By Pavel Stich / COPYWRITER & SEO SPECIALIST
Last Updated: December 2025
The notification “Application Denied” is a punch to the gut. You have the income, you have the plan, but a three-digit number—your credit score—stands in the way. Or perhaps you were approved, but the interest rate offered was so high (25%+) that taking the loan would be financial suicide.
In the tightened credit economy of late 2025, you are not alone. Banks have become increasingly risk-averse. However, there is a powerful tool that can unlock the doors to capital: The Cosigner.
Applying does NOT affect your credit score!
Adding a creditworthy friend or family member to your application changes the equation entirely. Suddenly, the lender is not just looking at your “Fair” or “Bad” credit score; they are looking at your cosigner’s “Excellent” history. This can reduce your interest rate by double digits and turn a “No” into a “Yes.”
But here is the catch: Many major lenders do not accept cosigners. Famous names like Marcus by Goldman Sachs or Discover typically require individual applications.
To save you hours of frustration, we have analyzed the US market to identify the 7 Best Personal Loans with a Cosigner available right now. These lenders explicitly allow joint applications, giving you the best chance of approval.
Strategic Note: If you are unsure if your credit score is low enough to require a cosigner, start by reading our guide on Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit. If your score is decent but you want a better rate, check out Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit.
The “Joint” Solution: Top Lenders at a Glance
We evaluated these lenders based on their “Joint Application” processes, potential APR reduction, and ease of adding a co-borrower.
| Lender | Best For… | Est. APR Range | Joint Option Type | Min. Credit Score |
| 1. LendingClub | Overall Best | 9.57% – 35.99% | Co-Borrower | ~600 |
| 2. Upgrade | Fair Credit | 8.49% – 35.99% | Joint Applicant | ~580 |
| 3. OneMain | Bad Credit / Secured | 18.00% – 35.99% | Co-Applicant | None (Collateral) |
| 4. SoFi | Excellent Credit / Rates | 7.99% – 23.43% | Co-Applicant | ~680 |
| 5. LightStream | Lowest Rate Guarantee | 6.99% – 24.49% | Joint Applicant | ~660 |
| 6. Achieve | Debt Consolidation | 7.99% – 29.99% | Co-Borrower | ~620 |
| 7. Navy Federal | Military Families | 7.49% – 18.00% | Co-Applicant | None (Membership) |
Critical Distinction: Cosigner vs. Co-Borrower
Before applying, you must understand the terminology. In 2025, most online lenders technically offer “Joint Loans” with a “Co-borrower,” though people use the term “Cosigner” interchangeably.
- Cosigner: A person who guarantees the loan but has no rights to the money. They are a backup payer. (Common in student loans).
- Co-Borrower (Joint Applicant): A person who applies with you. They are equally responsible for the debt, but they also have equal access to the funds.
Why this matters: When applying at lenders like LendingClub or Upgrade, you are filing a Joint Application. Your partner is a co-borrower. This is actually better for approval odds because the lender counts both incomes towards the Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio.
Applying does NOT affect your credit score!
In-Depth Reviews: The Best Loans with Cosigners
1. LendingClub: The Champion of Joint Loans
Best For: Borrowers who need to lower their rate significantly.
LendingClub (now a chartered bank) pioneered the online lending space. While many competitors dropped the joint application feature to save money on paperwork, LendingClub kept it.
Why it wins:
LendingClub makes the process seamless. You can start the application alone, see your potential rate, and then click “Add a Co-Borrower” to see how much the rate drops. Their data shows that joint applications can result in significantly lower APRs compared to individual subprime applications.
- Loan Amounts: $1,000 – $40,000.
- The Advantage: They look at the combined Debt-to-Income ratio. If your income is low but your cosigner earns well, you are highly likely to be approved.
- Check them out if: You have a score near 600 and a spouse with a score of 700+.
2. Upgrade: The Flexible Choice
Best For: Debt consolidation for fair credit scores.
