Earnest Competitors and Alternatives
Find out whether or not an Earnest competitor may be a better option for your financial needs.
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Earnest aims to bring “low-interest loans to high-potential people.” While low-interest loans are something all borrowers should strive for, an Earnest loan may not be the right choice for everyone.
With the recent end to the company’s personal loan program, Earnest is left offering in-school loans and student loan refinancing.
We always recommend comparing multiple options before settling on a loan. Below, you will find some Earnest competitors and alternatives to consider when looking to take out a personal loan or student loan.
On this page:
- Alternatives to Earnest In-School Student Loans
- Alternatives to Earnest Student Loan Refinancing
- Alternatives to Earnest Personal Loans
Alternatives to Earnest In-School Student Loans
Earnest offers student loans for undergraduates, graduates, business, medical, and law. In this section, we will compare Earnest’s in-school loans to those of some of its competitors.
Undergraduate Student Loans
| College Ave | Citizens Bank | Earnest | |
| Variable rates | 1.49% – 11.98% | 1.29% – 10.55% | 1.78% – 11.44% |
| Fixed rates | 4.39% – 12.99% | 4.68% – 10.99% | 4.39% – 12.78% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000+ | $1,000 – $150,000 | $1,000+ |
| Term lengths | Up to 15 years | Up to 15 years | Up to 15 years |
| AutoPay discount | 0.25% | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| View rates | View rates | View rates |
For additional options, check out the best private student loans.
Graduate Student Loans
| College Ave | Citizens Bank | Earnest | |
| Variable rates | 1.79% – 10.97% | 1.42% – 11.00% | 1.78% – 9.89% |
| Fixed rates | 4.39% – 11.98% | 4.64% – 11.49% | 4.39% – 10.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000+ | $1,000 – $150,000 | $1,000+ |
| Term lengths | Up to 15 years | Up to 15 years | Up to 15 years |
| AutoPay discount | 0.25% | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| View rates | View rates | View rates |
For additional options, check out the best graduate student loans.
Alternatives to Earnest Student Loan Refinancing
Earnest offers student loan refinancing for students, as well as parents. Compare some competitors in the tables below.
Student Loan Refinancing
| ELFI | Citizens Bank | Earnest | |
| Variable rates | 2.39% – 6.01% | 2.72% – 8.38% | 2.39% – 6.43% |
| Fixed rates | 3.20% – 6.69% | 3.49% – 8.63% | 3.20% – 6.43% |
| Loan amounts | $15,000+ | $10,000 – $500,000 | $5,000 – $500,000 |
| Term lengths | Up to 20 years | Up to 20 years | Up to 20 years |
| Credit score | 680+ | Not disclosed | 650+ |
| View rates | View rates | View rates |
For additional options, compare the best student loan refinance companies.
Parent PLUS Refinancing
| ELFI | Citizens Bank | Earnest | |
| Variable rates | 3.50% – 6.01% | 2.72% – 6.09% | 3.21% – 6.67% |
| Fixed rates | 3.20% – 6.69% | 3.49% – 6.33% | 3.21% – 6.67% |
| Loan amounts | $15,000+ | $10,000 – $500,000 | $5,000+ |
| Term lengths | Up to 10 years | Up to 20 years | Not disclosed |
| Transfer to child? | Yes | Yes | No |
| View rates | View rates | View rates |
For additional options, check out the best Parent PLUS refinancing companies.
Alternatives to Earnest Personal Loans
Earnest recently decided to end their personal loan program. To find some popular alternatives, check out the table below.
| LightStream | Upgrade | Upstart | |
| Loan amounts | $5,000 – $100,000 | $1,000 – $35,000 | $1,000 – $50,0002 |
| Rates (APR) | 3.49% – 19.99%* with AutoPay | 7.99% – 35.97% | 8.27% – 35.99%1 |
| Discounts | 0.50% for AutoPay | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Term lengths | 24 – 144 months** | 36 or 60 months | 36 or 60 months |
| Credit score | 660+ | 620+ | 600+ |
| Apply | Apply | Apply |
For additional options, compare the best personal loans.
Want to Learn More About a Lender?
If you’d like to learn more about a lender mentioned on this page before checking your rates, you can read our reviews. Click on a lender’s name below to go to their review for that product.
| Lender | Product(s) |
| College Ave | In-school & refinance loans |
| Citizens Bank | In-school & refinance loans |
| Earnest | In-school & refinance loans |
| ELFI | In-school & refinance loans |
| LightStream | Personal loans |
| Upgrade | Personal loans |
| Upstart | Personal loans |
*Your loan terms, including APR, may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term length, and your credit profile. Excellent credit is required to qualify for lowest rates. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount. AutoPay discount is only available prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice.
**Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 5.95% APR with a term of three years would result in 36 monthly payments of $303.99.
1The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 3-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 21.97% and 36 monthly payments of $35 per $1,000 borrowed. For example, the total cost of a $10,000 loan would be $12,646 including a $626 origination fee. APR is calculated based on 3-year rates offered in the last 1 month. There is no down payment and no prepayment penalty. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application.
2Your loan amount will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount. Loans are not available in West Virginia or Iowa. The minimum loan amount in MA is $7,000. The minimum loan amount in Ohio is $6,000. The minimum loan amount in NM is $5100. The minimum loan amount in GA is $3,100.
