finder.com's rating: 4 / 5.0
★★★★★
- Best for borrowers looking for a simple, no-frills application.
- Pick something else if you didn't receive an offer code in the mail — you won't be able to apply.
Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Advertiser disclosure
Sallie Mae personal loans review
By Anna Serio
- Max. Loan Amount
- $35,000
- APR
- 2.75% to 10.75%
- Min. credit score
Our verdict
Sallie Mae isn't offering personal loans anymore, but is still handling repayments.
Sallie Mae personal loans are ideal for individuals who received an offer code in the mail and are looking for a no-frills application — you won't be able to apply otherwise. It offers competitive rates starting at 6.99% and no origination fee. Plus, you might be able to get your funds as soon as the next business day after approval.
But if you never received an invitation to apply, you'll need to look elsewhere. It also isn't ideal if you need to borrow more than $35,000 — where Sallie Mae's loans max out.
Didn't get an offer code? Compare your other options below.
Pros
-
Low minimum amount
-
Don’t need to prequalify
-
No fees to apply
-
No prepayment penalty
Details
Product details
| Min. Loan Amount | $3,000 |
| Loan Amount | $35,000 |
| APR | 2.75% to 10.75% |
| Interest Rate Type | Variable |
| Min. credit score | |
| Loan term | 3 to 5 years |
| Turnaround Time | As soon as the next business day |
Contact info
| Phone number | 800-472-5543 |
| Customer service hours | 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET, Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET, Saturday |
| @SallieMae | |
| @SallieMae |
First, am I eligible?
To apply for a personal loan from Sallie Mae, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have an offer code
- Have a valid checking account
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Be the age of majority in your state
Prequalification is primarily based on your credit score. However, factors like your income and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio affect whether or not you get approved.
Pros
- No origination fees or prepayment penalties
- Quarterly FICO credit score updates
- Fast funding as soon as the next business day
Cons
- By invitation only
- Low maximum amount of $35,000
- Approval isn’t guaranteed
- Only two loan terms: three or five years
Compare other personal loan providers
1 - 6 of 6
How do I apply?
You can apply for a Sallie Mae personal loan online or over the phone. Follow these steps to begin the process online:
- Go to the Sallie Mae website and click Banking in the top navigation bar.
- Scroll down and click Learn more under Sallie Mae Personal Loan.
- Click I have a personal offer code at the top of the page.
- Enter your offer code and click Start application.
- Follow the directions to enter your personal information and upload any documents.
- Review your information and submit your application.
What information do I need to apply?
Sallie Mae doesn’t state what information you will need to apply. However, you will likely need to provide proof of income and your Social Security number to fill out the application. Other documents may also be required.
What happens after I apply?
If approved, read over your offer before signing your loan documents. Sallie Mae will then transfer your funds to your bank account — as soon as the next business day in some cases. Ultimately, when you get your funds depends on what time of day you get approved and your bank. If you’re approved before 3:30 p.m. ET, Sallie Mae can transfer the funds to your bank account as soon as the next business day.
How do repayments work with Sallie Mae?
Since Sallie Mae personal loans come with such long terms, you might want to consider making additional repayments to save on interest. After all, you might not need three years to pay back $3,000. Sallie Mae allows you to make loan repayments directly from your bank account, by check or through your bank’s third-party bill pay service.
Sallie Mae also recommends signing up for automatic repayments. That way, you don’t have to take time each month to make a payment online. Reach out to customer service if you have any questions.
Want to see how Sallie Mae stacks up to the competition? Compare more lenders with our guide to personal loans.
Personal loan ratings
★★★★★ Excellent
★★★★★ Good
★★★★★ Average
★★★★★ Subpar
★★★★★ Poor
★★★★★ Good
★★★★★ Average
★★★★★ Subpar
★★★★★ Poor
We analyze top personal loan providers and rate them one to five stars based on factors that are most important to you. These factors include: rates and fees, customer reviews, loan amounts, loan processing and borrower experience. Read the full methodology of how we rate personal loan providers.
Sallie Mae personal loans is not currently available on Finder
Have you considered Best Egg personal loans?
Fast and easy personal loan application process. See options first without affecting your credit score.
- Fast turnaround
- Transparent website
- Stellar customer reviews
- Available to residents of 47 states
Your reviews
No reviews yet.
Write a review
Anna Finder
Editor
Hi there, looking for more information? Ask us a question.
You are about to post a question on finder.com:
- Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
- finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
- We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
- Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked
Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our finder.com Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookies Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Bella Finder
June 11, 2019
Hi Me,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Sallie Mae personal loan will send you an email invitation with offer code if they see that you meet their requirements for borrowers. They states that borrowers who get invited to apply for a personal loan are selected based on their credit report.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Bella
Show more Show less
Guillermo
March 13, 2019
Once I receive money from loan, do I just go ahead and pay the full balance of my credit card or is it more complicated than that? Will my credit card company accept the payment without any additional fees, cost or penalties for paying off early?
Jeni Finder
March 13, 2019
Hi Guillermo,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Once your loan application is approved and you already got your money, the lender/bank is not checking on how or where you used the money. If you consider getting a loan to pay off your credit card debt, it is best to discuss with your credit card provider on fees/cost of your account. Basically, paying off your credit card debt earlier than the due date doesn’t cost you any charge/fees.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Show more Show less
More resources on Finder
Compare loans
We compare the following personal lenders
Loan amounts
Lender vs. lender
Loan categories
Me
June 11, 2019
How do I get an offer code