Upstart
4.2
5.9
Overall Score
Daniel Lake Orion, MI
We went back and forth on a few things but I got a rate lower than initially quoted and I worked with Michael through the process. It was pretty easy. The rate is great and I love that it's fixed. Great company and great idea. Big Banks just don't get it. Upstart does.
11 years ago
Don Lawrence, KS
Upstart is amazing! The application process was simple and took very little time. I was approved within seconds! I received my funds 36 hours after finalizing everything. I would recommend Upstart to anyone and everyone!
11 years ago
Evan Sugar Grove, OH
Best rates around for debt consolidation and look at more than just a credit score. Very fast process for getting a loan. Awesome is all I can say! This is going to help me get back on track!
11 years ago
Mike Lubanski Mahopac, NY
Provides individuals with the ability to access quick funding to support debt and other credit obligations in order to live a more affordable and comfortable lifestyle. Highly recommended!
11 years ago
Frankie Annor Jr. New York, NY
The process was easy and quick. The staff was helpful and really made the goal to cut down debt a reality. I was confused about needing some extra documents I wasn't aware of, just because it would have slowed the process. But aside from that, all good.
11 years ago
Garrett Castellani Bronx, NY
This is one of the best experiences I've had dealing with any type of loan. Process was clear and quick and the people I dealt with were very nice and willing to answer questions. Well done.
11 years ago
Cordell Rogers Weston, MA
The customer service was stellar, and the loan application process was very easy, no initial credit check until you accept the loan, so you can see your interest rate without hurting your credit with another credit check!
11 years ago
Robert Shurmer Washington, DC
Working with Upstart was BY FAR the easiest and most stress-free experience I've every had with a financial institution. Consolidating high-interest CC debt into a single monthly payment is a great boost to stability. And all was accomplished via my desk-top: computer transactions and a single 10 min. skype call.
11 years ago
Karla Eskro Seattle, WA
There was quite a bit of information to provide to verify who I am and employment, etc. yet I can understand that was needed. All in all, it was a simple procedure and the staff was helpful. I would recommend Upstart to anyone.
11 years ago
calvin Chicago, IL
everything went great. another company was offering me the same loan but for a 25% apr. I got it done with upstart with a 15% apr. the only thing I think they should improve is when a customer makes a salary and bonuses that are consistent. Other than that, everything went great.
11 years ago
James Hunter Stockbridge, GA
Overall the experience was good. The only question I had is if I submitted my graduate transcript showing my Masters degree being awarded. Why does the loan officer need to see a picture of my bachelors degree? It didn't make any since. If a customer has a master degree they had to have a bachelor's degree.
11 years ago
Thomas Brooklyn, NY
Very fast and efficient. After a short phone interview I was asked to upload documentation and was approved in 48 hours for a loan of $3000-8800. I haven't built a credit score yet, so other financial institutions wouldn't have been as helpful.
11 years ago
Jackie O Philadelphia, PA
The process was very easy and super quick, the reviews I read were good so I took a chance and did it and I'm happy I did. All of the Upstart Associates I communicated with via phone or email were great.
11 years ago
Greg Tejes Roseville, CA
Getting this loan was very simply and quick. Working with the Upstart Employees was amazing. Very were all very courteous and professional. Thank you for the excellent service you provided! Greg Tejes
11 years ago
Dawn Sarnecky Austin, TX
Quick, friendly service. Answered my questions in a timely manner. Small glitch with technology after approval of loan re: confirming email address. Had to bs done manually. Would recommend to friends.
11 years ago
Emily Washington, ME
The website was easy to use, response time was quick, terms were fair and much better than my credit card, and service was friendly and helpful. Would (have) recommend Upstart to my family and friends!
11 years ago
Katrice Memphis, TN
I found the process to secure a loan very straight forward. The language used in all the documentation was clear. The representatives that helped me through the process responded quickly and thoroughly. The emails that updated me throughout the process were clear and concise and lead me easily through each step of the process.
11 years ago
Kevin Fisher Rockwall, TX
Quick and easy process. Frequent and professional communications to guide through the process. I inquired on a Monday and had cash in my account on Friday with good terms. Only drawback is that my APR increased about 0.75% from the initial offer but I did not get a clear answer why. Will use them again.
11 years ago
Abigail Finn
Upstart was a quick, easy, and seamless experience with much better rates than local and national banks to help reduce and consolidate my debt. I'm so thankful to have found this!
