Oportun Personal Loans Review 2025: Small-Dollar Loans for Thin Credit Borrowers

4.3 _/5

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Our take: Oportun stands out for making personal loans accessible to borrowers with limited or poor credit history. Its smaller loan amounts and capped rates make it a practical choice for short-term needs or credit-building. However, borrowers who qualify elsewhere may find better rates and higher limits with more traditional lenders.

Unsecured personal loan

• No minimum credit score
• Accepts borrowers with prior bankruptcy
• Cosigner option
• Small loan amounts available
• No application or prepayment fees
• Quick online application and funding
• Prequalification with a soft credit check

• Maximum loan only $10,000
• High APR ceiling at 35.99%
• Personal references may be required
• Limited term details disclosed
• Reports missed payments to credit bureaus

Rates (APR)	No higher than 35.99%
Loan amounts	$300 – $10,000
Repayment terms	Based on loan size, rate, fees, and terms. Payments are fixed installments.

Secured personal loan

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• Higher loan amounts than unsecured
• Potentially lower APR due to collateral
• Funding often within 24 hours
• Online account management

• California only
• Vehicle must be owned free and clear
• APR range not disclosed
• Risk of losing the vehicle if you default

Rates (APR)	Undisclosed
Loan amounts	$2,525 – $18,500
Repayment terms	Based on loan size, rate, fees, and terms. Payments are fixed installments

Table of Contents

1. What is Oportun?
2. Unsecured personal loan
   1. Oportun vs. Upstart
   2. Oportun vs. Upgrade
3. Secured personal loan
   1. Best Egg vs. Oportun
4. Loan uses
5. Other Oportun features
6. Oportun reviews
7. How to contact Oportun

What is Oportun?

Oportun, founded to offer accessible financial services, caters to borrowers traditional banks often overlook. Its mission is to provide inclusive lending, especially valuable for those with a limited credit history.

This lender specializes in personal loans for various needs, such as medical expenses or home repairs. Ideal for individuals with lower credit scores, Oportun is a resource for those rebuilding their credit history.

Oportun can assist borrowers who might not qualify for conventional loans. However, those who qualify for more traditional personal loans will likely find higher loan amounts and lower APRs with other lenders.

Table of Contents

1. Oportun unsecured personal loan
2. Oportun secured personal loan
3. What can an Oportun personal loan be used for?
4. Other Oportun features
5. Oportun reviews
6. How to contact Oportun
7. How we rated Oportun

Oportun unsecured personal loan

4.3 _/5

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What to know

Oportun’s unsecured personal loan is notable for its accessibility. Ideal for borrowers with poor or no credit history, it also accepts cosigners. However, its loan amounts and terms are limited compared to traditional lenders.

Oportun fills a crucial niche, but its higher APRs and smaller loans aren’t cost-effective for every borrower. Those eligible for traditional loans might find better terms elsewhere, making Oportun a specific, rather than a universal choice.

This distinction is key for borrowers comparing loan options. Oportun caters to a specific group, offering funds when other doors are closed.

• Accessible to poor-credit borrowers

• Biggest drawback: Small loan amounts 

Minimum credit score	Not required; open to those with bankruptcy history
Fixed rates (APR)	No higher than 35.99%
Loan amounts	$300 – $10,000
Repayment period	Based on loan size, rate, fees, and terms. Payments are fixed installments
Unsecured or secured	Unsecured
Joint loans	Cosigners sometimes allowed
Time to funding after approval	Not specified; typically quick via direct deposit
Repayment assistance	Makes an effort to work with borrowers, but reports missed payments to credit bureaus
Fees	No application or prepayment fees; administrative/tax stamp may apply
Unique features	Lends to those with poor or no credit history, including bankruptcy survivors

How it works

Oportun’s personal loans are meant to make borrowing simple, even if your credit history isn’t great. Here’s how it works:

• Fees and cosigners: No application or prepayment fees. Some states may charge a small administrative fee. You can also add a cosigner to improve your chances of approval.
• Easy application: Apply online or by phone with an ID and proof of income. There’s no minimum credit score required.
• Loan amounts: Borrow between $300 and $10,000, depending on your qualifications.
• Fixed payments: Repay the loan in predictable monthly installments, with rates capped at 35.99% APR.
• Simple management: Handle everything online, from making payments to checking your balance.
• Support if you fall behind: Oportun says it tries to work with borrowers who struggle with payments, though missed payments are still reported to credit bureaus.