Upgrade is a powerhouse for borrowers with scores between 580 and 660. We previously highlighted them in our Debt Consolidation Guide because of their direct-pay features.
Why it wins:
Upgrade allows you to add a joint applicant easily. Furthermore, if you are using the loan to pay off credit cards, Upgrade sends the money directly to Visa/Mastercard. This responsible behavior, combined with a co-borrower, creates a very high probability of approval.
- Loan Amounts: $1,000 – $50,000.
- The Advantage: Soft credit check to preview rates for both you and your co-borrower.
- Check them out if: You want to discipline your debt and need a partner to help you qualify.
3. OneMain Financial: The “Yes” for Bad Credit
Best For: Scores below 600 or “Deep Subprime.”
If you have been rejected by LendingClub and Upgrade, OneMain Financial is your safety net. They specialize in working with borrowers who have had past financial trouble.
Why it wins:
OneMain operates differently. They often require a meeting (in branch or video call). They allow Co-Applicants on almost all their loans. Additionally, they offer Secured Loans (using a car title). Combining a Secured Loan with a Co-Applicant makes OneMain the easiest lender to get approved with in the US.
- Loan Amounts: $1,500 – $20,000.
- The Advantage: Speed. You can often get funds the same day if you visit a branch.
- Check them out if: You have bad credit and need a specific “Emergency Loan.” (Read more in our Emergency Loans Guide).
4. SoFi: The Premium Joint Loan
Best For: High loan amounts ($50k+) and excellent credit.
SoFi is not for bad credit. However, if you have “Good” credit (680) but want “Excellent” rates, adding a co-applicant at SoFi is a strategic masterstroke.
Why it wins:
SoFi offers massive loans—up to $100,000. Underwriting a loan that size usually requires a very high income. By applying jointly with a high-earning partner, you can meet their strict income requirements.
- The Advantage: Zero fees. No origination fees, no late fees.
- Check them out if: You and your partner are high earners looking to fund a major home renovation.
5. LightStream: The Rate Beater
Best For: Prime borrowers who want the absolute lowest math possible.
LightStream is known for its “Rate Beat” program. They are incredibly strict, but they fully support joint applications.
Why it wins:
If your co-signer has a 760+ FICO score, LightStream will likely offer you the lowest interest rate in the United States. Period.
- The Advantage: Rates can start as low as 6.99% (with autopay).
- Check them out if: Your cosigner has immaculate credit and you want to avoid all fees. (See our analysis in Best Low Interest Loans).
6. Achieve (formerly FreedomPlus)
Best For: Consolidating credit card debt with a human touch.
Achieve specializes in helping people get out of debt. They offer a “rate discount” for adding a co-borrower because they know it reduces risk.
Why it wins:
They allow you to qualify for a larger loan amount with a co-borrower than you would alone. This is crucial if you have $25,000 in debt but only qualify for $15,000 on your own.
7. Navy Federal Credit Union
Best For: Military families.
We mentioned Navy Federal in our Small Personal Loans Guide, but they are also kings of cosigning.
Why it wins:
Their APR is capped at 18%. Even if your credit is bad, if you have a military sponsor (cosigner), you will never pay predatory rates.
Applying does NOT affect your credit score!
Why Don’t All Lenders Allow Cosigners?
You might wonder why big names like Marcus, Best Egg, or Avant are not on this list.
The reality is that processing a joint loan is twice as much work for the lender. They have to verify two incomes, check two credit reports, and calculate combined DTI.
- The Trend: Many fintechs automated their systems for single borrowers to save money.
- The Opportunity: The 7 lenders listed above have invested in the technology to handle joint apps, giving them a competitive edge for your business.
The Risks: What Your Cosigner Needs to Know
Before you ask your mom, brother, or friend to sign, you must have an honest conversation. This is not just a character reference; it is a legal obligation.