11 years ago
Everett Moton Tulsa, OK
Very quick and efficient way to secure a loan. Excellent response times from the support staff. Requested documentation was minimal and simple to upload. Funds were deposited the day after loan approval. Just an all around great experience!
11 years ago
Courtney Summerville, SC
Although my initial advisor stopped responding to emails, I was easily able to get through on the phone and speak with a person who said they would get someone to contact me within a couple hours and they did. Very smooth and personal experience.
11 years ago
Churchill Wynnewood, PA
The process was quick and simple. My communications with the company were polite and professional. Credit card debt can seem crushing and overwhelming. This changes people's lives. Thank you!!!
11 years ago
Y. Barnett Baton Rouge, LA
1. they provide you with 3 score disclosures and then deny you credit with a completely different credit score
2. false advertising when it comes to leading the individual on with rating of 'excellent' and 'good' at getting loan approvals which then shows up on your credit report when they claim it will only be a 'soft' search until they run a real search knowing they are going to deny you
3. they advise to 'open' accounts to increase credit score and when that is done and you attempt to get a measly $1000 loan to payoff less than $800 in debt so your credit score will go up.....this is what these scammers recommend you do to increase your credit score....they then give you a totally different credit score than they gave you in their disclosures and deny you credit.
3. what they send is a template that denies but no solid reasons why.
4. this sites are total scams
5. report to the appropriate federal and state agencies for pyramid scheming and other alleged fraudelent actions
5 years ago
Una Hamer Nashville, TN
Was offered a $12,000 loan, went through the application process, the phone call, the whole bit. They waited until the evening that the loan was to expire to tell me the certificate I sent in had expired. I didn't have a copy on my home computer to send them until the next day, so they rescinded that offer and offered a lower loan amount. And here we are again on the day the loan is set to expire after calling them twice beforehand to be told they are still reviewing my application. This has got to be some kind of scam and I will be checking my checking account for any fraudulent activity by them. Terrible...stay away from these scammers!
5 years ago
Sabrina Somerville, MA
Let's, for the sake of argument, talk about communication. Whether through email or phone, I never spoke with the same person when it came to numbers. I did speak with a wonderful woman, Colleen, three times. However, she was just a CSR. I spoke with seven different decision makers, and they all had different numbers.
The initial 31% return on a $10,000 loan was just the lure. After applying, that number jumped to more than 88.7% return on that same loan after numerous conversations with those decision makers.
What these people do is weed out all the natural income that should carry their decision in your favor, and keep asking for more input so they can pluck the lowest figures they can find to arrive at their decision in their favor.
The problem they had with me is not my numbers, or credit score. The problem is I'm not desparate.
There are companies that prey on the desparate. Now, I'm not saying Upstart is doing that, But their tactics are definitely questionable. In their first review page here, they have 38 1 star reviews, and 8 5 star reviews dating back to 2015. While this company is listed as est. In 2012, they didn't obtain most of the funding they needed until 2014 to acquire the capital to make a start.
Naturally, because they were trying to establish a base, they tossed money at everyone requesting funds. So, in 2015, they raised a few eyebrows. Now, let's not forget one of the CEO's played a significant role at Google. However, she parted to create Upstart. But she remained friends, and in 2019, Upstart acquired another $50 million
This is significant, because those 38 1 star reviews far outweigh the 8 5 star reviews since 2015 for a reason.
Be smart, people, We look for loans to help us in times of need. Don't become a victim doing so.
5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021
Old Shoe Shell Knob, MO
We were pre-approved for a loan with Upstart, but found their questions invasive. We sent in the requested bank statement, income info, etc. Then they wanted a screen shot of our account activity for the previous three days. I sent it. Then they wanted me to explain a recent large deposit (we sold something and used the proceeds to pay off some debts). I explained this, but they wanted more proof that it wasn't another loan. How about no? They turned us down because they "could not confirm information in our application." I would be cautious about working with any company that treats customers like they don't trust them from the beginning. We are not children and we weren't reaching for more debt, just to consolidate what we had. We will wait a few months for their hard pull on our credit records to fall off and try again with someone who treats us like adults.
7 years ago
Ana Blanco Miami, FL
An unjustified excuse for a second loan.