Eligibility requirements

Oportun is built for flexibility and works with a wide range of borrowers. Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:

• Proof of income: You’ll need to show that you can afford to repay the loan.
• Credit history: No minimum credit score is required, and even borrowers with a bankruptcy history may be eligible.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship isn’t required, so non-citizens can apply too.
• Cosigner or co-applicant: You can apply with someone else to strengthen your application and potentially qualify for better terms.
• Availability: Oportun offers loans in 40 states. It’s not available in Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, West Virginia, or Washington, D.C.

A co-applicant or cosigner with stronger finances can increase your chances of approval and help you get more favorable terms.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Accessibility for varied credit histories

  Oportun is open to borrowers with no or poor credit history, making it a viable option for those typically excluded by traditional lenders.

• Small loan amounts

  With loans starting as low as $300, Oportun caters to those needing smaller amounts, which can be hard to find with other lenders.

• Cosigner option

  The ability to add a cosigner can help your chances of loan approval, which benefits those with weaker credit profiles.

Cons

• Reference requirement

  The need for personal or employment references might be a hurdle for some applicants, affecting their privacy or comfort levels.

• Limited loan amounts

  The cap at $10,000 might not be sufficient for borrowers needing larger amounts.

Oportun stands out for its inclusivity, particularly benefiting those with limited credit options. The option to add a cosigner and the availability of small loan amounts are significant advantages. 

However, the higher APRs and the requirement for personal references are notable drawbacks. These factors, coupled with the limitation on maximum loan amounts, suggest that Oportun is better suited for specific borrowing needs rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Alternatives

Oportun vs. Upstart

Upstart and Oportun both help borrowers with limited credit history, but they take different approaches. Upstart uses artificial intelligence to look beyond your credit score, factoring in things like your education and job history. This can help some borrowers qualify for larger loans or lower rates than Oportun offers.

Oportun, on the other hand, focuses more on accessibility than technology. It’s often a better fit if you have no credit at all or prefer a simpler application process. However, loan amounts and terms are more limited, and rates can be higher.

If you’re rebuilding credit and can qualify with Upstart, you may find more competitive rates there. But if you’ve struggled to get approved elsewhere, Oportun may be the more realistic option.

Oportun vs. Upgrade

Upgrade tends to serve borrowers with fair to good credit, while Oportun caters to those with little or no credit history. Upgrade offers higher loan amounts—up to $50,000—and often lower APRs, which can make it a better deal for qualified applicants.

Oportun’s advantage is accessibility. It may approve borrowers that Upgrade cannot, and it provides smaller loan options starting at $300. However, Upgrade’s broader range of loan products and credit-building tools make it the stronger choice if you already have some credit established.

In short, Oportun is great for getting your foot in the door, while Upgrade is better for moving toward long-term financial growth.

Oportun secured personal loan

4.3 _/5

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What to know

Oportun’s secured loan, which uses a borrower’s vehicle as collateral, can provide a viable alternative for those ineligible for typical loans. However, its availability is limited to California, restricting its wider usefulness.

This loan’s aids Californians with limited options. But due to its geographic constraint, we haven’t assigned it an editorial rating or a best-for designation. It’s ideal for certain borrowers but not a universal solution.

• Accessible for those usually ineligible

• Only available in California

Rates (APR)	Undisclosed
Loan amounts	$2,525 – $18,500
Repayment period	Based on loan size, rate, fees, and terms. Payments are fixed installments
Unsecured or secured	Secured by vehicle title
Time to funding after approval	Funds disbursed within 24 hours after requirements met
Repayment assistance	Will work with borrower, but missed payments reported
Unique features	Allows using vehicle title for larger loans

How it works

Oportun’s secured personal loan is designed for California borrowers who can use their vehicle as collateral. It can be a good option if you don’t qualify for a traditional unsecured loan.

