Planning the vacation of your dreams but unsure how to cover the costs? Vacation loans can help you fund everything from flights and hotels to excursions, giving you the freedom to focus on enjoying your trip. Compare top lenders to find the best rates and terms for your getaway.
LightStream is a top choice for low-interest vacation loans, with APRs starting at 6.94% (including an autopay discount) for borrowers with excellent credit. These competitive rates can help keep borrowing costs low, making it easier to budget for your trip.
Another advantage is LightStream's Rate Beat Program, which reduces the lowest rate you can find by 0.10% if you provide proof of a competitor's offer. This feature, along with no origination fees or prepayment penalties, further lowers the cost of borrowing.
Min. credit score
Good to excellent credit
APR
6.94% to 25.29%
Loan amount
$5,000 to $100,000
Not available in: Iowa, West Virginia
LightStream is a top choice for low-interest vacation loans, with APRs starting at 6.94% (including an autopay discount) for borrowers with excellent credit. These competitive rates can help keep borrowing costs low, making it easier to budget for your trip.
Another advantage is LightStream's Rate Beat Program, which reduces the lowest rate you can find by 0.10% if you provide proof of a competitor's offer. This feature, along with no origination fees or prepayment penalties, further lowers the cost of borrowing.
Pros
Low starting rates for those with strong credit
No fees, including origination or prepayment fees
Loan amounts up to $100,000
Cons
Requires strong credit to qualify for the lowest rates
No pre-qualification option to check rates without a credit inquiry
Limited options for borrowers with fair or poor credit
Upstart makes getting a vacation loan fast and simple. As a loan marketplace, it connects you with lenders that offer funding tailored to your needs. You can get approved in minutes, and if everything checks out, you could have the funds in your account as soon as the next business day — perfect for booking last-minute flights or locking in a great travel deal.
Upstart's fully online application keeps the process hassle-free. The company also considers more than just your credit score, like your job history and education, which can make it easier to qualify for a loan.
Min. credit score
300
APR
7.40% to 35.99%
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000
Not available in: Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, West Virginia
Upstart makes getting a vacation loan fast and simple. As a loan marketplace, it connects you with lenders that offer funding tailored to your needs. You can get approved in minutes, and if everything checks out, you could have the funds in your account as soon as the next business day — perfect for booking last-minute flights or locking in a great travel deal.
Upstart's fully online application keeps the process hassle-free. The company also considers more than just your credit score, like your job history and education, which can make it easier to qualify for a loan.
If your credit isn't perfect, OneMain Financial could be a solid option for financing your vacation. It doesn't have a minimum credit score requirement, which means you might qualify even if other lenders have turned you down. Plus, it offers secured and unsecured loans, giving you flexibility based on your financial situation.
OneMain Financial also has a network of over 1,300 branches across 44 states, so if you prefer handling things in person, that's an option. Just keep in mind that interest rates can be higher, reflecting the increased risk they take on with lower credit scores.
Min. credit score
Not specified
APR
18% to 35.99%
Loan amount
$1,500 to $20,000
Not available in: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont
If your credit isn't perfect, OneMain Financial could be a solid option for financing your vacation. It doesn't have a minimum credit score requirement, which means you might qualify even if other lenders have turned you down. Plus, it offers secured and unsecured loans, giving you flexibility based on your financial situation.
OneMain Financial also has a network of over 1,300 branches across 44 states, so if you prefer handling things in person, that's an option. Just keep in mind that interest rates can be higher, reflecting the increased risk they take on with lower credit scores.
