Best Personal Loans in Maryland 2026
Maryland borrowers carry above-average balances at $16,800, driven by DC metro cost of living and above-average household incomes. Government and defense contractor employment gives Maryland residents among the strongest approval odds nationally at LightStream and SoFi.
Updated June 2026 · Editorial Independence Policy
Best Personal Loans in Maryland 2026
| Lender | APR Range | Loan Amounts | Origination Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LightStream (Editor's Choice) | 6.99%–25.49% | $5k–$100k | None | Best rates |
| SoFi Personal Loans | 8.99%–29.49% | $5k–$100k | None | Member benefits |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 6.99%–24.99% | $3.5k–$40k | None | No fees |
| Discover Personal Loans | 7.99%–24.99% | $2.5k–$40k | None | Debt consolidation |
| Upstart | 7.40%–35.99% | $1k–$50k | 0%–12% | Thin credit |
All five lenders listed above serve Maryland residents. APR ranges current as of June 2026. Rates depend on creditworthiness, loan amount, and term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Loans in Maryland: FAQ
Personal loan credit requirements in Maryland are set nationally by each lender — there are no state-specific minimums. LightStream and SoFi typically approve borrowers with FICO scores of 670 and above.
Marcus and Discover approve from around 660. Upstart accepts scores as low as 300 through their AI underwriting model, though lower scores mean higher APRs and origination fees.
Check your score free through your bank or credit card issuer before applying.
Loan limits vary by lender: LightStream and SoFi lend up to $100,000; Marcus and Discover up to $40,000; Upstart up to $50,000. The amount you are approved for depends on your income, debt-to-income ratio, and credit history — not your state of residence.
For Maryland borrowers averaging $16,800 in loan balances, most major lenders offer sufficient capacity.
Maryland follows federal lending regulations enforced by the CFPB, which means standard rules on truth-in-lending disclosures, prepayment penalties, and fee disclosures apply. All five lenders on this list are federally chartered or bank-partnered institutions, so Maryland state-level rate caps do not restrict what they can charge.
Always review your loan agreement for the full APR and any fees before signing.
Funding timelines do not vary by state. LightStream offers same-day funding on applications approved before 2:30 PM ET on business days.
SoFi typically funds within 1 to 3 business days. Marcus and Discover fund within 1 to 5 business days.
Upstart often funds within 1 business day for straightforward applications. Direct deposit to your Maryland bank account is the standard delivery method for all five lenders.