Upgrade Personal Loan
Upgrade
Expert VerdictThe best option for immigrants with imperfect credit. Upgrade's 580 minimum credit score is the lowest among major lenders serving non-citizens, and the joint application option lets a creditworthy cosigner strengthen your case.
Best for
Immigrants with fair or bad credit who need flexible approval requirements, or newcomers applying with a US-based cosigner
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lowest credit score requirement (580) among immigrant-friendly lenders | Origination fee of 1.85% - 9.99% |
| Accepts passport or visa holders — not just green card | Higher APR ceiling (35.99%) |
| Joint/co-borrower applications available | SSN required for most applicants |
| Loans from $1,000 — low minimum for smaller needs | Origination fee deducted from loan proceeds |
| Up to $75,000 for larger expenses |
Honest take
The origination fee is steep at the high end, but if your credit is below 680, Upgrade may be one of the only mainstream options that will approve you. The cosigner option is genuinely useful for recent arrivals.
Upgrade accepts visa holders and permanent residents with credit scores as low as 580, making it the most accessible option for immigrants with limited credit history.