Pros
No minimum credit score required
Offers both secured and unsecured loans
In-person service available at numerous branches
Cons
Higher interest rates compared to some other lenders
Not all applicants will be approved. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral). If approved, not all applicants will qualify for larger loan amounts or most favorable loan terms. Larger loan amounts require a first lien on a motor vehicle no more than ten years old, that meets our value requirements, titled in your name with valid insurance. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your state of residence and your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral). APRs are generally higher on loans not secured by a vehicle. Highly-qualified applicants may be offered higher loan amounts and/or lower APRs than those shown above. OneMain charges origination fees where allowed by law. Depending on the state where you open your loan, the origination fee may be either a flat amount or a percentage of your loan amount. Flat fee amounts vary by state, ranging from $25 to $500. Percentage-based fees vary by state ranging from 1% to 10% of your loan amount subject to certain state limits on the fee amount. Visit omf.com/loanfees for more information. Loan proceeds cannot be used for postsecondary educational expenses as defined by the CFPB’s Regulation Z such as college, university or vocational expense; for any business or commercial purpose; to purchase cryptocurrency assets, securities, derivatives or other speculative investments; or for gambling or illegal purposes.
Borrowers in these states are subject to these minimum loan sizes: Alabama: $2,100. California: $3,000. Georgia: Unless you are a present customer, $3,100 minimum loan amount. North Dakota: $2,000. Ohio: $2,000. Virginia: $2,600.
Borrowers (other than present customers) in these states are subject to these maximum unsecured loan sizes: North Carolina: $7,500. An unsecured loan is a loan which does not require you to provide collateral (such as a motor vehicle) to the lender.
Example Loan: A $6,000 loan with a 24.99% APR that is repayable in 60 monthly installments would have monthly payments of $176.07.
Time to Fund Loans: Funding within one hour after closing through SpeedFunds must be disbursed to a bank-issued debit card. Disbursement by check or ACH may take up to 1-2 business days after loan closing.
If you're planning a long vacation and need funding, SoFi offers personal loans up to $100,000, which is higher than many competitors. This amount makes it a strong option for financing large-scale or luxury travel without juggling multiple loans.
SoFi also provides benefits like no origination fees and flexible repayment terms ranging from two to seven years, allowing you to tailor the loan to your financial needs. However, to access these high loan amounts and favorable terms, a strong credit profile is typically required.
Min. credit score
680
APR
8.99% to 29.99% fixed APR
Loan amount
$5,000 to $100,000
Available in all states
If you're planning a long vacation and need funding, SoFi offers personal loans up to $100,000, which is higher than many competitors. This amount makes it a strong option for financing large-scale or luxury travel without juggling multiple loans.
SoFi also provides benefits like no origination fees and flexible repayment terms ranging from two to seven years, allowing you to tailor the loan to your financial needs. However, to access these high loan amounts and favorable terms, a strong credit profile is typically required.
Pros
High loan amounts up to $100,000
No origination fees
Flexible repayment terms of 2 to 7 years
Cons
Requires strong credit to qualify for higher loan amounts
Fixed rates from 8.99% APR to 29.99% APR. APR reflects the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or , Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 3/06/23 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/#eligibility-personal. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors. Loan amounts range from $5,000– $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive. Autopay: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi. Direct Deposit Discount: To be eligible to potentially receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction for setting up direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A. or eligible cash management account offered by SoFi Securities, LLC (“Direct Deposit Account”), you must have an open Direct Deposit Account within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled payroll direct deposits of at least $1,000/month to a Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off direct deposits to your Direct Deposit Account. You are not required to enroll in direct deposits to receive a Loan.
If you want more time to pay off your vacation loan, Upgrade offers repayment terms up to 84 months. Having up to seven years to repay can make your monthly payments smaller, which might fit better into your budget. This long repayment period is especially helpful if you're planning a big trip or want to keep costs down each month.
Upgrade also works with a range of credit profiles, so you don't need perfect credit to apply. The online application process is simple, and once approved, you can get your funds quickly to start planning your getaway.
Min. credit score
580
APR
9.99% to 35.99%
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000
Not available in: Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Vermont, West Virginia
If you want more time to pay off your vacation loan, Upgrade offers repayment terms up to 84 months. Having up to seven years to repay can make your monthly payments smaller, which might fit better into your budget. This long repayment period is especially helpful if you're planning a big trip or want to keep costs down each month.