• Application: Apply online or in person and provide vehicle details such as registration, title, and proof of ownership. Funding is often available within 24 hours once everything is verified.
• Loan amounts: Borrow between $2,525 and $18,500, with fixed monthly payments that depend on your loan size and interest rate.
• Loan management: You can make payments and track your balance online for convenience.
• Collateral details: Because your vehicle secures the loan, you might qualify for a lower APR. Keep in mind that your car could be at risk if you miss payments.

Eligibility requirements

Oportun’s secured loan is only available to California residents who own their vehicle outright. Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:

• Proof of income: You must show that you have a steady source of income.
• Vehicle ownership: The car must be registered in California and fully paid off, with no active liens.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship isn’t required to apply.
• State availability: This loan is only offered in California.

If you meet these requirements, Oportun’s secured loan could be a helpful option for accessing a larger loan amount than its unsecured loan allows.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Higher loan amounts

  Using a vehicle as collateral allows for larger loans than Oportun’s unsecured loan, beneficial for those needing more substantial funds.

• Competitive APRs

  Oportun claims its APRs are lower than typical title loans, potentially making it a more cost-effective option.

Cons

• Not eligible if you’re still paying off your vehicle

  The borrower must own the car outright, free from liens, which limits eligibility.

• Geographical restriction

  The loan is exclusive to California residents.

• Unclear APR ranges

  Oportun states its APRs are competitive, but the lack of specific ranges makes it hard to compare with other options.

Oportun’s secured loan offers distinct advantages, including higher loan amounts, making it a viable option for Californians with clear vehicle titles. However, its strict ownership requirement and state-specific availability limit its reach. 

The lack of transparency regarding APR ranges further complicates the decision-making process for potential borrowers.

Alternatives

Compared to competitors, Oportun’s secured loan could appeal to those with the necessary vehicle requirements in California. However, for borrowers who seek more transparent terms, Best Egg, our highest-rated lender for a secured personal loan, might offer more accessible options.

Best Egg vs. Oportun

Best Egg is better suited for borrowers with fair to good credit who need larger loan amounts. It offers loans up to $50,000 and typically lower rates if your credit is solid.

Oportun, on the other hand, focuses on accessibility. It offers smaller loans, starting at $300, and works with borrowers who have limited or no credit history.

If you have established credit and want a competitive rate, Best Egg is the stronger choice. If you’re newer to credit or need a small loan quickly, Oportun is more forgiving.

What can an Oportun personal loan be used for?

Like most personal loans, Oportun offers freedom in how you can use its secured and unsecured loans.

You aren’t required to inform Oportun of the specific purpose of the loan during the application process, and you can use the funds for multiple purposes, such as:

• Emergency expenses: Covering unexpected medical bills or urgent home repairs.
• Debt consolidation: Paying off high-interest debts to simplify finances.
• Personal investments: Funding education or small business ventures.

Other Oportun features

Oportun isn’t just a lender. It also offers a few helpful tools to make managing your money easier.

Earn and Save

Earn and Save is Oportun’s money-saving app, originally known as Digit. It’s designed for people who want to save but don’t always have the time or habit to do it consistently. Once you link your bank account, the app automatically moves small amounts of money into savings when it thinks you can afford it.

You can set personal goals—like building an emergency fund, saving for a trip, or paying down debt—and the app adjusts how much it saves based on your spending patterns. It even offers a modest savings bonus and keeps your money safe in an FDIC-insured account.

After a free trial, the app costs about $5 per month, though it may be free if you already use other Oportun products. It’s not meant to replace a high-yield savings account, but it can be a great way to build a consistent savings habit without much effort.

Oportun Pathward

Oportun also partners with Pathward, N.A. to offer banking features like a checking account and debit card. Through this, you can manage your spending, make payments, and track your finances—all in the same app you use for saving.

