know
Credible	Best online personal loan marketplace
LightStream	Best for fast funding
Upgrade	Best lender with high-yield banking accounts
SoFi	Best for large personal loans
Happy Money	Best for credit card debt consolidation
Qualstar Credit Union	Best payday loan alternative for bad credit
Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union	Best green credit union
Boeing Employees Credit Union	Best local branch availability
Sound Credit Union	Best range of personal loan term lengths