Updated
May 09, 2023 Personal loans in Wisconsin are offered by a number of companies. To help you compare your options, we put together a list of online and local lenders.
On this page:
Online Personal Loans for Residents of Wisconsin
Online personal loans can be a good option when you need funds quickly. The lenders discussed below offer personal loans for almost any purpose.
| 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 |
| AutoPay | 0.50% discount | 0.50% discount | Not disclosed |
| Term lengths | 24 – 144 months** | 36 or 60 months | 36 or 60 months |
| Credit score | 660+ | 620+ | 600+ |
| Pre-qualify* | No | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Apply | Apply | Apply |
*Pre-qualification allows you to check your rate with a soft credit pull. This does not affect your credit score. If you approve your offer, a hard credit pull will be done to complete the application.
To compare other online options, you can check out our guides to the best personal loans or online loans.
Companies That Offer Personal Loans in Wisconsin
Mariner Finance
Mariner Finance is another option for personal loans in Wisconsin. While the consumer lender is based in Baltimore, Md., the company operates more than 450 branches throughout 22 states, with a history that dates back to 2002.
In Wisconsin, Mariner Finance offers personal loans on both a secured and unsecured basis, and the lender allows for co-signers should the primary borrower need it. Borrowers can submit an application for a new personal loan at one of the nine branch locations in Wisconsin, including options in Green Bay, Middleton, and Appleton.
Mariner Finance personal loans are available to qualified borrowers. A personal loan can be used for a variety of reasons, including debt consolidation, a vacation or wedding, auto repairs, or unexpected bills.
Personal loans from Mariner Finance have a fixed interest rate, a fixed monthly payment, and loan terms ranging from a few months up to a few years. All borrowers listed on an application must visit a local branch to apply, and approval can take place in as little as one business day.
There are no prepayment penalties with a Mariner Finance personal loan, and repayment can be made either in a branch location or via automatic bank account deductions.
WESTconsin Credit Union
As a more conventional provider of personal loans to consumers, WESTconsin Credit Union has borrowing options available for qualified applicants. WESTconsin Credit Union was founded in 1939, and since that time it has grown to serve residents of 17 counties in the state, from New Richmond and Prescott to Ellsworth and Spring Valley.
The credit union provides both signature personal loans and express personal loans, based on the borrower’s needs and credit history. Express personal loans provided by WESTconsin Credit Union can be applied for online and may be approved for those with strong credit history in as little as a day.
Personal loans through this program are available for emergency expenses, travel, a major purchase, or a car or home repair. Each personal loan carries a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments, and there are no origination or prepayment fees. Borrowers can repay a WESTconsin Credit Union express loan through automatic payments, online, or in person at any branch location.
>>Read more: Personal loans by state
Verifying the Legitimacy of a Wisconsin Consumer Lender
With so many options for consumer personal loans in Wisconsin, it can be a challenge to determine which lenders, online or otherwise, are legitimate. Potential borrowers can start by reviewing a lender’s website to see if the company has a note or direct link to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, or WDFI. This organization was established by the state government of Wisconsin to protect residents through financial regulation and education.
In addition to regulating state-chartered banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions, the agency also pays close attention consumer lenders and financial service providers. If a connection to WDFI is not easily apparent to a potential borrower, it might be best to work with a different lender for a personal loan.
Consumer lenders in the state of Wisconsin must also be licensed to do business. The licensing process involves an in-depth application that requires lenders to provide details about the company, its headquarters, the products and services it plans to provide, as well as financial statements.
A consumer lender must have at least $50,000 in working capital on its balance sheet, and financial records must be audited on an annual basis after a license is granted. The state of Wisconsin provides a paper copy of an approved consumer lender license, which should be provided to a potential borrower upon request.
Consumer Protection in Wisconsin
If a personal loan borrower believes a consumer lender has acted fraudulently or not upheld its end of the bargain according to the original loan agreement and terms, consumers have options for filing a complaint. Each legitimate complaint filed by a Wisconsin resident is researched and pursued, and the agency that received the complaint can take action against the lender if and when it is warranted.
Here are the agencies and organizations Wisconsin residents can reach out to when they suspect a consumer lender is not acting in compliance with Wisconsin laws and regulations.
Wisconsin Department of Justice
The Wisconsin Department of Justice oversees all the agencies and organizations that are state-run regarding consumer complaints. Residents of Wisconsin can review information about how to file a complaint and the appropriate agency with which to do so on the Wisconsin DOJ website.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Consumers who have had a bad experience with a consumer lender or lender network operating in Wisconsin may file a complaint directly with the Wisconsin DATCP. Information about complaints filed by other consumers against a specific company is also available through the agency. Complaints can be submitted via phone at 1-800-422-7128 or by visiting the Wisconsin DATCP website.
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
In addition to providing the regulatory oversight of consumer lenders in the state, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions also managed complaints against loan providers, including banks and credit unions. Consumers can submit a complaint to the Wisconsin DFI by calling 1-800-452-3328 or by visiting the organization online.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a national agency tasked with protecting consumers through complaint management and financial education. Any Wisconsin resident can submit a complaint regarding an experience with a consumer lender through the CFPB’s website.
The Better Business Bureau
This is a nonprofit organization not directly tied to the state government. Its purpose is to provide clear, relevant, and timely information to consumers regarding the companies with which they choose to do business. Consumer lenders that have customer complaints can be found easily on the Better Business Bureau website. Also, consumers can submit a complaint about a lender or report a scam involving a lender through the organization’s website.
*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.