Upgrade also works with a range of credit profiles, so you don't need perfect credit to apply. The online application process is simple, and once approved, you can get your funds quickly to start planning your getaway.
Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 9.99%-35.99%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade's bank partners. Information on Upgrade's bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners/.
LendingClub stands out by allowing joint applications for personal loans, which can be particularly beneficial if you're planning a vacation with a partner or family member. Applying with a co-borrower who has a strong credit profile may improve your chances of approval and help you secure better loan terms, such as a lower interest rate or higher loan amount.
The application process is straightforward, both applicants provide their information and LendingClub evaluates the combined creditworthiness. This approach makes it easier and more affordable to finance your vacation, especially if one person has a weaker credit history.
Min. credit score
600
APR
8.98% to 35.99%
Loan amount
$1,000 to $40,000
Available in all states
LendingClub stands out by allowing joint applications for personal loans, which can be particularly beneficial if you're planning a vacation with a partner or family member. Applying with a co-borrower who has a strong credit profile may improve your chances of approval and help you secure better loan terms, such as a lower interest rate or higher loan amount.
The application process is straightforward, both applicants provide their information and LendingClub evaluates the combined creditworthiness. This approach makes it easier and more affordable to finance your vacation, especially if one person has a weaker credit history.
Pros
Joint applications can lead to better loan terms
Flexible loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $40,000
No prepayment penalties for paying your loan off early
Cons
Origination fees between 3% and 8% of the loan amount
Higher APRs up to 35.99% for borrowers with low credit scores
To create this list of the best vacation loan providers, we evaluated dozens of personal loan lenders using a clear and unbiased process. We focused on key factors that matter most to borrowers, such as interest rates, fees, loan amounts, repayment terms and eligibility requirements. Our team also considered customer reviews from trusted sources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot to get a sense of real borrower experiences.
The Finder Score crunches 6+ types of personal loans across 50+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.
Prequalifying for a vacation loan is a simple way to check your loan options without impacting your credit score. Here’s how to get started:
Decide on your travel budget. Estimate how much you’ll need for your vacation, including flights, accommodations, meals and activities. This amount will help you determine the loan size to apply for.
Research lenders. Look for lenders that specialize in vacation loans or personal loans with flexible terms and competitive rates.
Gather your financial details. Be ready to provide basic information like your income, employment status and credit score. Having this on hand can speed up the process.
Use a lender’s prequalification tool. Most lenders offer an online prequalification option where you can enter your details and see estimated rates and terms without a hard credit check. You can also use an online loan marketplace to view multiple offers at once.
Compare your offers. Review the rates, fees and repayment terms offered by different lenders to find the best fit for your vacation needs.
What is a vacation loan?
A vacation loan is usually an unsecured personal loan you can use to pay for a vacation. Some providers like Uplift allow you to take out the loan while you’re booking your trip. But in most cases, you’ll have to take out a loan before you book your flight and accommodations.
These loans are available at many small banks and credit unions, but online lenders tend to have the quickest turnaround, so they might be the best choice if you’re short on time.
Are vacation loans a good idea?
It depends on the situation. Vacation loans can be helpful if you have an unexpected trip and can’t pay for all the costs out of pocket — or if you want to invest in a timeshare. But if you’re planning your trip far in advance, consider saving up instead of financing your trip.
Pros of a vacation loan
Typically costs less than using your credit card
No collateral required
Fixed monthly payments
Funding in as little as 24 hours
Cons of a vacation loan
More expensive than saving up
High rates and few options for bad credit
You’ll be paying it off for several years
Can I get a vacation loan with bad credit?
It’s possible to get a vacation loan with bad credit. Uplift offers loans specifically for travel, and they’re known to work with bad credit borrowers. But you’ll generally need a credit score of 670 or higher (what most lenders consider good credit) to qualify for a competitive deal.
You also might not qualify for the highest loan amounts if you have bad credit.
How else can I pay for a vacation?
Before you take out a loan, consider these alternatives.
