Personal loans for veterans and active military

When you’re a member of the US Armed Forces, it can complicate your life outside the military. When transitioning from military to civilian life or supporting your family while on active duty, a personal loan can help cover costs you can’t pay up front.

You’ll find many lenders willing to lend a hand to service members, though the strongest rates and terms are typically reserved for those with high credit scores.

Best personal loan offers for veterans and active military

A handful of lenders are known for supporting members of the military with financing that’s flexible enough for your unique situation.

Navy Federal Credit Union

You know a credit union has military interests in mind when it’s open to members of the US Armed Forces, veterans and DOD employees primarily. Navy Federal Credit Union even offers a 0.5% rate discount on personal loans for veterans and active military. With low maximum rates and long loan terms, its loan options are among the most military friendly out there.

The downside: Its offices are in 30 states only. It also garners many negative online reviews, with several customers complaining that when things go wrong, they really go wrong. Your mileage with this lender may vary.

• Loan amounts: Up to $50,000
• APR range: 7.49% to 18.00%
• Loan terms: Up to 5 years
• Eligibility: Must have an active NFCU checking or savings account and have a regular source of income.

Read our review of Navy Federal personal loans

USAA

Not quite a bank or a credit union, USAA is a financial services group for former and current members of the armed forces and their families. Its owned by its nearly 12 million members and you’ll need to join to qualify. Applying is quick and straightforward and there are no application or origination fees.

You might not be able to qualify for a competitive rate if you don’t have excellent credit, however. It also has mostly negative online reviews — though its customer service team appears to do well.

• Loan amounts: Starting at $2,500
• APR range: 7.24% to 17.65%
• Loan terms: 1 to 3 years
• Eligibility: Must be USAA member and have good to excellent credit.

Read our review of USAA personal loans

PenFed

Pentagon Federal Credit Union could be a good bet for small expenses. PenFed requires a lower minimum and maximum than most of the competition. It also operates offices in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and even Okinawa, which is great for active-duty members that move around a lot.

You’ll could have a hard time qualifying if your credit is less than stellar, however.

• Loan amounts: $600 to $20,000
• APR range: 6.49% to 17.99%
• Loan terms: 1 to 5 years
• Eligibility: Good credit standing, PenFed member, US citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old

Read our review of PenFed Credit Union personal loans

SoFi

SoFi doesn’t specifically cater to members of the military. But it offers flexible financing through a process that’s often simpler than that of a credit union or bank. Its loans come with competitive rates and member perks like financial advice and networking events. It also has more deferment and forbearance options than your typical personal loan and allows you to apply with a coapplicant, if you think you’ll have trouble qualifying on your own.

• Loan amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
• APR range:* fixed rates 5.99% to 18.28%; variable rates 5.74% to 14.70%
• Loan terms: 24 to 84 months
• Eligibility: Ages 18+, US citizen or permanent resident

<a href="https://www.finder.com/sofi-personal-loan">Read our review of SoFi personal loans</a>

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What personal loans are available to veterans with bad credit?

It’s not always easy to build up and maintain a credit score while you’re on active duty. But you typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for a personal loan with competitive rates — even from lenders like Navy Federal Credit union and USAA.

Some providers are willing to look beyond your credit score to other aspects of your financial history when you apply for a loan. You might consider applying for a personal loan with a cosigner who has good or excellent credit to strengthen your chances of approval.

Financial assistance programs for veterans

Struggling to adjust to civilian life? The following organizations offer financial aid, benefits, help finding a job and other programs designed to help you and your family get back on your feet.

• US Department of Veteran Affairs. Each year the VA releases its updated benefits that include health care, compensation for disabilities and educational resources. The VA can be difficult to navigate, but the National Veterans Foundation can help you complete necessary forms if you don’t have the time — or patience — to figure it out on your own.
• Blue Star Families. This nonprofit specializes in helping veterans find a job outside of the military, offering free training and placement programs as well as mentoring and networking events.
• Unmet Needs Program. This program offers grants of up to $1,500 to help veterans and their families cover expenses that arise specifically because of their deployment or an injury sustained while on duty.
• The American Legion. Children of active-duty military or members of the Legion can find grants of up to $1,500 with this nonprofit.
• Rebuild Hope. Veterans disabled in Iraq or Afghanistan can apply for grants of $1,500 to $2,000, receive financial counseling — or both.
• Modest Needs Homecoming Heroes Grant. If you’ve just come back from an overseas deployment, this nonprofit offers grants to cover emergency expenses or help make up for the loss of income while you look for another job.
• Hiring Our Heroes. This program designed by the US Chamber of Commerce helps veterans find employment through corporate fellowship programs, resume help and access to mentors.
• The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. This nonprofit offers financial assistance to veterans wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn and their spouses.

Have a small business? Consider a Veteran’s Advantage business loan

Loans backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) might come with some of the lowest rates around, but they can also be one of the most difficult types of business financing to qualify for. If you’re a veteran, however, you’re in luck: The SBA sets aside a portion of its funds for its Veterans Advantage program.

This program can help you avoid upfront fees on SBA 7(a) loans of up to $150,000 or SBA Express loans up to $500,000.

You’ll still need to meet the SBA and your lender’s laundry list of eligibility requirements. Read our guide to SBA loans to learn more about what you can expect. And, while SBA loans offer some of the most advantages for veteran business owners, you can check out other veteran business loan options to consider in our guide.

Bottom line

A personal loan can be a helpful resource for you and your family when you’re facing the extra costs that come with being a service member or veteran. It’s often less expensive than using a credit card, and you’ll find options specifically designed for needs of both active duty and retired military.

Before signing any contract, learn more in our comprehensive guide to personal loans to narrow down the best rates and terms you’re eligible for.

Frequently asked questions