I applied for a loan with Upstart around the end of March to April and I received an approval on April 2019. The approved loan was for $5,000.00, the amount financed was $5,181.49, the finance charge was $4,519.23, the APR was 28.09%, the number of payments was 59 from May 10th, 2019 through April 10th, 2024. My prepaid financed charge was $381.51, the principal amount was $5,500.00, and the amount paid to me was $5,181.49. My first payment was May 10th, 2019 and I paid off the entire loan in the amount of $5,492.77 on May 21st, 2019. I decided to apply for another loan on July 22nd, 2019 and Upstart denied my loan because they count my previous Upstart installment as a denial reason. They claimed my credit history report was the only deciding factor for their denial letter and my last installment was the only reporting change. I referenced myself back to their FAQ's for chances of a second loan before applying, I had a higher credit score, and I still got denied. To summarize my opinion about this entire review, I do not appreciate their bs which is why I won't ever again use Upstart for a loan.
P.S. Fast and easy approval process and one star their customer support.
7 years ago
James Edison Houston, TX
I would like to say that Upstart is a great company for a loan. Aside from that, their community support falls short, hence the 1 rating. I am a victim of Hurricane Harvey. My girlfriend and I lost our rental property along with everything in it. The outpouring of support from friends, family, strangers and creditors has been amazing. All but one. Upstart was the only creditor between my girlfriend and myself that offered no deferment, not even one month, in the face of a natural disaster of the likes that the US has rarely seen. In the face of this tragedy, all other creditors offered at the least a one month deferment on loans, with continued ability to reapply for deferment after said month. Upstart is the only company which is not changing it's policy here. This company does help people, but the decision to not take action in this time of need for so many Americans shows their true color. I hope this changes in the future and that they realize people notice the lack of support for their fellow countrymen, red or blue.
9 years ago
J.W.La Atlanta, GA
I'm trying to wrap my head around these 5 star "Rave" Reviews, because my experience has been quite bad. I applied for a loan two weeks ago, and at first everything seemed easy and straightforward. I uploaded all my supporting credentials. My credit score is in the "Very good" range, my job/salary is very solid and stable. I'm a college grad (University of Georgia) and, well, I thought I would have been a solid candidate for loan. Maybe not? the interest rate on the pre-approval was not bad, and I was told (after my phone verification) that I would receive my loan documents in 3-5 business days- that didn't happen- so I called to follow up- and I had a terrible time getting through.. so, 24 hours later, I called again, and was told "sorry, we experiencing a delay please accept our apologies, you should receive your loan documents no later than 48 hours"-- well that didn't happen. At this point, Upstart has missed 3 of their set deadlines. They have made no attempt to email, call or even contact me with an update. My application/Interest rate is going to "expire" in 12 hours, at this point, I'm not feeling very comfortable taking a loan from these guys. I'm going to walk away.
9 years ago
Kyle Freeman Mount Laurel, NJ
Almost a bait and switch. I applied they asked for supporting documentation for which I provided. Then on the day they were supposed to review the application I was told that it would be another few days. 2 days before my rate was going to expire I get 2 emails. The 1st one was sent to me in error with someone else's information. The 2nd email was asking for documentation for which I already provided. So I provided them with the requested information and submitted. I then get a text message saying congratulations, I was approved and to log in to finalize the details. When I then log in only to find out that I was declined. Overall their customer reps are very nice and helpful but the underwriting process is overall horrible. I would not suggest upstart based off of my own experience.
9 years ago
ThreeDogs Mama Houston, TX
Throughout the application process I was quoted an interest rate of 15.51%, which was fairly decent for what I was trying to accomplish. I was told three times during the verification call that my rate was solely contingent upon me verification of my education by the 12th, which was a Friday. I asked that representative three different ways and was assured that my rate was guaranteed if I submitted my documentation on time. The following Monday I was advised that my loan had been approved but that my interest rate had "expired". Not that anything hand changed or not been submitted on time, but "EXPIRED". They wanted me to accept this loan at 22.3% lol. Not on your life. I placed a follow up call upon receipt of these new (entirely unacceptable) terms I was told that "I had been misinformed", that they didn't have enough time to review the information before it expired, and that it was because my credit report had changed blah blah blah. This guy I talked to today was so wishy washy and kept changing his story, and was probably helpless to remedy the situation regardless. (I monitor my credit report and no it actually hadn't changed at all.) No they could not revert the interest rate back to the one I had been quoted through out. This is simply Bait and Switch. I am guessing that Upstart assumes people are desperate enough to take it at the 11th hour. Don't fall for it.
