Best Home Improvement Loans 2026
Finance renovations without touching your home equity
Unsecured personal loans for home improvement projects — kitchens, bathrooms, roofs, HVAC systems — without requiring a home equity line (HELOC) or cash-out refinance. Faster to fund than secured options, with no appraisal or lien on your property.
Avg APR
10% – 20%
Loan Amount
$10,000 – $50,000
Term
36 – 84 months
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Top Lenders for Home Improvement Loans
LightStream
Large renovation projects
APR Range
7.49% – 25.49%
Loan Range
$5,000 – $100,000
Min Score
660
Funding
Same day
SoFi
High loan limits
APR Range
8.99% – 29.49%
Loan Range
$5,000 – $100,000
Min Score
650
Funding
1–3 days
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Fair credit borrowers
APR Range
9.99% – 35.99%
Loan Range
$1,000 – $50,000
Min Score
580
Funding
1–4 days
Best Egg
Quick funding
APR Range
8.99% – 35.99%
Loan Range
$2,000 – $50,000
Min Score
600
Funding
1–3 days
Wells Fargo
Existing WF customers
APR Range
7.49% – 23.24%
Loan Range
$3,000 – $100,000
Min Score
660
Funding
Same day (branch)
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Pros
- No home appraisal or lien required
- Faster than HELOCs (days vs. weeks)
- Fixed rate protects against rate rises
- Can increase home value beyond loan cost
Cons
- Higher rates than HELOCs (home equity secured)
- Loan limits typically lower than secured options
- Monthly payments add to fixed costs
- Not tax-deductible (unlike mortgage interest)
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a personal loan or HELOC for home improvement?
If speed matters and you don't want a lien on your property, a personal loan is better. HELOCs offer lower rates but take longer and require equity.
What projects are personal home improvement loans best for?
Smaller to medium projects under $50,000 — kitchens, bathrooms, roofs, HVAC, windows, or decking are ideal.
Is the interest on a home improvement personal loan tax-deductible?
No — only mortgage interest (secured loans) is tax-deductible. Unsecured personal loans don't qualify.
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