- Credit Impact: The loan appears on their credit report. If you miss a payment, their score drops immediately.
- Debt-to-Income (DTI): Since this loan shows on their report, it might make it harder for them to get a mortgage or car loan in the future, as it increases their DTI.
- Legal Liability: If you default, the lender can (and will) sue your cosigner for the full amount.
Expert Tip: Only ask someone to cosign if you are 100% confident in your income stability. If you are a freelancer with fluctuating income, read our guide on Loans for Self-Employed to ensure you can truly afford the payments.
How to Apply with a Cosigner (Step-by-Step)
Applying for a joint loan requires coordination. Follow this 2025 protocol to ensure a smooth approval.
Step 1: Pre-Qualify Separately (Optional but Recommended)
First, check your rate individually at Upgrade or LendingClub. See if you get approved. If the rate is 28%, you know you need help.
Step 2: Choose the “Joint” Option
When you start the formal application, look for a checkbox early in the process that says: “Add a co-applicant” or “Is this a joint application?”
- Note: You cannot usually add a cosigner after the application is submitted. You must select it at the start.
Step 3: Gather Documents for BOTH People
Speed up the process by having digital copies of:
- IDs for both applicants.
- Pay stubs (or tax returns) for both applicants.
- Proof of address for both.
Step 4: The Hard Pull
Once you submit, the lender will perform a Hard Credit Inquiry on both of you. Make sure your cosigner has unlocked their credit files at Experian/TransUnion/Equifax.
The “Guaranteed Approval” Myth
If you search for “Guaranteed approval personal loans with cosigner no credit check,” you are entering dangerous territory.
The Truth: No legitimate lender guarantees approval. Even with a cosigner, the lender must verify income and identity.
- The Trap: Scammers use terms like “No Credit Check” to lure you in and ask for upfront fees.
- The Solution: Stick to the verified lenders listed in this article (LendingClub, OneMain, etc.). They don’t guarantee approval, but they offer high approval odds for legitimate applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does adding a cosigner improve my interest rate?
Yes, significantly. If your cosigner has excellent credit (760+), lenders will often price the loan based on their score, not yours. We have seen APRs drop from 25% (individual) to 12% (joint).
2. Can I remove the cosigner later?
It is rare but possible. This is called “Cosigner Release.” Most personal loan lenders do not offer this. You would typically need to refinance the loan into your own name once your credit improves. If your goal is to eventually manage the debt alone, ask the lender about their refinance policies.
3. What credit score does a cosigner need?
To be effective, a cosigner should generally have a credit score of 670 or higher and a steady income. A cosigner with a 600 score won’t help you much because they are also considered “high risk.”
4. Who allows cosigners for personal loans?
As of late 2025, the major players are LendingClub, Upgrade, OneMain Financial, SoFi, LightStream, Navy Federal, and Achieve. Major banks like Chase or Capital One generally do not offer personal loans with cosigners.
5. Can I get a cosigner loan with bad credit?
Yes. That is the primary purpose of these loans. OneMain Financial is specifically designed for this scenario. If you have a 550 score but a willing cosigner, OneMain is likely your best option.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Partnership
A personal loan with a cosigner is one of the most effective tools in finance. It bridges the gap between your current situation (“Bad” or “Fair” credit) and the rates you deserve.
By leveraging the strong credit profile of a partner or family member, you can bypass the algorithms that reject you and secure the funding you need.
Ready to start?
We recommend checking rates in this order:
- For Fair Credit: Check LendingClub or Upgrade.
- For Bad Credit: Check OneMain Financial.
- For Excellent Credit: Check SoFi or LightStream.
Explore more options:
- Need a smaller amount? Best Small Personal Loans
- Self-Employed? Loans for Freelancers
Applying does NOT affect your credit score!
Disclaimer: Cashlendy.com is an independent review site. Interest rates and terms are subject to change. Co-signing a loan involves risk for both parties. Always read the loan agreement carefully.