10 years ago
Jared Midvale, UT
So I applied for a loan of $5000 and was pre-approved - even got all the emails saying I was pre-approved. It was at a rate of 14% or $161 a month... Which whatever. Fine. I send my documents that they requested and then they sent the official "you're approved" we'll deposit the $5000 in your bank as soon as tomorrow if you submit by 2pm pacific. So I do that. And then I had to sign the promissory sheet. Then the next screen says, sorry you've been denied as "since you've applied there was a credit hit"... Well yeah guess who hit it... You did! You approved me, hit my credit, then denied me. How freaking professional.
10 years ago
Shannon Henderson, NV
I originally applied for a loan with them last year for 6K and then I didn't need it, so I just stopped the process because I thought it was a little bit odd that they were asking for my bank information right away. I did a little more research when I came into a situation a year later and needed the money. I actually received a pre-approval form in the mail from them and thought why not. I am beginning my job as a substitute teacher where I am able to work every single day of the week, but the school district requires a minimum 4 days a month which is what upstart took as what my salary would be. So they denied me after basically going back and forth with me for 2 months, while we was waiting for my letter from the school district. I feel this is very shady and then when I realized that Mark Cuban was part of this, I was absolutely disappointed and realized this is just a money-making scheme. They are dishonest and you never get the same rep twice, yet, it's the same trail of email, just different reps names. They don't know how to do their business and they don't know how to calculate actual pay. Something tells me that their employees aren't educated themselves. Shame on them.
10 years ago
Rogue Eagle Loris, SC
After receiving several advertisements, I finally filled out the online rate quote form, since it said that they would only use the information I provided to determine a rate. Since it asked me for my credit score, and didn't ask for my SSN, I assumed it would be a harmless rate quote based solely on the information I provided. They then proceeded to run a credit check on me without warning.
I was asking for a loan to pay off credit card debt, which is what they were advertising. They denied the loan saying that I wouldn't be able to make my obligations and pay their loan because my current obligations (the aforementioned credit card debt) were too high. So basically, before they would give me a loan to pay off my credit card debt, as advertised, I would have to first pay off my credit card debt.
I would also like to point out that there is absolutely nothing negative, delinquent, late, or anything bad on my credit history. I have never made a late payment, or missed a payment. Their denial was based solely on the amount of credit card debt I have, which would have been completely paid off if they had given me the promised loan.
I have no choice but to believe that this company is nothing more than a fraudulent front for a phishing scam.
10 years ago
CARunner Morgan Hill, CA
I am very surprised by all of the positive reviews about this company on this website. I have applied and received loans and had positive experiences at multiple peer lending sites now since they began and I have had very frustrating experiences with this company each time I have applied. On each occasion I've started out with an offer that was not quite as attractive as what was being offered on other peer lending sites but attractive enough to tempt me to explore it and on each occasion the offer has been switched and replaced with something completely unattractive and a waste of my time to pursue after believing that I was about to be approved up until the last minute for the offer I had applied for in all of my interactions with the company. Also, this company seems to have a particularly difficult time dealing with self-employed professionals in terms of verifying income, even when the income is easily verifiable. If they don't want to write loans to the self-employed, it would be nice if they would respect our time and just say so up front instead of sending us on a wild good chase to provide more and more documentation and then telling us after preapproval and indicating by phone that our loan would be funded the next day that our credit is not good enough to write a loan after all. That is the type of experience that self-employed professionals run into applying for business loans with banks and the whole point of peer lending is to have a different experience. All in all, my personal experience with this company has been very negative and I am unlikely to give them another chance. I don't know if my experience has been different from all these other reviews because I am self-employed, but I have succeeded always in the past in getting exactly what I needed when I needed it from another peer lending site since they started making loans available, so other companies find me attractive to lend to.
10 years ago
Valentino Union, NJ
Don't waste your time with this company..my credit score is more than they're required limit..I apply for 3K got approved initially got an email need supporting documents..got a phone call for verifying process the rep said everything ok just need the supporting document after I hung up got an email I was denied because of income debt ratio..they didn't wait for me to submit my supporting document and they denied you just like that after I submit all my bank information and everything. I work on the highly first class restaurant making 35K plus cash tips a year..I applied 3k for3years they approved me for15% 105 a month.. If you add the math I can easily pay this loan coz I only owe less than1600 on my store and credit card..I just got my green card and want to establish credit history..I called and I ask why I got denied and they say because of income debt ratio..how can you factor that when I didn't submit my supporting document you originally asked..totally bias and unprofessional..very bad experience..
