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Upstart Review

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Accepts credit scores as low as 300
  • AI-powered approval considers education and employment
  • Fast next-day funding

Cons

  • Origination fee up to 12%
  • High maximum APR

Our Take on Upstart

Upstart uses AI-based underwriting to approve borrowers that traditional lenders overlook — making it the best option for those with limited credit history or fair credit scores.

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Sarah Mitchell

Reviewed by

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Finance Editor

Sarah Mitchell is a certified financial planner with 12 years of experience covering personal finance, credit cards, and investment products. She has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Bloomberg. Sarah holds a CFP designation and an MBA from Wharton. She tests every financial product she reviews and consults with independent financial advisors to ensure accuracy.

Editorially Independent

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