Save up
The cheapest way to pay for a vacation is to save up ahead of time. But you’ll need enough time before you start booking flights. How long it takes depends on your budget and how much you need. If this is your first time saving for a goal, you can use the following strategies.
Use a high-interest savings account. A high-interest savings account collects interest and can help you save more money faster. They’re better for long-term vacation goals, like saving up for a trip you’d like to take in a few years.
Set up an online piggy bank. Online piggy banks are similar to savings accounts, but they’re often less work. You typically set a goal and the amount you want to contribute to your piggy bank each day, week or month, then forget about it.
Make a budget. While you’re busy putting away money into your savings, take the time to create a travel budget. Money for food, tours and entrance fees should all be added up on top of transportation costs like flights and car rentals.
Credit card
A travel credit card can give you access to airport lounges, complimentary insurance coverage and frequent flyer rewards. Many new cards also come with a 0% promotional APR for over a year — giving you interest-free financing for costs you can repay in that time frame.
But you typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for a competitive offer. And after the promotional period is up, you’ll usually face higher rates than a personal loan and may have to pay an annual fee. If you travel abroad, you might also be on the hook for foreign transaction fees.
Vacation package financing
Vacation packages often come with a few ways to pay for your trip. For example, Disney offers several financing options, including savings accounts, rewards cards, loans and more that you can use to cover the cost of your trip.
These can unlock discounts you otherwise wouldn’t have access to, though they still might not necessarily be the cheapest option out there.
Layaway program
A layaway program allows you to make a deposit on a trip in advance and pay it off before you travel. Typically, you’ll have to pay a flat fee instead of interest. It can be less expensive than a loan, and it’s typically open to all credit types. But you’ll still need to save up for the cost of the trip ahead of time to take advantage of this program.
Crowdfunding
If your trip has a special meaning — maybe you want to climb Mount Everest or teach English abroad — you might be able to raise some of the funds by setting up a crowdfunding campaign and sharing it on social media. Or, unofficially crowdfund by asking friends and families for donations toward your trip rather than birthday or holiday gifts.
Personal line of credit
A line of credit gives you access to cash you can draw from as needed. This type of loan allows you to avoid borrowing more than you need while also giving you access to cash as you need it. They tend to come with higher limits and lower rates than credit cards, but they’re less common than personal loans.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get loans for vacations?
Yes, you can get a personal loan and use the funds to pay for your vacation. Vacation loans make it easier for you to cover travel expenses like flights, accommodations and activities. Just be sure to compare interest rates and terms to make sure you can afford the loan.
What is the interest rate on a vacation loan?
Interest rates on vacation loans range anywhere from 6.99% to 39.99%. APRs vary depending on the lender you choose, loan amount, your credit score and how much you spend repaying debt every month (your debt-to-income ratio). To find the most competitive rates, try shopping around and comparing multiple offers.
How quickly can I apply for a travel loan?
Most vacation loan applications can be completed 100% online. If you have all the required information ready to go, you can complete the application in minutes.
Can I use a vacation loan to travel abroad?
Yes. Since most vacation loans are personal loans, how you use the funds is up to you.
What is a vacation club loan?
A vacation club loan helps you pay for a membership in a vacation club, which gives you access to discounted trips and travel perks. You can get this type of loan from the club itself or through a personal loan from a bank or lender.
Christi Gorbett is a freelance writer with more than eight years of experience and a master's degree in English. She’s created a wide range of content for banks, financial product comparison sites, and marketing companies on topics like small business loans, credit cards, mortgages, retirement planning, lender reviews, and more.
As a former teacher, Christi excels at making complex financial topics accessible and easy to understand. Her interest in finance grew when she returned to the U.S. after living in South Korea for nearly a decade.
This shift was driven by several personal financial challenges: rebuilding her financial base after the move home, starting her own business, and catching up on retirement savings. These experiences deepened Christi’s practical understanding of finance and intensified her interest in the field. See full bio
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Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
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