10 years ago
g b Modesto, CA
I found the personnel I dealt with to be ridiculously inept at what they were doing. They were unable to understand my pay period and paycheck date even tho this info is clearly indicated at the top of the paystub. I had to keep sending more and more information.
I work for a major corporation (airline) and have for nearly 8years. I have not attended any school for at least 12 years yet after several days I was told that "unfortunately since they had to change my 'consolidation' request to a 'school loan' request my application could go no further". I have no idea where this came from---maybe from the 'phone verification' person who contacted me and sounded like she had no idea what she should be doing.
I, as others have written, wondered if this Company is legit. Others have had good experiences tho-maybe just the luck of the draw in who ends up working on your request.
I would not want to deal with these people again, a very frustrating experience.
10 years ago
Albert Chiang Santa Clara, CA
Fast and simple approval process. Very responsive customer service for parts that I had questions about. Very competitive rates, I'd highly recommend!
11 years ago
ioana uricaru Middlebury, VT
Upstart was very thorough and professional. I had an excellent experience with their customer service representatives and they inspired confidence much more than the similar companies I was considering working with.
11 years ago
Mark Quamme Saint Paul, MN
Everyone has been fantastic to work with! They were thorough in explaining, wanted to make sure I was getting the best rate possible, and made sure everything was set to go. I was very thankful for the help!
11 years ago
Greer Findura Winter Park, FL
Had a wonderful experience with Upstart and have recommended it to all of my friends and family. Wonderful service and a great opportunity to receive a low-interest loan.
11 years ago
Mark Arlington, TN
Tremendous concept...using other means and methods to evaluate risk with lending money and ignoring Fair Isaac and the FICO system in general. A quick, painless and fair process, couldn't be happier. Thanks so much
11 years ago
Raquel Atlanta, GA
Upstart was a complete joy to work with. I am still in shock at how easy and seamless the process has been. I have already recommended Upstart to friends and family.
11 years ago
Anthony Spinazza San Jose, CA
The process was fairly smooth. Super friendly reps. Drew was on the ball with his follow up. The girl I talked to 8/4 was super nice at first but seemed irritated as I asked to compare the difference in loan amounts vs the terms. Overall, good experience. Happy to have received the loan amount I did and impressed with turn around time.
11 years ago
Jenn McNeely Sumter, SC
I found the recommendation through a legitimate site and decided to try because I have student loans I need to pay down before my daughter starts college herself next year. First, I had to "apply" 3 times (starting completely over) and use 3 different email addresses. Each time I tried I received a denial saying it couldn't pull my report. I was advised it was a TransUnion issue and to call them. TransUnion verified that it was nothing to do with them which I already knew because of my credit tracker service. The final time, their representative even told me to put in a fake email address. I should have known then that this isn't real. So, it finally worked and then it was denied because there is 1 missed payment from months ago despite the years of perfect payment history for years and a current score of 700 shown on the denial letter. Bottom line - this company only accepts perfect credit despite advertising that it looks at the big picture. Now I'm worried that it's just a scam in general to get my personal information. Already put the fraud alert on TransUnion for this company and will add to the other two bureaus now.
While they are very friendly - it just didn't add up to the advertising on their site.
11 years ago
Nathan B Littleton, CO
My Upstart experience was great. The woman I spoke with during the verification call was very helpful. The approval process was very easy and intuitive.
11 years ago
Barbara German Fort Myers, FL
The process was quick and easy. The rep I spoke to on the phone was easy to talk to and explained the loan thoroughly. I'm really hoping this service helps me to manage my debt to become debt-free!
11 years ago
Susan Boggs Columbus, OH
The only thing I was disappointed in was the "quote" was significantly different than my actual loan terms. It felt a little like "bait and switch."
Otherwise, I am completely satisfied.
11 years ago
David Storme New York, NY
Overall, the process was very nice. It was a little pushy in the emails, but on the phone very pleasant. I had some issues with confirming my account due to how my bank works with the differentiation of saving and checking accounts.
11 years ago
Haley Stewart San Diego, CA
The process was handled smoothly and professionally. I received my loans within a week of starting the process and was offered an amazing rate. I highly recommend upstart!
11 years ago