It’s a simple, all-in-one setup that brings your loans, spending, and savings together. While it’s not as full-featured as a traditional bank, it’s convenient for anyone who likes to keep everything in one place.

Oportun reviews

To assess Oportun’s reputation, we looked at customer ratings from various review platforms. Here’s a table summarizing the ratings:

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Trustpilot	4.8 out of 5	10,818
Better Business Bureau (BBB)	2.4 out of 5	136
Google	4.6 out of 5	243

Trustpilot and Google users rate Oportun highly, praising the ease of applying and accessibility to loans, especially for those who might have been denied elsewhere. These positive reviews reflect Oportun’s commitment to serving borrowers with diverse financial backgrounds.

However, negative reviews, particularly on BBB, where Oportun has a lower rating, mention predatory behavior, loan denials despite perceived eligibility, and a lack of transparency and timeliness in receiving funds. Such feedback highlights areas where Oportun could improve its services and customer interactions.

These reviews suggest that while Oportun is well-regarded for its accessibility and application process, it has room for improvement, particularly in terms of transparency and customer service. 

How to contact Oportun

Oportun provides a customer service team to assist borrowers and prospective clients with various queries and concerns, including questions about loan applications, repayment schedules, and other service-related inquiries. 

Ways to contact Oportun:

• Email: [email protected]  
• Phone number: Toll-free at 866-488-6090. Available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time, and Saturday/Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific time
• Mailing address: For personal loans, send correspondence to P.O. Box 4085, Menlo Park, CA 94026
• Chat box: Accessible via Oportun’s website for quick online queries.

Multiple contact options ensure customers they can reach out to Oportun in the way that’s most convenient for them.

How to apply for an Oportun personal loan

Oportun offers the opportunity to prequalify for its loan before you submit a full application, which won’t affect your credit.

The prequalification process allows applicants to understand their eligibility without credit consequences, a feature that is particularly beneficial for those with limited or poor credit histories.

Steps to apply for an Oportun loan

1. Start the process: Visit Oportun’s website and click “Apply now” to begin.

2. Provide personal information: Fill in basic personal and financial details in the online form.

3. Submit required documentation:
   1. For a personal loan: Valid photo ID, proof of income, address verification, and up to four personal references.
   2. For a secured loan: Original vehicle title, vehicle registration, driver’s license, proof of income and address, pictures of the car, and bank details for verification.
4. Review and submit: Check all the information for accuracy, and submit the application.
5. Wait for approval: Oportun reviews the application. The duration can vary but is generally prompt.

The ease of Oportun’s online application and the minimal impact on credit scores during prequalification makes it an accessible option for many borrowers. 

The requirements for personal references and vehicle details (for secured loans) are unique and caters to a diverse range of applicants.

What if I’m denied a personal loan from Oportun?

If you’re denied a loan from Oportun, understanding the reasons behind the denial is crucial to navigating forward. Oportun will inform applicants of the reasons for denial, an essential step in addressing any underlying issues.

If denied, you have the option to reapply, especially if your financial situation changes or improves. It’s important, however, to address the reasons for the initial denial to increase your future chances of approval.

Common reasons for denial and solutions include:

• Insufficient income: If income was a factor, exploring ways to increase earnings or applying with a co-applicant might help.
• High debt-to-income ratio: Paying down debt can improve this ratio.
• Inaccurate or incomplete application: Ensure you submit all the requested information—and double-check it—on future applications.
• Unstable employment history: A more stable job or consistent income history may be required before reapplying.
• Poor credit history: Work on improving your credit score through responsible credit use and on-time payments.

Oportun may provide additional guidance or resources to help applicants improve their eligibility.

Oportun personal loan FAQ

Can you have more than one Oportun personal loan?

Generally, Oportun allows only one loan at a time per borrower. This ensures manageable debt levels for customers.

Can you pay off an Oportun personal loan early?

Yes, you can pay off an Oportun loan early without penalty, allowing flexibility in financial planning.

How we rated Oportun

We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best personal loans. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms.

We compared Oportun to several personal loan lenders, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take is represented in our rating and best-for designation, recapped below.